More … from my bookshelf
With a brief note about what I found compelling in each.
Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries
by Safi Bahcall 2019
Great stories about getting better. How we won World War II. And how Polaroid and Kodak started and then missed the digital revolution. Two ways to make change: incrementally step by step; and by great leaps of innovation. Tells when and how to plan for each. Great read.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On
by Jonah Berger | May 3, 2016
Social influence and word of mouth are more important than we know. To make change stick, find ways to make the story ‘remarkable’ (eye catching) and useful. Lots more ideas on good communications.
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations
by Toni Morrison | Feb 12, 2019
An incredible first person view of advocating for racial understanding over many decades. Great pragmatic advice woven together with stories – both heartbreaking and up-lifting.
9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life: What Works/Doesn’t
by Henry Cloud | Sep 11, 2007
Stories and down to earth practical advice on becoming a well-integrated person that handles life well. Skills that transcend every life, work and every career path.
Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To
by David Sinclair and Matthew D. LaPlante 2019
Wow. Tells about awesome studies underway that will extend lifespans past 100 years. Author has been doing this research for 40 years. Says targeted health improvements are on the way.
The Body: A Guide for Occupants
by Bill Bryson | Oct 15, 2019
Similar to Lifespan above. Awe-inspiring stories about how incredible our bodies are. A bit long.
And in the fun to read category:
The Guardians: A Novel
by John Grisham (Author) October, 2019
Great page turner about those who help free the innocent who have been wrongfully convicted.
Sins of the Fathers: A J.P. Beaumont Novel
by J. A. Jance 2019
Especially fun for those of us who live or grew up in Seattle. Lots of favorite haunts and landmarks.
Sword of Kings: A Novel (Saxon Tales Book 12)
by Bernard Cornwell (Author). 2019
Historical novels are one of my vices. This is #12 in telling the story of how England was united.
And two great movies … with lots of insights for our work!
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood –
The widely acclaimed story of Mr. Rogers. Based loosely on a 1998 magazine profile of “American Heroes.”
One review says it is about “staying true to the things we know and the people we serve.” Filled with many great insights in our adult lives … and for us as educators … healing the hurts of our students
Ford vs. Ferrari …
A great story about Ford’s quest for ‘speed and power’. Lots of improvement science insights. All about listening and learning and the quest to keep getting better.

Larry Nyland – Leadership Coach and Consultant.
Seattle Schools superintendent 2014-2018
To talk about growing extraordinary "high capacity" leadership for your team …
Contact: Larry@Larrynyland.com | 425-418-4398 | LarryNyland.com