Greg Hartnett

I have enjoyed keeping track of what I’m reading. It’s interesting to go back and see what I read a couple years ago, and what I thought about each book (interesting to me at least). I have a handful of books sitting on my desk lined up for this year, but I am going to make an attempt to read more stuff from the Right this year - fair and balanced.

Books I read in 2007:

• Terrorism and the Constitution - Constitutional scholar David Cole and privacy expert James Dempsey collaborate to put together an insightful piece on how American civil liberties are being ripped away in the name of protecting us from terrorism. A very useful book on a very important subject.
• Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters - As the father of an eight year old girl, I have to admit that at times I’m lost. This book helped me to see things from my daughter’s perspective, and reinforced the role that I need to play in her life. A great read for dads.
• Six Degrees - Associate professor of Sociology at Columbia University Duncan Watts compiles studies of our connected age. A nice introduction to network theory, though not as in-depth as other books on the subject.
• The Smartest Investment Book You’ll Ever Read - Author and investment advisor, Daniel R. Solin instructs on how to invest smartly. In a nutshell, fire your broker and only invest for market returns. Index funds and ETF’s with proper asset allocation - easy as pie. Booya Jim!
• Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction - the J.D. Salinger 1963 bestseller perpetuates the story of the Glass family and the events of Seymour’s wedding. A beautifully written free flowing narrative provides glimpses into Salinger’s own life.
• Black Like Me - John Howard Griffin provides a cutting look into the racial problem. A classic about crossing the color line in the segregated South of the 1950s. 50 years later too much of the book remains relevant.
• To Have and Have Not - Ernest Hemingway’s raw classic reveals the struggle of Harry Morgan and his efforts to provide for his family by running contraband between Key West and Cuba. Incredible dialogue and emotion.
• A Random Walk Down Wall Street - An easily-readable instructional, Burton G. Malkiel offers insight into a plan for successful investing. While I didn’t bite off completely on the efficient market theory, I appreciated the wisdom of the life cycle investment guides, and asset allocation and rebalancing. The resources contained in the “Address Book and Reference Guide to Mutual Funds” alone made it worth the money.
• The Google Story - David Vise provides a glimpse into the world of the Google Guys and what makes them tick. An interesting story, though a bit light on information for anybody that knows a lot about GOOG already. I would have enjoyed reading more about the pre-IPO days. At least now I know about the Porn Cookie Guy.
• Words That Work - Republican pollster and spin master Dr. Frank Luntz instructs how to frame your message for maximum effectiveness. Recognizing that perception is reality, Luntz goes to great lengths to show that it’s not what you say that matters, it’s what people hear. A good read for those looking for an introduction to effective communication.
• The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich - William Shirer provides an exhaustive look at the history of Nazi Germany. The 1200+ page epic work follows Hitler’s rise to power and the subsequent fall of the Nazi party. While I am glad that I read it, I am reluctant to recommend it due to the book’s length and cumbersome writing style.
• Interventions - Political dissident Noam Chomsky provides a collection of essays written for the New York Times Syndicate (though never published in the Times).� Chomsky deftly covers the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the Bush presidency, nuclear warfare, national security, the Israel/Palestine confrontations, and the role of the US in all of it.
• The End of Poverty - Economist Jeffrey Sachs provides compelling and eloquent arguments on plans to end extreme poverty worldwide by 2025. A real eye opener for the world’s rich.
• The Audacity of Hope - Presidential hopeful Barack Obama shares his vision for America, covering his thoughts on values, politics, opportunity, faith, foreign policy and the Constitution.
• Lamb - author Christopher Moore spins a fantastic story of the early years of Christ. As told through the eyes of Jesus’ childhood pal, Biff, this novel mixes humor with legend to craft a unique approach to the Greatest Story Ever Told.
• Word of Mouth Marketing - Andy Sernovitz provides insight and gameplans for your company to take advantage of the WOM phenomenon.  How can you grow your company using WOM?
• The Dip - Seth Godin’s little book (it is actually little) provides some big ideas on when to quit and when to stick.  If you want to change your mediocre life, spend 90 minutes reading this book.