2013 Books of the Year

So far in 2013 I have read 124 books (Still a week to go so I probably will end with 127). Needless to say I am a confirmed serial bibliophile. I did not include any novels in this list, no particular reason. I am a big Michael Connelly fan, saving his new book, The Gods of Guilt, for next week. Also have just started reading Lee Child, good escape reading. Next year my plan is to go back and read some Mark Twain, Hemingway and Steinbeck, get back to the American roots. These are the ten books I enjoyed the most in 2013.

1) The Sports Gene by David Epstein

Key to understanding nurturing nature in many ways this is the anti Gladwell. Reads like a novel.So good I read it twice.

2) The Unwinding by George Packer

Read this if you want insights into the United Sates today, the haves and the have-nots. Not always a pretty picture.

3) Practice Perfect by Doug Lemov, Erica Woolway and Katie Yezi

This is a must read and needs to be a constant reference to insure quality teaching. Full of practical hints.

4) The Guns at Last Light by Rick Atkinson

Tremendous detailed research on the last European campaigns of WWII; this may be the best of the trilogy.

5) The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Sport in a whole other time and place. Very inspirational.

6) The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

This is the latest in a line of classics by the master, just full of great thoughts and ideas.

7) Classic Track & Field Tales by Larry Knuth

If you are track fan you have to read this. Brings back so many memories of the halcyon days of he sport

8) Therapeutic Stretching by Eyal Lederman

A must read for every coach. Lederman understands function.

9) The Story of the Human Body – Evolution Health and Disease by Daniel Lieberman

Terrific and though provoking  insights into today’s human body from an evolutionary biology perspective.

10) Mastermind – How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova

Many great insights in thinking differently and looking for solutions.