Book Recommendations
I forever will be grateful to my third grade teacher who introduced me to Beverly Cleary. Mrs. Cleary—from her writing desk somewhere on the Oregon coast—introduced me to Henry Huggins, Henry and Ribsy, Henry and the Paper Route, Henry and Beezus, and Beezus and Ramona. With Mrs. Cleary’s masterpieces firmly in hand, I was launched from the confines of my home to a world very different, yet strangely similar to my own. Reading books energized my creativity and heightened my fascination as I began a fantastic journey that I continue to enjoy some five decades later.
Because of the encouragement of a third grade teacher, I have enjoyed mornings with a horse named Flicka, afternoons with Tom and Huck and nights with a boy and his dog. I have sailed the Sea of Galilee with Jesus, discussed rhetoric with Aristotle, worked in Calcutta orphanages with Mother Teresa, flown into outer space with astronauts, consulted with presidents, marched with Mandela, ran with bulls in Pamplona and strolled centerfield with Willie Mays . . . all because I opened a book and began to read!
–Rick Rigsby
This is Dr. Rigsby’s favorite page on the website. Here, you’ll discover Rick’s list of “must read” books he hopes you’ll include in your library. These books reflect his vast background and diverse interests—and include topics such as leadership, history, politics, philosophy, communication, sports, and Christian literature. The works listed here represent a mere fraction of the books Rick has read as a television reporter, graduate student, college professor, motivational speaker, minister and author.
Each book recommended contains ideas, information, and concepts that have impacted Rick in a significant way. In fact, he has re-read many of the books over the years. You will soon discover that his favorite category of literature is biographies of great people. Rick is fond of saying, “I love learning from the wisdom and the ‘woops’ of others.”
As you enjoy endless hours of reading, we hope you build a library connecting you to innovative ideas that encourage the discovery of deeper purpose and greater meaning for your life!
Biographies
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Flawed Giant: Lyndon Johnson and His Times, 1961-1973 by Robert Dallek |
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Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy |
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Christian Literature
Communication & Philosophy
Leadership
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The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni |
History & Politics
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Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin |
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To America: Personal Reflections of a Historian by Stephen Ambrose |
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Sports
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The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy by Bill Simmons |
When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by David Maraniss |
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