Best Books of 2009

Sorry but I read The Lost Symbol and The Associate but they did not make my cut. These were the books I read (usually cover to cover) and enjoyed in 2009.

1. The Unforgiving Minute” A Soldier’s Education by Craig M. Mullaney
This may have been the most interesting book that I read all year. In a sense it was very comforting to realize that we have young men of extraordinary leadership and courage in the wings.

2. A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played by Marshall Jon Fisher
Even if you don't enjoy tennis, this was a fascinating human story that took place in Davis Cup competition prior to World War II.

3. Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America-and Found Unexpected Peace by William Lobdell
A candid story of the struggle for belief that many readers will identify and sympathize..

4. A Colossal Failure of Common Sense: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Lehman Brothers by Lawrence G. McDonald
An insider's experiences and views as Lehman Brothers struggles and eventually fails.

5. The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy by Bill Simmons
I loved this history of the NBA. Great stories and insights. A big book but a great read. I loved the accompanying footnotes.

6. What Would Google Do by Jeff Jarvis
It's hard to remember a world without Google. Great insights into their mindset for innovation and opportunities. Should be read by every business school student.

7. Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford
Interesting perspectives on careers, education and the value of work.

8. Last Man Standing: The Ascent of Jamie Dimon and JP Morgan Chase by Duff McDonald
Very interesting portrait of the banker who was in the middle of all the financial turmoil in 2008-2009. Rumored to be the person to replace Tim Geithner.

9. Resolution by Robert B. Parker
Loved the characters, loved the story. I finished the book in one day.

10. The Battle for America 2008 by Dan Balz and Haynes Johnson
Reminds me of Teddy White's books covering the Presidential elections in the 1960s.

Honorable Mention (in author alpha order)

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi

Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith

Losing Mum and Pop A Memoir by Christopher Buckley

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street William D. Cohan

When the Game Was Ours by Magic Johnson, Larry Bird with Jackie MacMullan

Brimstone by Robert B. Parker