Knowledge is power. Many of the most successful people in the world swear by books. We are taught to read at a very young age. Yet after a certain age, we are never given our choice of books to read. Instead, we are mandated to read novels that have no relevance to us. Sure, there are some life lessons in there. But how many of these books will really help you in life? Now I'm not saying to abolish Shakespeare books in schools. There are certainly good, historical lessons and information in these books. But how many of these are really books to read before you die? Are they books that kids will remember their entire life? Will the lessons from these books resonate with the kids and their kids after them?

I struggle with this concept because I definitely read a few books growing up that I enjoyed. But, there were many books that I read that I haven't thought about for one second since. Blah, blah, blah "good for historical context," blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I am going to follow this with a list of books to read before you die.

The main goal of this article is to inform you of some great books out there. The other goal is to make you think, would you rather have your kids read these books growing up instead of: The Scarlett Letter, The Canterbury Tales, The Old Man and The Sea, and The Catcher and The Rye? Are the ones I just listed "books to read before you die?" Will they change your life for the better? If you can't remember the lessons from the book, was it even worth reading? At the end of the article I give you a sales edition of books to read before you die

Books to Read Before You Die

None of the books I am about to present to you are tough to read. None of them are particularly tough to read. All of them contain case studies and narratives so they are not simply textbooks.

Who Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson

This is a perfect book for kids and adults alike. I first read this book when I was 20 years old. The main characters are mice and there are many life lessons here that are as important for a high schooler as they are for a person in their late 30s. The narrative is simple but the message is powerful.

How to Win Friends and Influence People By Dale Carnegie

One of the most famous books in the world. An encyclopedia for personal interaction. Great for anyone that is struggling with social interaction. Even if you aren't, this is a great read nonetheless. If more people read this book (and lived by its principles), I'm certain that as a whole, society would be happier.

The Joy of Game Theory By Presh Talwalkar

Many adults still struggle to understand what game theory is and how they can use it in every decision they make in life. What makes this book so good for people of all ages is the variety of examples that are given for each lesson. I like to read this once a year because it helps remind me about how I can be incorporating game theory into my daily life.

Think and Grow Rich

This book provides some awesome examples about things you should be doing in your life to succeed. I love all the historical examples and case studies.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey interviewed many highly respected and successful people and put together this book to help the common person.

Books to Read Before You Die (Sales Edition)

Now, I haven't read some of these books. But I've done some research in addition to the few I had already read. Many of them are on my short list. These ARE NOT books I am debating should be in high school curriculum. But they are good reads (from what I've heard) for anyone with a passion for sales.

To Sell is Human By Daniel Pink
Triangle Selling By Hilmon Sorey and Corey Bray
The Greatest Salesman in the World By OG Mandino
Secrets of Closing the Sale By Zig Ziglar
The Challenger Sale By Matthew Dixon and Brett Adamson
Unlocking Yes By Patrick Tinney

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What do you think? Should high schoolers continuing to read books that have historical meaning but limited contemporary meaning? Or should there be a change in curriculum that suits their future better. I sure wish that I had learned something about personal finances in high school! There are tons of examples of concepts from books that don't help you in life at all (Sorry to Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, and Animal Farm because I did enjoy the story).

Anyway, hopefully I gave you some books to read that will help you in your life and career. What are some books you suggest I read?

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As always here are online videos that will help you in communication and sales.