I always enjoy reading novels. I read some that are recommended to me and others that I come across as I browse bookstores or the newspaper or The Atlantic magazine. I enjoy many of them, whether they are excellent or average. I like a good story.

Every now and then I read a novel that is excellent, one not to pass up. All The Light You Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, fits in that category.  Set during World War II, the story follows a blind French girl and a young Nazi soldier until their paths cross. The writing is fabulous and the story compelling. Even though I read the book this past winter, I find myself thinking about it at odd times. That’s one sign of a good book. No need to tell you more, but if you’re looking for a summer book, give this one a go.

I just finished the book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown, for the second time. I rarely read a book more than once, unless it’s the Bible, but I read this on my own last year, and then for a team with Cru this spring. The idea of essentialism is basically “less in better,” i.e. focusing on a few vital areas of work is better than spreading limited time and energy over many. We must learn to discern and say no to good things in order to have time for the best. Few things done better, describes the idea.

In that spirit, I’ll keep this short – it’s a good book, worthy of your time if you’re thinking about doing better work and enjoying it more. If you’re too busy to read it because you’re swamped with work, well, that’s the issue…