Devoted to women of color in business

Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books and motivational products, has said "I've read over 3000 books in the last 46 years." On his list are his favorites, which include Life After Life by Dr. Raymond Moody,
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, Ask and It Is Given by Jerry and Esther Hicks, and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Canfield holds two Guinness Book World Records: one for having seven books simultaneously on the New York Times Bestseller List and one for the largest book-signing ever for "Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul." He's built up a multi-million dollar business on his books and other media, and he's a great representative of the consummate reader-- someone who loves to read, who loves to write, and who loves to spread knowledge, ideas, and stories through books.

This week the American Library Association celebrates "Free People Read Freely ®," which is the motto of the annual Banned Books Week www.ala.org/bbooks/ This year, they invite you to visit a library or bookstore and learn about some of the books which have been challenged, censored, or even burned.

The ALA "10 Most Challenged Books of 2006" list included two titles by a woman of color, The Bluest Eye and Beloved, both by Toni Morrison. Three books that have been on this list in the past are books you may remember from required reading: Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.

Do you have a list of business-related books to read this year? If so, get started with a few, and feel free to post about a recent book you've read in the comments section.

When you read, you have the opportunity to learn from the best: Keep on Reading!