There is a lot to be said for being well read. While some might feel that the printed word is all about dying technology there is no question that content is king.

In the news today, everyone is talking about how The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown's sequel to the immensely popular Da Vinci Code's e-version is out selling the hard cover book for the second. Clearly the printed word even if it is printed on e-ink is far from dead.

Which leads me to take interest that a more surprising book that was and is fundamental to my life, The Boy Scout Handbook, while not available on an e-reader is available for the iPhone.

No matter if you read or listen, crack a binding or power up your e-reader there are many books that can make more then a simple mark on their reader.

So I wonder what are the books that have made a difference in you life or your business and why?

What are the books that you would if money was no object keep on hand and liberally spread among friends and acquaintances?

What are the books you could not have done with out?

Some of my favorite books:

How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill: Yale graduate, prosperous ad exec: Gill has it all. Then he turns 60 and finds himself precipitously bounced from his job and saddled with the triple threats of a ruined marriage, an unexpected newborn, and a brain tumor. A book of transition and re-discovering ones place in life.

The Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni: In his sixth fable, best-selling author Patrick Lencioni takes on a topic that almost everyone can relate to: the causes of a miserable job. A must read for everyone.

Winnie-the-Pooh on Management by Roger E Allen: Basic management principles, including such fundamental communication concepts as, "The information should be meaningful to the individual who is receiving it." Basic and sage wisdom dished up with the aid of a favorite stuffed animal.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson: If things are going wrong or the rules have changed then maybe someone moved your cheese. A must read book for anyone who has ever suddenly noticed things are not as they once were and wants to know what to do about it.

Self-Made Man Norah Vincent: In this interesting and very unique view of male and female roles former Los Angeles Times op-ed columnist Norah Vincent trick dozens of people into believing she is a man and during an 18 month experiment in which she joined a men's bowling league, visited strip bars, and dated women. Along the way, she found that the freedom and privileges enjoyed by men were counterbalanced by a constant testing and severe limits on emotions. She also found women to be distrustful, ever ready to criticize men for being emotionally distant yet clearly preferring men who met stereotypical images of strength and virility.

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett: "THEY SAY that the prospect of being hanged in the morning concentrates a man's mind wonderfully" This fictional book is fun and is filled with indirect sage wisdom for anyone trying to get the impossible done.

It's Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff: As commander of the highly acclaimed USS Benfold, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff irrefutably demonstrated how progressive management can succeed at sea; in It's Your Ship, he translates his methods into an approach that can also be applied by land-bound captains of commerce and industry.

Copy This! by Paul Orfalea and Ann Marsh: The now-retired founder of Kinko's mixes autobiographical anecdote with large doses of business advice in this candid, conversational account of his entrepreneurial rise.

So many good books all with insights and experiences not so easily gained and wisdom worthy of our contemplation.

Join me as we explore some of your favorite books and what you got out of them and why your fellow members should invest the time to read your suggestion.

Even if you can't join us at D'Amores please share your favorite books in an RSVP or comment at the bottom of this topic.

For those of you able to join us, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.