“The Shore Road Mystery” by Frank!in W. Dixon. A Christmas gift from my concerned parents who knew the report cards coming home didn’t reflect my actual ability. It was the first Hardy Boys book I read, and I eventually read my way through most of the series. After that, it’s all been cumulative.
I agree wholeheartedly about Zig Ziglar, and would add a short book by Peter Drucker, “Managing Oneself”. I think a young man or woman who can absorb the lessons in those two books will do very well, whatever field they pursue.
Currently on the nightstand— Albert O. Hirschman’s “The Passions and the Interests”.
In 1959 they started re-writing the prior ones (including Shore Road Mystery), ostensibly to remove ethnic stereotypes, but also dumbed them down and made the boys more respectful of adults, and the adults more conventional.
In the original ones, some of the criminals were downright perverted, and Chief Collig was a lazy opportunist. Aunt Gertude was a pain in the rear whom the family put up with only because she was rich.
I’m gonna check out your suggestions, expat. Thanks.
My life changing books are:
Emerson’s Essays
How to Write, Speak, and Think More Effectively - Rudolf Flesch
The Impossible H. L. Mencken: A Selection of his Best Newspaper Stories