Robins senior leadership unveils reading list Published Jan. 30, 2009 By Kendahl Johnson 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AFB, Ga. -- To encourage professional and personal development, Robins leaders are inviting base personnel to spend more time reading. To assist potential bookworms, leaders have released a list of 31 recommended books. According the Maj. Gen. Polly A. Peyer, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander, sharing reading lists with other readers "adds to the enjoyment of expanding one's exposure to new ideas and information." "I've been an avid reader all my life, so delving into a reading list which represents a combination of leadership theories, military and government history, and biographies is exciting," the general said. "If other Airmen aren't already readers, I encourage them to start small with just one book and add to their own reading pleasure." According to base librarian Blanchella Casey, the Base Library has several copies of each book available for checkout. In addition to General Peyer's recommendations, the list includes recommendations from Brig. Gen. Mark Atkinson, 402nd Maintenance Wing commander; Col. Warren Berry, 78th Air Base Wing commander; Col. Tim Freeman, 330th Aircraft Sustainment Wing commander; Col. Joseph Veneziano, 542nd Combat Sustainment Wing commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Hutchison, 78th ABW command chief. Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer's recommendations: Title: The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell Author: Oren Harari Genre: Leadership Synopsis: Author shows how to apply Powell's leadership principles Title: The First Heroes Author: Craig Nelson Genre: History Synopsis: Story of Col. Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Tokyo in WWII, with first bomber sorties from a carrier. Title: A Question of Loyalty Author: Douglas Waller Genre: Biography Synopsis: The book plunges into the seven-week Washington trial of Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, the hero of the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I. Title: Air Force Spoken Here Author: James Parton Genre: Biography Synopsis: Biography of Gen. Ira Eaker, first 8th Air Force commander and leader of Allied Air Forces in the Mediterranean during WWII. Title: The Great Influenza Author: John Barry Genre: History Synopsis: The epic story of the deadliest plague in history, the influenza epidemic of 1914-1918. Title: Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War Author: Robert Coram Genre: Biography Synopsis: Life of Col. John Boyd, one of the greatest fighter pilots in American history. Title: Moving Mountains Author: Lt. Gen. Gus Pagonis Genre: Logistics Synopsis: Outlines the many logistics challenges and successes of Desert Storm. Title: It's All About Service Author: Ray Pelletier Genre: Management Synopsis: How to lead your people to care for your customers. Title: And Dignity for All Author: James DeSapin Genre: Leadership Synopsis: People-based versus power-based principles of leadership from a former Caterpillar vice president. Title: Supreme Command Author: Eliot Cohen Genre: Leadership Synopsis: Leadership strategies of Lincoln, Churchill, Clemencaeu and Ben Gurion, who led in times of conflict. Title: Good to Great Author: Jim Collins Genre: Management Synopsis: Argues that the key quality to organizational excellence is culture, and illustrates how it propels some organizations yet inhibits others. Title: John Warden and the Renaissance of American War Power Author: John Andreas Olsen Genre: Biography Synopsis: Biography of Col John Warden, who is largely credited for "writing" the air campaign for Desert Storm. Title: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking Author: Malcolm Gladwell Genre: Management Synopsis: An intriguing examination of snap judgments and instant decision making. Col. Warren Berry's recommendations: Title: Thinking in Time Authors: Richard Neustadt, Ernest May Genre: Leadership Synopsis: The benefits and pitfalls of using historical analogies in decision making. Title: Made to Stick Authors: Chip and Dean Heath Genre: Management Synopsis: A guide to communicating ideas and why some ideas "stick" while others do not survive. Title: 1776 Author: David McCullough Genre: History Synopsis: A historical look at Washington's struggle leading independence. Title: Eyewitness to Power Author: David Gergen Genre: Leadership Synopsis: From Nixon to Clinton, a behind-the-scenes account of their struggles to exercise power and draws from them key lessons for leaders of the future. Title: China's Rise: Challenges & Opportunities Author: Fred Bergstein Genre: Foreign Policy Synopsis: Examines the critical facts and dynamics underpinning China's rise and suggests policy responses. Title: Dawn Over Kitty Hawk Author: Walter Boyne Genre: History Synopsis: Chronicles the Wright brothers' race to be first in flight in a historically-accurate, fictional novel. Col. Tim Freeman's recommendations: Title: 19 Stars Author: Edgar Puryear Genre: Leadership Synopsis: A study of leadership styles from military generals Patton, Eisenhower, MacArthur and Marshall. Title: The Tipping Point Author: Malcolm Gladwell Genre: Management Synopsis: How little changes can have big effects, and how to making changes can better yourself and those you lead. Title: Purple Cow Author: Seth Godin Genre: Management Synopsis: How to do something remarkable to achieve organizational excellence. Title: The Stuff of Heroes: Eight Universal Laws of Leadership Author: William Cohen Genre: Leadership Synopsis: An eye-opening look at how to translate leadership skills in combat to daily life Col. Joseph Veneziano's recommendations: Title: Supplying War Author: Martin Van Creveld Genre: History Synopsis: Addresses the critical, but often ignored, issues of logistics in warfare. Title: Logistics in the National Defense Author: Henry Eccles Genre: Logistics Synopsis: The strategic impacts of logistics and its bridge to the national economy. Title: Affording Defense Author: Jacques Gansler Genre: Management Synopsis: Author offers sensible proposals for the reform and revitalization of the U.S. national security system. Brig. Gen. Mark Atkinson's recommendations: Title: The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader Author: John Maxwell Genre: Leadership Synopsis: Character qualities that make people want to follow their appointed leader. Title: Leading Change Author: John Kotter Genre: Management Synopsis: Eight-step framework to implement change and create a sense of urgency. Title: Band of Brothers Author: Stephen Ambrose Genre: History Synopsis: Chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of one U.S. Army infantry company over its World War II history. Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Hutchison's recommendations: Title: Lincoln on Leadership Author: Donald Phillips Genre: History Synopsis: A look at Abraham Lincoln's leadership strategies during challenging times. Title: The Traveler's Gift Author: Andy Andrews Genre: Leadership Synopsis: Seven key decisions essential for personal success. Title: How to be Like Jackie Robinson Author: Pat Williams Genre: Biography Synopsis: The life and times of baseball great Jackie Robinson.