It’s hard to find great books that will inspire you, teach you, and make you a better leader. Sometimes, we think we have to read only non-fiction books that are in the self-help, personal development, or business world.
While some of the books in this month’s list will include those types of books, I’m also including a couple of what could be considered odd choices. They’re not a traditional book. One is a graphic novel, the other is an online webtoon detailing the 442nd.
With that, let’s get into the books you should be reading.
5 Books To Read In February 2025
1. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei:
They Called Us Enemy is a gripping tale by Star Trek alum George Takei. When I discovered this book, I learned something I didn’t know about Takei.
He and his family had been in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II in the United States. As Takei would say “Oh my!”
Takei brings us into his world as a young boy. He shares how his parents framed their leaving of their home and moving to an internment camp. He shares how his father rose in the ranks and gained the respect of other Japanese at the camps.
It was great hearing him mention the 442nd, as well. I’d heard of this battalion of brave Japanese soldiers who fought despite the hate they faced.
If you’d like to read more of Takei’s story, you can pick up a copy on Amazon.
2. 4Forty2nd – The Lost Battalion by Tony Moy:
4Forty2nd isn’t a traditionally published book. Rather, 4Forty2nd is a webcomic produced by artist Tony Moy.
He recalls the story of the brave men of the 442nd battalion as they fought a war many of us would never want to partake in, especially after how these soldiers had been treated by their country.
Despite all that, these men picked up arms, went to war, and were later honored for their heroic efforts.
If you’d like to know more about them, you can check out Moy’s webcomic here.
3. The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier:
I’ve been a fan of Michael Bungay Stanier since he first appeared on my podcast 8 years ago. He was introducing his book The Coaching Habit. His words spoke to me. They changed how I thought about coaching and leading others.
And then he released The Advice Trap. Stanier helps leaders and readers understand the power of humility, curiosity, and more to change the way you lead.
Grab a copy of this great book here.
4. Breaking Boundaries: Unlocking Leadership Potential at Every Level by Robert Murphy and Stephen Zimmerman:
What would you do if you could break the boundaries before you? Anything, right? Well, Robert Murphy is here to help you with his book Breaking Boundaries.
Murphy’s book doesn’t apply only to senior-level leadership. No, he’s made his book accessible to those at any level in an organization. In Breaking Boundaries, Murphy shares four critical areas to grow and thrive in. Will you?
Pick up a copy of Breaking Boundaries to break the boundaries in front of you.
5. Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence by Kyle McDowell:
What does it take to build and sustain a culture of excellence? Kyle McDowell believes it starts with WE.
What is WE? You’ll discover what a WE is but as you read through Begin With WE, you’ll soon find there are ten guiding principles that have the power to dismantle toxic workplaces and ignite a Culture of Excellence. These principles will help you build the culture you know your organization needs. More than that, you’ll be able to sustain it.
