Here’s my top 10 books of 2011:

10.  Jose Canseco: “Vindicated” Jose said it was so, and it was. Jose has more than paid his dues for his choices, and it’s good to see his soul came out on top.

#9 on the list, LifeHacker will save you time and money.

9. Adam Pash and Gina Trapani: “LifeHacker The Guide to Working Smarter Faster and Better [3rd Edition]” I was disappointed this book wasn’t an update to the 2nd Edition I already bought (aka that I had to buy it again), but it is well worth it. LifeHacker has saved me money, time, and often, shown me much better solutions than going out an buying something.
8. Sammy Hagar: “Red” A great read, Sammy lays it all out there, and makes me forget all about David whats-his-face fronting Van Halen. This book also has a terrific foreword by Michael Anthony.
7. Jon Stewart (and The Daily Show): “Earth” I found this most entertaining in the Audible version. Classic Jon Stewart.
6. Paul Thurrott / Rafael Rivera: “Windows 7 Secrets” A riveting read, all 1100+ pages. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be happy Vista is a memory. Seriously, it’s a great resource for Windows 7, no matter how much you think you know. Definitely read the book, because the movie never does the book justice.

#2 Craig Ferguson puts it all out there.

5. Jeff Jarvis: “Public Parts” It took me a little while to get around to this one. I watch Jeff on This Week in Google, and I was afraid the book would be filled with mentions of either “Guttenberg Press” or Howard Stern. Both are mentioned in the book (there’s a necessary section on Guttenberg Press) and Stern is mentioned occasionally. It’s a very engaging book, and if you don’t make some adjustments to how you use social media, then you really didn’t read this book. Publicness solves so much, saves time and drama, and it’s completely changed how I interact on the web. Thank you, Jeff.
4. Seth Godin: “Poke the Box” A fantastic book I would recommend for every member of your work team to read.
3. David Allen: “Ready For Anything” The GTD concept is taken to the next level in this book, although I found many of the scenarios presented fall into the “nice to have” category.
2. Craig Ferguson: “American on Purpose, The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot” This wasn’t a new book in 2011, but it was new to me. I saw Craig on The Drew Carey Show, I knew he had the Late Late Show, and I remember him standing out by not slagging Britney Spears for her problems. I didn’t know the extent of this drinking problem, that he played drums in punk bands. This book tells all that and more in Craig’s naturally humorous way.
1. Walter Issacson: “Steve Jobs” I expect this title will top a lot of lists. It’s engaging, interesting to read (I confess, I’m not finished with it), it’s long, and I’m learning a lot about Steve Jobs. He really didn’t care what anybody thought about him.