Leaders who

“Not all readers are leaders,” wrote President Harry S. Truman, “but all leaders are readers.”

In this present-day era of TV and social media, we wondered if Truman was still correct. And there seemed to be no better way to test the sentiment than to interview the major mayors in the Lake Country area.

The key question asked was: “What is your favorite book?” What follows are their answers with a short synopsis of the books they chose.

Fred Perriman, Mayor of Madison

Mayor Perriman’s favorite book is “Man of Steel and Velvet,” by Dr. Aubrey Andelin. In these confusing times, it is easy to lose sight of the fundamental meaning of what it is to be a man and what it is to be a woman. Based on Christian ethics, “Man of Steel” helps readers gain a clearer perspective on true masculinity. It shows how the combined traits of the firmness of steel and the gentleness of velvet can make a man who is a good provider and devoted husband worthy of the respect of his wife and children. With wisdom, insight, and humor, Dr. Andelin offers his successful program for Christian harmony.

John Reid, Mayor of Eatonton

Mayor Reid’s favorite book is “Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude,” by Napoleon Hill. It is a self-improvement book written to increase happiness and give readers the life of their dreams. Hill discovered secrets to greatness through questioning hundreds of prosperous people and communicating how their perspectives on life enabled them to get to the top. Hill writes that the mind has two sides. One side is a positive mental attitude that naturally attracts the good and the beautiful. The other side is a negative mental attitude which can rob you of all that makes life worth living. According to Hill, your triumph, health, pleasure, and prosperity depend on how you make up your mind.

Cory Williams, Mayor of Greensboro

Mayor Williams’ favorite book is “Don’t Drop the Mic: The Power of Your Words Can Change the World,” by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes tells how to effectively get a message across, whether speaking to thousands or just to a friend. What we say, and how we say it, matters. #1 New York Times bestselling author Jakes has been speaking in front of audiences large and small for decades, and over the years, has learned a lot about communicating with audiences. Drawing lessons from Scripture and his own life, Jakes gives career advice for those who have or want to grow into a speaking career. He also provides clear direction and insight for everyone who gives presentations, writes emails, or talks to other people in their work or at home.

Mary ParhamCopelan, Mayor of Milledgeville

Mayor Parham’s favorite book is “Developing the Leader Within You,” by John Maxwell. The book is Dr. Maxwell’s first and most enduring leadership book, having sold more than a million copies. In this Christian Leaders Series edition of this Maxwell classic, the reader discovers the biblical foundation for leadership Maxwell has used as a pastor and business leader for more than 40 years. These same principles and practices are available for

BY CHIP R. BELL

everyday leaders in every walk of life. It is a lofty calling to lead a group – a family, a church, a nonprofit, a business – and Maxwell promises the timeless principles in this book will bring positive change to all readers and those they influence.

Allen Haywood, Mayor of Sparta

Mayor Haywood’s favorite book is “The Last Juror,” by John Grisham. Haywood was a newspaper editor and owner for over 30 years. The book centers around a Mississippi weekly newspaper, The Ford County Times. The newspaper went bankrupt, and ownership was assumed by a 23-year-old college dropout. The future of the paper turned bright when a young mother was murdered by a member of the notorious Padgitt family and the paper reported all the gruesome details. The trial of murderer Danny Padgitt came to a startling end when the defendant threatened revenge against the jurors if convicted. Nevertheless, they found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. But nine years later Danny Padgitt was paroled and returned to Ford County to begin his revenge.

“Reading is a fundamental, essential life skill,” said Madison Mayor Perriman as he launched the Mayor’s Reading Program. He echoes the sentiment held by all five major Lake Country mayors.

Leaders who read know that reading stretches the mind in the way exercise improves the body. Read on!

Chip R. Bell is the author of several award-winning, national bestselling books, and serves on the board of Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, which celebrates the life and work of world-renowned Georgia authors including Alice Walker, Joel Chandler Harris, Flannery O’Connor, and Sidney Lanier.

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