Looking for a Good Read?

Tim Faley from the University of Michigan offers his picks for the best books for new entrepreneurs at StartupJournal:
Crossing the Chasm, by Geoffery A. Moore
I have not read this book, but have heard it recommended by others. It is written from a marketing perspective.
e-Boys: The First Inside Account of Venture Capitalists at Work, by Randall E. Stross
I would not recommend this one. It is dated and for almost all new entrepreneurs venture capital is not going to be an issue anyway.
Instinct: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial DNA to Achieve Business Goals, by Thomas L. Harrison with Mary H. Frakes
Kind of a fun book, but not a must read on my list.
The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, by Thomas L. Friedman
I strongly agree with this recommendation! It really helps you understand opportunity recognition from a unique perspective, and helps get you focused on dynamic change in the market.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, by Peter F. Drucker
Read it. Read it again. And read it one more time. Calling this a classic does not do it justice. Even though is was written over twenty years ago it is still at the cutting edge.
The Art of the Start: Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything, by Guy Kawasaki
Some good insights, but again this one is too focused on the venture capital experience, which is a rare path for entrepreneurs to take. I find that too many entrepreneurs read books like this one and the eBoys tend to get entrepreneurs off track in their thinking. Entrepreneurship is not just about raising money and doing a quick exit. I like books like Drucker’s that focus on building sustainable businesses. I like his web site better.
A few that he missed that I think should be on your shelf:
Growing Pains, by Flamholtz and Randel
Helps you think about and get ready for growth. It will come sooner than you think, and growth is what kills most businesses.
The E-Myth books by Gerber.
Some good advice from a small business perspective.
You Have to Be a Little Crazy, by Moltz.
Not as well known as some of the others, but a great read.