When I attended graduate school many years ago, I learned how to speed read. Since that time, books have become my friends -- I just love to read --to learn, to be inspired and uplifted and to keep the brain cells active.

Hence, whenever I recommend books, I do so from a very large sampling. Each one of the following books is recommended to anyone interested in leadership and in the future of this nation and the world. Most have been published within the last few months.

There is one book, which is brand new, that I highly recommend as a Christmas gift. It is the first one on the following list.

1. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? by Jack Jacobs. Medal of Honor recipient Jack Jacobs has written a book that is both uplifting and powerful but also hilarious. Published on Oct. 7, it is racing up the bestseller lists. Since it contains no profanity, it would make a great gift to children of all ages. Jacobs serves as a military analyst for MSNBC and NBC TV. He has spoken to many audiences in the CSRA.

2. THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell. More than five years on bestseller lists, this book is now a classic, and is highly recommended.

3. HOT, FLAT AND CROWDED by Tom Friedman. Friedman has written four bestselling books. This book is his latest and best. It is a tough-minded look at the challenges ahead for America and for the world.

4. IMPERIAL GRUNTS by Robert Kaplan. A brilliant analysis of how the American military, mostly in small teams, is assisting people throughout the world.

5. THE ELEPHANT AND THE DRAGON by Robyn Meredith. An easy read comparing India and China. Since America, China and India will likely be the three most important nations of the 21st Century, learning about China and India is well worthwhile.

6. ARE WE ROME? by Cullen Murphy. A side-by-side comparison of the Roman Empire and the American Colossus. Slavery, the lack of innovation and high taxes doomed the Romans. In comparison, America, for all of its faults, looks pretty good.

7. AFTER BUSH by Timothy Lynch and Robert Singh. Two British scholars argue that the fundamentals of the Bush Doctrine are sound and the next president, whoever he is, is likely to endorse and carry out this doctrine. One caution: This book is a bit dense, aimed at academics and policy wonks.

8. TELL ME HOW THIS ENDS by Linda Robinson. Just published. This is the story of why things are going so well in Iraq lately. You will get an in-depth look a remarkable leader in David Petraeus.

9. THE LEADERSHIP BIBLE edited by Sid Buzzell. Beautifully crafted.

Especially recommended for anyone studying or teaching Christian leadership.

10. THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD by Zakaria. A grand world tour. Zakaria, who writes a regular column for Newsweek , has established himself as a man of sophistication and wisdom.

11. PATTON: A GENIUS FOR WAR By Carlo D'este. The best of the many biographies of the World War II leader, Gen. George Patton.

Incidentally, General Patton's grandson, Pat Waters, will be visiting Augusta from Nov. 13 through 15. Waters, who has been very generous in his support of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, will be accompanying Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis on Nov. 14 during his many visits around town. That day, Davis will speak at Westside High School and Episcopal Day School in the morning, Augusta State University at noontime, Fort Gordon in the afternoon and St. Paul's church that evening. Many in the CSRA will get a chance to meet both of these humble and patriotic Americans.

12 . MEDAL OF HONOR by Peter Collier The second edition includes a 90-minute DVD. Great book for young people seeking positive role models. Also, a fine Christmas gift book for a veteran in your family or your neighborhood.

In addition to these books, I would like to recommend one new movie, a powerful and uplifting tale and a great family movie: Fireproof . This movie was produced in Albany, Ga., using local actors. The acting is not great, but the message is wonderful.