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Turn the Page: How to Read Like a Top Leader
Leaders are reads. But just reading as many books as the best leaders isn't enough. In face, top leaders read differently than most people. If more of us knew how to read the way leaders do, we'd be much more able to emulate their success.
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
41 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Chris Brady
95 books244 followersChris Brady is a NY Times best-selling author, speaker, humorist, and businessman. His books include The Bitcoin Bride, Launching a Leadership Revolution (co-authored with Orrin Woodward), PAiLS, Rascal, A Month of Italy, Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, and several other titles on leadership and success. Over 1 million of his books have been sold in six languages.
Chris is CEO and Creative Director of The Life Platform. He is also the executive publisher of Obstacles Press, and one of the founders of All Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Originally educated as an engineer, Mr. Brady received his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University as a General Motors Fellow, with Master’s Thesis work completed at Toyohashi University in Japan.
Chris is an avid motorized adventurer, world traveler, private pilot, community builder, soccer fan, Christian, and dad.
He also has one of the world's most unique resumes; including experience with a live bug in his ear, walking through a paned-glass window, chickening out from the high-dive in elementary school, destroying the class ant-farm in third grade, losing a spelling bee on the word "use," jack-hammering his foot, and more recently - sinking his snowmobile in a lake.
If you can’t find Chris speaking in front of a live audience, or in his office writing, or in a bookstore, or playing with his children, or on the sideline of a soccer pitch, or in the hills of Tuscany, or out on the lake, try looking in the following Online locations:
www.chrisbrady.com
www.christopherjamesbrady.com
www.twitter.com/rascaltweets
www.facebook.com/rascalnation
www.instagram.com/cbrascal
www.chrisbrady.typepad.com
www.chrisbradylife.com
www.medium.com/@rascaltweets
www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrady
www.amonthofitaly.com
www.launchingaleadershiprevolution.com
Chris has been recognized by INC. Magazine as among the Top 50 Leadership and Management experts. Richtopia listed Chris among the 200 Most Influential Authors in the world. Chris's blog has been included multiple times as a key resource on leadership for executives, managers and CEOs. In 2010 he was awarded the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
Chris and his wife Terri have four children and live in North Carolina.
Chris is CEO and Creative Director of The Life Platform. He is also the executive publisher of Obstacles Press, and one of the founders of All Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Originally educated as an engineer, Mr. Brady received his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University as a General Motors Fellow, with Master’s Thesis work completed at Toyohashi University in Japan.
Chris is an avid motorized adventurer, world traveler, private pilot, community builder, soccer fan, Christian, and dad.
He also has one of the world's most unique resumes; including experience with a live bug in his ear, walking through a paned-glass window, chickening out from the high-dive in elementary school, destroying the class ant-farm in third grade, losing a spelling bee on the word "use," jack-hammering his foot, and more recently - sinking his snowmobile in a lake.
If you can’t find Chris speaking in front of a live audience, or in his office writing, or in a bookstore, or playing with his children, or on the sideline of a soccer pitch, or in the hills of Tuscany, or out on the lake, try looking in the following Online locations:
www.chrisbrady.com
www.christopherjamesbrady.com
www.twitter.com/rascaltweets
www.facebook.com/rascalnation
www.instagram.com/cbrascal
www.chrisbrady.typepad.com
www.chrisbradylife.com
www.medium.com/@rascaltweets
www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrady
www.amonthofitaly.com
www.launchingaleadershiprevolution.com
Chris has been recognized by INC. Magazine as among the Top 50 Leadership and Management experts. Richtopia listed Chris among the 200 Most Influential Authors in the world. Chris's blog has been included multiple times as a key resource on leadership for executives, managers and CEOs. In 2010 he was awarded the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
Chris and his wife Terri have four children and live in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 31, 2017
I have Adler's "How To Read A Book" on my shelf waiting for me to read. I thought Turn the Page would be a good "first step" for me. And I was right. Although there are many things I already do, there are some that I shy away from (arguing.... cringe! Confrontational!!) and know I need to work on. This is one I'd recommend to my husband.
June 10, 2014
A very basic primer on how to approach reading. Probably a useful tool for someone who doesn't read much but wants some encouragement and tips, but as someone who has studied reading a lot, it was far too general to be really helpful to me. It mostly rings true to my experience, as long as you read the whole book.
For example, one chapter talks about the importance of finishing books that you start, which goes against all my librarian training (if the book is a waste of time, stop reading it!), but later this book does point out when to stop reading something. It's really an extended proverb or dueling maxim. A "dueling maxim" is the idea that proverbs giving opposite advice should be read together, because only together do they give an accurate idea of life. And example would be "out of sight, out of mind," and "absence makes the heart grow fonder." I think this book does the same thing. It gives general reading advice and often contradicts itself, but that is because different approaches work in different situations.
Anyway, I would recommend it to a new literature teacher as a reminder or encouragement of what they already know; it was good just to remember some of the basics that readers tend to take for granted, and there were one or two ideas that I scribbled down as helpful.
It does not have many references, bibliography, or reading list, so if you are looking for specific concrete resources or academic material, look elsewhere. If you want a feel-good collection of quotes about books with a few generally helpful concepts, this is a good choice. Most/all of the advice is sound, it's just for a very non-academic audience.
For example, one chapter talks about the importance of finishing books that you start, which goes against all my librarian training (if the book is a waste of time, stop reading it!), but later this book does point out when to stop reading something. It's really an extended proverb or dueling maxim. A "dueling maxim" is the idea that proverbs giving opposite advice should be read together, because only together do they give an accurate idea of life. And example would be "out of sight, out of mind," and "absence makes the heart grow fonder." I think this book does the same thing. It gives general reading advice and often contradicts itself, but that is because different approaches work in different situations.
Anyway, I would recommend it to a new literature teacher as a reminder or encouragement of what they already know; it was good just to remember some of the basics that readers tend to take for granted, and there were one or two ideas that I scribbled down as helpful.
It does not have many references, bibliography, or reading list, so if you are looking for specific concrete resources or academic material, look elsewhere. If you want a feel-good collection of quotes about books with a few generally helpful concepts, this is a good choice. Most/all of the advice is sound, it's just for a very non-academic audience.
February 15, 2014
One word VITAL !!!! That's what this book is to ANYBODY WHO READS TO GROW ! This book will open your eyes to a whole new way of reading.
Let me describe it this way, the normal way of reading takes you through the front door of the house. But this book is like a key (think of it as a magic key) to all the rooms in the house! So if you read any books at all, which you do because your on goodreads
Let me describe it this way, the normal way of reading takes you through the front door of the house. But this book is like a key (think of it as a magic key) to all the rooms in the house! So if you read any books at all, which you do because your on goodreads
March 29, 2015
There were certainly some gems in this book. But there was a lot of repetition as well. while it was written in very accessible language with a lightweight and easy to use format, I felt like this was Mortimer Adler's How To Read A Book Lite. I found myself craving the substance and scholarly language of Adler. I was not impressed. I can see that this book fills a need or a niche but it is not one I needed.
February 11, 2017
In one-hundred forty-two simple pages I learned at least a dozen profound principles about how to read a book, from classics to modern fiction to business to self-help. And with so many things out there to read, one of the first lessons is read great books, be selective. This is an excellent book and one well worth reading.
August 11, 2014
I was happy to see much of this has come naturally or I learned it from the DeMilles. I did pick up some new stuff and will use this book as a guide in teaching often.
January 10, 2015
Loved all that I learned in this book! I feel on fire, and like I have a sense of purpose.
October 14, 2019
This book ultimately persuaded me to break the mold of 'reading' so I can actually study and learn from literature. I have been reading just to get through book and say that I have read them, but no longer. These are some of the main things I learned:
1. Plan what you want to get out of the book and consider the questions you have.
2. Try to have a conversation with the author and don't take everything as truth.
3. Research books before you read them
4. Don't be afraid to stop reading a book that doesn't help you grow.
All in all this book encouraged me to take better approach to reading and becoming a leader.
1. Plan what you want to get out of the book and consider the questions you have.
2. Try to have a conversation with the author and don't take everything as truth.
3. Research books before you read them
4. Don't be afraid to stop reading a book that doesn't help you grow.
All in all this book encouraged me to take better approach to reading and becoming a leader.
December 22, 2023
This was really good. I had never thought of a lot of those ways to mark books, especially disagreeing with the author. When I read good books in the future, I plan to use all the tactics in Turn the Page to make the book even better. I really liked the idea of having a personal library full of books that are all marked by me, and having books to lend to other people.
February 26, 2019
This was an eye-opening read for me. The major point I took away is that every book is different and I need to approach it differently. This book is filled with practical tips and approaches to increase what you learn and how long you retain it as you read. This will take a few reads and many books to put into practice all of the advice, but I feel more confident in my ability to problem solve and be creative.
July 29, 2016
A quick, easy read and yet thought provoking.
First, a nitpick, Chris Brady is listed as the author, but on the book there is an "introduction" by Chris Brady. The cover says LIFE Leadership Essentials Series, but other wise does not offer an author name. As I read it I noticed that Chris Brady, Oliver DeMile and Orrin Woodward were mentioned a few times and in ways that suggested either one of them wrote it (and is close friends with the other two). This is not a criticism, just an observation. I am a huge fan of Oliver DeMille's work so not a problem at all.
The book itself is a series of short chapters about "how to read a book". Some of them were things that other writers such as Mortimer Adler have taught like writing in your books. Even though I had heard that before, and looking at some of my books I realized I used to do it, but I had gotten away from the practice. It is full of other suggestions that I hadn't heard before too.
Some of them seem very simple on the surface, but I believe that it is through practicing these tips that the value really comes through. I believe this because once reminded that I used to write in my books, I got one of them off the shelf. Reading the parts I had underlined brought back memories of that book in the same way that a scent or a song can overwhelm us with a memory. I really enjoyed it and it increased my desire to not only write in my books from here forward, but to teach my children to do the same.
I'm intrigued to experiment with suggestions like "arguing with the author" in the margins. I have already done this in one book and it was quite satisfying! Another idea is to begin each new book with a question. Not necessarily a question you would expect that book to answer, but something on your mind. It is said that most of what we learn as we read comes from our own subconscious. Interesting.
Another suggestion is so simple I can't believe I didn't think of it myself, is when you finish a book to go back and read all your notes and highlights. I did that with this one, and I was surprised how many things I had already forgotten. But this review brought them to mind quickly without the need to reread the entire book.
Finally, there were several suggestions that I am already doing such as reading from various genres, or reading several books at once, and always have a book on hand (well, of course!). I enjoyed these as validation and a reminder to pass these things on to my kids and students.
Another suggestion was leaders often refer back to their books for talks and speeches, so dog ear pages of crucial info. Ah, blashemy! I was taught not to do that in elementary school and I don't think I can overcome that particular idea. Post-it notes were also suggested. I can live with that.
And now, I have some more reading to do . . . with my highlighter and post-it notes.
First, a nitpick, Chris Brady is listed as the author, but on the book there is an "introduction" by Chris Brady. The cover says LIFE Leadership Essentials Series, but other wise does not offer an author name. As I read it I noticed that Chris Brady, Oliver DeMile and Orrin Woodward were mentioned a few times and in ways that suggested either one of them wrote it (and is close friends with the other two). This is not a criticism, just an observation. I am a huge fan of Oliver DeMille's work so not a problem at all.
The book itself is a series of short chapters about "how to read a book". Some of them were things that other writers such as Mortimer Adler have taught like writing in your books. Even though I had heard that before, and looking at some of my books I realized I used to do it, but I had gotten away from the practice. It is full of other suggestions that I hadn't heard before too.
Some of them seem very simple on the surface, but I believe that it is through practicing these tips that the value really comes through. I believe this because once reminded that I used to write in my books, I got one of them off the shelf. Reading the parts I had underlined brought back memories of that book in the same way that a scent or a song can overwhelm us with a memory. I really enjoyed it and it increased my desire to not only write in my books from here forward, but to teach my children to do the same.
I'm intrigued to experiment with suggestions like "arguing with the author" in the margins. I have already done this in one book and it was quite satisfying! Another idea is to begin each new book with a question. Not necessarily a question you would expect that book to answer, but something on your mind. It is said that most of what we learn as we read comes from our own subconscious. Interesting.
Another suggestion is so simple I can't believe I didn't think of it myself, is when you finish a book to go back and read all your notes and highlights. I did that with this one, and I was surprised how many things I had already forgotten. But this review brought them to mind quickly without the need to reread the entire book.
Finally, there were several suggestions that I am already doing such as reading from various genres, or reading several books at once, and always have a book on hand (well, of course!). I enjoyed these as validation and a reminder to pass these things on to my kids and students.
Another suggestion was leaders often refer back to their books for talks and speeches, so dog ear pages of crucial info. Ah, blashemy! I was taught not to do that in elementary school and I don't think I can overcome that particular idea. Post-it notes were also suggested. I can live with that.
And now, I have some more reading to do . . . with my highlighter and post-it notes.
July 20, 2014
The introduction is by Chris Brady, and I think that he, Woodward and DeMille wrote it even though the author isn't identified.
Not a whole lot new here because I have followed and read from these authors for years. There are still enough valuable tips, advice and reminders to make me reference it again.
It is an easy, quick read.
Not a whole lot new here because I have followed and read from these authors for years. There are still enough valuable tips, advice and reminders to make me reference it again.
It is an easy, quick read.
July 5, 2018
This book should be required reading for all readers. Especially this trying to maximize their reading time so they get the most learning possible. All leaders should have this on their must read list. Tons of effective tools and techniques to help you read in a way that you never would have imagined.
March 10, 2014
This is a must read for everyone who wants to become the best they can be - understanding the importance of reading but also how to read to Create growth in all areas of your life! Not what they teach in school!
January 31, 2014
This is a great book to read if you want to know how to get more out of a book. If you want to take your reading to a whole other level, this book is a must read.
February 24, 2014
Fills a gap in the market. It's one thing to know why, but learning how to read as efficiently as possible, well, that's gold. You'll not learn this in school.
February 5, 2015
For those just starting their own personal reading journey or even just looking for some inspiration on their reading journey, this quick read offers excellent tips and ideas.
January 10, 2016
One of the most worthless wastes of an hour I've ever spent. When an author quotes his own books as if they're written by someone else you know you're in for trash.
July 16, 2020
Like many Tjed books it is repetitious and self-promoting. I’m getting frustrated following their book lists and seeing many of Oliver DeMille’s own books and his fellow writing ‘Bros’ that have the same ideas as him. They quote one another and their own children as if they are famous and by just saying their name we should know who they are. Which seems to be the opposite of an example good leadership education to me. In a book claiming hard work, humility and a wide range of exposure to good literature brings about great leaders, they seem to always start with their own books as the best books to read which turn out to be mostly copy and pasted from previous books they’ve already published.
They all only seem to be New York Times Bestselling authors because of the pyramid type scheme they’ve created to get others to buy their books and have those friends write books so they can get three more friends to buy all the upper ‘authors’ books and then have them all write books so they can quote each other in their new books blah blah blah....
They all only seem to be New York Times Bestselling authors because of the pyramid type scheme they’ve created to get others to buy their books and have those friends write books so they can get three more friends to buy all the upper ‘authors’ books and then have them all write books so they can quote each other in their new books blah blah blah....
September 6, 2023
I do value reading and love to mark books and discuss what i read. I do like reading more than one book at a time and applying what i learn to my life.
Its just. The self promotion was over the top. The promotion of friends. They aren’t rudyard kipling, don’t pump them up more than him or other great authors. Chris brady is not Mortimer Adler
I was baffled by some of the superlatives and the lack of grace given to the reality of learning. We all know more than we do- it’s how we improve. Yes it’s important to recognize that and do better but learning is not instantaneous.
And “top leader”. Sigh ill defined.
I did enjoy discussing the book. After we ranted, we talked about our ten most reread books. We talked about our top 3 books/ things we wish Americans would read
But the book? Meh. It’s not a 1 star because it was short and had some good quotes.
Its just. The self promotion was over the top. The promotion of friends. They aren’t rudyard kipling, don’t pump them up more than him or other great authors. Chris brady is not Mortimer Adler
I was baffled by some of the superlatives and the lack of grace given to the reality of learning. We all know more than we do- it’s how we improve. Yes it’s important to recognize that and do better but learning is not instantaneous.
And “top leader”. Sigh ill defined.
I did enjoy discussing the book. After we ranted, we talked about our ten most reread books. We talked about our top 3 books/ things we wish Americans would read
But the book? Meh. It’s not a 1 star because it was short and had some good quotes.
July 28, 2025
I guess it's a good for beginner readers, but I think there are better books for that. I felt that it was repetitive and not well written. I think the concept could be summed up in half the pages in a more concise manner. Also, I don't really care about having a leadership education so the constant talking about reading like a leader got a bit old to me. I would rather hear about how reading makes you a great person and not a great leader. Everyone can be a great person, but not everyone is meant to be a top leader, and that's ok.
October 28, 2022
Awesome ideas
I will never read books the same again. I've always read with thoughts of grasping on to nuggets no noof wisdom for my own life but never went into reading with questions that I needed answered before I read a book. It's a cool concept that your brain will look for those answers as you read.
I will never read books the same again. I've always read with thoughts of grasping on to nuggets no noof wisdom for my own life but never went into reading with questions that I needed answered before I read a book. It's a cool concept that your brain will look for those answers as you read.
March 30, 2018
Although simple, I’ve got to give it 4 Stars. It has enough great ideas for a rich reading life that it deserves them.
Easy to read. Relatable. Exploding with great ideas and inspiration. Not perfect. But impactful, and important.
Easy to read. Relatable. Exploding with great ideas and inspiration. Not perfect. But impactful, and important.
February 20, 2021
There are many ways to read. This book talks about reading as a way to become a leader. I think lately I have been ready mostly for pleasure. I think there are good things about all ways to read. I am inspired to read more to become more from what this book has said.
April 25, 2022
I like the principles of reading presented in this book. I think they are important. But the last half of the book could have been presented in about 5 pages. Mortimer Adler’s book felt more useful and presented many of the ideas in this book in a more helpful way.
July 8, 2022
Some really interesting insights that I've already begun incorporating. I felt like there was about a 10-15% overlap: that the principles were so closely related that they didn't need their own, separate chapter.
Quick, helpful read.
Quick, helpful read.
August 16, 2023
While many of the ideas in this book are hard on a man taught to cherish books, it is hard to argue the logic of the methods and the manner described here.
If you want to take your reading to another level and make it have an impact, read this.
If you want to take your reading to another level and make it have an impact, read this.
September 12, 2023
Those Who Read
Everyone who reads should read this book! There is more to books than their face value, and our society has a lot to gain from leadership reading. This book shows you how!
Everyone who reads should read this book! There is more to books than their face value, and our society has a lot to gain from leadership reading. This book shows you how!
September 4, 2025
Good, actionable life advice
This book can help you no matter what age you as it gives you a plan to expand the joy and effectiveness around your reading habits and can grow them in the beautiful direction of your choosing.
This book can help you no matter what age you as it gives you a plan to expand the joy and effectiveness around your reading habits and can grow them in the beautiful direction of your choosing.
September 18, 2017
So many good tips in these pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews