Debbie Laskey's Blog: FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025

Monday, September 29, 2025

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde

It's that time of year again - to fall back to reading, so I've launched a repeat of my first series with that title and invited a dozen thought leaders to answer six questions about reading, books, and marketing. After today, join me every Monday during October, November, and December - ending on December 15th and with a series recap on December 21st.

A repeat guest on my blog, today's featured series participant is Joseph Lalonde. Joe is experienced in all aspects of IT, leadership, project/sales, and design with a history of working with small businesses and individuals. He is also an award-winning leadership blogger ranked in the top 40 leadership blogs in the world, and his book REEL LEADERSHIP showcases the intersection of leadership and entertainment. As Joe says, "I love great stories and feel we all have a great story to tell."

QUESTION: Why did you choose the last book you read?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I'm always trying to read something new. I've found so many books to be powerful, impactful, and life-changing. The last fiction book I read (or listened to) was "Origins of a D-List Supervillain" - I'd picked up the first book in the series a while back and really enjoyed it. I wanted to continue the series so I grabbed a copy of this. The last non-fiction book I read was "The E-Mind" by Kary Oberbrunner. I chose this book for two reasons: I know Kary. He's a great guy and knows his stuff. The second reason is that I was talking to my wife's best friend's husband (convoluted, I know!). He and his wife started a leather and pen-making company (Leather and Lathe; check it out on Instagram: @leather_and_lathe), and he really enjoyed the book. He gave the recommendation, and I went ahead and purchased it. It was a great read on how to think like an entrepreneur.

SHARE THIS: I've found so many books to be powerful, impactful, and life-changing. ~@josephlalonde #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because you were drawn to the cover design? If yes, what was the book, and what attracted you to the cover?

JOSEPH LALONDE: We're always told not to judge a book by its cover. However, that's difficult when we're visual people. I find myself drawn to bright, vibrant covers that scream, "Look at me!" I do this more with my entertainment reading, such as comic books, than I do with business or educational books, but I still find myself looking at the cover, imagining how it will impact me, and deciding whether or not to purchase it.

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because of its title? If yes, what was the book, and what drew you to the title?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I have! It's probably been the most impactful book I've ever read. The book was "48 Days To The Work You Love" by Dan Miller. I was working at a Christian bookstore. I knew it wasn't my dream job or what I was destined to do. As I was looking through the titles of books I was putting out, it stood out to me because the title told me I could have a job or work that fit who I was - rather than working for a paycheck.

QUESTION: Have you ever finished reading a book, been disappointed by the ending, and thought you could have written a better ending? If yes, what was the book, and how would you have ended it?

JOSEPH LALONDE: Oh boy, this feels like a loaded question! But I like it. There have been plenty of books that I felt this way about. Most of the time, it's because the book is too bloated and felt as if the author continued to write - not to progress the story or teach a lesson - but instead, their mission was to write a longer book.

QUESTION: Is there a social media account, a national book publisher, or book club you follow for reading recommendations?

JOSEPH LALONDE: There is. Ronei L. Harden does a great job of curating books in her email list. I definitely recommend checking it out!

QUESTION: What book should everyone read, and why?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I have to return to "48 Days To The Work You Love" by Dan Miller. While Dan recently passed away, his work is timeless. It encouraged me to change careers, start blogging, and help more people. I know it has changed the course of countless other lives as well.

My gratitude to Joe for sharing his insights and for being a part of my fall back to reading series. Until next week, happy reading!

Image Credit: Cambridge Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring.

Read Joe's previous appearances here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (April 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/04/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_0962059767.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2024 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (March 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/03/spring-leadership-series-featuring.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2023 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (December 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/12/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01893009969.html

Review of Joe's book "Reel Leadership" (December 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/12/8-business-books-for-your-winter-and.html

Connect with Joe at these links: