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

Monday, November 24, 2025

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Anthony Gaenzle

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. Join me today and continuing every Monday during 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 Anthony Gaenzle, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at E&I Creative in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Anthony works as a personal brand consultant for executives, business owners, and others. He is a two-time published author, digital marketing influencer, and has helped brands both large and small grow and thrive across multiple industries through strategic marketing campaigns.

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

ANTHONY GAENZLE: I recently re-read Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. It has a lot of great lessons inside, and I like to revisit books like this. As I read through the first time, I typically read quickly, so sometimes I will go back to more deeply absorb the insights contained within.

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?

ANTHONY GAENZLE: Made to Stick was a recommendation from a professor I had a class with during my MBA at Clemson University. I didn't chose it based on the the recommendation, but when I searched online to buy it, I was drawn in by the realistic-looking duct tape on the cover.

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

ANTHONY GAENZLE: I've been pulled in by titles, but I don't think I've ever made the purchase because of the title alone. A good title is important to grab attention, but I tend to read through the synopsis to make sure the content inside lives up to the hook.

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?

ANTHONY GAENZLE: The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It was a great book, but it leaves you hanging at the end. I don't mind a book leaving you to use your imagination, but that was one that I was really craving some resolution.

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

ANTHONY GAENZLE: I typically get my recommendations from friends and colleagues, or I do some research when I'm looking for a book on a particular topic.

QUESTION: What book should everyone read, and why?

ANTHONY GAENZLE: Again, going back to Made to Stick. I wouldn't say "anyone" should read it, but if you're in the marketing field or generally involved in growing a business, it's such a valuable read. Really helps as you form and build upon your ideas.