Reading not only improves vocabulary and brain connectivity, it may also have physical health benefits, such as reducing stress, preventing cognitive decline, and lowering blood pressure. We recently spoke with three local health care officials about their reading habits and recommended books.

Spencer Seals Vice President of Construction, Real Estate and Facilities Planning, Cook Children’s Medical Center

One of my favorite traditions is that my wife buys me an Advent calendar that provides a daily short story, which gives me a 10-20 minute story from around the world. Finding the time to read is difficult. I have to plan my personal time with reading time; otherwise, it does not happen. I listen to books to and from work, but my preference is to sit down with a physical book.

The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday: Excellent book that focuses on stoicism as a way to overcome adversity and make yourself stronger in the process. Easy to read and full of ideas to improve your life.

Immunity to change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey: an inspiring book about change and the potential to look and do things differently. This book helps you make a radical change in your life and your organization.

Cross the unknown sea by Robert Whyte: This was given to me at a pivotal time in my career and not only helped me identify a path, but affirmed that it’s okay not to have the clearest picture of your future ; you can always move forward with confidence.

Michael Sanborn President and CEO of Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth

My reading style is a mix of traditional books and audiobooks. I prefer hardcover books for heavier topics where I may want to take notes or highlight passages. I listen to audiobooks (at 1.4x speed) on lighter topics and general information. I like authors who write great historical summaries that read like fiction. For me, it accomplishes two things: education and entertainment.

good to excellent by Jim Collins: My all-time favorite management and leadership book. A literal model of greatness, and we have applied much of this book to the work we do at BS&W All Saints.

Nine lies about work by Marcus Buckingham: explains how to create a strong work culture. Most of the recommendations may initially seem counter-intuitive, which is why they are valuable.

Atomic Habits by James Clear: An excellent “self-improvement” book that analyzes habits, why we have them, and how to make small changes to achieve impressive results.

Fort Worth: Outpost, Cowtown, Boomtown by Harold Rich: As a transplant from Dallas five years ago, this recently published history of our city – the good and the not so good – from the late 1800s through the 20th century is quite interesting (and seems comprehensive).

Bobby Grigby CPA, MBA, retired Carter BloodCare executive

When I worked, I often listened to books on tape while traveling by car and read e-books while traveling by plane. Since retiring, my most recent reading has been historical fiction, and Ken Follett is one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed connecting my travels with sets from books I read, and some even inspired some of our travels.

In search of excellence by Tom Peters: Having been CEO, COO and CFO during my working years, this well-known book has been a valuable resource and learning tool for me.

Earth Pillars and Endless World (Kingsbridge Series) by Ken Follett: These two books tell a multi-generational story about the building of a great cathedral in England. In a previous role, I always enjoyed visiting the beautiful cathedrals of England, and I always thought about those books.

The shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron: The book is an ode to the art of reading, but it’s also a perfect example of the power of a well-told story. It’s the story of a young boy who, through the magic of a single book, finds a purpose bigger than himself and a hero in a man he’s never even met.