Believe Me: Why Your Vision, Brand, and Leadership Need a Bigger Story. Michael Margolis. Get Storied Press. 2009. A storytelling manifesto of change makers and innovators—and storytellers!
Story Proof: The Science Behind the Startling Power of Story. Kendall Haven. Libraries Unlimited. 2007. Excellent introduction to the research done on stories and brain development. Haven provides the proof that stories are an effective teaching and learning tool.
The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling. Annette Simmons. Basic Books. 2006. A classic book in the storytelling field. A book every aspiring storyteller should read.
On the Origin of Stories: Evolution, Cognition, and Fiction. Brian Boyd. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. 2010. A thorough and scholarly work on the evolutionary origins of story and how it has contributed to human survival and progress. Discussions include Homer’s Odyssey and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
Lead with a Story: A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives that Captivate, Convince and Inspire. Paul Smith. AMACOM. 2012. The uses of story within an organization to define culture and values, engender creativity and innovation, foster collaboration, provide coaching, and lead change.