This New York Times monthly list is one I follow carefully. Because…I read the books. You get the insights. The New York Times has now published its list of ten best-selling business books for September, 2026.

perennial best seller

And The Let Them Theory is, yet again, at number one.

There are some remarkably familiar books on this month’s list. Atomic Habits is #2, after 95 weeks on the list. Extreme Ownership is #5, after 80 weeks. And Thinking, Fast and Slow is #10, after an astonishing 105 weeks.

Maybe…some books just keep finding new readers.

Of this month’s list of ten books, I have presented synopses of Atomic Habits, Unreasonable Hospitality, Extreme Ownership, The Creative Act, and Never Split the Difference. My former colleague Karl Krayer presented Thinking, Fast and Slow.

So, once again, six of the ten books on the New York Times list have been selections at our monthly First Friday Book Synopsis event.

And I can assure you: there is plenty to learn from these books.

There are also two newcomers to the list this month: The Nerd Reich by Gil Duran, at #4, and Die With Zero by Bill Perkins, at #7. I’m always interested in which new books break through — and which older books just keep selling, month after month after month…

I referred, as I often do, to this book in a presentation this week

Over the 28+ years of our event, we have now presented synopses of more than 680 different books. And, month after every single month, there are always more books to read, more ideas to consider, and more to learn.

Here are the ten books on this month’s New York Times Business Books Best Sellers list.

Which one will you read next?

#1 — The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

#2 — Atomic Habits by James Clear

#3 — Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

#4 — The Nerd Reich by Gil Duran

#5 — Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

#6 — The Creative Act by Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss

#7 — Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

#8 — Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz

#9 — The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

#10 — Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Shawn Foster, Foster Financial Group

Shawn Foster has worked in financial services since 1987, helping business owners, professionals and individuals with wealth management and retirement income strategies. A lifelong North Texan, he is also active in church, charitable and civic organizations. And, Shawn has been a long-time participant, and supporter of, the First Friday Book Synopsis.

• FFBS: You’ve been in financial services since 1987. What has changed most about building wealth and preparing for retirement — and what hasn’t changed?

Shawn Foster: In October 1987, the market fell 23% in a single day and everyone was shocked. Today, investors are more accustomed to volatility, and we have more tools available to help manage risk.

The bigger change has been the move from transaction-and product-oriented recommendations toward fee-based, holistic planning. The portfolio should be a by-product of the planning, not the focus of it.

Accumulation is fairly straightforward. Distribution planning — deciding how to turn accumulated assets into sustainable retirement income — is where an advisor can add enormous value.

What hasn’t changed? Save first, spend second, understand the power of compound growth, and start young whenever possible.

• FFBS: What are some of the biggest financial mistakes you see otherwise smart, successful business owners make?

Shawn Foster: One of the biggest is having nearly all of their net worth tied up in the business, with relatively little in marketable securities.

Succession planning is another challenge — training the next generation while also having a properly funded buy-sell agreement in place in case one of the owners gets hit by the proverbial Mack truck.

• FFBS: What does a genuine financial professional bring to the process that can be difficult for someone to provide for themselves?

Shawn Foster: You can do it yourself, but it takes time, effort and expertise.

Successful business owners already outsource specialized areas such as IT, HR, accounting and legal work. Financial planning isn’t that different.

A trusted advisor does much more than investment counseling. A good advisor helps coordinate wealth accumulation, retirement income, wealth transfer, charitable giving and more — and helps the client have less to worry about.

• FFBS: People approaching retirement frequently ask, “Do I have enough?” How do you help someone determine whether they are truly prepared?

Shawn Foster: It’s more complicated than simply coming up with a number. We help clients determine not only how much they may need, but which accounts to draw from and when.

When should you claim Social Security? When should you begin IRA withdrawals? When should you use brokerage assets or real estate income? Those decisions can make a meaningful difference in how long your money lasts — and potentially how much goes to taxes versus your heirs.

• FFBS: If retirement may last 25 or 30 years, how should longevity change the way people think about investing and risk?

Shawn Foster: Most people can’t simply rely on fixed assets such as bank CDs for a retirement that may last decades. There needs to be an appropriate balance between growth-oriented assets and more stable fixed assets.

Inflation can significantly erode purchasing power over a long retirement, which is one reason many retirees need some exposure to stocks.

A good financial advisor will customize your portfolio. A great financial advisor will communicate it in plain English in spite of the complexities.

• FFBS: How should a long-term investor respond to constant uncertainty without overreacting to every headline?

Shawn Foster: Markets have historically been resilient and rewarded patient, steady investors over time. The challenge is determining how much volatility you can tolerate and still sleep well.

That’s why we like to stress-test portfolios regularly. Rather than trying to time the market, we work to determine an appropriate asset allocation for each client’s situation.

• FFBS: How is AI changing financial advice — and what can a good human financial advisor provide that AI cannot?

Shawn Foster: AI is helping advisors become more efficient and making technical information easier to find. The challenge is making sure the information is accurate, current, and applicable.

But financial advice isn’t just about information. Can AI look you in the eye and recognize whether you’re ready to sell the business you’ve spent decades building? Can it understand difficult family dynamics behind beneficiary decisions, or help you wrestle with which charitable causes matter most?

A good advisor listens, understands, counsels and helps people make difficult decisions.

• FFBS: If you could persuade every business owner and professional in their 40s, 50s and 60s to do one thing differently, what would it be?

Shawn Foster: Once the business is consistently profitable, I encourage owners to maximize their retirement plan contributions. You’d be surprised how many owners of multimillion-dollar businesses have relatively small retirement accounts.

I understand why — the business itself may have been their best investment. But systematic retirement-plan contributions can build an important source of wealth outside the company.

You’re building a financial fortress beyond the business.

• FFBS: Thank you Shawn for sharing your insights with our readers.

Shawn Foster: You are welcome.

————

About Shawn Foster

Shawn Foster is an Investment Advisory Representative with Ameritas Investment Company, LLC. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and CKA designations, along with Series 6, 7, 63, 26 and 65 securities registrations.

Visit Shawn Foster’s  web site by clicking here:  Foster Financial Group.

You don’t have to read the books. I already did…

I read the books. You get the insights.

Two important business books every month. Stay well-read without falling behind.

Join us Friday, October 2, 2026, for the First Friday Book Synopsis — in person at the Park City Club in Dallas, or live on Zoom.

We are now in our 29th year of gathering monthly to learn from the best business books and the thinkers who write them.

For our October 2 session, I have selected two books that address challenges we all face at work: How can we communicate more clearly and simply? And how can we handle conflict and disagreement more effectively?

• Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen & Roy Schwartz

We communicate too much—and often say too little. From the creators of Smart Brevity, Simplify shows us how to cut through complexity, communicate more clearly and thoroughly with fewer words and less time, and focus our attention on what matters most.

• The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict by Priya Parker

Conflict is inevitable—including in the workplace. Priya Parker challenges us to stop avoiding disagreement and learn how to fight better—turning conflict into deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and meaningful change at work, in our communities, and throughout our lives.

Two books. One morning. A wealth of ideas you can put to work.

At each First Friday Book Synopsis, I present two comprehensive book synopses. You receive a thorough, multi-page synopsis handout for each book, filled with key ideas, important passages, lessons and takeaways.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE BOOKS IN ADVANCE!

If you are like most of us, you simply do not have time to read all the books you would like to read. That’s why we created the First Friday Book Synopsis.

And even if you have read one of the books, the synopsis can help you remember, think about, and put its ideas to work.

“My synopses are almost like getting your whole team to read a book together, which enables your own conversation about how to implement the key lessons from the book. Lifelong learning in real time.” — Randy Mayeux

Join us October 2

WHAT: First Friday Book Synopsis
WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2026 — 7:00 a.m.
Presentations begin at 7:25 a.m. and conclude at approximately 8:35 a.m.

WHERE: Park City Club
5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 75225

AND: Streaming live on Zoom.

For our in-person participants, your registration includes the two synopsis handouts and the Park City Club buffet breakfast.

For our remote participants, the synopsis handouts will be available to download, and the presentation will be streamed live on Zoom. No Zoom registration is required. Remote participation is free; those who would like to contribute are invited to send $15, or more, through PayPal at this link.

Zoom Information

Topic: First Friday Book Synopsis
Time: October 2, 2026 — 7:00 a.m. Central Time

Join Zoom Meeting

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1

Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140
Passcode: 894787

In our 29th year — more than 680 books presented, and counting!

One participant called the First Friday Book Synopsis “the premier learning event in Dallas.”

Come to learn. Come to connect. Come away with ideas you can use.

I read the books. You get the insights.

Special thanks to High Profile for sponsoring our book giveaway each month in 2026.

Click on the buy synopses tab at the top of this page to purchase past synopses, including the audio recordings and comprehensive synopsis handouts.

Zoom; and in Person — The Other Side of Change & The Systems Leader— download the synopsis handouts for the September 4 First Friday Book Synopsis – In our 29th Year

You don’t need to read the books; I read them for you.

I read the books – You get the insights!

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Sharpen Your Edge: Learn From Top Business Minds at First Friday Book Synopsis — Where fresh ideas meet real-world insight.

“My synopses are almost like getting your whole team to read a book together, which enables your own conversation on how to implement the key lessons from the book. Lifelong learning in real time.” – Randy Mayeux

One person described the First Friday Book Synopsis as the Premier Learning Event in Dallas 

In our 29th Year! — Over 680 books presented!

You are invited!

First Friday Book Synopsis,
Friday, September 4, 2026, 7:25 am (Central Time), on Zoom.
I hope you can join us!

What: The First Friday Book Synopsis

When:  Friday, September 4, 7:00 am (Central Time) – presentations begin at about 7:25

Where: This month, on Zoom. — And, in person at the Park City Club.

Join Zoom Meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1

Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140

Passcode: 894787 

Click here to download the synopsis handouts.

Meeting On Zoom

Around 100 people (combined; in our combined in-person and Zoom participants) have been joining us for our First Friday Book Synopsis gatherings. We have had participants from all over the country. Please share this word far and wide — all are welcome!

Click on image to download both synopsis handouts

This Friday, September 4, 2026, 7:25 am – Zoom 

The two books selected for September 4 are:

• The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross-Pressures That Make or Break Today’s Companies by Robert E. Siegel

Today’s leaders don’t face single problems to solve—they face competing demands that never go away. Drawing on deep research and real-world experience, The Systems Leader shows how to navigate the tensions between execution and innovation, strength and empathy, local and global, and more—so your organization can thrive in the long run.

• The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar

Life doesn’t always go as planned. In this wise and deeply human book, Maya Shankar blends science and powerful stories to show how disruption can become a turning point for growth, purpose, and meaning. When everything changes, what matters most isn’t just what we lose, but who we choose to become.

Join us!

Note: The first presentation will begin around 7:25-7:30 am.

I intend to keep this Zoom gathering free. But, your voluntary participation would be appreciated.  If you would like to contribute to participate, Randy would welcome you to send $15 directly to him through PayPal. Click here for a direct link to “donate” through PayPal.

PRINTING TIP: I strongly encourage all to print out the two handouts. If you will begin printing on page 2, you will still have the full handout, and save the ink that you would use on the front/cover sheet. 

Where:  On Zoom
The presentations will conclude around 8:35 am
Speaker: Randy Mayeux will deliver both synopsis presentations.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1

Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140

Passcode: 894787

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Click on image to download both synopsis handouts

We are all set for Friday’s Remote First Friday Book Synopsis.

#1 — Download, and print both synopses handouts by clicking here. If you have ever attended our event, you know that I am handout intensive. You really will be able to follow along better with physical copies of the handouts in front of you. So, if you have a printer, please print the handouts.

#2 — Come on in for conversation whenever you can. I have enabled the “enable join before host” button. You will arrive in the waiting room, and be let in quickly. So, you can come in, and talk to folks.

#3 — Here is the info, with the link to join the gathering:

Randy Mayeux is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting

Topic: First Friday Book Synopsis, 2022
Time: September 4, 2026 07:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1

Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140

Passcode: 894787

—–

Reminder: The cost of this remote meeting is “free.”

But, if you would like to contribute to participate, Randy would welcome you to send $15 directly to him through PayPal. Click here for a direct link to “donate” through PayPal.

(Note: you can also send money through Zelle, at Randy’s e-mail address). — (Randy’s e-mail address for PayPal, and Zelle, is ).

Please help spread the word far and wide; help make this a success.

————————–

You might want to read this post. It has a printable one-sheet reminder on how to make the most of your remote learning experience.

Remote Learning 101 – Read this before attending your learning session.

——————

Here is more complete Zoom info:

Randy Mayeux is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: First Friday Book Synopsis

Time: September 4, 2026 07:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1

Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140

Passcode: 894787

—

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You don’t have to read the book. I already did…

I read the books. You get the insights.

You are invited!

A special encouragement to attend the Urban Engagement Book Club

Thursday, July 16, over Zoom, Noon (Central Time)

Please join us. All details below.

(You do not need to read the book — all are welcome)

————

Download the synopsis handout handout by clicking here.

Our book selection for August:

Homelessness Is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern

Why do some American cities have dramatically more homelessness than others? And why do many of our most common explanations—mental illness, drug addiction, poverty, even warm weather—fail to explain those differences?

In Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern use extensive data to make a clear and provocative argument: the primary factor driving differences in homelessness from one community to another is the availability and affordability of housing.

The book challenges many of our assumptions about what drives high rates of homelessness, while examining the larger structural forces that put people at risk.

For those concerned about homelessness, poverty, racism, and social justice, this book asks us to look beyond individual stories and individual failures—and examine the systems and policies that shape who can find and keep a place to live.

Click on image to download the synopsis handout

———-

What: The Urban Engagement Book Club

When: Thursday, August 20, noon (Central time)

Where: On Zoom only

Cost: No cost; no registration required.

I encourage all to download my comprehensive handout, print it out, and follow along.

Come join us on Zoom.

Urban Engagement Book Club

Synopsis presented by Randy Mayeux
We conclude shortly after 1:00 pm
(This event is free).

Here is the Zoom link to join our gathering:

Randy Mayeux is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Urban Engagement Book Club

Time: August 20, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82765148206?pwd=Ybl8bxMDYs49xo95L4onnj3Uslgg7J.1

Meeting ID: 827 6514 8206

Passcode: 294235

The New York Times has published its list of ten best-selling business books for August, 2026 – Atomic Habits; Unreasonable Hospitality; so, so many good books…

The Let Them Theory is, yet again, at number one.

Of this month’s list of ten books, I have presented synopses of five of them, and my former colleague Karl Krayer presented one—so six of the ten have been selections at our monthly First Friday Book Synopsis event.

I presented Atomic Habits, Unreasonable Hospitality, The Creative Act, Extreme Ownership, and Never Split the Difference. Karl Krayer presented Thinking, Fast and Slow.

So, for these six books, I can assure you that they are worth your time.

There is so much to learn from all six.

Over the 28+ years of our event, we have now presented synopses of more than 680 different books. And, month after month, there are always two new books to learn from.

Here are the ten books on this month’s New York Times list. Which one will you read next?

#1 — The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
#2 — Cancel Me If You Can by Dave Portnoy
#3 — Atomic Habits by James Clear
#4 — Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
#5 — The Risk Worth Taking by Teri Ijeoma
#6 — The Creative Act by Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss
#7 — Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
#8 — Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
#9 — Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
#10 — Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williamssnetd