I haven't read all of these, but I have read a lot of them -a good list!
In various ways, these 30
books convey some of the philosophy of how Angel and I live our lives. I
honestly credit a fraction of who I am today to each title. Thus, they have
indirectly influenced much of what I write about on this site. A medley of both
fiction and nonfiction, these great reads challenged my internal status quo,
opening my mind to new ideas and opportunities, and together they gave me a
basic framework for living, loving, learning and working
successfully.
If you haven’t read these
books yet, I highly recommend doing so. They will enrich your library and your
life.
Stumbling on
Happiness
by Daniel Gilbert – Gilbert, a Harvard professor of psychology
has studied happiness for decades, and he shares scientific findings that just
might change the way you look at the world. His primary goal is to persuade you
into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where you imagined
it would be. This is my favorite book on happiness by a long shot.
by Daniel Gilbert – Gilbert, a Harvard professor of psychology
has studied happiness for decades, and he shares scientific findings that just
might change the way you look at the world. His primary goal is to persuade you
into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where you imagined
it would be. This is my favorite book on happiness by a long shot.
The Road Less
Traveled
by M. Scott Peck – Pretty much the granddaddy of all
self-improvement books, it’s easily one of the best nonfiction works I’ve ever
read. By melding love, science and spirituality into a primer for personal
growth, Peck guides the reader through lessons on delaying gratification,
accepting responsibility for decisions, dedicating oneself to truth and reality,
and creating a balanced lifestyle.
by M. Scott Peck – Pretty much the granddaddy of all
self-improvement books, it’s easily one of the best nonfiction works I’ve ever
read. By melding love, science and spirituality into a primer for personal
growth, Peck guides the reader through lessons on delaying gratification,
accepting responsibility for decisions, dedicating oneself to truth and reality,
and creating a balanced lifestyle.
Getting Things
Done
by David Allen – The ultimate ‘organize your life’ book.
Allen’s ideas and processes are for all those people who are overwhelmed with
too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease
that something important is being missed. The primary goal of this book is to
teach you how to effectively get your ‘to-do inbox’ to empty.
by David Allen – The ultimate ‘organize your life’ book.
Allen’s ideas and processes are for all those people who are overwhelmed with
too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease
that something important is being missed. The primary goal of this book is to
teach you how to effectively get your ‘to-do inbox’ to empty.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People
by Stephen Covey – Covey presents a principle-centered
approach for solving personal and professional problems by delivering a
step-by-step guide for living with integrity and honesty and adapting to the
inevitable change life brings us everyday. It’s a must-read.
by Stephen Covey – Covey presents a principle-centered
approach for solving personal and professional problems by delivering a
step-by-step guide for living with integrity and honesty and adapting to the
inevitable change life brings us everyday. It’s a must-read.
Atlas Shrugged
by
Ayn Rand – This novel is an explanation of what has
been and always will be at the core of America’s prosperity: freedom and
capitalism. It should be required reading for every American. All 1,069 pages
are worthwhile. Hands down, Atlas Shrugged is one of the best, most influential
books I’ve ever read.
by
Ayn Rand – This novel is an explanation of what has
been and always will be at the core of America’s prosperity: freedom and
capitalism. It should be required reading for every American. All 1,069 pages
are worthwhile. Hands down, Atlas Shrugged is one of the best, most influential
books I’ve ever read.
The Alchemist
by
Paulo Coelho – More parable than novel, ‘The Alchemist’ uses the story of young
shepherd Santiago’s search for his personal legend as an allegory for everyman’s
struggle to break from the comfortable confines of conformity and pursue his
life dreams. Along the way, of course, our young everyman is beset by numerous
setbacks, testing his resolve and forcing him to become attuned to the Soul of
the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world
around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago
becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into
riches. I’ve read this tale a few times now and it always provides priceless
inspiration.
by
Paulo Coelho – More parable than novel, ‘The Alchemist’ uses the story of young
shepherd Santiago’s search for his personal legend as an allegory for everyman’s
struggle to break from the comfortable confines of conformity and pursue his
life dreams. Along the way, of course, our young everyman is beset by numerous
setbacks, testing his resolve and forcing him to become attuned to the Soul of
the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world
around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago
becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into
riches. I’ve read this tale a few times now and it always provides priceless
inspiration.
Walden
by
Henry David Thoreau – Thoreau spent two years, two months and two days writing
this book in a secluded cabin near the banks of Walden Pond in Concord,
Massachusetts. This is a story about being truly free from the pressures of
society. The book can speak for itself: “I went to the woods because I wished
to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I
could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that
I had not lived.”
by
Henry David Thoreau – Thoreau spent two years, two months and two days writing
this book in a secluded cabin near the banks of Walden Pond in Concord,
Massachusetts. This is a story about being truly free from the pressures of
society. The book can speak for itself: “I went to the woods because I wished
to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I
could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that
I had not lived.”
The Magic of Thinking
Big
by David Schwartz – Schwartz gives the reader useful,
proactive steps for achieving success. He presents a clear-cut program for
getting the most out of your job, marriage, family life and other
relationships. In doing so, he proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual
or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction in life.
by David Schwartz – Schwartz gives the reader useful,
proactive steps for achieving success. He presents a clear-cut program for
getting the most out of your job, marriage, family life and other
relationships. In doing so, he proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual
or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction in life.
Predictably
Irrational
by Dan Ariely – Looks at the reasons so many of us
continuously make irrational decisions on a daily basis. It’s a scientific but
easily readable and unquestionably insightful look at why we do what we do on a
daily basis, and why we never change our ways even though we often ‘know
better.’
by Dan Ariely – Looks at the reasons so many of us
continuously make irrational decisions on a daily basis. It’s a scientific but
easily readable and unquestionably insightful look at why we do what we do on a
daily basis, and why we never change our ways even though we often ‘know
better.’
The 4-Hour
Workweek
by Tim Ferriss – Ferris challenges us to evaluate our
perspective on the cost and availability of our dreams, and he teaches us that
hard work isn’t very hard when you love what you’re doing. Although there’s
certainly some pages of self promotion within, Ferris provides invaluable tips
to help us remain aligned with our goals, set expectations on our terms, and
eliminate unnecessary time-sinks while increasing our overall
effectiveness.
by Tim Ferriss – Ferris challenges us to evaluate our
perspective on the cost and availability of our dreams, and he teaches us that
hard work isn’t very hard when you love what you’re doing. Although there’s
certainly some pages of self promotion within, Ferris provides invaluable tips
to help us remain aligned with our goals, set expectations on our terms, and
eliminate unnecessary time-sinks while increasing our overall
effectiveness.
How to Win Friends and Influence
People
by Dale Carnegie – Easily one of the best and most popular
books on people-skills ever written. Carnegie uses his adept storytelling
skills to illustrate how to be successful by making the most of human
relations.
by Dale Carnegie – Easily one of the best and most popular
books on people-skills ever written. Carnegie uses his adept storytelling
skills to illustrate how to be successful by making the most of human
relations.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse – A short, powerful novel about the
importance of life experiences as they relate to approaching an understanding of
self, happiness and attaining enlightenment.
by Hermann Hesse – A short, powerful novel about the
importance of life experiences as they relate to approaching an understanding of
self, happiness and attaining enlightenment.
1984 by
George Orwell – 1984 still holds chief significance nearly 60 years after it was
written in 1949. It’s widely acclaimed for its haunting vision of an
all-knowing government which uses pervasive, 24/7 surveillance tactics to
manipulate all citizens of the populace. In today’s world of continuous online
connectivity, Orwell’s visions hit pretty close to home.
by
George Orwell – 1984 still holds chief significance nearly 60 years after it was
written in 1949. It’s widely acclaimed for its haunting vision of an
all-knowing government which uses pervasive, 24/7 surveillance tactics to
manipulate all citizens of the populace. In today’s world of continuous online
connectivity, Orwell’s visions hit pretty close to home.
The Great Gatsby by
F. Scott Fitzgerald – Set in the Jazz Age of the roaring 20’s, this book
unravels a cautionary tale of the American dream. Specifically, the reader
learns that a few good friends are far more important that a zillion
acquaintances, and the drive created from the desire to have something is more
valuable than actually having it.
by
F. Scott Fitzgerald – Set in the Jazz Age of the roaring 20’s, this book
unravels a cautionary tale of the American dream. Specifically, the reader
learns that a few good friends are far more important that a zillion
acquaintances, and the drive created from the desire to have something is more
valuable than actually having it.
The Grapes of Wrath by
John Steinbeck – Steinbeck’s deeply touching tale about the survival of
displaced families desperately searching for work in a nation stuck by
depression will never cease to be relevant.
by
John Steinbeck – Steinbeck’s deeply touching tale about the survival of
displaced families desperately searching for work in a nation stuck by
depression will never cease to be relevant.
The Richest Man in Babylon
by
George S. Clason – The best book on money management ever written. Although
only 145 pages, this book is packed to the brim with powerful, life changing
information. I’ve read it three times and I still pull new pearls of wisdom out
of it. Babylon should be mandatory reading beginning at the grade school level,
then again in college, and should be given as a gift right along with a college
diploma.
by
George S. Clason – The best book on money management ever written. Although
only 145 pages, this book is packed to the brim with powerful, life changing
information. I’ve read it three times and I still pull new pearls of wisdom out
of it. Babylon should be mandatory reading beginning at the grade school level,
then again in college, and should be given as a gift right along with a college
diploma.
Quitter
by
Jon Acuff – If you’re looking for an honest account of what it’s like to make
the transition from your day job to your dream job, this book is for you. The
author doesn’t sugarcoat the journey or convince you that it’s worth making
stupid decisions now that you’ll pay for later. He stays grounded in reality
while inspiring you to truly connect with the things you’re passionate about,
and he gives you hope and a plan for getting yourself there.
by
Jon Acuff – If you’re looking for an honest account of what it’s like to make
the transition from your day job to your dream job, this book is for you. The
author doesn’t sugarcoat the journey or convince you that it’s worth making
stupid decisions now that you’ll pay for later. He stays grounded in reality
while inspiring you to truly connect with the things you’re passionate about,
and he gives you hope and a plan for getting yourself there.
The Success Principles
by
Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer – The creator of the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’
series reveals secrets to success with sixty-four timeless principles packed
into this one book. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each
receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk
creating their lives exactly as they want them. This is easily one of the most
practical books I’ve ever read on achieving your dreams.
by
Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer – The creator of the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’
series reveals secrets to success with sixty-four timeless principles packed
into this one book. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each
receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk
creating their lives exactly as they want them. This is easily one of the most
practical books I’ve ever read on achieving your dreams.
The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is
Less
by
Barry Schwartz – Faced with too many options or decisions in your life? We feel
worse when we have too many options. This book will make you feel better and
change the way you look at them. Schwartz discusses people making difficult
decisions about jobs, families, where to live, whether to have children, how to
spend recreational time, choosing colleges, etc. He talks about why making
these decisions today is much harder than it was thirty years ago, and he offers
many practical suggestions for how to address decision-making so that it creates
less stress and more happiness.
by
Barry Schwartz – Faced with too many options or decisions in your life? We feel
worse when we have too many options. This book will make you feel better and
change the way you look at them. Schwartz discusses people making difficult
decisions about jobs, families, where to live, whether to have children, how to
spend recreational time, choosing colleges, etc. He talks about why making
these decisions today is much harder than it was thirty years ago, and he offers
many practical suggestions for how to address decision-making so that it creates
less stress and more happiness.
The Personal MBA
by
Josh Kaufman – Unfortunately, the title may limit the market to business people,
but the truth is we are all in the business of managing and selling ourselves no
matter what our occupation. What makes this book warrant such a strong
statement is the fact that it’s a comprehensive synthesis of all of the concepts
you need to know to understand business inside and out. There are no complex
models to learn or outdated theories to memorize just to get marks or pass
exams. What you get is a clear, comprehensive set of ‘rules of thumb’ for any
possible scenario you might encounter in running a business (or just your life
in general).
by
Josh Kaufman – Unfortunately, the title may limit the market to business people,
but the truth is we are all in the business of managing and selling ourselves no
matter what our occupation. What makes this book warrant such a strong
statement is the fact that it’s a comprehensive synthesis of all of the concepts
you need to know to understand business inside and out. There are no complex
models to learn or outdated theories to memorize just to get marks or pass
exams. What you get is a clear, comprehensive set of ‘rules of thumb’ for any
possible scenario you might encounter in running a business (or just your life
in general).
The Art of War by
Sun Tzu – One of the oldest books on military strategy in the world. It’s
easily the most successful written work on the mechanics of general strategy and
business tactics.
by
Sun Tzu – One of the oldest books on military strategy in the world. It’s
easily the most successful written work on the mechanics of general strategy and
business tactics.
The Wisdom of Crowds
by
James Surowieckiv – Great examples of how groups of diverse people acting
independently are smarter than any one person in the group. This is one of the
most entertaining and intellectually engaging books I’ve come across in a long
while. The author has a gift for making complex ideas accessible, and he has a
wonderful eye for the telling anecdote. The material within has huge
implications for management, markets, decision-making and more.
by
James Surowieckiv – Great examples of how groups of diverse people acting
independently are smarter than any one person in the group. This is one of the
most entertaining and intellectually engaging books I’ve come across in a long
while. The author has a gift for making complex ideas accessible, and he has a
wonderful eye for the telling anecdote. The material within has huge
implications for management, markets, decision-making and more.
The Power of Full
Engagement
by
Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz – The authors worked with the best athletes and
executives for years and found that the best ones knew how to push themselves,
then recuperate, push, recuperate, and so forth. Take this same approach to
your emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual life, and it’s a powerful
metaphor. Think of sprints, not marathons. Be fully in whatever you’re in,
then give time to recuperate. But push further each time, past your comfort
zone, like a good exercise plan.
by
Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz – The authors worked with the best athletes and
executives for years and found that the best ones knew how to push themselves,
then recuperate, push, recuperate, and so forth. Take this same approach to
your emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual life, and it’s a powerful
metaphor. Think of sprints, not marathons. Be fully in whatever you’re in,
then give time to recuperate. But push further each time, past your comfort
zone, like a good exercise plan.
Switch: How to Change Things When Change
Is Hard
by
Chip and Dan Heath – An easy to read psychology book about real ways to make
change last – both personal and organizational. So many powerful insights,
based on fact not theory. Inspiring counterintuitive stories of huge
organizational change against all odds. Highly recommended for people in all
walks of life.
by
Chip and Dan Heath – An easy to read psychology book about real ways to make
change last – both personal and organizational. So many powerful insights,
based on fact not theory. Inspiring counterintuitive stories of huge
organizational change against all odds. Highly recommended for people in all
walks of life.
The Four Agreements
by
Miguel Ruiz – I have read so many books promising joy in my life, yet I have
read none as simple and practical as that of ‘The Four Agreements.’ This book
is a beautiful instruction guide to achieve a life of freedom and happiness.
The author teaches four lifestyle commitments which can transform life into the
realization of your own personal dream. Simply put, this small book has made
profound positive changes in my life.
by
Miguel Ruiz – I have read so many books promising joy in my life, yet I have
read none as simple and practical as that of ‘The Four Agreements.’ This book
is a beautiful instruction guide to achieve a life of freedom and happiness.
The author teaches four lifestyle commitments which can transform life into the
realization of your own personal dream. Simply put, this small book has made
profound positive changes in my life.
Economics in One Lesson
by
Henry Hazlitt – The chapters are short, the prose is easy to follow and the
logic is compelling. I’ve never seriously studied economics in my life, yet I
had no trouble following the reasoning in this book. This is a must read for
anyone who wants to understand basic economics and the keys to widespread
prosperity in the long run.
by
Henry Hazlitt – The chapters are short, the prose is easy to follow and the
logic is compelling. I’ve never seriously studied economics in my life, yet I
had no trouble following the reasoning in this book. This is a must read for
anyone who wants to understand basic economics and the keys to widespread
prosperity in the long run.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
by
Robert Kiyosaki – It is unfortunate that in America, arguably the greatest
nation in the free world, few people including those with high incomes
understand the value of investing and the proper use of money strategies. You
can live off your income, but you can’t get wealthy off your income. True
wealth is the result of using principles described in this book. This is a
classic, must read for everyone.
by
Robert Kiyosaki – It is unfortunate that in America, arguably the greatest
nation in the free world, few people including those with high incomes
understand the value of investing and the proper use of money strategies. You
can live off your income, but you can’t get wealthy off your income. True
wealth is the result of using principles described in this book. This is a
classic, must read for everyone.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy
by
Douglas Adams – This novel is hilarious and depicts some pretty insightful
observations about life, people, and the world in general. Under it all, it’s
an enjoyable read that will leave you yearning for more. If you don’t like
science fiction, it doesn’t matter; read this book just for the laughs. The
most amazing thing about Adams’ humor is the fact that everyone seems to get
it.
by
Douglas Adams – This novel is hilarious and depicts some pretty insightful
observations about life, people, and the world in general. Under it all, it’s
an enjoyable read that will leave you yearning for more. If you don’t like
science fiction, it doesn’t matter; read this book just for the laughs. The
most amazing thing about Adams’ humor is the fact that everyone seems to get
it.
To Kill a Mockingbird
by
Harper Lee – The themes within primarily involve racial injustice and the
destruction of human innocence. The author also addresses issues of class,
courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. It’s simply a
classic piece of our American history that depicts racism and prejudice,
childhood innocence, and the perseverance of a man who risked it all to stand up
for what he believed in.(clip above).
by
Harper Lee – The themes within primarily involve racial injustice and the
destruction of human innocence. The author also addresses issues of class,
courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. It’s simply a
classic piece of our American history that depicts racism and prejudice,
childhood innocence, and the perseverance of a man who risked it all to stand up
for what he believed in.(clip above).
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s
Nest
by
Ken Kesey – The plot followers a sane man that, due to a brush with the law,
opts for being committed in a mental asylum rather than be incarcerated with
hard labor. Upon his entry into the secluded world of the asylum, he strips all
the barriers formed and starts laying his own rules, in his own way. This leads
to problems with the head honcho of the place. The rollercoaster that the
protagonist takes the inmates through finally leads them to realize the ultimate
goal. That man, no matter the situation, can always hold his destiny in his
hands.
by
Ken Kesey – The plot followers a sane man that, due to a brush with the law,
opts for being committed in a mental asylum rather than be incarcerated with
hard labor. Upon his entry into the secluded world of the asylum, he strips all
the barriers formed and starts laying his own rules, in his own way. This leads
to problems with the head honcho of the place. The rollercoaster that the
protagonist takes the inmates through finally leads them to realize the ultimate
goal. That man, no matter the situation, can always hold his destiny in his
hands.
With many thanks to Marc And Angel Hack Life.
