Summer is coming and many of us like to have some good books lined up. If you're like me, you enjoy books that motivate, inspire and stir up imagination for your life intention. Here is a list of books I've read this year and a mini review or summary of what you will learn at a high level from each.
1. Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
You will enjoy this because: you like learning from history and seeing proven results.
In this book, Ryan references many great leaders and shows examples of how 'stillness' made them great. This book is a perfect summer read for 2020, especially as we exit Covid and need this as a reminder to guide our future selves. The way Ryan writes, resonates with me, and I'm left feeling like I truly "get it". I am more mindful already as a result of this book, and conscious of the changes I should or need to make in order to make room for stillness.
2. Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen
You will enjoy this because: you want to be told exactly how to set up your financial future for success.
The beginning of the book starts off by setting up the "why" behind the book, but later Kristy writes very detailed advice on how and where to save and invest your money. She rents her home and has chosen not to have children and has very valid points for doing so. No matter what you're life situation, it's a good quick read and will give you some new ideas on how to achieve your retirement goal (or partial retirement) in a faster way than you might be currently.
3. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
You will enjoy this because: you want to start a business or side hustle but don't want to spend much money.
I LOVED this book as I read it right after I got the idea to start this site. Although this site isn't a business yet (and maybe never will be), I am using the time to do what I love and help people through it. These are all messages that hit home for me in this book. Chris gives detailed examples of how you can market your new project on the cheap and build your business with little or no capital.
4. The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
You will enjoy this because: you like an honest, "real life" view of addiction in all shapes and forms.
I enjoyed the fact, Cait resides locally in the province of British Columbia, where I live (in Canada) and she makes reference to her revelations coming to her as she walks through wilderness (hello, Stillness is the Key). Her book and work as a writer about saving money has been acclaimed and featured by publications such as Oprah.com, Forbes, and New York Times.
5. Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
You will enjoy this because: it's a quick read and relays the message loud and clear of why a little simple discipline can lead to big things.
Author William H. McRaven, is a former Navy SEAL Admiral and has seen it all. He gives his account and demonstrations of how selflessness, determination and discipline can impact not only ourselves but our communities. He also paints a picture of how we can lead by controlling our emotions (stoicism), doing the right thing, and the value in failure.
6. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
You will enjoy this because: You get this sneaking feeling you spend too much time on your phone.
Cal shares many ideas and examples of how you can create space in your life by reducing your time in front of a screen. He also talks about how you should replace that time spent, so that you feel more connected, alive and healthy. I learned a lot - love this book.
7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
You will enjoy this because: you need a reminder that we are small in a vast universe, and ultimately most things don't matter.
This book not only serves as a good reminder so that we can f*cking relax, but it also explains more on Stoicism and generally being a good human. It's an easy, fun read and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
8. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
You will enjoy this because: it gives you some tools to best deal with life's problems.
Everyone faces some form of life problem but how we deal with it is something we can control. Another book based on Stoic principals (who knew I was gravitating to the Stoic theme?), Ryan uses historic examples to illustrate how this practice can help us overcome our biggest challenges.