Book Recommendations

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.

— Mark Twain

I’ve put together a list of the best books I’ve read over the past few years! Each book comes with a short description, my personal rating, and a direct link to the hard copy on Amazon. But most of these books are free on Libby, the library app. I’ll keep this list updated with what I’m currently reading, and you can find the link at the bottom of every newsletter moving forward!

The Alchemist

Rating: 5/5

This Alchemist is about a shepherd boy who goes on a journey to find his "Personal Legend" after having a recurring dream about a treasure in Egypt. The story explores themes of following your dreams, listening to your heart, and the importance of self-discovery and personal transformation. His journey leads him to encounter various characters and situations that teach him valuable lessons about life, the universe, and his own potential. 

Outwitting the Devil

Rating: 5/5

This and Why the Best are the Best are by far my two favorite books. Hill digs deep to identify the greatest obstacles we face in life touching on personal fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy which are tools of the Devil. These hidden methods of control can lead us to ruin and Hill reveals the seven principles of good that will allow us to triumph over them and succeed. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook because it is an actual man interviewing the Devil (who has a devilish voice). This brings the book to life.

Who Moved My Cheese?

Rating: 4/5

An old friend of mine from high school (and subscriber to this newsletter), Ryan Daugherty, reached out to me telling me about the book above. Have you read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” On my flight back to Ohio, I decided to finally open it and read it on the plane. Its a short read, about 50 pages on my Ipad with the app, Libby. Even though its a short read, it brought a very powerful message about change in life. Often times, we feel so comfortable in where we are, but life forces us into a different direction. “Who Moved My Cheese?” is about 4 characters who deal with change in different ways. Sniff, who notices changes happening prior to them occurring. Scurry, who goes straight into action without thought. Hem, who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse. And lastly, Haw, who learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book:

• “… what you are afraid of is never as bad as what you imagined. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.”

• “Noticing small changes early helps you adapt to the bigger changes that are to come.”

The Irresistible Introvert

Rating: 4/5

I’m tired of just telling people I’m shy. Im an introvert. I personally love being within my own thoughts than being the center of attention in a big group. I enjoy listening to everyone talk, rather than hearing myself talk. And in an extroverted world, these opinions don’t travel very far. This book shows introverts how to master the art of quiet magnetism in a noisy world. You’ll embrace your authentic self and discover potential you never knew you had.

Man’s Search for Meaning

Rating: 5/5

This memoir is about the life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, finding meaning in it, and moving forward with renewed purpose. The big take away from this book is the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.

The Road Less Traveled

Rating: 3/5

“Life is Difficult.” This books speaks volumes on how the pain and sufferings from our difficulties is how we grow personally and mentally. There is no easy route or quick fixes in life to reach your full potential. The art of success is plowing straight through our lives difficulties and accepting it.

The Laws of Human Nature

Rating: 4/5

This books brings stories about decoding the behavior of people all around you. Understanding people’s drives and motivations is one of the most important skills of all. Our lives depend on relationships with people and knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess. Some of my favorite ideas and examples in this book are pulled from Martin Luther King Jr and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. This is a THICCC book, but 100% worth the read.

I bought a physical copy to read again at a different stage later in life.

The Mastery of Self

Rating: 3/5

We each live in our own personal dream (perspective). Problems in life arise when we forget that the dream is just a dream and fall victim to believing that we have no control over it. Once we release ourselves from this dream, we can live our true, authentic, loving self. This is a short, easy read, and well worth it.

The Richest Man in Babylon

Rating: 3/5

This book holds the success secretes to an assured road to happiness and prosperity with personal wealth. This book offers an understanding of and a solution to your personal financial problems that will guide you throughout your life. It shares the secrets to keeping your money and making more. I’d highly recommend for young adults fresh out of school and entering into the real world.

The 7 Habits of highly Effective People

Rating: 3/5

This book explains 7 principles that make a person more effective in life. Principle-centered, character-based life helps you build the healthy relationships that are key to an effective life. The 7 habits are→ Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First things First, Think Win/Win, Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, Synergize, Sharpen the Saw. If you have a busy life, and many things you want to accomplish, I highly recommend reading this book.

The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons

Rating: 5/5

As of today, Napoleon Hill is one of my favorite authors. The Law of Success is Sixteen Lessons that includes what Hill describes as the true philosophy upon which all personal success is built. The focal points of this book are how achievement actually occurs, and a formula for it that puts success in reach for the average person. This book is LONGGGG. I listened to the audiobook on Spotify which is broken into about an hour long episode for each of the 16 laws.

Think and Grow Rich

Rating: 4/5

Think and Grow Rich is one of Napoleon Hills most famous books. It was first published in 1937 following the Great Depression. Its philosophy of positive thinking and its specific steps for achieving wealth are both relevant and life changing to this day. He explains how our thoughts become our reality, and offers a plan and principles for transforming thoughts into riches including skills like→ visualization, affirmation, creating a Master Mind group, defining a goal, and planning.

I bought a physical copy to read again at a different stage later in life.

How to Win Friends, and Influence People

Rating: 5/5

This timeless book gives solid advice to climb the ladder of success in business and personal life. Carnegie’s principles will help you achieve your maximum potential in the complex and competitive world. This includes six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, and the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment.

I bought a physical copy to read again at a different stage later in life.

The 48 Laws of Power

Rating: 3/5

Ruthless. This is one word that I would use to describe this book. Greene has distilled three thousand years of the history of power in 48 laws. Every law has one thing in common→ an interest in having total domination. In a world full of power hungry colleagues and bosses, I find it important to understand the way they think and not have a lack of knowledge in an important area in life. Power is ideal whether your aim is conquest, self-defense, or simply to understand the rules of the game. This is a THICCC book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator has a mischievous book which makes this listen even better than it already is.

The Go-Giver

Rating: 4/5

This book tells the story of an ambitious man named Joe who strives for success. Joe is a true go-getter. However, he feels as if the harder and faster he works, the further away his goals seem to be. He seeks advice and finds himself meeting a series of go-givers. They show him the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success. The Five Laws→ the Law of Value, The Law of Compensation, The Law of Influence, The Law of Authenticity, The Law of Receptivity.

I bought a physical copy to read again at a different stage later in life.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Rating: 5/5

The most important lesson of this book, “Don’t chase the carrot.” This book is Robert’s story of growing up with two dads→ his real father (poor dad) and the father of his best friend (rich dad) and the way in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. This book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you. When I first picked up this book, I thought the poor dad’s side of the story was going to talk about the bad spending habits and money management that often occur in the lower class but soon found out that the philosophies of the poor dad is how the majority of the middle class think.

The Four Agreements

Rating: 4/5

Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorite authors. In the Four Agreements he reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless sufferings. The Four Agreements are→ Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. This is a short, easy read.

Friend of a Friend

Rating: 2/5

Yes, my rating on this book is low. And thats because I honestly thought it was pretty boring. However, its still on this list because I’ve found it to be helpful. The best way of networking isn’t always by introducing yourself to strangers at cocktail parties, handing out business cards, or reaching out via linkedIn. Instead, it could be having a better understanding of your existing network. Learn how to make use of the hidden networks you already have.

The 5AM Club

Rating: 5/5

The 5AM club. This is centered around a revolutionary morning routine that has helped maximize productivity, activate their best health and bulletproof their serenity in this age of overwhelming complexity. I personally was a member of the 5AM club for awhile. However, I’ve adjusted out of it recently because I am maximizing recovery for my marathon. I’ve applied those concepts of the morning routine to now my night routine to better my sleep. But, i still get up earlier than before and thats because I realize the complete difference in my day when you don’t have to rush into your morning since you’re already up. A valuable lesson learned in this book.

Atomic Habits

Rating: 4/5

I think Atomic Habits is much better than 7 habits of Highly Effective People. Both great books to read, but if you had to choose one, choose this one. Clear reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits and break bad ones. If you’re having problems changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Learn how to → Make time for your new habits, get back on track when you fall off course, overcome a lack of motivation and willpower, and design your environment to make success easier.

Why the Best are the Best

Rating: 5/5

Tied for my favorite book of all time currently. This book includes 25 powerful words that impact, inspire, and define champions. Kevin Eastman was a member of the Celtics coaching staff in some years they won the Finals.This book examines strategies to help you overcome mistakes and failures, as well as ways to turn them into your own personal success plan.

I bought a physical copy to read again at a different stage later in life.

The Stoic Challenge

Rating: 4/5

Some people bounce back in response to setbacks; others break. We control our responses to situations and there is a strategy for dealing with life’s unpleasant surprises. One of the biggest take aways I pulled from this book is that you can’t change people. So let them be, and expect them to act in their ways, not in the ways you know is right. This brings an abundant amount of peace.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list! Friend me on Goodreads to see additional books that I’ve read as well as books I’m planning on reading. I’d also like to see what books you’re reading!