78 Books To Read in 2021
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It’s been a while since I’ve blogged because it’s been really hard to concentrate on anything else besides the news lately. And you know what? Other than what’s been happening in the world, reading is one of the things that has helped me tremendously to combat my social anxiety during my time in quarantine while working from home with the kids while they attend virtual school this year. Bibliotherapy has been a great way for me to keep up with my reading as well as calm my nerves whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed & upset by ALL THE THINGS around me.
I’m looking forward to reading even more books throughout the year going forward now that I’ve rekindled my love for reading again. I started to keep track of my reading again through the Good Reads app to keep myself organized. I know this list may look long and daunting, especially if you were like me and you haven’t cracked open a book since maybe like college? lol
So I recommend a combination of light reading via audiobooks to start off with first while you carry on some brainless task, like folding laundry or maybe even a dreaded workout. Then as you get more serious and interested in the books you’re listening to, you can read along in your ebook reader or actual physical books too, and make notes & highlights as you go. Either way, it is a great way to nurture your brain & even your soul.
Ok, enough talking from me now and let’s get on to the books already, shall we?
A. Business:
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
One of the things that I like about Clear’s approach is that it’s simple and easy to apply. I’ve been trying to adopt some of the habits that he recommends, like writing down my goals and tracking my progress. And it’s definitely been helpful in terms of keeping me accountable. If you’re looking to make some changes in your life, I would definitely recommend checking out Atomic Habits.
Rating: ★★★★1/2☆
Favorite Quote: “Your habits are your allies. They can protect you from your impulses and cravings, hold you accountable to your commitments, and make it easier for you to achieve your goals.”
2. Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
This book was an exciting read for me! If you’re a mom and a total nerd, like me, then you know that it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field. This book is all about helping you to do just that. Brunson provides a ton of helpful information and advice for anyone who wants to start or grow their business.
Russell shows us his before and after transformations of his early days in the entrepreneurial game and how his mindset shifts helped him to achieve his successes today. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, well, just about anyone really, this book is packed with useful information for you if you want to improve your career.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “People often give up too soon. They forget that it takes time to build an audience, and most people who succeed didn’t find success overnight.”
3-Start With Why by Simon Sinek
What’s the key to a successful business? Simon Sinek argues that it all starts with why you do what you do. In his book Start With Why, Sinek shares case studies and stories of how leaders in various industries have achieved great things by starting with their purpose instead of their product. Simon argues that successful companies always start with their mission or their why, and then work backward from there.
I really resonated with this concept and found myself highlighting lots of passages in the book. If you’re looking for some business inspiration, or just want to learn more about how great companies operate, then I highly recommend reading Start With Why. And who knows? Maybe someday you’ll be the one leading the company and inspiring others with your passion and purpose.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
4. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The Compound Effect is all about making small changes each day in order to achieve big goals. Darren Hardy points out that if you want to make a real change in your life, you need to start with the basics and work your way up. He also shares case studies of people who have achieved great things by following this simple principle.
I found this book to be motivating and inspiring, and I think it would be a great read for anyone who wants to make a change in their life. The Compound Effect is a great reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight and that if you want to achieve something big, you need to start small and gradually build up momentum.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Success is not a random event. It’s not luck. Success is the result of design, planning, and effort.”
5. The Miracle Equation by Hal Elrod
In his book The Miracle Equation, Hal Elrod lays out a simple but powerful formula for achieving your goals. The equation is made up of four components: prayer, plan, persist, and prosper. Hal shares personal stories and examples to illustrate how each step of the equation can help you achieve your goals. I found this book to be motivating and inspiring, and it’s definitely helped me stay focused on my goals. If you’re looking for a roadmap to success, then I highly recommend reading The Miracle Equation.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Your success is not a result of chance, it’s a result of choice. You are where you are today because of the choices you’ve made (and the ones you haven’t).”
6. Five Stars by Carmine Gallo
I’m also a big fan of Carmine Gallo because I think he’s such an excellent speaker in general. He is known for his ability to command a stage presence thus he’s been a go-to resource for many of the TED Talk speakers we’ve seen and heard before. Gallo provides a step-by-step guide on how to become a successful public speaker. He covers everything from overcoming your fear of public speaking to delivering a powerful and memorable speech.
Gallo’s tips are based on his own experiences as a communications expert and former journalist. If you’re looking to improve your public speaking skills, then I highly recommend reading Five Stars as well as his other books.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “One of the great secrets to becoming a great public speaker is to become a great listener.”
7. How To Lead When You’re Not In Charge by Clay Scroggins
In his book How To Lead When You’re Not In Charge, Clay Scroggins shares tips on how to be a leader even when you don’t have the authority to make decisions. He argues that you don’t need to be in a position of power to lead, you just need to be willing to take initiative and step up when needed. I found this book to be helpful and inspiring, and I think it would be a great read for anyone who wants to develop their leadership skills. It provides a lot of great advice on how to lead by example and how to make a positive impact even when you’re not in charge.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favorite Quote: “The best way to lead when you’re not in charge is by serving others.”
8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic self-help book that has been popular for years. It’s based on the principle that if you want to be successful, you need to develop seven habits that are conducive to success.
The seven habits are:
- be proactive,
- begin with the end in mind,
- put first things first,
- think win-win,
- seek to understand before being understood,
- synergize, and
- Sharpen the Saw.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to be successful, then I recommend reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “People are not lazy. They simply have priorities other than work.”
9. The Speed of Trust by Steven Covey
The Speed of Trust is a book about trust and how it can help you achieve your life goals. Steven Covey believes that trust is the foundation of all successful relationships; and that if you want to be successful, you need to build trust with others. The book provides a lot of great tips on how to build trust with others. I count this book amongst some of my must-reads for anyone who struggles with social interactions and interpersonal skills like I do, who wants to improve their relationships.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The ability to trust is one of the most essential ingredients for success in any area of life.”
10. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne is a business book that studies the strategies of successful businesses in a saturated (red ocean) market. The authors do an excellent job at describing in detail the types of niches and micro-niches in different industries that have found the secret sauce to thriving by finding the gap in the market that their competitors do not offer. This book is great for anyone who wants to start their own business or find a new way to compete in their industry. It’s definitely helped me to think outside the box and come up with new ideas for my business.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”
11. The Storyteller’s Secret by Carmine Gallo
In his book, The Storyteller’s Secret, Carmine Gallo discusses the art of storytelling and how it can be used to build relationships and influence others. He argues that storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve goals in both personal and professional settings. Gallo provides a lot of great tips on how to become a better storyteller and how to use storytelling to achieve your goals. I found this book to be helpful and inspiring, and I think it would be a great read for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “A storyteller is a person who has the power to capture and hold an audience’s attention, to inspire hope, and to create change.”
12. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
If you want to learn how to give a Ted Talk, or just be a better public speaker in general, then this is the book for you. Carmine Gallo takes you through the basics of what it takes to be a great public speaker, from understanding your audience to using storytelling techniques to keep them interested. He also provides tips on how to overcome your fear of public speaking, and how to stay motivated when you’re feeling down. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced speaker, there’s something in this book for you.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The best communicators are the best storytellers.”
13. Exactly What To Say by Phil Jones
In Exactly What To Say, Phil Jones provides readers with a step-by-step guide on how to say the right thing at the right time in any situation. He covers everything from small talk and networking to difficult conversations and negotiations; and provides plenty of examples of what to say and what not to say. This book is perfect for those of us who are introverts who often feel particularly shy but want to feel more confident in our communication skills especially when it comes to sales & marketing.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The ability to say the right thing at the right time is a priceless commodity.”
14. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
If you’re looking for a book that will help you improve your business finances, then Profit First is definitely worth checking out. Mike Michalowicz outlines a simple, yet effective, system for ensuring that your business is always making a profit. He provides advice on how to set up your accounts so that you can track your profits and losses, as well as how to adjust your spending habits so that you can make more money. This book is a must-read for any business owner who wants to ensure that their business is always in the black.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “If you’re not making a profit, you’re not in business.”
15. Verbal Judo by George J. Thompson
In Verbal Judo, George Thompson teaches readers how to use communication to their advantage in any situation, particularly tense. He covers everything from hostage negotiations and presentations to difficult conversations; and provides plenty of tips on how to remove emotion from the equation to stay calm and in control under, sometimes intense pressure. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to effectively communicate with others, regardless of the situation.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The key to successful verbal judo is to keep your ego out of it.”
16. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
In Delivering Happiness, Tony Hsieh tells an honest story of how he built his company, Zappos, from the ground up. He provides readers with insights into company culture, customer service, and how to create a happy and productive team atmosphere. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to create a successful business from scratch, or who simply wants to learn more about Zappos and the importance of company culture & creating goodwill from within as well as outside of an organization.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “Our goal is to create a company culture that is so great that it attracts the best and brightest employees, who in turn will help us continue to deliver happiness to our customers.”
17. Made To Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
In Made To Stick, Chip and Dan Heath explore the science behind why some ideas stick while others don’t. They outline six principles that will help your ideas be more successful in getting across to your audience:
- Simplicity,
- Unexpectedness,
- Concreteness,
- Credibility,
- Emotional Connection, and
- Stories.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to create and communicate better ideas, or who wants to learn more about why some ideas in media are successfully trending while others are failing fads.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
18. Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
Donald Miller lays out the steps to creating a story brand in this book. A story brand is a business that tells a story that people can relate to and connect with. The story must be authentic and real, and it must be communicated in all aspects of the business, from the mission statement to the customer service. Miller provides case studies of businesses that have successfully created a story brand, as well as exercises to help you create your own brand story.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “A story brand is not a marketing campaign. It’s a way of life.”
19. How To Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards
How To Write Copy That Sells is a book about sales and marketing, specifically copywriting. Ray Edwards walks you through the basics of copywriting, from understanding your audience to writing headlines to using persuasive language. He also includes exercises to help you practice and improve your skills. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write effective sales copy.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The purpose of your headline is to get the reader to read the next sentence, and the purpose of that sentence is to get the reader to read the next one, and so on.”
B. Psychology
1. Mindset-The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
In Mindset-The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck discusses how one’s mindset determines their success in life. She argues that there are two different types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence and abilities are static, while people with a growth mindset believe that they can always improve and learn new things. Dweck provides evidence that those with a growth mindset are more successful than those with a fixed mindset, as the former are more willing to challenge themselves and persevere in the face of setbacks. She offers advice on how to cultivate a growth mindset in oneself and explains how changing one’s mindset can lead to greater success in all areas of life.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “We must be careful not to be lured by the false promise of quick and easy solutions. There are no shortcuts to excellence.”
2. How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber & Julie King
How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen is a guide to communicating with young children. The authors suggest that the key to effective communication is to meet children where they are developmentally; and to adapt one’s communication style accordingly. They offer practical tips on how to get children’s attention, how to make requests that are likely to be met with compliance, and how to handle difficult behaviors. The book is filled with examples of effective and ineffective communication, as well as helpful illustrations.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “If you want to be heard, you must first listen.”
3-How To Think by Alan Jacobs
In How To Think, Alan Jacobs argues that the current model of education is failing to teach students how to think critically. He posits that the ability to think critically is more important than ever, as our world is becoming increasingly complex. Jacobs offers a detailed definition of critical thinking and describes the various steps involved in the process. He highlights the importance of asking good questions, suspending judgment, and of considering all sides of an issue. Jacobs also discusses the role of emotions in critical thinking and offers advice on how to overcome cognitive biases, how to think critically and make informed decisions.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “We must become accustomed to the idea that wisdom is not a commodity that can be purchased once and for all, but something that must be sought after continually.”
4. Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson
Crucial Conversations is a guide to handling difficult conversations. The authors argue that most of us avoid difficult conversations because we fear that they will lead to conflict. However, they maintain that avoiding these conversations only makes them worse. The book offers a step-by-step process for having difficult conversations effectively. It provides tools for dealing with emotions, for setting boundaries, and for managing the conversation so that it leads to a productive outcome. The book is filled with examples of difficult conversations that went wrong, as well as conversations that ended in mutual understanding.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The truth is that the people with whom we have the most difficult conversations are often the people with whom we need to have them the most.”
5. How To WIn Any Argument by Robert Mayer
In How To Win Any Argument, Robert Mayer provides tips for winning arguments. He argues that the key to winning an argument is to make your opponent feel like they are wrong. Mayer offers a variety of techniques for doing this, including using logic, appealing to emotions, and using rhetorical devices. He also discusses how to deal with difficult opponents and how to win without resorting to dirty tactics. The book is filled with examples of successful and unsuccessful arguments.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favorite Quote: “The person who has the most information is usually the one who wins the argument.”
6. Controlling People: How To Recognize, Understand, & Deal with People Who Try To Control You by Patricia Evans
In Controlling People, Patricia Evans argues that many people use controlling behavior as a way to cope with their own feelings of insecurity and vulnerability. She maintains that it is important to recognize controlling behavior in oneself and in others, as it can be damaging to both the individual and to relationships. Evans offers tips for recognizing controlling behavior, for understanding its underlying causes, and for dealing with it effectively. She also discusses the signs of a healthy relationship and provides advice for breaking free from a controlling relationship.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The fact is, we can only control ourselves, and that’s where our power lies.”
7. Better Parents, Better Spouses, Better People by Daniel Siegel & Daniel Goleman
In Better Parents, Better Spouses, Better People, Daniel Siegel and Daniel Goleman argue that the key to becoming a better person is to develop empathy. They maintain that empathy is essential for good parenting, for healthy relationships, and for creating a more peaceful world. The book offers a variety of exercises for developing empathy skills. It provides tips for understanding your own emotions and for understanding the emotions of others. The book also discusses the importance of compassion and forgiveness and offers advice for overcoming anger and resentment.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The more we understand about the way people work, the more we can forgive them for not working the way we want them to.”
C. Money/Personal Finance:
1. Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan
Retired Inspired is all about planning and preparing for retirement. Chris Hogan breaks down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps that will help you save for retirement and make the most of your golden years. He also provides helpful tips on how to adjust to retired life, whether you’re just starting out or already enjoying your post-work years. No one should ever have to resort to eating cans of dog food in order to just survive.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favorite Quote: “Your retirement is only as good as your plan.”
2. Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan
In this book, Chris Hogan reveals the secrets of America’s wealthiest people and understands what it means to be a millionaire and how anyone can achieve that status. He profiles everyday millionaires who have achieved financial success without winning the lottery or inheriting a fortune. These are real millionaires from all walks of life who show that there is no one “right” way to become a millionaire. He also offers helpful tips on how to save for retirement, get out of debt, and invest your money wisely. If you want to be a millionaire, start with this mindset shift: “I’m the reason I’m not winning yet, and I’m the reason I will win in the future.”
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The biggest barrier to becoming a millionaire is not understanding that you can do it.”
3. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley & William Danko
In this book, Thomas Stanley and William Danko set out to discover the common traits of America’s millionaires. What they found was that most millionaires are not your stereotypical wealthy people. They don’t drive flashy cars or live in luxurious homes. In fact, many of them are quite frugal and often work hard for their money. The Millionaire Next Door provides a wealth of information on how to become a millionaire, including tips on budgeting, investing, and spending wisely. If you want to be wealthy, start by adopting the habits of America’s millionaires.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “Most people who become millionaires do not do it through inheritance, lottery wins, or winning the business game. They do it through a combination of hard work, saving, and investing.”
4. The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley
The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley will teach you the habits and mindset of America’s millionaires so that you can emulate their success. Stanley interviewed over 1,000 millionaires to find out what makes them tick, and he found that most of them share similar traits, such as patience, discipline, and focus. He also found that most millionaires are not what you normally think of as flashy or over-the-top personality types, but are instead very practical and down-to-earth humble people. If you want to be a millionaire, you can start by reading this book!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The single most important factor in determining whether people become wealthy is not their level of income or education but their mind-set.”
5. The Index Card by Helaine Olen & Harold Pollack
In this book, Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack points out that the best way to achieve financial stability and security is by using a simple system they call, “The Index Card.” The Index Card consists of just four basic tenets:
- save 10-20% of your income,
- invest in low-cost index funds,
- have a 3-6 month cash cushion, and
- use debt wisely.
Olen and Pollack explain each of these tenets in detail and provide helpful tips on how to follow them. They also offer advice on how to overcome common financial obstacles, like getting out of debt, saving for retirement, and investing for beginners. If you want to achieve financial security, this book is a must-read!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The four principles of the Index Card are time-tested and easy to remember. They will work for you regardless of your age, income, or saving habits.”
6. How To Turn A $100 Into $1,000,000 by James McKenna
I’ve included this book under the Money category, but it is really written for Children/Juvenile. How To Turn A $100 Into $1,000,000 by James McKenna is all about how to achieve financial success through investing. McKenna breaks down financial concepts & helpful tips to help kids understand how to start investing with as little as $100, and how to grow that investment into a million-dollar fortune in their future. He also provides detailed info on different types of investments, like stocks, bonds, real estate, and cryptocurrencies, and offers advice on how to choose the right investments for your kids. This book is a great starting point for children ages 12+ to learn about becoming a millionaire.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The sooner you start investing, the more time your money will have to grow.”
7. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover is a guide to getting your finances in order. Ramsey offers advice on how to get out of debt, save for retirement, and invest for beginners. He also provides helpful tips on how to create a budget, stick to it, and how to manage your money wisely. If you’re ready to finally get your finances in order, this is the book that shows you exactly what to do, how to do it, and why you NEED to do it!
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “Financial peace isn’t about getting rich. It’s about becoming rich.”
8. Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
In her 1st of 3 book series, Broke Millennial, Erin Lowry provides tips and advice on how to get your finances in order. Lowry is a very relatable, very ambitious, yet fun-loving self-proclaimed “broke millennial” who knows what it’s like to be struggling with money issues. Her book offers helpful tips on how to save money, get out of debt, and invest for beginner millennials. Lowry also provides helpful advice on how to deal with common money problems, like student loan debt, credit card debt, and unemployment. If you’re looking for help with your finances, Broke Millennial is a great place to kickstart your personal finance journey!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Debt isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a weight that drags you down and keeps you from reaching your goals.”
9. Broke Millennial Talks Money by Erin Lowry
In her 2nd of 3 book series, Broke Millennial Talks Money, Erin Lowry provides more tips and advice on money management. This time around, Lowry focuses specifically on how to deal with common money problems that millennials face. She offers helpful solutions to things like student loan debt, credit card debt, and unemployment, and provides advice on how to create a budget, stick to it, and save money. If you’re looking for more help with your finances, Broke Millennial Talks Money is a great resource to continue your path toward financial freedom!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Your money is a reflection of your priorities. If you want to change your life, you have to change your money habits.”
10. Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by Erin Lowry
In her 3rd and final book series, Broke Millennial Takes on Investing, Erin Lowry provides in-depth tips and advice on how to invest your money. Lowry is a financial expert who knows a lot about the topic of investing, and she offers her knowledge to readers in this book. She provides information on different types of investments, like stocks, bonds, real estate, and cryptocurrencies, and offers advice on how to choose the right investments for you. Lowry also provides helpful tips on how to get started with investing, and how to grow your investment portfolio over time. If you want to learn about investing, Broke Millennial Takes on Investing is a great place to tie up this 3 part series on your personal finance journey.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favorite Quote: “Investing is one of the smartest things you can do with your money. It’s how you make your money work for you.”
11. The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
In this book, David Bach lays out a simple financial plan that anyone can follow to achieve millionaire status. He calls his plan, “The Automatic Millionaire,” because it requires very little effort on your part once you set it up. The basic premise is to automate your finances so that you will save money automatically without even having to think about it. Bach outlines 8 simple steps anyone can take to become a millionaire, without even having to work very hard! The steps are: pay yourself first, establish an emergency fund, use debt wisely, save for retirement, buy a home, invest in index funds, and give back. And the best part is that you can start small with as little as $5 per week, which is about the cost of a medium latte. Coincidentally is also the name of his next book.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “You don’t need a winning lottery ticket or an inheritance from a rich uncle to become a millionaire. You just need to make the decision to become one and then put into place a few simple steps.”
12. The Latte Factor by David Bach
This book is a follow-up to The Automatic Millionaire, and it focuses on one specific aspect of personal finance that can have a major impact on your net worth: your spending habits. David Bach calls this the “Latte Factor” because small, everyday expenses like buying a $5 cup of latte can add up over time. He provides helpful tips on how you can identify and track your spending patterns, and how to make small changes that can have a huge impact on your bottom line without sacrificing your creature comforts.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “If you gave up one $5 latte per day, you would have an extra $1,825 in your pocket at the end of the year.”
13. Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach
In this book, David Bach lays out a simple financial plan that any couple can follow to achieve millionaire status. His plan is called “Smart Couples Finish Rich,” and it is based on the idea that if couples work together to manage their money, they can achieve much more than if they were working individually. Bach provides helpful tips on how to create a budget, invest money wisely, and save for retirement. He also offers advice on how to deal with common money problems that couples face, like debt and disagreements about finances so you can get on the same page with your partner.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “A smart couple is a wealthy couple.”
14. Your Money Your Life by Vicki Robin
Your Money Your Life challenges the idea that money is the most important thing in life. Robin says that if you focus on earning more money, you will end up sacrificing things that are much more valuable, like time with family and friends, or your health. To challenge her reader’s relationship with money, she asks the question, “How is your money working for you?” She encourages readers to break free from the traditional mindset of “working for money,” and instead start thinking of money as a tool that can be used to create the life they want to live. Robin offers an alternative to this mindset, called “Your Money Your Life,” which is based on the idea that if you focus on spending your money in a way that supports your values, you will be happier and more fulfilled. She provides helpful tips on how to figure out what your values are, and how to align your spending with those values.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “The bottom line is this: until you get your money and your life in alignment, you will never have the wealth and happiness you desire.”
15. Meet The Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames
Thames tells the story of how she and her husband, Nate, quit their high-paying jobs to move to the woods in rural Vermont and become full-time homesteaders. They were able to do this by adopting a frugal lifestyle that allowed them to live comfortably on a fraction of what they were making before. She provides helpful tips on how to live a frugal life without sacrificing your quality of life. She also offers advice on everything from where to find cheap groceries to how to save money on your mortgage and beyond.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The more we simplified, the more we realized that we already had all we needed.”
16. Secrets of The Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
In this book, Secrets of The Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker sets up a step-by-step plan for achieving financial success. He believes that if you want to be rich, you need to think like a rich person, and he provides helpful tips on how to do just that. He covers topics like goal setting, budgeting, and investing, and offers advice on how to overcome the common psychological barriers by replacing them with a winning mindset to achieve financial success.
Rating: ★★★1/2☆
Favorite Quote: “The biggest difference between rich people and poor people is that rich people create and implement systems to take care of their money, while poor people simply hope for the best.”
17. The Bogleheads’ Guide To Investing by Taylor Larimore
The Bogleheads’ Guide To Investing provides a comprehensive guide to investing. The authors cover topics like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and offers advice on how to build a portfolio that is right for you. They also offer advice on how to save for retirement, and how to manage your investments once you have started investing. They also debunk common investment myths and provide helpful tips on how to stay disciplined with your investing strategy, even when the markets are volatile.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
18. Choose FI by Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, & Jonathan Mendonza
In this book, Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, and Jonathan Mendonza provides a step-by-step guide that anyone can take to achieve financial independence. The authors demonstrate how to use their spending plan which includes investment vehicles are best for beginners. They cover topics such as budgeting, saving money, and investing.
- Step 1: is to change your mindset and start thinking like a millionaire. They provide helpful tips on how to do this, including how to create a spending plan, how to make more money, and how to invest for the future.
- Step 2: is to increase your income and reduce your expenses. They provide helpful tips on how to do this, including how to save money on groceries, housing, cars, and more.
- Step 3: is to invest your money wisely.
I love a good book that provide a detailed plan and Choose FI shows you real concrete examples of people who have made the transition to a frugal lifestyle without sacrificing your quality of life and how it is repeatable for anyone. There are plenty of different case studies of people who have achieved financial independence, so you can see how it is done and apply it to your own life situation too.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “It’s not about deprivation and it’s not about grinding your way to some mythical finish line. It’s about making choices today that will put you in a much better position tomorrow.”
D. Children’s/Juvenvile:
1. Percy Jackson Series #1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is a teenager who discovers that he is actually the son of a Greek god, Poseidon. When his world starts to unravel, Percy sets out on a journey to find the lightning thief who has stolen Zeus’s lightning bolt and try to prevent a war between the big three gods (Zeus, Hades, & Poseidon). Along the way, Percy meets new friends as well as foes; and learns about his own powers and potential as a half-blood (half-human and half-god).
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “It’s better to be a hero who falls than to not be a hero at all.”
2. Percy Jackson Series #2: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
In the 2nd of this 5-book series, Percy and his friends sets out on a quest to The Sea of Monsters in order to save Annabeth, who has been kidnapped by the Titans, and find and destroy the Golden Fleece. This will prevent Luke, a son of Hermes, from using it to create a new monster that could destroy Olympus. During their quest, the young heroes face many challenges including an encounter with the Cyclops & Percy’s half-brother, Tyson, a journey to the Underworld, and a final showdown with their villainous ex-friend, Luke.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
3. Percy Jackson Series #3: The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
In the 3rd book of this 5 part series, Percy Jackson and his friends set out on another quest to stop a war between the gods and the titans. They are joined by Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, two of Percy’s closest otherworldly friends from camp; as well as Thalia Grace, a daughter of Zeus, and Tyson, Percy’s half brother & cyclops. The group’s journey takes them to the land of the Titans, where they must face some of the most powerful monsters in Greek mythology.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “It’s not about being strong. It’s about being smart enough to survive.”
4. Percy Jackson Series #4: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
In this book, Percy Jackson and his friends face their most dangerous challenge yet as they journey into the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a maze that was created by Daedalus, the same inventor with a very checkered past of rebelliousness against the gods, who built the Minotaur’s labyrinth. This maze is full of deadly traps and monsters, and the group has to find their way through it in order to stop Kronos, the notorious titan father of all gods, from destroying Mount Olympus.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “You can’t just give up. You have to keep going. That’s what heroes do.”
5. PAX #1 by Sara Pennypacker
Pax is a heartwarming story about a young boy, Peter, and his pet fox, Pax. When their home is destroyed in a fire, Peter has to go to live with his father in the city while Pax is sent to live in the woods. Peter & Pax are forced by his father to say goodbye to each other, not knowing if they will ever see each other again. Pax learns how to survive in the wild, while Peter deals with the emotional pain of being away from his pet & being sent away to his grandfather as his own father goes off to war. When Peter & Pax finally reunite, they have both grown up and learned a lot about life and their own identities in this cruel world.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The most important thing isn’t who you are. It’s who you think you are.”
6. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Up until now, August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Now in 5th grade, Auggie is being homeschooled and is finally ready to face the very real and very cruel world & attend a “normal” school. He enters as a new student in the middle of the school year and must navigate the social waters, as well as his own anxieties about being accepted. Wonder is a heartwarming story about the power of kindness, acceptance, and love in a sometimes cruel and ugly world.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “I think the world is divided into two kinds of people: those who are kind and those who are not. If you meet somebody who is not kind, you must be kind to them because they are in pain.”
7. The Land of Stories Book #1: The Wishing Spell
In The Land of Stories, Conner and Alex are two normal kids who live in a world very different from our own. In their world, fairy tales are real and the characters from those stories live among them. When Conner’s grandmother dies, he & Alex find a mysterious book that transports them into the Land of Stories, where they have to save the fairy tale characters from a powerful villain. This is the first book in a 5-part book series, and each book gets better and better.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they remind us that we can defeat them.”
E. Self-Help:
1. Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup
Ruth Soukup is the founder of Ruth Soukup Omnimedia. In one of her many signature online course programs and NYT’s Best Selling Books- Do It Scared, she tells her own story of how she overcame her paralyzing fear of failure to create a successful online business. In this book, Ruth provides practical tips, advice, and encouragement for anyone who is struggling with fear & self-doubt when it comes to their career, business, or creative pursuits, a great read, especially for introverts who are interested in starting an online business.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
2. Quiet by Susan Cain
Susan Cain is the co-founder of the Quiet Revolution. In her groundbreaking book Quiet, she takes a look at the societal value we’ve placed on being outgoing & extroverted. She makes the case that our world is biased against introverts, who are often wrongly viewed as shy or uninteresting and lacking in mental and emotional stamina. Susan provides a wealth of research and stories to back up her case; and offers ways for introverts (and the people who love them) to embrace their introverted nature in an ever-changing modern world.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “The power of introverts is that they can go deep. They’re not afraid to dive below the surface, to explore the inner recesses of their minds and souls. And that’s where the gold is.”
3. Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and the founder of Science of People. In her book, Captivate, she takes a look at the science of human behavior and provides readers with practical tips on how to captivate anyone they want- from friends to romantic partners and especially workplace professionals. This book is full of fascinating stories and research, as well as Vanessa’s own personal tips for how to make a great first impression, read someone’s body language, and optimize for better social outcomes.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “We are constantly interacting with people and trying to figure out what they’re thinking, feeling, or intending. We want to know how to make them like us, how to get them to do what we want, and how to avoid their rejection. The ability to read people is an essential life skill.”
4. The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
Todd Herman is a performance coach, speaker, and author. In his book, The Alter Ego Effect, he takes a look at the idea of “altering egos”- or different personas that we can use to improve our productivity, creativity, and overall success in any area of life. He outlines step-by-step methods for creating your own alter egos, and provides real-life examples of how top athletes, entrepreneurs, and creatives have used this technique to achieve amazing things by switching on their alter ego during their particular field of “play” or “performance time.” They learn to adapt this mentality in order to laser focus on their work so that they don’t become distracted by their fears and voices of negativity inside their heads.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The Alter Ego Effect is a system for developing a positive relationship with fear. Fear becomes our ally, not our enemy.”
5. How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie is the author of this classic book on interpersonal relationships. In it, he outlines practical tips for how to make friends and influence people. He discusses the importance of communication, being a good listener, and understanding others in order to get along with just about anyone in your life. This book is a great read if you want to learn how to build better relationships with the people in your life.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
6. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama XIV and Desmond Tutu
The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu are two of the most well-known and respected spiritual leaders in the world. In their book, The Book of Joy, they come together to discuss the nature of happiness and how we can find joy in our lives no matter what circumstances we are faced with. They explore different concepts such as the power of compassion, forgiveness, and self-compassion, and offer readers tools for creating a more joyful life.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “True joy comes from within, and is not dependent on external conditions.”
7. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama is a world-renowned spiritual leader and author. In his book, The Art of Happiness, he discusses the importance of living a meaningful life that is based on our own individual values and happiness. He provides lots of insights and advice on how to find inner peace and live in harmony with those around us, no matter what our personal circumstances may be. He also encourages us to seek out others who are different from we are and that even if we meet someone that we do not agree with, there is so much to learn, love, and respect for each other.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”
8. Reading People by Anne Bogel
Anne Bogel is a blogger and author who focuses on reading, books, and personal growth. In her book, Reading People, she takes a look at the different ways that we can better understand others by paying attention to their words, actions, and body language. She discusses the importance of being curious about others, developing empathy for those around us; and shows her readers tips for how to do this. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about human behavior and how to better interact with the people in their lives.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “People are always telling us who they are, if we’re only listening.”
9. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
David Schwartz is a motivational speaker and author who focuses on personal development. In his book, The Magic of Thinking Big, he discusses the importance of having a positive outlook and thinking big in order to achieve our goals and dreams. He outlines specific steps for how to change our thinking patterns so that we can start believing in ourselves and our abilities. He also provides real-world examples of people who have achieved great things by thinking big. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to achieve their goals and dreams.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Big thinkers are always looking for ways to do things better, faster, and more easily. They are not content with the status quo.”
10. Limitless by Jim Kwik
Once described by his teacher as, “the boy with the broken brain,” Jim Kwik is a brain coach and memory expert. In his book, Limitless, he discusses the importance of learning and using memory techniques in order to achieve our goals. He shares lots of different and doable tips and strategies for how to improve our memory and focus, as well as ways to overcome distractions and stay motivated. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to better utilize their brainpower, learn to recall & retain information, improve their reading skills, and achieve better results in life.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The more you learn, the more you can do. The more you can do, the more you can earn. The more you can earn, the more options you have in life.”
11. How To Have Confidence & Power When Dealing w/People by Les Giblin
Les Giblin is a self-improvement author and speaker who focuses on human relations. In his book, How To Have Confidence & Power When Dealing With People, he discusses the importance of developing confidence and power when interacting with others. He gives specific techniques for how to project a powerful image by taking up space with your open body language, communicating effectively with strategic pauses, and get along with just about anyone with active listening. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to confidently interact with the people in their lives.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “When you are assertive, people know where they stand with you. You don’t play games, and you don’t try to be something that you’re not.”
12. Set Boundaries Find Peace by Nedra Tawab
This is my favorite book for learning about boundaries without the religious overbearing undertones that many others contain by far! Set Boundaries Find Peace, Nedra Tawab discusses the importance of setting boundaries in order to achieve peace and happiness. She provides readers with a step-by-step guide for how to identify personal boundaries, understand why they are important, and learn how to enforce them. This book is for anyone who struggles with saying no, feels overwhelmed by others, or has difficulty setting healthy limits due to how they were raised as a child.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: ” Boundaries don’t restrict freedom; they create it. They allow us to have better relationships because we are not trying to control or be controlled.”
13. 25 Ways To Win With People by John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell is a leadership expert, author, and speaker who focuses on developing people to their fullest potential. In his book, 25 Ways To Win With People, he outlines 25 different ways that we can win with the people in our lives. He discusses the importance of relationships, communication, and understanding others in order to build productive teams at work and achieve great things in society. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to develop better relationships, communicate effectively, and understand others.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “People are not remembered by how much money they have made or by how many trophies they have won. They are remembered by the lives they have touched and the difference they have made.”
14. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
Kendra Adachi is a certified life coach and self-improvement author who focuses on helping people learn to work smarter, not harder. In her book, The Lazy Genius Way, she discusses the importance of taking a more holistic and mindful approach to learning and productivity. She outlines specific techniques for how to set goals, meal plan effectively for your family, develop a routine, improve focus, and create a workspace that supports productivity using flags to prioritize importance. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to work smarter, not harder.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “We can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination.”
15. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and an author who focuses on courage, vulnerability, and shame. In her book, Daring Greatly, she discusses the importance of vulnerability and how it can be used as a tool for courage. She outlines specific steps for how to embrace vulnerability in all areas of our lives, including in our relationships, work, and creative pursuits. This book is for anyone who wants to dig deep from within themselves and learn the hard truths about how to be more courageous in their own lives.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. It is the source of courage, honesty, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our lives, if we want to connect more deeply with others, if we want to feel more spacious and alive, we must risk vulnerability.”
16. Ultralearning by Scott H. Young
Scott H. Young is an entrepreneur, author, and self-improvement enthusiast who has learned how to learn quickly and effectively. In his book, Ultralearning, he discusses the importance of constant learning and how to develop a learning mindset. He outlines specific techniques for how to set goals, chunk information effectively, uses a variety of learning styles, and develop a daily learning habit. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to focus on the important things, ignore the distractions, & learn anything quickly and effectively to optimize time.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “What we need isn’t more time, it’s more focus. We need to be selective with how we spend our time so that we can put our energy into the things that matter most.”
17. You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero is a best-selling author, success coach, and motivational speaker who helps people kick their asses into high gear and achieve their goals. In her bluntly-speaking book, You Are A Badass, she discusses the importance of self-love, positive thinking, and taking massive action in order to create the life you want. Jen Sincero takes a humorous but firm approach to helping you understand why you are held back from your goals & dreams, and provides straightforward tips for how you can change your mindset & start taking massive action towards achieving them. She also gives specific steps for how to identify your passions, set powerful intentions, and overcome any self-doubt that may be holding you back. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to love themselves more, think more positively, and take massive action towards their life goals.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “People who succeed at their passions and live an awesome life don’t do so by accident. They have certain habits that keep them on track and help them achieve their goals.”
18. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Greg McKeown is an entrepreneur, author, and CEO who focuses on teaching people how to live a meaningful life by doing less. In his book, Essentialism, he discusses the importance of identifying our most important priorities and focusing on those things in order to create a more meaningful life. He outlines specific steps for how to simplify our lives, say no to more things, delegate the unnecessary, and focus on the important things in our personal and professional life. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to focus on what matters most and create a more meaningful life of presence and not presents.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “The relentless pursuit of more is actually a race to nowhere. It’s a guaranteed way to miss the life we were meant to live.”
19. The Subtle Art of Not Giving An F*ck by Mark Manson
Mark Manson is a blogger, author, and life coach who helps people learn how to live a happy and successful life by not giving an F*$%. In his brutally honest book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving An F*, he discusses the importance of accepting ourselves for who we are, developing a healthy sense of detachment, and taking action in the face of fear. He outlines specific steps for how to let go of our need for approval, deal with our inner demons, and create a life that is authentic to us. This book is for anyone who resonates with the author, most likely a white male, who wants to learn how to be more authentic, let go of their need for approval, and take action in the face of fear.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The most successful people in life are the ones who have consistently pushed themselves outside their comfort zone and who have been willing to face their fears head-on.”
20. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo is the founder of KonMari Media and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She outlines a unique method for decluttering your home & possessions, based on the idea that if something doesn’t “spark joy”, then it’s time to let it go. specific steps for how to go through your home and belongings, discard what no longer brings you joy, and organize the rest in a way that makes sense to you. I really appreciated Marie’s kind approach to treating the things that we once own with dignity and grace by thanking your items for serving their purpose before you part with them. This book has become a global phenomenon, and for good reason- her philosophy is simple but life-changing. If you want to learn how to declutter your life, get rid of the things that no longer bring them joy, and create more space for what truly matters, check out her books.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”
F. Non-Fiction:
1. Bird By Bird by Anne Lamotte
Anne Lamotte is an award-winning author and writing teacher who shares her wisdom on the art of writing in her book, Bird By Bird. She discusses the importance of taking small steps with crappy first drafts, being patient with our writing, and how to overcome the fear of putting ourselves out there. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to write, regardless of experience level.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “The writer must be a little crazy, or at least must be able to act a little crazy, for creativity is a form of madness.”
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author who has written extensively on the topic of following your dreams. In his book, The Alchemist, he tells the story of a young shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. Along the way, he meets many people and experiences different cultures while learning about the universal truths of life. This book is for anyone who wants to learn about the power of following their dreams and the importance of taking risks.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
G. Social Justice/Cultural Diversity:
1. How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Flemming
Crystal Fleming is an associate professor of sociology and African American studies at Stony Brook University who teaches people how to be less stupid about race. In her book, she discusses the importance of understanding racism and its impact on our society as well as our lives, being allies to people of color, and how to speak out against racism. Fleming demonstrates in vivid detail within her book that race is more than just black versus white, Democrats versus Republicans, & us versus them. This book is for anyone who wants to learn about how to be less ignorant about race and how to fight racism.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Favorite Quote: “Racism is not about hate. It’s about power.”
2. Count Me In By Varsha Bajaj (Children’s/Juvenile)
Count Me In is a juvenile book written by Varsha Bajaj. It tells a story about a young middle school-aged Indian-American girl named Karina Chopra who lives in Houston, Texas with her parents & extended family members. The book alternates between Karina’s and her friend, Chris’ (who is white) point of view to show what it is like to assimilate into & live amongst a discriminating white society. Karina’s grandfather is the voice of reason and wisdom for her and Chris, as he is ruthlessly beaten due to racists acts of violence from ignorant cowards.This book provides a good idea of what it’s like to feel unsafe, unaccepted, and an outcast while attending school as a person of color.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “It’s just hard to be different. People want you to be one thing and act one way, and that’s not always who you are.”
3. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanh Ha Lai (Children’s/Juvenile)
Inside Out & Back Again is a children’s book written by Thanh Ha Lai about a young Vietnamese girl named Hà who, during the Vietnam War, is forced to flee her home country and start over in America with her single mother and older brothers. The story follows Hà as she adjusts to her new life in the United States, learns English, and makes friends. It highlights some of the ugliness of humanity when it comes to the mistreatment of people of color as well the implicit biases that are deeply withheld in White society about foreigners. This book is for anyone who wants to learn about the Vietnam War and its impact on refugees.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “America is a big country with many kinds of people. Some are kind, and some are not so kind. But we must all live together.”
4. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds (Children’s/Juvenile)
Look Both Ways is a series of short stories written by Jason Reynolds about the lives of young, black Americans living in inner-city Baltimore, Maryland. Each story is richly told in vivid detail and woven together as one while narrated by a different character. Reynolds does an impeccable job as he skillfully writes with a unique perspective on the challenges and obstacles that they face on a daily basis. This book is an excellent resource that highlights the humanity of Black people who speak candidly about the hardships of growing up in America while Black and living in a poverty-ridden, high-crime neighborhood and the importance of having hope.
Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote: “I was looking for a way out. Not just of my neighborhood, but out of the whole damn city. Out of this terrible place where no one ever really wins. Where it feels like you can’t breathe, and the air hurts your lungs. I wanted to find a way out of all that pain and anger and fear. But more than anything, I wanted to find a way out of myself.”
5. Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
Minor Feelings is a poetry book written by Cathy Park Hong about the experiences of being a second-generation Korean American woman. She discusses topics such as racism, sexism, and xenophobia that she has experienced in her lifetime. Hong does an excellent job of capturing the essence of what it means to feel like an outsider, “a forever foreigner,” in both America and also in Korea. This book is for anyone who wants to learn about the experiences of being an Asian-American woman living in America.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favorite Quote: “So much of my life has been lived in translation. I am always translating myself—my body, my thoughts, my feelings—into a language that will be understood. My mother and father never stop translating themselves, either. We are all foreigners in our own countries.”
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! 78 books read and/or listened to while doing laundry & working on my never-ending list of DIY home improvement projects in 2021. I can say without hesitation that each and every one of these books has taught me something new. Whether it was about personal finance, self-improvement, or racism in America, I have learned so much valuable information from each and every one of these books and even implemented a great deal of it in my own life too.
Although it may have seemed like a gargantuan task at first to just crack open a book after not glancing at one for such a long gap of time, the determination to get better with my mental health & well-being with the ultimate goal of seeking to understand was what lit a fire in me to do it. I told myself that I did not want to burden anyone else with my problems so I resolved to fix it myself. So if you’re also seeking understanding or just want to read for pleasure, I highly recommend adding these quality books to your reading list this year. The very least you’ll get out of it is knowing more about yourself than you did yesterday.
Happy Reading to you, until next time! 😉
