10 Nov My Reading List (updated 2/6/2023) 📖
I believe in continuously fostering personal growth and development, which is why I make time for activities such as eating healthily, staying active, meditating, and practicing yoga. Another important aspect of my self-improvement journey is reading and listening to books. To share my favorite reads and inspire others to broaden their perspectives, I’ve created this reading list page instead of relying solely on social media. If you have any book recommendations, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me through this page. The books are listed in reverse chronological order and I plan to keep adding more as I find the time. Thank you!
How to Have a Good Day
“How to Have a Good Day” by Caroline Webb is a practical and science-backed guide to improving your daily experience. The author, a former McKinsey consultant and CEO of a coaching and training company, draws on the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to offer actionable advice and techniques for achieving success at work and in life. From rethinking your approach to email, to setting effective goals, to nurturing your relationships, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap for a better day. Whether you’re looking to boost your productivity, happiness, or work satisfaction, “How to Have a Good Day” offers a wealth of practical insights and strategies for success.
Experiencing Psychedelics
“Experiencing Psychedelics” is a comprehensive guide to the history, science, and culture of psychedelics. The book covers the various forms of psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, and delves into their effects on the brain, psychology, and spirituality. Through a blend of research and personal anecdotes, the author provides a balanced and insightful look at the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, as well as their growing role in medicine, therapy, and spiritual exploration. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the cutting-edge field of psychedelics, whether as a researcher, therapist, or curious individual.
Never Split the Difference
“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss is a powerful and practical guide to negotiation. The author, a former FBI hostage negotiator, shares his expertise and experience, providing a step-by-step framework for successful negotiations. Through real-life examples and a focus on active listening and empathy, the book teaches readers how to effectively communicate and build rapport with anyone. Whether you’re negotiating a raise, a business deal, or a conflict with a loved one, “Never Split the Difference” offers valuable insights and strategies for achieving better outcomes. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills.
Why We Sleep
“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker is a comprehensive and groundbreaking exploration of the science of sleep. The author sheds light on the critical importance of sleep for our physical and mental health, debunking long-held myths and misconceptions about this essential activity. From the latest research on sleep’s impact on brain function, mood, and longevity, to practical advice for improving sleep hygiene, this book offers a wealth of information and insights. Whether you’re a seasoned sleep expert or just starting to learn about the topic, “Why We Sleep” is a must-read for anyone interested in maximizing their health and well-being.
Food of the Gods
“Food of the Gods” by Terence McKenna explores the relationship between consciousness, culture, and the use of psychoactive substances throughout human history. The author argues that the consumption of these substances has played a significant role in shaping human culture, religion, and spirituality. Through a combination of scientific inquiry and philosophical musings, McKenna offers a thought-provoking examination of the role of mind-altering substances in human evolution and the potential they hold for expanding consciousness and creating a more harmonious society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of consciousness, spirituality, and cultural evolution.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki is a valuable read that offers a unique perspective on personal finance and wealth building. The author emphasizes the importance of financial education, entrepreneurial thinking, and passive income generation through assets such as real estate and stocks. The book provides a refreshing approach to personal finance, encouraging readers to build multiple streams of income and have their money work for them. Whether a beginner or an experienced investor, this book offers valuable insights and practical advice for achieving financial independence.
How To Change Your Mind
“How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the world of psychedelics. The author’s personal journey, combined with in-depth research and interviews with experts, provides a comprehensive look at the history, science, and cultural significance of these powerful substances. From their potential for treating mental health issues to their role in spiritual and personal growth, Pollan sheds light on the exciting possibilities of psychedelics and their potential to change our understanding of the mind and consciousness. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential to shape our future.
Red Notice
“Red Notice” by Bill Browder is a gripping and eye-opening tale of corruption, justice, and the fight for human rights. The author’s personal journey, as a hedge fund manager in Russia, provides a unique insight into the inner workings of the Russian government and the country’s oligarch system. Through a series of dangerous encounters and a relentless pursuit of justice for his murdered lawyer, Browder’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, international politics, and the fight against corruption.
The Daily Stoic
This may be one of my favorite books to read. I’m sure each of these bits of wisdom are meant to be consumed once per day, but I typically listen to 10-20 chapters per day. They are daily words of wisdom from great philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, and Zeno, and then that wisdom (often confusing) is explained in detail by Ryan Holiday, the author. It’s a great book for yourself, or for anyone you care about.
The Covert Passive Aggressive Narcissist
This book really opened my eyes to how some people (narcissists) treat others and the reasons behind it. It also helped remove the guilt of thinking that “it” was all my fault, when in reality it had nothing to do with me. From Good Reads: “A covert narcissist has the same traits as the well-known overt type. The difference is when they control and manipulate, when they demean and devalue you it is done is such a subtle way you don’t notice it. Living with a covert narcissist drains your spirit and leaves you questioning your own reality. You have been lied to for years and it is time to finally see the truth of what you have been through, who you really are, and how much you deserve love and happiness.”
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
This is a super-helpful book on how to prioritize and not feel guilty about saying “no”, or passing on opportunities that take up your time. It also helped realize that everyone else is going through the same sh*t, and instead of feeling bad, or forcing yourself to feel good, living through it because it’s part of life! From Good Reads: There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.”
Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment
This is a great book about improving and maintaining a good relationship with your spouse. Highly recommended for anyone, even if you aren’t in a relationship it will help you when you do get into one. Google Books says “Here is a powerful new program that can clear away the unconscious agreements patterns that undermine even your best intentions. Through their own marriage and through twenty years’ experience counseling more than one thousand couples, therapists Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks have developed precise strategies to help you create a vital partnership and enhance the energy, creativity, and happiness of each individual.
I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagan
I enjoyed this story about a woman and her family, and friend and the perception of others “perfect lives”. Cosmo UK says “Hotly anticipated novel I’m Fine And Neither Are You follows Penelope Ruiz-Kar’s attempt at saving her marriage with total and brutal honesty. When a tragedy in her friend’s life forces her to confront her own issues, Penelope and her husband vow to write down a list of all the things they’d change about each other. But what felt like a positive change quickly spirals out of control, revealing new rifts and even deeper secrets.”
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
This is an older but good book about always improving the processes in business, which translates quite nicely to life. James Clear says the book is about “doing work and making money are not the same thing. Simplify your problem to the point where you understand the true goal of your organization. With your goal in mind, identify the constraints within your system (i.e. bottlenecks) and focus on improving the output of that constraint without worrying about the productivity of all related processes.
Lost Connections by Johann Hari
This is an incredible book on the causes and solutions of depression and anxiety. The solutions part is key because normally you only hear about what causes it. This book will really educate you on how wrong the current solutions are and how to avoid falling into that pattern. Liberty Journal says: “This well-written and well-documented book offers a powerful argument against the pharmacological treatment of depression and raises some provocative arguments. Highly recommended.”
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
I really enjoyed this book about how to live your life even when everything seems to be falling apart. Finding ways to cope with life’s challenges through spirituality/Philosophy (not religion), communication and action. “Pema Chödrön in her most beloved and acclaimed work, shows that moving toward painful situations and becoming intimate with them can open up our hearts in ways we never before imagined. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy.” – Shambhala
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Now, this is an interesting book about the history of humankind from the evolution of the human species from the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century. Goodreads: “In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions.”
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up
I really enjoyed this book by Jerry Colonna, one of the start-up world’s most in-demand executive coaches. “Jerry, a venture capitalist turned executive coach shares his unusual yet highly effective blend of Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial straight talk to help leaders overcome their own psychological traumas. Reboot is a journey of radical self-inquiry, helping you to reset your life by sorting through the emotional baggage that is holding you back professionally, and even more important, in your relationships.” – Google Books
More to come! Keep checking back for more great books as I read them or find time to write about the ones I have.
Completed:
19. It Takes One to Tango
20. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
21. Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
22. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
23. Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell
24. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
25. The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness
26. Be Fearless: Five Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose
27. Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes
28. Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
29. Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
30. Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work
31. The Kingdom of Happiness: Inside Tony Hsieh’s Zapponian Utopia
32. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
33. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
34. Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City
35. Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist
36. Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success
37. The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
38. Great by Choice
39. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t
40. How to Win Friends & Influence People
On my reading list (yet to read):
- The Home Front: Life in America During World War II
- 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
- Adam Grant’s Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success Summary
- The Beautiful Brain: An Audible Original
- American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road
- You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth
- Fear: Trump in the White House
- The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
- The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves
- The Power of Now
- Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
- The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail – but Some Don’t
- Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- The China Study, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health
- Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
- The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
- Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Seveneves: A Novel
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
- Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal
- Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
- Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Technology Projects to Mainstream Customers
- Startup Boards: Getting the Most Out of Your Board of Directors
- The Art of War
- The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More
- Steve Jobs
- What Every BODY Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People
- If You’re Not First, You’re Last: Sales Strategies to Dominate Your Market and Beat Your Competition
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
- TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments