If you feel like reading is too difficult or have trouble stick to it, I’ve been there. But, 1.5 years into my reading goal and I finally feel like it has become a habit. I still keep track of my books, but it is no longer to keep me focused on my goal. I think I’ve finally fallen into a rhythm for reading and no longer need to schedule time. So, keep trying. The more good books you read, the more you want to read. Be sure to check out the other lists from this year (11-20, 1-10) Also, last year: (1-13, 14-26, 27-39, 40-53)
- Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert B. Cialdini
Rating: 8/10
Category: books that make you think
Review: This book can be used in any field where you are working with other people. Cialdini is very convincing that how we preface an experience (or how we pre-suade) is equally as important as the experience that follows. The examples are engaging and the points are useful when interacting. I did feel slightly uncomfortable and started questioning if the things I like are really the things I like or I was conditioned to like them by some form of pre-suasion. The book certainly made me think differently about things.
- Wonder by R.J Palacio
Rating: 9/10
Category: books to unplug
Review: This is a young adult novel, but don’t let that stop you from reading it. There were so many ups and downs and in the end the journey was worth it. I loved August (the protagonist). Chapters were written from the perspective of different characters making for a full and rich story.
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Rating: 7/10
Category: Books that make you think
Review: I read this after Pre-Suasion, but it was written before it. Some was repetitive, but it helped me form a better understanding of some concepts from the previous book. This was slightly older making the examples and stories less current. It was well written, but the style was more on the academic side making it a longer read than most other books. I would read Pre-Suasion over Influence.
- When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink
Rating: 7/10
Category: Books that make you think
Review: I love books about time so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this read. There was some overlap between this and The Power of Moments, but much of the content I had never heard before. He talks about how a person’s individual chronotype is responsible for some things in our lives. At times the book was frustrating because some of what he discussed is uncontrollable in many situations.
- Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In by Brett Bartholomew
Rating: 9/10
Category: Books for the health/fitness professional, books that make you think
Review: I read this book on a recommendation. Based on the title, I half expected it to be cheesy and redundant. It was not that at all. The book goes through the different archetypes of people you might be training (or in my case treating). It then goes to detail the different sides of that archetype and how to maximize the personality traits. This is a must read for anyone that works with patients or clients. Bartholomew is honest and appealing, you won’t be disappointed.
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Rating: 9/10
Category: Books for info, books that make you think
Review: This book was awesome. The author is an outstanding storyteller with tons of useful and actionable advice along the way. This is a book for anyone no matter the position. It was an easy read from an entertainment standpoint, but there was quite a bit to digest as I went. If you are looking for an equal balance of storytelling and practical knowledge, this is the book for you. If you’re looking to negotiate something in your life then you have to read this book.
- Flow 19 Days of Mindfulness by Astrid der Hulst
Rating: 5/10
Category: books to unplug
Review: I had high expectations for this. I have been slightly stuck with writing and have not gotten into a flow state for quite some time. I thought this book would help me get back into that. The book was fine, but ineffective and some of the exercises seemed without purpose. It spoke so much about a course that the author took that I doubted her credibility on the topic. I finished the 19 days, but am still in search of a better way to reach flow.
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Rating: 9/10
Category: books to unplug
Review: The Rosie Project again gave me hope that maybe fictional books aren’t so bad. It was a great story and I found myself smiling (and cringing) at times. Although quirky, the protagonist, Don Tillman, was relatable and loveable. This is great for a beach read, or in my case a pool read… since Indiana doesn’t offer many beaches (lakes don’t count).
- Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker
Rating: 9/10
Category: books that motivate
Review: I’ve read so many books in the genre of success and performance that I expected this to be repetitive. Nonetheless, it was only 4.95$ on audible so I decided to buy it. This book exceeded my expectations. He gave evidence and stories that I had never heard before and I really enjoyed listening to it. He answered questions like, “Do nice guys finish last? Or first,” “Do quitters never win? Or is stubbornness the real enemy?” He went through tons of arguments and gave both sides.
- Words On The Move by John McWhorter
Rating: 7/10
Category: books to make you think
Review: This was one of those books where after the first few pages, I thought to myself why in the world did I buy this. Yet, as the book went on, I enjoyed it more and more. It was incredibly interesting how he discussed the evolution of texting and the need for LOL, LMAO, and emoticons. He discussed regional, ethnic, and age differences in language. He also gave me a new perspective on why we speak the way we do and how so many things that we say are more than just words. I don’t know that this book is right for everyone, but if you like language you’ll enjoy it.