Before we begin, look to the right. If that doesn’t say you’re following the blog make sure you put your email in and I’ll send you free downloads from here on out!
In 2017 I started a list of my goals and accountability tracking for the year. I reached and exceeded every goal.
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If you’re looking for more book or podcast recommendations you can read my other book reviews from this year you can catch up here.
The goal of this section of the blog is to share a glimpse into what inspires, motivates and teaches me. Out of the books I read, I only bring up the ones I would suggest taking a look at…there are still a few that get left out; entirely based on my own opinions.
So where do I find all these books to read? Lots of places. I follow the Book of the Month Club on Instagram and I get weekly suggestions from my daily news source, theSkimm. You can sign up for free here using my referral code!
Read For Entertainment
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
If someone could tell you the day that you’d die would you want to know? These kids in the summer of 1969 want to know so they can get all of ‘their stuff’ done by the time they’re adults. This was very interesting and just like those sci-fi, suspenseful movies we all love figuring out.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
It all started in an airport bar. We’ve been there right? The odd combination of starting up conversations with strangers and the fact not a single person will blink at you grabbing a drink at any time of day. This starts out innocent enough but with some liquid courage comes stories of disgusting childhood memories, sex, love, deception and every other juicy detail you can imagine. The way this story wound through characters and deceptive story lines was more than entertaining. This would be a great escape read for poolside or vacation this summer.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Even though this is a memoir I am still classifying it as something I read for entertainment. This is one of the books turned movies where I watched the movie first. I love these stories where, as an adult, you see how hectic and unstable things are but to the kids, it’s the best memory and story of their life. It was insane to think this was a memoir and I was curious to see what the differences were. Whether you still need to read the book or still watch the movie, it’s been talked about so much I would suggest you do both and compare for yourself.
The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
This book has been on my list for a long time and I am so glad I remembered to read it. The collaboration of authors created a dangerous near future world. It begins with a man who loses his shadow; science nor people could explain why. This phenomenon starts spreading and those who get the special ‘powers’ lose all of their memories. Can you imagine what you would do to regain your memories? My ONE critique would be that it got a little ‘out there’ for me and I feel there could have been pieces that were taken away or not needed…I won’t ruin much more for you but this is a MUST read and appropriate for all ages, though high schoolers and above will find it easiest to read.
Read For Improvement
THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS
I have always held an interest and shocked astonishment in learning more about the Holocaust. It blows my mind something like that could have happened. This is a book that’s been recommended for a long time to me and I was finally able to get my hands on it. This was a compilation of stories and interviews from a real-life tattooist of Auschwitz and is filled with courage and hope. Because of the personal, intimate stories and experiences from the survivors this goes way beyond anything we’ve learned in the history books. Highly Recommend as a MUST READ.
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
The Glass Ceiling most of us think we have to face, is no problem at all. The author, Gay Hendricks, guides you through the mindset shifting process of reaching your ultimate potential you know you’re capable of and how to combat the doubt, negative emotions and worry you impose on yourself. Deflating ourselves is something we deal with every day no matter who or where you are. Are you scared your success will take away attention from someone who might need it more? Read this book.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business by Charles Duhigg
Nothing drives me crazier than when someone says they ‘just can’t’ do something because that’s how they were raised. I believe humans are creatures of habit and we can change those habits. This is an interesting read filled with examples and case studies which make it an informational source that reads like a story. From listening to some of those situations, it’s further confirmation of the power of positive reinforcement.
Choose Wonder Over Worry by Amber Rae
I was introduced to Amber through a podcast and learned enough from that, I was inspired to write this previous blog post. In her book she prompts you with ‘Journal Into Wonder’ for you to take her lessons and practice them for yourself. When I listened to the audio book it was only a few hours making it TOO easy to listen on repeat or use as a pick-me-up when you need to choose wonder over worry! “See fear as a reminder that we are alive” was one of my favorite take-aways from this book because it reminded me when I, too, kept looking for jobs after starting my own business. This book is right along the lines of a motivational millennial-written self-help book. If you’ve enjoyed Brene Brown or Rachel Hollis this would be a great recommendation for you.
You’ve read through my opinions so you deserve some FREE STUFF! Make sure you are following the blog (upper right of this page) to get free downloads in the future. Once you’re following, go ahead and download this document: GOALS FOR 2019 from Local Collaborative I mentioned to track your goals and adventures for the rest of the year and into 2019.
Cheers!
Marin
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