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.
Download Your Yearly Goal Sheet For FREE Here!Â
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
Â
Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
This NYT Bestsellers was an interesting balance of humorous writing and understandable emotions as a 15-year marriage comes to an end in divorce. The dynamics of the relationship growing and falling apart took you on a roller coaster you can only imagine this family is experiencing. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that the perspective of the wife comes in and you truly get both sides of the story. It’s revealing and heartbreaking to see how someone sees themselves and sees others. If you’ve had an experience like this in your life maybe it will be more relatable or interesting to you.Â
 City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Right off the bat I loved the sassiness of the narrator looking back on her younger self. This book is filled with glamour, sex and adventure from a young women who doesn’t believe you need to be a ‘good girl’ to be a good person. By the end of the novel you find out she was actually writing a heartfelt letter to someone very dear to her. I loved the tone and storyline of this book as well as the way the author adjusted Vivian’s voice throughout. You will greatly enjoy listening or reading this, ladies!Â
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I loved this historical fiction novel and how they narrated the women’s stories and wrapped it all together in the end. I’m usually not one to reach for historical fiction firsthand but this sounded so interesting I’m glad I did. “The two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.” I think people like creating historical fiction for the same reason they like to create conspiracy theories; it helps to make sense of things that happened or add human storytelling to intense situations.
 The Girls In The Garden by Lisa Jewell
This one didn’t grab me as much as I thought it would based on other recommendations but it was still a good passive and interesting book to listen to while working. If you’re looking for a Lianne Moriarty or Paula Hawkins (this one, too) book try the lists I just linked.Â
 Hunger by Roxane Gay
This autobiography was written by Roxane as a memoir to going through life as a ‘fat’ woman, her struggle with food and fitness. While her writing is always intimate and sensitive, it is agitating to hear complaining or what’s seen as a fixable issue. In the age of loving our bodies, which I am all for, I also don’t interpret that as an excuse to let self-care or unhealthy habits come into play. She brings the emotional, embarrassing and awareness of being larger as she states “The bigger you become, the smaller your world becomes.” If you’re interested in listening to someone’s memoir to their body, specifically about being obese, this might give you an insight into someone else’s reality.
 The After Party by Anton Disclafani
“A vintage version of ‘Gossip Girl’ meets bigger hair.” —The Skimm. Historical fiction lovers will linger over every lush detail.” —People. This socialite fiction is set in Houston and revolves around two partner-in-crime best friends. Their lifelong dramas and friendship creates strain with one another and in their own past, present and future. This was just as dramatic as Gossip Girl or a dramatic romance movie.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
This story is told from the perspective of a deaf man which was unique and interesting to me….until the end of the first chapter when I realized he had made up his name and his deafness. And then he returns home and talks to his wife about how they plan to get away with the murders they commit. I haven’t seen Dexter but it has been related to the show and I got some You vibes. Woah. From beginning to end I loved this. I always enjoy suspenseful, psychological thrillers and am definitely adding this on my list right up next to anything by Karin Slaughter.
 DAISY JONES & THE SIX BY TAYLOR JENKINS REID
A fictional 1970s rock band, Daisy Jones and The Six, is written from the POV of an author trying to make sense of what happened to the band breakup. The lyrics, interviews, emails and other sources were used for her to compile the book. This was another Reese Witherspoon suggestion. I was super confused as to why I couldn’t find the band or their songs online…until I realized it’s because they weren’t a real band. Just a fictional tale of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. It’s like listening to a documentary. The cool thing about the audiobook was that it included a bonus track of ‘honeycomb’, a song they often referenced in the book.Â
ANNOUNCING Our First Launch!
The Content Toolkit is launching October 2019. You are one of the first to hear about it so come back soon to take advantage of the lower promo discount!
Read For Improvement
 Devoted by Brenda Pace
This book is one of 4 Volumes of Brenda Pace’s Journey of A Military Wife ‘Box Set’- 1) Directed: Steps of Peace 2) Deployed: Steps of Hope 3) Devoted: Steps of Love 4) Dedicated: Steps of Faith. I noticed this box set about a year ago and they were sending them out for free but I believe that deal is gone. I went to get that for a friend and they were up for purchase but again not expensive! This was the first book I read from this bundle simply because it best fit where we were at at the time but when he’s gone, I’ll read Deployed and so on. They are easy one to two page scripture and story based lessons written by a military wife so they’re very familiar, comforting and helpful. If you know someone who is in a military relationship, get this for them! The cover also makes for a cute nightstand decor.Â
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
by Marshall Rosenberg
This book was valuable to learn how to connect and communicate with others. The author grew up in Detroit and lived a life having to hide away from violence which lead him to seeking answers and, in turn, share them with us. It was interesting to hear how different people and cultures react to either labeling people good or bad versus those who don’t judge the punishment or reward deserved. This was very interesting when you’re looking at the difference of force, love, compassion or influential outcomes. (Think parenting, peer-to-peer, teacher to students, etc.)
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
This book took me forever to finish. Mostly because of the small type and monotonous type making it a bit dull but I knew it was still important and always suggested by working professionals. I have been reading bit by bit for months and finally wrapped it up. I would suggest having this in your arsenal to read into psychology-based stories on persuasion and sales. If you’ve had any experience in the world you’ll be familiar with identifying sales tactics (scarcity, reciprocity, social proof, authority, etc.) and he goes into some helpful detail on each.Â
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
PS: Are you enjoying these blogs? Have we worked together? I would love to get your short and honest review on my Facebook page. Thanks in advance!
“Marin is sweet, kind, and has a huge heart. She loves what she does. She loves helping others. Whether it’s helping for business purposes or even just a quick ear to lend to someone, she’s always there. Her blogs are incredible. She speaks the truth, and says what we all need to hear some days. … Continue reading Ashley Layton
We had Marin look at our business image. I was very impressed with her analysis. It was in depth and revealed some very important areas where we needed to improve or change. She brought up strategies I hadn’t even thought of and will implement. Donze & Associates would heartily recommend her to any other company.
I am a new small business owner and had no idea where to start when it came to social media and website design. I am an avid Facebook user but wasn’t quite sure how to direct my FB business page to a central hub/website. After compiling a killer business proposal, Marin met with me one-on-one … Continue reading Lyneda Rogers, Owner of The Egglady’s Daughter
As someone in the process of setting up small online business, Marin’s expertise was invaluable! With a consultation and a formalized presentation she helped me take things to the next level. I will definitely be back as I continue to build! Shannon Rogge Shannon Nicole Coaching
Writes inspiring blog posts and is an all around good person. Would always love working with her.
Local Collaborative has helped my business in so many ways! Marin Davis is very organized, assertive, creative, and innovative with her ideas for graphics, social media, and much, much more! If you own a business and would like to spend time doing what you LOVE to do, hiring Marin will be a great way to boost your success without spinning … Continue reading Angie Thomson, Owner/Trainer at Thomson Team Training
Local Collaborative was great to work with! I actually contacted Marin and needed things within a short time frame! She was completely willing to help me and not only finished my project early but ordered it for me and had it sent to my house! Marin is professional and talented and I would absolutely use … Continue reading Michelle Shimp, Owner of M.S.designs
Local Collaborative is so easy to work with! I was given a wealth of knowledge and so many great ideas. While I consider myself a creative person it was nice to have someone help me focus on what I want my brand to be. Amanda Kinsler Owner of Dabble Mini Farm & Floral
Marin assisted me with my website redesign and gave me some marketing tools and tips to further advance my business. Within a week of my hiring her, my website was complete! She was efficient, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful.
