December 2019 & January 2020
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 Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This book was authored by Ann Patchett and the audiobook was narrated by Tom Hanks. The story of two siblings at the end of World War II is both heartbreaking and a nostalgic feel-good read. This is a classic read and I loved how it worked between flashbacks, memories, current time and jumps to their future lives. You follow the siblings through their lives and, in a few chapters, understand an entire life’s worth of lessons.
 The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
After Handmaid’s Tale who isn’t in love with Margaret Atwood? I remember reading the book before the show came out and where they went with it has been great. This sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale takes place 15 years after the events we’ve come to know and be obsessed with…(SPOILER) You will find out who Baby Nicole is and what role she’s playing several chapters in! If you’re a fan of the author, past books or show, I recommend The Testaments to give you the full picture!
 Rich & Pretty by Rumaan Alam
I love how the author uses bitey humor, like in any socialite books or shows, to show how friends from childhood adapt to one another over 20+ years. This is so relevant to anyone who has had a lifelong friendship; whether it lasted or not! Do I wish there was a bit more to get out of it? Sure. But it’s still a great read for pure entertainment with a sweet look at life.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This was a winning book in numerous categories and is sure to be a classic. The story follows three generations of a family in rural Mississippi. There’s love, grief, struggles and life lessons seen through their eyes and stories that draw and hold you in start to finish. This is a must read because it is and will be that lasting and you need to know what they’re talking about.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
I chose this book because of its glowing reviews and long list of awards. It’s not usually something I would go toward but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by similar books in the past. This shows you the other side of history we might not pay attention to. The stories that follow this family show the evolution and struggles of black families across the world.
All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg
I loved how seamlessly the narration passes from character to character. Plus, who doesn’t love reading about family drama that isn’t theirs? It reminded me of Big Little Lies. This was such a great novel and has, deservingly, won several awards and numerous raving testimonials.Â
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
This was a fun read and unique from anything I’ve come across before. To me it’s not a spy thriller like suggested but this former spy is writing letters to her sons. You find out which high-profile character ends up being their father and how life was, amidst threats, while pregnant and young. I do appreciate the new take and new war (not in Russia) but otherwise wasn’t totally enthralled.Â
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Read For Improvement
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Elimination of non-essentials. YES. This is gold for anyone needing to cut back or curious about the benefits of essentialism. “Just because you’re invited doesn’t make it a good enough reason to attend.” Helps me to refocus on what NEEDS to be done and what I truly want to do.
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley & William Danko
This was a book that was passed on to me from a family friend. It was a bit outdated (early 2000s) for some of the charts and information provided but the principles, ideas and accumulating wealth mindset were similar to what I agree with and I pulled a few good tips or encouragements. When I am done with some of my books I love to pass them on. When I get my hair done with @Rachele_Does_Hair we love talking business and she mentioned wanting to read this book so I will be passing it along to her! I encourage you to do the same. If you love a book, keep it or save the notes you take while reading in a notebook.Â
Normal Sucks by Jonathan Mooney
How to live, learn and thrive outside the lines. This puts the focus on everyone, kids to adults, have varying capabilities-there’s no such thing as “normal”. He asks the important question “How did being average/normal become something everyone wants?” It’s contingent on history and follows the history of the word. Normal comes from a Latin math word. Interesting, right? The ambiguity is it’s strength because it worked better than other words. This was more about focusing on why it’s important to accept those with ‘differences’ rather than striving for more than normal in your own life. Reading this for business, for someone with a learning disability, with your teens or just because it’s super interesting, I highly suggest this.
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
This is the same author as Love Does –I wrote about it in a previous post – and, my goodness, do I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book and this author. It’s hard to believe that God loves the difficult people we’ve come across but that’s what He wants us to do and Goff talks about how to move through the creeps, thieves and annoyances with grace. “Meet the people he made and we meet God in all of them.” “Make it simpler because it is.” This is jam packed with fantastic, relevant and fueling passages. If you would like to learn how to love everyone and learn to get along with difficult people, read this!
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 2020 from Local Collaborative I mentioned to track your goals and adventures for the rest of the year and into 2020.
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.
