February and March 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
 Long Bright River by Liz Moore
I really enjoyed this mystery suspense novel. I was hooked from beginning to end and loved the twists that were expertly sprinkled in. It features two sisters; one an addict, the other a police officer, and they reunite while trying to solve and stop local murders. This is also a GMA book club pick!
The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) by Karin Slaughter
You’ve heard it again and again. I really enjoy Karin Slaughter’s work and consistently have my name on the wait list for her books. We meet Sara and Will back in Atlanta where they’re fighting kidnapping, bombing and undercover rescues. From the beginning of Will narrating a chapter and Sara narrating a chapter, I love how she shows the two different perspectives and thoughts for the same situation. This novel focuses on terrorist attacks by white nationalists using a CDC dangerous chemical to kill masses. It’s suspenseful, relevant and creative. This audiobook did take me two checkouts to be able to complete the entire book (almost 17 hours) but it’s worth it.
Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas ContrerasÂ
This fictional novel is inspired by the author’s real life and set at the height of Pablo Escobar’s violent and historical reign in Bogota. This young rich girl and her teenage maid form a friendship that threatens their safety and their life. It shows the fight to preserve innocence in chaotic times and the danger many of these kids are in; voluntary or not. It’s not as graphic as Narcos but it’s a unique and personal take on those events.Â
Swing Time by Zadie Smith
This booked reeled me for two reasons: 1) A childhood friendship navigating itself to adulthood. 2) Dance. As they make moves in life, location and their careers, the two find out what differentiates dreams and ambitions. Talent and Effort. Learned and Natural. This wasn’t my absolute favorite read but it was still entertaining and offered some culture with a fictional storyline.Â
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Read For Improvement
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
This investigative journalism style read was compiled of interviews with over 150 people in a combination of Verbatim, quotes and collections of stories from Theranos. I wasn’t aware of the story or scandal but apparently you can watch the HBO documentary The Inventor. If you’re in the medical field, enjoy reading or listening to investigative stories, like NPR, or just love a real-life scandal you will enjoy this!
 A Liberated Mind by Steven Hayes
I am diagnosed with OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I have been working weekly for nearly a year at this point to work through things and was interested in learning more about the brain and the ‘why’ behind this field. I was exremely interested in the section on genes, even those that are passed down in generations, and how your body is conditioned to handle situations like trauma, stress and depression. If you’re interested in psychology or understanding your mental health, pick this book up. (You can also refer it to your friends.)
Option B by Sheryl SandbergÂ
Well in the first few minutes I was crying. Sheryl starts with recalling her late husband’s death and the experiences after dealing with that sudden loss. This book (like it says in the subtitle) walks you through how to face adversity and move through the stages of grief. If you or someone you know is battling with the loss of a loved one I would pass this on to them.Â
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This book was recommended by numerous business owners so, of course, I needed in on the secret. This book is interesting because it was published during the Great Depression. This book outlines the steps to take and avoid and ‘make’ yourself, push yourself, manifest yourself to being wealthy. Of course you have to actually take action to make things happen but some of these are a bit outdated/generic or even ‘kooky’ as some might say. Read it because it’s influential, take out of it what you wish.Â
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
This book was being handed out for free at a military spouse event and I really enjoyed reading it! No matter the age of your kids, if you’re interested in psychology or counseling, etc. I think you’d enjoy taking what you learn from this book and applying it to everyday life. It can also compare parenting from your childhood to some insight or suggestion with current times. Our parents raised us for a world that didn’t exist and we will face the same challenge someday.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 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
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