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
 Bonfire by Krysten Ritter
A woman returns to her hometown, this time as an environmental lawyer in town for a case. This was full of memories that she can’t decipher between new, old, accurate or made up. There’s nothing worse than getting that uneasy feeling but still doubting your own observations. While this is fairly sick but predictable overall, the mix-up of accurate or made up memories she battles with are interesting.
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
This is a book I definitely want to see as a movie. It was a perfect mix of how technology can help and hurt (or kill) us. Think of an old restored house with a history of death and creepiness but renovated with state-of-the-art technology and architecture. This was from the same author of The Woman in Cabin 10 which I reviewed here. This woman stepped into a nanny position while looking for…something else…and it turned out to be a nightmare. A child is dead and now she is in prison awaiting a murder trial. Ruth Ware is a fantastic suspenseful writer and I think you’ll enjoy this in her collection! Per usual there are several times my assumptions were proved wrong.Â
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
This book has been on my list for a while so I was excited when I got the notification to download the audio book. This novel can turn the stomach of any girl (thank GOODNESS it’s fictional!) This girl has wrote a letter to every crush or love she had and they all found out how she felt about them…at once. She’s written these letters like they’d never read them because they were never meant to. She doesn’t hold back. This felt honest, nostalgic, funny and quirky. It’s a lighthearted read for any occasion or high schoolers on up! *This is also on Netflix so it’s fun to compare to the book and see what they changed.*
Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin
This novel brings to life the dangers of Appalachian life similar to a Western read. This man is in search of bear poachers, partnering with a female scientist and hiding from the drug cartel he wronged. If you’re a fan of any of the Mountain Men shows then you’re already in the right mindset to picture the setting. This book was so creatively and impressively written, anyone would enjoy reading or listening to this.
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Read For Improvement
 Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman & Mark C. Winters
This book is one of my instant favorite business reads. To break it down in the most basic form, you learn and compare between Visionaries and Integrators. I have always believed myself to be a creative visionary but with an extreme talent and attention to systems and getting things done. This book accurately broke down the duties, responsibilities and expectations for each role and the way they’ve supported the most successful duos in the world. Definitely a keeper on the bookshelf!Â
 Deployed by Brenda Pace (Part of the Journey Of A Military Wife Bundle)
I wrote about the first book of this bundle that I read here. I don’t read this in any particular order other than what I most need at that time. This was during a time he was away with no communication for several weeks (again) and it brings comfort reading and comparing situations to help through the time of difficulties. If you or someone you know is a military spouse I recommend purchasing this bundle or requesting it for free. I got it for free so might be worth the search?Â
 It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado
If I remember correctly, this was passed on to me from a family friend. I am so thankful they passed on a book they found valuable because each chapter was written in a different lesson that was approachable, relatable and helpful. If you’re looking for a great gift or a simple (and pretty short) book to read over and over, this is it. It reads as a devotional and you will always find something new to take notes on.Â
Building A StoryBrand by Donald Miller
This book is focused on a seven-part communication framework based on storytelling to clarify a business’s message. The more simple the marketing is the more successful a brand’s marketing is. The human brain focus on clarity. This had so many good examples, analogies and proven work, it directly made sense to me and I found it extremely beneficial. If you’re a business owner and/or in the marketing field, you need to read this.
The Line Becomes A River by Francisco Cantu
This biography/autobiography was named a Top 10 book of 2018 by NPR and the Washington Post. These dispatches from the river are both heartbreaking, eye opening and so foreign to the life I’ve known that I found this very interesting. Obviously this was referenced to many times concerning building a wall but Republican, Democrat, American or not, this is worth every word to read. If nothing else, for the sake of being open-minded and informed.
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!
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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.
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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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