I have been reading quite a bit this year. I’ve read six books so far and wanted to share them with you. Reading can throw you into a whole new world, and it’s always nice to have someone suggest a good book. We don’t want to judge a book by its cover, but having someone get under the cover for you first makes picking up a new book a lot easier!
We don’t want to judge a #book by its cover, but having someone get under the cover for you first makes picking up a new book a lot easier! Click To Tweet
Don’t worry – I don’t share unless I have finished the book or I am at least halfway done and really into it. I will use RWT (read whole thing) and HWD (halfway done) beside each title so you know what to expect!
Also, these are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy a book that I suggest, Amazon might send me some pocket change for the next book I buy.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (RWT)
I devoured this book in 24 hours. It was one of those stories with so many incredible life lessons that I could not put it down. I think everyone needs to read this book if you need a little motivation to stay the course and follow your dreams. Exceptionally well written!
2. A Better Way to Live by Og Mandino (RWT)
“A Better Way to Live” by Og Mandino is like being mentored by your grandfather, Og makes you feel capable and loved with his words. I finished reading this book in 72 hours and fell in love with Og Mandino while doing it! My only regret is that Og has passed on and I will never get to meet the man who wrote the book and shared such wonderful life lessons.
A Better Way to Live by #OgMandino is like being mentored by your grandfather, Og makes you feel capable and loved with his words. Click To Tweet
3. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy (HWD)
Want to get more done? How about getting what matters done so that you are making quantum leaps in your business? This book makes too much sense and has changed the way I plan and prioritize my day. Put it this way, I eat my frog in the morning, and I focus on the top three things that only I can do in my business a whole lot more. Excellent read!
4. Risky is the New Safe by Randy Gage (HWD)
This book is great if you are a big and forward thinker. Randy Gage makes you think about zagging when everyone else is zigging. The author reminds me a lot of myself. Although, at times he is a bit bolder (or perhaps more arrogant) than I am. He was raised by a single mom, is a high school dropout and owns houses in more than one country. Great content that gives you a LOT to think about.
5. The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (RWT)
This is not just another one of those social media books, but rather a book about connections and relationships. I always enjoy what Chris and Julien have to say, and this book did not disappoint. They have a way of writing that makes you feel like they totally get you, and are talking with you.
I admit it, I watched Super Soul Sunday with Oprah, fell in love with Gabby and downloaded her book right away. I try and nourish my mind with a variety of books that can impact my life in many different facets. Reading business books in the morning when my mind is sharp and ready to take on the day motivates me. On the other hand, self-help and spirituality topics before bed allow me to focus on what I want in my life. This book was dynamite and I felt like it gave me permission to be spiritual on my terms!
21 thoughts on “Six Amazing Books that Feed Your Mind and Soul”
Thanks for sharing. I will get some of those book. I agree with you reading everyday is amazing and also changes one’s life. Just like you I read business in the am (30 minutes) and before going to bed (something light to rest my mind). We are two great minds that think alike. Take care. Rachel xx
Love this!! happy reading!
Thanks for sharing those Lisa. With so many great books to choose from, and not enough time to read as I’d like, I always appreciate recommendations for great books that are outside the scope of my field of practice (which take up most of my reading time). The last ‘non-work-related’ book that I read was gifted to me by Marlene Keys for my 50th: “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Alboum (the same author who wrote “Tuesdays with Morrie”). You’d be interested to know that it was named ‘Best Nonfiction Book of 2009’ on Oprah.com! :o) In addition, one of its reviews said it was the nonfiction equivalent to The Alchemist. It was a really lovely (true) story, and a quick read. The Alchemist has been recommended to me so many times…and seeing it being highly recommended once again by you is going to make me go out and get it today! Have been waiting for a good use for a $25 Chapters gift card that was given to me for Christmas! Maybe I’ll be able to pick up a couple of your recommendations!
Love Mitch’s work too! Tuesdays with Morrie was one of my favorite all time reads!
Two recent good ones…
The Sticking Point Solution – Jay Abraham
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depended on it – Kamal Ravikant
Cheers!
Love to get that book from you Anna! I have yet to read it, but I am soooo glad you enjoyed it! Will get many of yours as well Lisa. Thank you!
Hey Lisa,
my reading this this last while was:
Cloud Atlas
The Shack
The Hobbit (again)
Ellen DeGeneres Seriously I’m Kidding
World Peace Diet by Dr. Will Tuttle
Give me a break by Hugh Culver
great list!
Hi Lisa,
I’m currently reading, “I Am In Here” by Elizabeth Bonker and Virginia Breen. Very eye-opening about life as experience by an autistic child and her mother. Just about to start, “From Good to Great” by Jim Collins. I’m excited to start it…would love your take on it if you’ve read it!
Good to Great is one of my all time favorite books. I have read that book probably five times. It was mandatory reading for my team when I worked at TELUS. We actually ran entire offsite meetings around the principals in the book and I refer to some of the concepts in my business on a regular basis and I read that book… almost 10 years ago. Fantastic choice.
How funny. I have 2 of the 6 you mention above but I’ve only read one of them, and the other I haven’t even opened. I’m working my way through a tome of a book right now, Paid To Think by David Goldsmith, with The Charge by Brendan Burchard next on the list. As long as we’re pushing forward, right?
Hmm the first one sounds good, The Charge is excellent, read it last year!
I just began reading the book about the frog. What is making a difference for me is scheduling and doing high value task first. My problem is prioritizing. I have not finished it yet. Thank you for the recommendation.
Janice, I need to finish that book! I love it, it is super helpful at keeping me on track and whenever I have a big project, I always remind myself to just “eat that frog!”
Great list Lisa! I have a fluorescent label beside my keyboard that says “Eat the frog!” It motivates me to focus on the most important thing every single day. I’ve now ordered three of the books on your list. I had already intended to buy two other books today so figured three more would just add to the joy! Thanks for the recommendations. Love reading.
I have read almost every book here and I agree, they are great. I like your strategy of business in the morning and self help at night. My problem is that I can’t keep up with my reading list. I want to offer you another great read (I am the author). I would love to send you my book Living HIPP (Happy Inspired Passionate Peaceful). Let me know if you are interested. After reading your feedback, I believe you will enjoy this one too!
“The War of Art” (Pressfield), “The Compound Effect” (Darren Hardy), “The Power of Intention” (Wayne Dyer)…
Tina Fey – Bossy Pants 😉
Just plain entertaining…
Your Brain at Work – David Rock
Great thoughts around multi-tasking and prioritizing… A different way of delivering this type of information but triggered some profound changes for me in planning my day.
The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
All Marketers are Liars (tell stories) – Seth Godin
First, Break all the Rules – Buckingham & Coffman
What the greatest managers in the world have in common.
Chasing the Rabbit – Steven Spear
Warning: Might seem pretty dry but some GREAT concepts around a “continuous improvement” approach to designing your systems.
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Forty Rules of Love! This is a book that really helped my soul.