SHOUT OUT TO THE LIBBY APP
(updated 10/10)
When you put 10,000 miles on your car in just over 3 months, you've got time to listen to some audio books.
For the last 10 years, I haven't had a commute. I've either walked to work or, better yet, worked from home. And when I do drive somewhere, I usually take advantage of that time to catch up on phone calls with my boss, other clients, or my friends and family.
I quickly learned that most of my miles on this little adventure are through areas with little to no cell phone service, which means phone calls aren't an option. So I needed a plan to keep myself entertained (and productive) during all these miles in a car.
Thank goodness for Libby! And shout out to Tim for the recommendation. :)
Libby allows you to borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free. Just download the app, login with your library card info, and you have the ability to check-out audio books. If you want new release titles, you're better off paying for access via Audible, but there are still plenty of relevant and recent titles on Libby and it has worked out great for me.
Here is a list of the books I've read, in descending order of how I read them. I'll update as I finish more. In the meantime, please send your suggestions for additional titles. Oh, and do share your thoughts on any of the books below - would love to hear what you think!
Anne Bogel
Published 2020
non-fiction
(Read while driving from Montana to Wyoming. This is another recommendation from one of those "personal growth" reading lists on Instagram. Again, not a title I'd have picked on my own. I personally didn't like this book. Her examples are trivial - what to eat, constantly checking the weather and stressing over the forecast, whether to leave today or tomorrow for a road trip. If those are legit "overthinking" examples, then I'm clearly not an overthinker. And oh my gosh, if those decisions paralyze you, then wow, I don't know how you get through life, ha! But she did share some advice on productivity that I already live by - good affirmation, I guess.)
We've all been there: stuck in a cycle of what-ifs, plagued by indecision, paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. Nobody wants to live a life of constant overthinking, but it doesn't feel like something we can choose to stop doing. It feels like something we're wired to do, something we just can't escape. But is it?
Anne Bogel's answer is no. Not only can you overcome negative thought patterns that are repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful, you can replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life. In Don't Overthink It, you'll find actionable strategies that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you deal with questions both small--Should I buy these flowers?--and large--What am I doing with my life? More than a book about making good decisions, Don't Overthink It offers you a framework for making choices you'll be comfortable with, using an appropriate amount of energy, freeing you to focus on all the other stuff that matters in life.
Harriet Lerner
Published 2005 (originally published 1985)
(Read in Montana. I've been seeing "personal growth" reading lists on Instagram. This title is from one of those lists. Can't say I loved the book, mostly because it's an older title with some outdated generalizations about women. (Sure enough - it was originally published in 1985, nearly 40 years ago!) The one takeaway from the book is to make sure you understand WHY you are angry - as we all know, fights are often over symptoms, not the actual problems. I think that's a fair reminder for anyone, not just women.)
"Anger is a signal and one worth listening to," writes Dr. Harriet Lerner, in her renowned classic that has transformed the lives of millions of readers. While anger deserves our attention and respect, women still learn to silence our anger, to deny it entirely, or to vent it in a way that leaves us feeling helpless and powerless. In this engaging and eminently wise book, Dr. Lerner teaches women to identify the true sources of our anger and to use anger as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting change.
Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Published 2010
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. Referred by Amy. This is an awesome book about how to get people to change, i.e. how to "switch." Most people understand logically why they should change, but you have to also get their heart into wanting to change and give them a simple path on how to change / what to do.)
Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives?
The primary obstacle is a conflict that's built into our brains. Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems - the rational mind and the emotional mind - that compete for control. The rational mind wants a great beach body; the emotional mind wants that Oreo cookie. The rational mind wants to change something at work; the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine. This tension can doom a change effort - but if it is overcome, change can come quickly.
In a compelling, story-driven narrative, the Heaths bring together decades of counterintuitive research in psychology, sociology, and other fields to shed new light on how we can effect transformative change. Switch shows that successful changes follow a pattern, a pattern you can use to make the changes that matter to you, whether your interest is in changing the world or changing your waistline.
Dale Carnegie
Published 1998
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. I first read this a couple decades ago and decided it would be nice to have a refresher. It wasn't as impactful as I remember it, perhaps because so much of the language and references are outdated. But the principles haven't changed. Still a classic if you haven't read it yet.)
You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work for you!
Since its release in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold more than 15 million copies. Dale Carnegie's first book is a timeless bestseller, packed with rock-solid advice that has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.
As relevant as ever before, Dale Carnegie's principles endure, and will help you achieve your maximum potential in the complex and competitive modern age.
Learn the six ways to make people like you, the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, and the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment.
David McCullough
Published 2019
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. I saw this title on the bookshelf of my Airbnb house in Ketchum, Idaho. I hoped the book would tell a bigger picture of how the west was settled; however, it was actually a history specifically about the town of Marietta, Ohio. That was a disappointment, but once I shifted my expectations, the book was quite interesting as McCullough had discovered the journals and personal letters of five prominent figures from Marietta and was able to piece together an incredibly history of the city and its influence on the state and territory. Bonus: the journal excerpts are beautifully written, almost poetic. There are also some love letter exchanges included in the book that make you want to cry, they are so beautiful and filled with unspoken longing. Juxtapose that to today's rap and pop lyrics and it makes you cringe at how our society's sophistication has devolved.)
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David McCullough rediscovers an important and dramatic chapter in the American story: the settling of the Northwest Territory by dauntless pioneers who overcame incredible hardships to build a community based on ideals that would come to define our country.
As part of the Treaty of Paris, in which Great Britain recognized the new United States of America, Britain ceded the land that comprised the immense Northwest Territory, a wilderness empire northwest of the Ohio River containing the future states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Included in the Northwest Ordinance were three remarkable conditions: freedom of religion, free universal education, and most importantly, the prohibition of slavery.
McCullough tells the story through five major characters: Cutler and Putnam; Cutler’s son Ephraim; and two other men, one a carpenter turned architect, and the other a physician who became a prominent pioneer in American science. Like so many of McCullough’s subjects, they let no obstacle deter or defeat them.
Dave Ramsey
Published 2007
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. I absolutely love Dave Ramsey, the very funny tough love financial guru. This is an AWESOME book for anyone struggling to get out of debt. Critics say his "debt snowball" philosophy is wrong mathematically. I say people wouldn't be in debt if it was just a math problem. People are in debt from making emotional (or desperate) decisions, so they need something emotional and desperate to get them out. Dave Ramsey does this. Love it.)
If you will live like no one else, later you can "live" like no one else.
Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people.
By now, you've heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you're tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this -- it's the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. And it's based on results, not pie-in-the-sky fantasies.
Learn how to design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt, recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you), and secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!
Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko
Published 1998
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. This is basically a biography of my grandparents and my parents. It's a book about what my parents always told me: you don't get rich spending your money. The authors found in their research that most millionaires live frugal, financially savvy lives and that poor rich people are the ones who often spend most lavishly and have nothing to show for it at the ends of their careers.)
The bestselling The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth. Most of the truly wealthy in this country don't live in Beverly Hills or on Park Avenue -- they live next door. This new edition, the first since 1998, includes a new foreword for the twenty-first century by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley.
Admiral William H. McRaven
Published 2017
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. I absolutely loved this book. I love the message that you need to do small things well to be entrusted to do big things right. Books like this totally motivate me to up my self-discipline and to be a better person.)
If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.
Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments.
Candace Owens
Published 2020
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia. Referred by Mom. I agree with many of the positions Candace takes. I had just two reservations about the content. First, she make some sweeping generalizations to justify some of her positions and about each political party. Second, I kept wondering, why did she write this book? Is she laying the foundation for political appointments or a career in politics? And what has she done that her political opinion should matter more than anyone else? Again, I agreed with a lot of what she said, but have questions over WHY she says it.)
Political activist and social media star Candace Owens explains all the reasons how the Democratic Party policies hurt, rather than help, the African American community, and why she and many others are turning right.
What do you have to lose? This question, posed by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to potential black voters, was mocked and dismissed by the mainstream media. But for Candace Owens and many others, it was a wake-up call. A staunch Democrat for all of her life, she began to question the left’s policies toward black Americans, and investigate the harm they inflict on the community.
Owens argues that government assistance is a double-edged sword, that the left dismisses the faith so important to the black community, that Democratic permissiveness toward abortion disproportionately affects the black babies, that the #MeToo movement hurts black men, and much more. Well-researched and intelligently argued, Blackout lays bare the myth that all black people should vote Democrat—and shows why turning to the right will leave them happier, more successful, and more self-sufficient.
Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D.
published 2019
non-fiction
(Read in Virginia, my first week back! Referred by Cathy. This gave me incredible insight on how to teach personal finance to kids across the socio-economic spectrum.)
People in poverty face challenges virtually unknown to those in middle class or wealth--challenges from both obvious and hidden sources. The reality of being poor brings out a survival mentality, and turns attention away from opportunities taken for granted by everyone else. If you work with people from poverty, some understanding of how different their world is from yours will be invaluable. Whether you're an educator--or a social, health, or legal services professional--this breakthrough book gives you practical, real-world support and guidance to improve your effectiveness in working with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Since 1995, A Framework for Understanding Poverty has guided hundreds of thousands of educators and other professionals through the pitfalls and barriers faced by all classes, especially the poor. Carefully researched and packed with charts, tables, and questionnaires, Framework not only documents the facts of poverty, it provides practical yet compassionate strategies for addressing its impact on people's lives.
Helaine Olen
published in 2013
non-fiction
(Read in South Dakota and finished in Virginia, my first week back! This book was hard to listen to because it only criticizes (which is very easy to do), while providing ZERO advice on how to fix the problems or succeed in spite of the problems. Despite listening through gritted teeth, I read to the end where her call to action was "let's start a conversation." Umm ... that is not insightful! The one valuable lesson to glean, however, is that everyone has ulterior motives (good or bad) and that you must strive to always be informed.)
For the past few decades, Americans have spent billions of dollars on personal finance products. As salaries have stagnated and companies have cut back on benefits, we’ve taken matters into our own hands, embracing the can-do attitude that if we’re smart enough, we can overcome even daunting financial obstacles. But that’s not true.
In this meticulously reported and shocking book, journalist and former financial columnist Helaine Olen goes behind the curtain of the personal finance industry to expose the myths, contradictions, and outright lies it has perpetuated. She shows how an industry that started as a response to the Great Depression morphed into a behemoth that thrives by selling us products and services that offer little if any help. Olen calls out some of the biggest names in the business, revealing how even the most respected gurus have engaged in dubious, even deceitful, practices—from accepting payments from banks and corporations in exchange for promoting certain products to blaming the victims of economic catastrophe for their own financial misfortune.
Weaving together original reporting, interviews with experts, and studies from disciplines ranging from behavioral economics to retirement planning, Pound Foolish is a compassionate and compelling book that will change the way we think and talk about our money.
Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
published in 2015
non-fiction
(Read in Ketchum and on the road to South Dakota. Referred by Tim. Love the lessons and new view it gives me on my life, both personally and professionally. Especially love the section devoted to discipline at the end of the book.)
Sent to the most violent battlefield in Iraq, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s SEAL task unit faced a seemingly impossible mission: help U.S. forces secure Ramadi, a city deemed all but lost. In gripping firsthand accounts of heroism, tragic loss, and hard-won victories in SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser, they learned that leadership—at every level—is the most important factor in whether a team succeeds or fails.
Willink and Babin returned home from deployment and instituted SEAL leadership training that helped forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. Now, detailing the mind-set and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult missions in combat, Extreme Ownership shows how to apply them to any team, family or organization. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic such as Cover and Move, Decentralized Command, and Leading Up the Chain, explaining what they are, why they are important, and how to implement them in any leadership environment.
J. Oswald Sanders
Published 2006 (first published 1967)
non-fiction
(Read in Ketchum on a referral from Lauren and whoa. This book did a good job of making me feel grossly inadequate about my spiritual leadership qualities. Looks like I need to dig in on my spiritual followership first!)
In this classic, J. Oswald Sanders illustrates biblical leadership principles through the lives of David, Moses, Nehemiah, the Apostle Paul, David Livingston, and Charles Spurgeon. This world needs more leaders who are guided by God and devoted to Christ. Christianity needs to put forth a powerful voice to be heard above the cacophony of immorality and deception in much of today's leadership.
Spiritual Leadership will encourage you to place your talents and powers at His disposal so you can become a leader used for His glory. This timeless classic will equip leaders of all generations to press on in service for Jesus Christ. Spiritual Leadership has easy-to-understand modern language and a study guide to assist each leader as they grow and successfully apply the principles in this book. Prepare to be stretched, challenged, and motivated to apply the leadership principles of character, passion, and especially godliness. Spiritual Leadership is a necessary tool for today's leaders.
Malcom Gladwell
published in 2019
non-fiction
(Read in Ketchum, but only finished half the book and that was generous. So far, it's just summarized biographies of Hilter, Bernie Madoff, spies, and other criminals who were able to deceive masses of people. I need to see SOME insight into the why and how, or what we can do to prevent similar deception in our own lives, but so far, nothing interesting or valuable. Bummer after reading Tipping Point and Outliers.)
In Talking to Strangers, Gladwell argues something is very wrong with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don't know. And because we don't know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world.
James Clear
published 2018
non-fiction
(Read in Ketchum, LOVED this book - he totally stole the Weekly Challenges game that Kathy and I always play!)
Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving -- every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
T. Harv Eker
published 2005
non-fiction
(Read on the way to Salt Lake City - a little corny, but some good lessons and a quick read.)
T. Harv Eker states: "Give me five minutes, and I can predict your financial future for the rest of your life!" Eker does this by identifying your "money and success blueprint." We all have a personal money blueprint ingrained in our subconscious minds, and it is this blueprint, more than anything, that will determine our financial lives. You can know everything about marketing, sales, negotiations, stocks, real estate, and the world of finance, but if your money blueprint is not set for a high level of success, you will never have a lot of money—and if somehow you do, you will most likely lose it!
Through Eker's rare combination of street smarts, humor, and heart, you will learn how your childhood influences have shaped your financial destiny. You will also learn how to identify your own money blueprint and "revise" it to not only create success but, more important, to keep and continually grow it.
Jordan B. Peterson
published 2018
non-fiction
(Read in Monticello - LOVED this book! Check it out and I would love to hear your thoughts! Shout out to Tim for the recommendation.)
What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.
In this book, Dr. Peterson provides life advice through essays in abstract ethical principles, psychology, mythology, religion, and personal anecdotes.
Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.
Chris Voss, Tahl Raz
published 2016
non-fiction
(Read in Moab - super insightful. Working to integrate some of these lessons into my world of sales.)
A former international hostage negotiator for the FBI offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations—whether in the boardroom or at home.
In this practical guide, Voss shares the nine effective principles—counter-intuitive tactics and strategies—you too can use to become more persuasive in both your professional and personal life. Taking emotional intelligence and intuition to the next level, Never Split the Difference gives you the competitive edge in any discussion.
Stephen R. Covey
published 2004
non-fiction
(Read in Page - this is an oldie and I just finally read it. Love it. If you also haven't read it yet, it's time.)
First published in 1989, Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles based on a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.
Covey defines effectiveness as the balance of obtaining desirable results with caring for that which produces those results. He illustrates this by referring to the fable of the goose that laid the golden eggs.
Covey argues against what he calls the personality ethic that he sees as prevalent in many modern self-help books. He promotes what he labels the character ethic, e.g. aligning one's values with so-called universal and timeless principles. In doing this, Covey distinguishes principles and values. He sees principles as external natural laws, while values remain internal and subjective. Our values govern our behavior, while principles ultimately determine the consequences. Covey presents his teachings in a series of habits, manifesting as a progression from dependence through independence on to interdependence.
Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Richard A. Ferri, Laura F. Dogu
published 2009
non-fiction
(Read in Flagstaff, but I have to admit, I didn't finish listening to this one - it's pretty dry and probably one that's better read in print format to see the formulas and graphs. But the content is sound! If you're struggling with retirement planning, it's worth checking out.)
Whatever your current financial situation, you must continue to strive for a viable retirement plan by finding the most effective ways to save, the best accounts to save in, and the right amount to save, as well as understanding how to insure against setbacks and handle the uncertainties of a shaky economy.
Fortunately, the Bogleheads, a group of like-minded individual investors who follow the general investment and business beliefs of John C. Bogle, are here to help. Filled with valuable advice on a wide range of retirement planning issues, including some pearls of wisdom from Bogle himself, The Bogleheads' Guide to Retirement Planning has everything you need to succeed at this endeavor.
Mark Manson
published 2016
non-fiction
(Read in Flagstaff - the title is crass. The language is even more crass. But the lessons he shares are pretty awesome. Check it out, but only if you can tolerate a potty mouth.)
This book provides a counterintuitive approach to living a good life. In it, Manson argues that life's struggles give it meaning, and that the mindless positivity of typical self-help books is neither practical nor helpful.
Laura Hillenbrand
published in 2010
non-fiction
(Read in Tucson - Brianne told me several times I need to read this. I finally did. I cried. It's an amazing story about perseverance and faith.)
Unbroken is a biography of World War II veteran Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who survived a plane crash in the Pacific Theater, spent 47 days drifting on a raft, and then survived more than two and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) in three Japanese POW camps.
Check back for more updates! In the meantime, let me know if you check out any of these titles. I'm a big fan of some, less so of others - I would love to hear what you think. And don't forget to send me your reading recommendations as well. I'm always looking for good content.
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