When I say I have "read" the books, it is usually that I have "listened" to them. Being highly auditory and not very visual, I enjoy many benefits of this method. Even if you are not particularity auditory, I encourage you try exploring through audible books, podcasts, lectures, et cetera, as a great way to make use of time that you might normally view as wasted or even make some kinds of productive time serve double-duty. For example, I now look FORWARD to cleaning the kitchen and doing dishes because it means more time with a great book or favorite lecturer. It takes no extra time to get updated on the latest vaccine trials while running errands, or finally read Crime and Punishment during brisk walks.
This January I completed 14 books, numerous podcasts and an extensive business marketing course by listening while doing activities that do not demand higher brain function.
It's no wonder I used to feel resentful about having to do menial tasks - the time adds up!
Here is a quick synopsis of the books and my impressions:
The Automatic Millionaire, by David Bach ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
I picked this knowing it is time to move beyond real estate investments and intelligently plan a more comprehensive structure that will support me when the unexpected happens or I want to transition to more time spent creatively. This book fit the bill perfectly. I highly recommend to anyone interested in a sound system of automated investing.
The 5 Second Rule, by Mel Robbins ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
If I judged this book by it's cover, I would never have picked it up. It turned out to be quite interesting, and, at moments, touching. The science was a little dumbed down for my taste, and the tone a bit hard. I prefer an inspiring tone for self-improvement books. However, the foundation and insight are both valid, and it should be useful for anyone trying to move from knowing what is best to doing it.
Start with Why, by Simon Sinek ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
I love this book. This goes on my annual reading list. Read it.
My only criticism of this book was the narration. I thought the content was excellent. It cleanly and expertly dives deeply into the process of evaluating and deciding complex moral issues. And, perhaps more importantly, creating a relationship with your kids in which they not only see you living the process, but allows them to be comfortable coming to you when they need help. I was able to tolerate the narrator's superior tone by listening at 1.8x play speed.
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
Once I finally suspended disbelief and just let myself listen to the story, I found it quite poetic. A good book for walks or meditative time. I greatly enjoyed Jeremy Iron's narration.
Get Out of Your Own Way, by Dave Hollis ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
This gets equal billing to Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule. I already had a pretty good grasp of the foundation and message, but the new stories and perspectives made it worthwhile and interesting.
The Meaning of It All, by Richard Feynman ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
This sounded like a collection of lectures or essays of the great Feynman. I always appreciate his clear thought and brilliantly-simple explanations. Listening to his work between books is like a pallet cleansing between courses.
Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts ⌚︎⌚︎
Meh. Perhaps it's just not a subject that interests me. I found it self-evident and felt the author and I would not enjoy each other's company.
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle ⌚︎
Recommended by a friend. I had heard the author's name and figured I would be better-rounded for having read one of his works. My father was a chemist - grandfather, uncles, great uncles - physicists, mathematicians, doctors, attorneys... perhaps it's in my DNA; I just can't follow the fascination with non-evidence-based theories.
The Point of It All, by Charles Krauthammer ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
Quite possibly my favorite this month. I bought a physical copy for my library for my son to read and me to highlight. The audible version is especially touching with the intro and closing written and read by his son. Krauthammer was a brilliant and insightful man whose depth, capacity and wisdom is rarely matched.
The Culture Code, by Daniel Coyle ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
This was the perfect blend of science, research and stories for me. Surprising and engaging insights into human interaction dynamics. Read if you are interested in how people work.
The Unlucky Sperm Club, by Nelson Tressler ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
Written by a colleague, Nelson asked I read this, his first book, and give him my feedback. I'm glad he did, for I would otherwise never have read it. While I am clearly not a member of the unlucky sperm club, it's value in painting childhoods I have never brushed against, and reinforcing in no uncertain terms that "we are the products of our choices", it was an interesting and inspiring read.
Unschool Yourself First, by Mark Beaumont ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
This was recommended by a friend who is questioning the value of traditional schooling. Being a 4th-grade dropout, I had answered this question for myself many years ago. It gives a good synopsis and support for serious re-evaluation of how we should approach education for ourselves, our children and society in general.
Walden, by Henry Thoreau ⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎⌚︎
I am sorry to say that, even though my grandfather was named in honor of this book and it's ideals, I had never read it cover to cover. That is a shame, because it is a beautiful work.
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