My ultimate list of life-changing books
10 mostly non-fiction reads for the beach, business, and life
Through transcontinental and coastal moves, marriage, divorce, and relationships, the one constant among my most valuable possessions are the books in my personal library.
I love floor-to-ceiling books, books scattered around a home, and books discovered on Kindle, purchased later as an “intellectual souvenir” as a former Amazon publisher friend coined (and who has this fabulous blog dedicated to Anna May Wong):
I’m happy to say I’ve held onto certain books since middle school. While their monetary value may be insignificant, their sentimental value to me is priceless.
Like my Signet Classic “Scarlet Letter,” or my Scholastic “Jane Eyre,” and Bevington “Complete Works of Shakespeare.”
Now, as an adult, there are a handful of impactful books that helped change the course of my life, taught me how to create and be better, or gave me a greater sense of the world around me.
So here they are, in no particular order. Obviously this list is not exhaustive and the more I hope to read, the more I’ll add.
I should also disclose that all titles, for simplicity’s sake, are linked to Amazon. But I encourage finding them at your local library or purchasing from resellers like thriftbooks or your local bookshop:
The Four Hour Workweek
When I first picked up this book back in 2014, I didn't know what to expect.
But like most people, I was curious how to work fewer hours for greater reward.
Despite its intriguing title, Tim Ferriss actually exposed me to the possibility of running online businesses to generate passive income.
Perhaps even more eye-opening was the use of virtual assistants (aka “VA’s” located around the world; he started with a company called “My Man in India”), to help you achieve everything from mundane tasks to long term goals.
VAs have since evolved into a sophisticated industry with helpers of all skill levels who can perform quick tasks to full blown Executive Assistant duties.
I credit this book with setting me in the right direction of eventually taking my entrepreneurial leap.
Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To
Aging is a disease.
At least according to Dr. David Sinclair a professor at Harvard Medical School.
Yes, he discusses intermittent fasting, the benefits of a reduced meat diet, cold exposure, and pursuing an active lifestyle, but he also introduces the chemical NAD+ to preserve cellular regeneration. Whether you’re mixed about NAD+ drips or supplements in general, this book is useful for anyone who prioritizes an active and fit lifestyle and mobility as you age.
Choose Yourself
At a fortuitous New York City author meetup about a decade ago, a fellow attendee mentioned this book.
Yes, James Altucher is an eccentric, but his reminders to put yourself first and that it’s okay and powerful to say “No” to things you’re not all-in about, or when others try to encroach on your time, was exactly what I needed at the right time in my life.
6 Months to 6 Figures
This book was instrumental to me at the start of my entrepreneurship journey.
A caveat: I actually listened to the audiobook, which accompanied me so many times as I walked the lake outside of my parent’s house, when I was deliberating my ability to take the leap and start a business.
I would even argue the audiobook is better because of Peter Voogd’s confident, assured storytelling and delivery.
Confessions of an Heiress: A Tongue in Chic Peek Behind the Pose
I have always loved the original “It” girl Paris Hilton, and this 2006 book is exactly what you would expect it to be.
At the time, she was dating Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, after Tommy Hilfiger model Jason Shaw, and their photos feature in the book.
If this book taught me anything it was how to enjoy being unabashedly glamorous, and how to achieve the perfect pose for the perfect selfie — even before selfies became a thing! She was and is truly ahead of her time.
The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure
Love him or hate him, Grant Cardone is the ultimate salesman. He's like a tough love, no nonsense uncle, who lights the fire under your butt to go make something of yourself and get results — no excuses and no laziness allowed.
Aside from pushing you to do whatever you’re doing bigger and better than anyone else, what stuck with me was avoiding excuses for making money — and that it’s your responsibility and no one else’s to achieve your idea of success.
Letting Go
A recent recommendation that I’ve been consuming over the past month, Dr. David Hawkins’ book discusses the simple yet tangible benefits to surrendering whatever emotional thing you’re holding on to — be it anger, negativity, being pissy about whatever, and simply surrendering and letting it go.
It is compassionate and accessible, and references a cross-section of teachings from spiritual disciplines and religions.
Ultimately it’s a simpler way of being for physical, emotional, and mental health.
Profit First
For entrepreneurs, especially those who are starting out or two to three years in, it can be difficult to remind yourself to pay yourself first so you can pay your bills.
This helps you from losing control and going overboard with operational business expenses.
A simple concept, and a book with many practical applications including shared Google Sheets and Discord communities for others who know that cash and profit are key to sustainable businesses.
Fortune’s Children
Personal finance author Morgan Housel (whose book The Psychology of Money is also a good read) recommended this book written by Arthur T. Vanderbilt, and I was immediately drawn to it because of my fascination and affinity to the Vanderbilts.
Growing up in North Carolina, my family visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville pretty regularly, and of course the child’s mind wonders how these people became so wealthy.
The adult mind then wonders why they are no longer a financial powerhouse and what led to their decline.
This book is such a fun read because the Vanderbilts were such characters; it chronicles Cornelius Vanderbilt’s beginnings and ultimately his family’s misadventures and financial mismanagement of their egregious wealth.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
As a writer and ruthless editor, I believe most things written in 1,000 words can be said in 100.
If you are attempting to learn what minimalistic and impactful writing is all about, then let this prose master of short stories teach you.
Raymond Carver, despite his melancholy, exemplifies what simplistic storytelling is all about, and how profound and beautiful it can truly be.
And that’s it!
Did you enjoy this list? Here’s the full list + 2 honorable mentions.
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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