There are so many benefits to reading. I love escaping into a story or learning something new. It’s a great opportunity to widen our perspective and take some time out. I’ve read a lot of books but these are my favourites that I always recommend.
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Non-Fiction
Over The Top
Over The Top is the autobiography of the charismatic, JVN, from Queer Eye. It tells stories of the LGBTQ community, his struggles and how he got to where he is now. This post is also a part of Amy in 613‘s book club for March 🙂
The House in The Sky
This book is the memoir of Amanda Lindhout traveling remote places and then being kidnapped and her journey for survival. It shows how powerful the mind is when faced with difficult situations.
Eat, Pray, Love
This book was so popular it was made into a movie with Julia Roberts. Eat, Pray, Love shares a journey of self-discovery through travel. This book was a great way to travel the world through another perspective.
Fiction
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This is a murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. Once I started I couldn’t put this book down. It was made into a movie but the book is so much better. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is the first of a series. The next books are The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. If you’re interested in the whole set you can buy it here.
The House of Sand and Fog
The House of Sand and Fog is from the perspective of two people intertwined in conflict while looking for a small piece of ground to stand on. It shows that everything isn’t always so black and white.
Gone Girl
I’m such a baby when it comes to scary novels but I loved the suspense of Gone Girl. You never knew what was going to happen next. I read some similar books but nothing topped this one.
Business
4 Hour Work Week
This book is all about productivity and how to work smarter not harder. I had a lot of great take-aways. You don’t have to be an Entrepreneur to gain value from 4 Hour Work Week. It’s jam-packed with info.
Money Master The Game
This was the first book that I read about money/investing. It breaks everything down into simple terms to explain different options of where you’re money should be going. Since reading Money Master The Game I have made money on various investments and I feel more prepared to make financial decisions.
Jab Jab Right Hook Gary Vaynerchuk
I liked the takeaway of this book. It’s all about the importance of providing value and not just selling.
Self-Improvement
Givers and Takers
This book was really interesting and one I recommend often. It studies givers and takers in different situations. I would identify myself as a giver and it gives a lot of great information on how that’s a good thing. Being a giver is actually a good thing. Although you don’t expect things in return, it always comes back to you.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
This book is a timeless classic. Don’t let the title scare you away. It’s more about relationships with other people and how to navigate different situations. I think everyone can draw value from this book and it’s one of those books I know I will re-read many times.
Tools of Titans
Tim Ferris interviews the world’s most successful people to learn about their tactics and routines. Tools of Titans is a great opportunity to get insight into how successful people operate.
Slight Edge
The concept of this book seems simple but it’s something that has stuck with me. It’s all about turning simple disciplines into massive habits and success. The line that’s stuck with me is “you have to do the things that are easy to do but easy not to do.”
Judgement Detox
This was an interesting book looking at both the internal and external judgments that we make every single day.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck
Mark Manson who wrote this book has one of my favourite articles – if its not a f*ck yes its a f*ck no. The article is about dating but I think it’s something that you can apply to lots of areas in your life. This was an interesting read and it’s an extremely popular book. This book explores a lot of what really matters.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
I’ll be honest, I found this book had a lot of fluff but it also had some important takeaways.
The Obstacle Is The Way
I love the message of this book. It’s all about turning trials into triumphs. If I reflect on all the obstacles I’ve hit in my life they’ve always helped me to get to my next step.
Miracle Morning
This book is all about habits and the morning routine that is going to change your life.
Awaken the Giant Within
Get ready to be inspired. Tony Robbins is so motivating and you’ll be ready to take the next steps. This book walks you through having Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Success.
Psychology
Predictably Irrational
I loved this book and it’s another that I often recommend. It explores different studies and factors that go into our decision making. It was interesting to learn the different factors that go into our decision making in different situations.
Blink: Thinking Without Thinking
This book explores how good decision-makers aren’t necessarily better at dealing with information but rather filtering through different factors that shape our decisions. It explores multiple studies and the outcomes of different decisions.
Currently Reading and Up Next
Currently Reading:
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
Up Next:
What’s are your favourite books?
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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