You know I love books, though my reviews have been kind of sparse this year. Still, I read some good ones and wanted to share them with you, considering I get this request often! I have read less books than normal this year — at least I feel like I have. Since taking on freelance work and studying for NASM, reading has taken a bit of a back seat.
Here are some of the books I read this year. Sorry the “reviews” are so short — ain’t nobody got time for that! I enjoyed all of these in some way, shape or form. Check it and add your favorites in the comments.
1. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Love this one!
2. Bullfinch by Hannah Sternberg
Great for young adults — think the “Twilight” generation types.
3. Big, Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Clearly a fan of Liane Moriarty — a dark story but thoroughly entertaining and readable to the end.
4. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Enjoyed this one, a nice read for book club. Took me a bit to get into it but the second half makes it worth it.
5. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Another young adult novel that was just made into a movie. Not my favorite but a decent read.
6. All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner
I always read Jennifer Weiner and this was, as always, very readable — though it touches on the darker seem of prescription pill addiction. Really enjoyed it overall though.
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7. The Leftovers by Tom Perotta
Picked randomly…pretty interesting, though the TV show they made is a big fail.
8. Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey
My review on this book here.
9. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
Hello, it’s Mindy — of course it’s awesome!
10. Talk Like TED: 9 Public Speaking Secrets by Carmine Gallo
Had a bit of an obsession with TED Talks this year so had to get some tips!
11. The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel
Decent but I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing or the “proper” way in which the women were portrayed. It was definitely lacking some depth.
12. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
Read this because my friend Lynn wrote and directed a play based on it. Really good, “real woman” type of read.
13. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Had to read it because it was all the rage. It was decent but reminded me of just about every Lurlene McDaniel book I read as a kid. The movie was okay, but also not up to expectations for me.
14. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Enjoyed the concept in this book, though I don’t love Ann’s writing style. However, the purpose behind the book makes it worth reading.
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15. Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge
Again, don’t love Eldgredge’s writing BUT there are some reallllly solid chapters in this book and I’m glad I read it.
16. Startup Stories by Jordan Raynor
I know Raynor from the industry I work in and he has some solid advice for those looking to get into startups.
17. The Dinner by Herman Koch
This was weird…not at all what I expected after having seen it on the best seller list for months. I read to the end and stayed intrigued but was unsatisfied by the end.
18. Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnson
Insightful and revealing. something women who enjoy drinking may want to pick up.
19. The Best Yes by Lisa TerKeurst
Some solid parts to this book. The main part I remember it his: You have to practice wisdom — it doesn’t just come to you after you pray for it.
20. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuck
Everything, anything Gary Vee — I’m in.
21. Finding Mr. Righteous by Lisa De Pasquale
My friend Lisa wrote this…all about her failed relationships and what she learned. Anyone who’s had a longer term dating life will see themselves in here somewhere — I certainly did.
22. The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vee — still obsessed 🙂
23. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
You get the picture…
24. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne
After going through B-School this year, I had a full list of books to read and this one proved to be very helpful.
25. The Four Hour Work Week by Timnothy Ferriss
This book changed the way I think about life and allowed me the mental freedom to purse freelancing and make extra income.
26. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Want to understand saving and investing in the simplest way possible? This helps a lot!
Let me know if you have any other books I should read! I need to get my 2015 list started! Currently, I’m reading John Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You.”
*Find more of my book reviews HERE.
SO many to add to my list now!
I am definitely adding The Best Yes to my reading list this year! I’ve heard so many great things about it!