Books Read in 2014
From 2007 to 2012, I read 263+ books. But I did not stop there. I haven’t kept up the same pace – but have kept on tracking every book I’ve read since. Ideally, I’ve also written a short lessons learned or review of each. Here’s the books I’ve read this past year.
80/20 Sales & Marketing by Perry Marshall
$14.28
In 80/20 Sales & Marketing, Perry Marshall focuses on helping readers boost their marketing and profits by leveraging the Pareto Principle, which highlights that a small portion of clients often brings in most of the revenue. He offers practical tips on various topics like time management and advertising, urging us to concentrate on that top 20% for better results. I appreciated the clear action items, but I found the book a bit too sales-driven and filled with hype. Overall, it’s a solid read if you’re looking for straightforward strategies, but be ready to sift through some fluff.
Pros:
- Provides unique tools for maximizing marketing efforts
- Emphasizes focusing on the top 20% of clientele for better results
- Covers a wide range of relevant topics with practical advice
Cons:
- The book is very sales-y and over the top
- Have to wade through some hype to get to the good stuff
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01/20/2025 10:06 pm GMT
Americas Hiking Trails by Karen Berger
$42.05
In America's Hiking Trails, Karen Berger takes us on a vibrant journey through over 50,000 miles of the country's most iconic trails, focusing on the impressive Triple Crown: the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. I loved how Berger highlights what makes each trail special, and the stunning photography really brings the experience to life. It’s a great resource for anyone dreaming about hiking, even if they aren't planning a major trek anytime soon. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like—this book is a must-have for any hiking enthusiast!
Pros:
- Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photography
- Engaging and eye-opening text
- Comprehensive coverage of iconic trails across the U.S.
- Useful information for planning hikes, including shorter options
- Highly recommended as a reference book
Cons:
- Nothing - amazing book.
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01/20/2025 09:21 pm GMT
The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
$9.98
In The Obstacle Is The Way, Ryan Holiday taps into stoicism to show us how to turn challenges into chances for growth. He breaks it down into three key areas: Perception, Action, and Will. I love how the book reminds us that while we can't control when tough times hit, we can control our reactions. It's all about patience, courage, and creativity. The pacing is solid, and the practical advice really resonates with me. Honestly, I’m a fan of Holiday's work, and this one definitely lives up to my expectations.
Pros:
- Provides a practical framework for turning obstacles into opportunities
- Emphasizes personal control over responses to challenges
- Well-paced and engaging writing style
Cons:
- Not a whole lot to dislike
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01/20/2025 09:56 pm GMT
Hooked On You by Ian Harris
$4.48
In Hooked On You, Ian Harris focuses on how to make your writing engaging enough that anyone will want to read it. His straightforward storytelling approach uses interesting anecdotes to draw readers in, followed by clear messages that resonate. I appreciated his emphasis on storytelling, knowing your audience, and keeping things simple, all while sprinkling in visuals for added impact. Honestly, I found this book to be a fantastic resource for anyone looking to sharpen their communication skills—especially in business. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like; it’s just a solid read!
Pros:
- Well-written and engaging content
- Straightforward approach to storytelling
- Useful tips for improving communication skills
Cons:
- Nothing - great book.
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01/20/2025 09:46 pm GMT
National Bank of Dad by David Owen
$12.19
In The First National Bank of Dad, David Owen offers a fresh approach for parents wanting to teach their kids about money. Instead of the usual allowance model, he emphasizes letting children learn through their own mistakes, which I found really refreshing. The idea of setting up a family bank is a standout concept, making financial lessons engaging. Owen covers everything from budgeting to responsible credit card use, and I appreciated his practical tips. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about this book. It’s a must-read for parents with young kids!
Pros:
- Provides a revolutionary approach to teaching children about money
- Encourages children to make mistakes and learn from them
- Offers practical advice for parents on budgeting and saving
Cons:
- Nothing! Great book for anyone with young kids.
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01/20/2025 09:41 pm GMT
Money: Master The Game by Tony Robbins
$18.62
In Money: Master The Game, Tony Robbins lays out a straightforward approach to achieving financial security through seven essential principles. The book pulls together insights from over 50 financial experts, making it a solid resource for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. I really appreciated the practical advice on saving, investing, and controlling emotions around money. However, I found it to be overly lengthy; while the content is valuable, it could easily be condensed. Overall, it's an inspiring read packed with actionable steps, but be prepared for a hefty volume!
Pros:
- Comprehensive guide to financial planning
- Offers a 7-step blueprint for financial freedom
- Provides actionable steps and useful takeaways
Cons:
- The book is too long; principles could fit on an index card.
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01/20/2025 09:46 pm GMT
All Marketer Are Liars by Seth Godin
$10.59
In All Marketers Are Liars, Seth Godin digs into the marketing world, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling to build real connections with customers. He emphasizes that businesses should focus on sharing stories that resonate rather than just listing product features. I found his insights spot-on, especially his points about how consumers already have their own worldviews and how first impressions kick off the narrative. Overall, this book is a refreshing take that challenges old-school marketing tactics. Honestly, I’m a fan of Godin’s work, and I didn’t find anything to dislike here!
Pros:
- The book emphasizes the importance of meaningful and authentic storytelling in marketing.
- It provides useful takeaways that challenge traditional marketing practices.
- Seth Godin's work is consistently useful and approachable.
Cons:
- Nothing - really enjoy all his work.
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01/20/2025 09:52 pm GMT
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
$5.95
In Peace Is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on mindfulness and its power to bring peace and joy into our everyday lives. He offers practical exercises, like conscious breathing, to help us connect with ourselves and the world around us. The book is divided into three parts, covering mindful living, the importance of breathing and smiling, and engaged mindfulness for social action. I found it to be Hanh's best work, filled with valuable insights. While some parts feel repetitive, I think that's intentional. Overall, it's a worthwhile read with practical wisdom.
Pros:
- The book offers practical exercises for mindfulness.
- Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is accessible and easy to understand.
- It emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing and its benefits.
Cons:
- Large parts of the book are repetitive.
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01/20/2025 09:02 pm GMT
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim
$17.69
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim flips traditional business thinking on its head, suggesting that instead of getting caught up in fierce competition, companies should create their own unique market spaces, or blue oceans. The book emphasizes value innovation, urging businesses to focus on buyer utility and strategic pricing while reducing costs. I found the insights practical, especially the idea of looking beyond competitors and targeting new market segments. While some parts felt a bit fluffy, overall, this book resonated with my approach to business and is a solid read for anyone looking to innovate.
Pros:
- Groundbreaking approach to business strategy
- Emphasizes value innovation effectively
- Offers practical takeaways for market differentiation
Cons:
- It's a bit fluffy in parts.
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01/20/2025 10:07 pm GMT
Cashvertising by Drew Whitman
$15.78
In Cashvertising, Drew Whitman shares over 100 strategies from ad-agency psychology to help anyone sell anything without breaking the bank on ads. He breaks down how we make buying decisions and offers practical tips for crafting ads that actually convert. I appreciate how concise and actionable the book is, making it a useful resource for businesses. However, the tone can feel a bit over-the-top, which might turn some readers off. Overall, it’s a solid guide for those looking to sharpen their marketing skills, just be ready for some exaggerated claims.
Pros:
- Teaches practical ad-agency psychology secrets
- Concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary wordiness
- Tactical and applicable for various businesses with plenty of examples
Cons:
- Over the top and ridiculous at times, making it hard to take seriously and recommend.
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01/20/2025 10:06 pm GMT
How To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
$10.51
In How To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams shares his journey from failure to success, offering some surprising insights along the way. He challenges conventional wisdom, suggesting that goals can be counterproductive and that embracing failure is key to growth. I appreciated his focus on building systems rather than chasing goals, managing energy instead of time, and the importance of self-care. This book is both inspiring and funny, packed with practical advice that feels refreshing. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like—it’s a great read!
Pros:
- Engaging and humorous writing style
- Inspiring message about embracing failure
- Offers unconventional but practical advice
Cons:
- Nothing - great read.
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01/20/2025 09:56 pm GMT
Story of a Soul by St Terese of Liseaux
$10.99
In Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux shares her personal journey of faith and her deep love for God, emphasizing her Little Way of spiritual childhood. While I can see why some people love it, I struggled to connect with the book. It felt overly lyrical and deeply rooted in Catholic language, which made it hard for me to engage. Plus, knowing that Therese was just 12 when she wrote this added to my skepticism about her insights. Ultimately, I didn’t finish it, as it didn’t live up to the hype I’d heard.
Pros:
- The book is lyrical and appreciated by many.
- St. Therese's "Little Way" is a recognized method for growing in holiness.
- It reveals deep love for God and grace within the soul.
Cons:
- I didn't find much to like about the book.
- It didn't meet my expectations based on recommendations.
- It's deeply Roman Catholic and filled with religious language.
- The author's young age felt limiting to the perspective.
- I couldn't finish the book.
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01/20/2025 09:36 pm GMT
Salmon Fishing in Yemen by Paul Torday
$9.69
In Salmon Fishing in Yemen, Paul Torday spins a quirky tale about a Yemeni sheikh who dreams of bringing salmon fishing to his desert homeland. It's a funny yet thoughtful look at belief and the absurdities of politics, especially during the 2000s under Tony Blair. I really enjoyed how the story connects the Middle East and England, adding depth with characters caught in a war-torn reality. Overall, it’s a delightful read that’s both lyrical and engaging. Honestly, I couldn't find anything I didn't like—it's just a solid, enjoyable book.
Pros:
- Lyrical writing style
- Fun and engaging narrative
- Strong themes of belief and satire
Cons:
- Nothing - solid read.
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01/20/2025 08:06 pm GMT
Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
$1.02
In The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin spends a year exploring what makes us happy. She breaks it down into twelve chapters, each tackling different life aspects like marriage, work, and mindfulness. I found her insights relatable and packed with practical tips, like prioritizing sleep and nurturing relationships. However, she sometimes comes off as a bit overly optimistic about tough issues. Overall, I enjoyed the book for its engaging style and down-to-earth advice, making it a solid read for anyone looking to boost their happiness without major life changes.
Pros:
- The book offers practical advice on living a happier life.
- It presents ancient wisdom alongside modern psychological research.
- It's an engaging and relatable read.
Cons:
- The book can be overly optimistic and simplistic about complex issues.
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01/20/2025 07:36 pm GMT
Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You Got by Jay Abraham
$12.10
In Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You Got, Jay Abraham shares 21 strategies for businesses to outsmart their competition and find success. He emphasizes maximizing existing assets and spotting opportunities where others see problems. I found the insights around creating win-win relationships and reducing customer risk particularly valuable. The book is a great read for anyone in consulting or services, packed with actionable tips. Sure, it can feel a bit exaggerated at times, but it genuinely delivers useful advice that stands out in the crowded business genre.
Pros:
- Provides 21 effective strategies for business success
- Focuses on maximizing existing assets and seeing opportunities
- Applicable to various areas of life beyond business
Cons:
- A bit over the top, like many books in this genre
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01/20/2025 08:21 pm GMT
Contagious by Jonah Berger
$10.71
In Contagious, Jonah Berger explores why certain ideas and trends catch on, especially in our fast-paced digital world. I found the book engaging and well-written, packed with relatable anecdotes that make the concepts stick. Berger breaks down six key factors that drive sharing, like social currency and emotional impact, which are super useful for anyone wanting their ideas to spread. However, I did notice that some chapters felt lighter on the academic research, which left me wanting more depth. Overall, it’s a fun read that helps you understand not just marketing, but human behavior too.
Pros:
- The book is well-written, engaging, and tightly edited.
- It includes lots of specific, interesting anecdotes.
- The content is relatable and applicable to everyday life.
Cons:
- A couple chapters did not focus as much on the academic research.
- Some chapters required re-reading to understand subtle differences.
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01/20/2025 09:42 pm GMT
Headhunters on My Doorstep by J. Maarten Troost
$15.00
In Headhunters on My Doorstep, J. Maarten Troost takes readers on a journey through the South Pacific, retracing Robert Louis Stevenson’s travels while reflecting on his own experiences. The book is a mix of travel tales, historical context, and Troost’s personal story of overcoming addiction. I loved how he brought the region to life with vivid anecdotes and interesting characters, making it a fun read. However, I felt some islands were shortchanged, and the serious moments about addiction might catch some off guard. Overall, it’s a captivating travel narrative that’s definitely worth checking out.
Pros:
- Troost provides an authentic and transparent travel narrative of the South Pacific.
- The book is a fun read with colorful characters and fast-paced anecdotes.
- It offers interesting historical context related to Robert Louis Stevenson and the islands.
- The personal voice in the narrative adds depth, especially regarding Troost's recovery from addiction.
Cons:
- The coverage of the Samoas and Gilberts feels short and lacks depth.
- The chapter detailing Troost's addiction recovery is unexpectedly serious and saddening.
- Parts about Robert Louis Stevenson are boring and skippable.
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01/20/2025 09:56 pm GMT
The Inner Game of Work by W. Timothy Gallwey
$11.27
In The Inner Game of Work, W. Timothy Gallwey explores how to improve our performance at work by shifting our focus from rigid goals to understanding key variables that drive success. The review highlights that Gallwey's approach, rooted in his tennis coaching experience, emphasizes observation over forceful execution. I appreciated the practical examples he provides, especially around public speaking and time management, which resonate well. However, the book could have used some trimming and a broader range of anecdotes. Overall, it’s a solid read that encourages a more mindful approach to achieving our goals.
Pros:
- Good applications and specific examples provided.
- Conversational tone aligns with the book's ethos.
- Handy chart of examples on Page 77 is very useful.
Cons:
- The book has plenty of fluff that could be skipped.
- Lacks a wider diversity of anecdotes and examples.
- Could have been less than 200 pages.
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01/20/2025 08:31 pm GMT
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
$11.29
In The Art of Learning, Josh Waitzkin shares his journey from chess prodigy to world champion martial artist, emphasizing the mental processes behind high-level performance. The review highlights how Waitzkin's honest storytelling offers valuable insights into skill development, focusing on the importance of deliberate practice and the internal experiences that fuel mastery. While the book is rich with applicable lessons, it does slow down during the Tai Chi sections and might leave readers hunting for clear takeaways. Overall, it’s a thoughtful read for anyone interested in personal growth and performance.
Pros:
- The book is honest and not ghostwritten, providing authenticity.
- It offers plenty of applicable analogies and lessons for everyday life.
- The story extends beyond chess, showcasing experiences in other fields.
- It includes unique experiences that happen only to those at the top of their field.
Cons:
- The Tai Chi section needed more editing and was slow and boring.
- You have to actively look for lessons and takeaways; it's more memoir than self-help.
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01/20/2025 09:12 pm GMT
Writing on the Wall by Tom Standage
$18.00
In Writing on the Wall, Tom Standage explores the history of social media, arguing that it’s not a modern invention but rather a continuation of human communication that dates back to the Romans. I found his take refreshing and engaging, filled with interesting anecdotes that make history feel relevant today. While the book does have some slow patches and could benefit from a deeper comparison with broadcast media, it ultimately highlights how social media has always been a vital part of human interaction. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that reshapes how I think about my daily online interactions.
Pros:
- Fascinating non-fiction narrative that is engaging and readable.
- Lots of cool anecdotes and interesting historical factoids.
- Applicable and relevant to everyday life, especially for social media users.
Cons:
- Extended boring sections that may cause skimming or skipping.
- Lack of more context and contrast with broadcast media.
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01/20/2025 10:06 pm GMT
