My 2018 Reading List
I set out 2018 with the goal of reading a book every two weeks, but soon realized that I would barely get to a tenth of the books on my wish list if I didn’t read more than 26. So, I cut back on watching TV and utilized some of the flight time from the 100+ airplanes I was on and completed 52 books.
I read some amazing books! Below are my summaries for each one. My hope is that you’ll find at least a few that sound like they would be helpful to you and that you’ll commit to your own growth and development in 2019 by challenging yourself to read more.
If this list doesn’t have any books that appeal to you, you can check out my reading lists from 2014-2017 at laurelemory.com.
BTW: Rather than doing affiliate links to Amazon and putting cash in my personal pocket if you purchase a book from my reading lists, my Amazon links provide a portion of the sale to be donated to The Cupcake Girls, a non-profit organization that I serve on the board of. I appreciate you making the purchase through my link to support the good work they are doing.
PS: The photo above shows the books I’m diving into first in 2019. My goal is to hit 52 again, even though my wish list still has over 200 books on it. ;)
What book is first up for you in 2019?
The Books (in order as completed):
# 1: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks.
Must read for anyone who struggles with fear or insecurity, or anyone who is having trouble meeting goals but can’t figure out why.
# 2: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso.
Eccentric but oh-so true. A must-read for any woman entrepreneur or dreamer. I love coaching women business owners. If you know of one who is hungry to learn and grow, please send her my way.
# 3: The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins.
Simple and effective. This is a must-read for anyone who needs a productivity hack and for everyone who struggles with worry or obsessive thought patterns.
# 4: Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday.
Calling all creative types (writers, artists, musicians, painters, etc): If you've said to yourself, "This is what I was put on this planet to make", this is a must-read book. It is both pragmatic and visionary.
# 5: Concerning the Dust by Corey Emory.
I don't read a lot of fiction, so when Corey first drafted his novel, I told him that he had one page to convince me to keep reading. I know you'll say I'm bias, but I was genuinely drawn in enough to not only keep reading but to finish it in one sitting. If you read moralist fiction like Bret Easton Ellis or Joan Didion, you need to get yourself a copy of Concerning the Dust.
# 6: Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.
More than half of my clients have said to me that they don't feel like they have anyone with whom they can be themselves. If you've ever felt alone or unsure of who your true friends are, this is a must-read.
# 7: Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller.
The last decade or so Christmastime has left me feeling sad and disappointed. I needed to find a way to bring meaning back into what should be the second most joy-filled season of the year. This book did exactly that. It will be one that I re-read every year.
# 8: Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins.
Somewhere along the way we started buying into the idea that artists can't earn a good living. Jeff debunks this belief and challenges us to think bigger. A great read for any writers, painters, photographers, and other artists, who think they'll never be able to quit their day job.
# 9: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.
Regardless of your interest in the military, this is a must-read for business owners and anyone who leads/manages people. Their message further illumines President Harry Truman's mantra, "The buck stops here."
# 10: Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday.
I have very little interest in the actual events described in this book. But, as someone who geeks out on human behavior, I found it absolutely captivating. Ryan is a masterful researcher and I always enjoy the historical content and other analogies that he weaves into his books. This is a fascinating read that you will not want to put down.
# 11: Finish by Jon Acuff.
We’ve all started something and not finished it. Jon teaches us why we let this happen and what we can do to change that outcome. If you have unmet goals, you need to read this book.
# 12: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.
During Christmas vacation 2017, my husband asked our family, “What is one experience you think everyone should have in life?” My response was, “Pain or suffering.” I’d never wish ill-will on anyone, but I do know that hardship presents each of us with the greatest opportunity to choose to live more fully. Mark’s book dives into this theme, calling us to challenge our assumptions and to truly understand that when everything is important, that nothing is important.
# 13: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
I knew extremely little about the origins of Nike, or about Mr. Knight, and was totally wowed by this incredible story of perseverance. A great reminder that most corporate titans have humble beginnings. I whole-heartedly agree with his belief that the answer to poverty is found in “entry-level jobs” and am honored to be able to work with businesses that are making a difference in our world by providing jobs both nationally and internationally. This book will be required reading for every entrepreneurial client of mine from here forward.
# 14: Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan.
A vivid account of a woman’s frightful discovery of an auto-immune disease that starts off appearing like mental illness. I have three friends who have auto-immune diseases and just like my husband’s mental illness, they are exceptionally difficult to diagnose as well as find treatments that help return the person to a state of normalcy. A difficult but informative read.
# 15: Talent Magnet by Mark Miller.
A key theme with most of my clients is about their struggle to find and keep the best employees. Based on research data from 7,000 employees nationwide, Mark provides the formula to crack this code. The findings are not earth-shattering, but as Albert Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
# 16: Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson.
Just this morning I saw a post on Facebook from a friend who prayed for a miracle with her finances. She half-heartedly believed that God would come through for her, but He did. She was blessed with exactly what she and her son needed. Her story, like the awe-inspiring ones in Mark’s book, reminded me how much God desires to be in regular communication with us so that we are able to hear and experience His love for us. We somehow make prayer far more mysterious than it really is. If you’d like to explore more about conversing with our creator, this is a good one.
# 17: Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray.
Bonnie’s previous book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, is one of the most impactful books I’ve read in the last two years, so I knew that I would find meaningful wisdom in Whispers of Rest. I read it slowly over the last two months to savor the soul-nurturing words. Her poetry and prayers are a gift.
# 18: Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict & Armen Keteyian.
An unauthorized biography that is a little over the top, but fascinating. While there is a lot to admire about Tiger’s commitment to the game of golf, his life is a very poignant example of the effects of pornography: destroyed marriage, broken family, lost trust, and diminished potential. Maybe just one person will learn from his mistakes?!
# 19: Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller.
I have long claimed that work is meant to be something that we enjoy doing and that causes us to thrive. Keller brings in examples, both modern and historic, that prove that work was created and intended to be meaningful and good, not something that is just a means to an end (and definitely not something that is a punishment). This book is a must read for anyone who is struggling to find value in their work and for everyone who desires to discover greater significance in their work.
# 20: White Collar Warrior by Bill Hart.
Anyone in a sales role, which includes business owners and professional services folks like me, will find Bill’s book to have simple and easy-to-implement ideas and disciplines based on practical wisdom that will bring results. Bill also offers complimentary access to useful tools from Building Champions, Inc.
# 21: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.
Where do you find yourself being resentful? Henry and John show that resentment is a warning sign that we have not drawn healthy boundaries. I had a conversation today about two areas in my life where resentment has crept in. I’m feeling taken advantage of, but in reality, I didn’t stand up for myself and let my “no be no”. This book is based on brain and behavior science and is just as applicable today as it was when I first read it 20 years ago. If you’re experiencing resentment in any area of life, this book will help.
# 22: Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.
Incredibly intense first-hand stories about sex trafficking, sex slavery, and sexual abuse of girls and women in the U.S. and around the world. Through their in-person conversations and research, Nick and Sheryl identify specific programs and organizations that are substantively helping free women from these oppressions and confinements. They share examples of how every single one of us can help make a difference in these atrocities. One way I’m personally involved in this important work is by giving my time and money to The Cupcake Girls; their work is very worthy of your consideration. This quote from Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Kofi Annan, sums up my takeaway from this heart-wrenching book, “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”
# 23: Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines.
Similar to Chip and Joanna’s Magnolia story, which I read and rated in 2016, Chip shares some practical wisdom and knowledge based on the lessons they’ve learned through their ~20 years of owning businesses. What I appreciate about Chip’s perspective is the reminder that simplicity and perseverance are true building blocks to success. Their decisions are also reminders that family is what truly matters.
# 24: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai.
About 10 years ago, my husband and I experienced racial prejudice when we went to the Maldives, as part of a work assignment. Entering the 100% Islamic country, we had all eyes on us every step we took. The staring, the pointing guns, and the extra security checks were exacerbated by the facts that we didn’t encounter any other white Americans and that I wasn’t wearing a head covering. The feeling was disconcerting, to say the least. The prejudice that we experienced is nothing compared to what Malala and her family endured. Her story, which feels like it’s something out of the days of Ghengis Khan but just happened in 2012, is a must-read, starting with high schoolers and beyond.
# 25: Business Boutique by Christy Wright.
A well-organized overview of how to start a small business. Christy is well-respected in the coaching community. She put her years of personal experience and coaching into a straight-forward step-by-step plan that will help you get your hobby launched into an actual business. A helpful tool for anyone who wants to start a business but isn’t sure where to start.
# 26: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.
Are you struggling with mom-guilt? Is your intimacy with your husband not as good as it used to be? Have you tried every diet plan? Do you have a bad habit that is impacting your bank account balance or your health? Rachel confronts many of the issues modern women are facing and helps us learn how to work through them in positive and productive ways.
# 27: Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk.
Fantastic case studies of entrepreneurs who used Gary’s teachings and as a result achieved their goals, and beyond. The biggest takeaway for me is the reminder that if you’re publishing content on social media with the intent of generating business or building a platform, you absolutely must do different content for each platform since they each serve different purposes and audiences.
# 28: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed.
I’d never heard of Dear Sugar and her advice column until a client told me about her. This book is a compilation of letters from her readers and her responses to the letters. Though I didn’t agree with some of her perspectives, she is empathetic and wise, and weaves together an incredibly meaningful response based on her own experiences and insights.
# 29: Your Brain at Work by David Rock.
Do you check your email first thing in the morning? David’s book, which provides scientific evidence about how our brains work when it comes to processing information, will have you convinced that you should stop doing so. He provides several good strategies to help us deal with distractions, prioritize our priorities, and navigate overwhelming projects. An insightful read, especially for anyone in the business world who is scientifically-minded.
# 30: The Heart of Change by John P. Kotter and Dan S. Cohen.
As we know, organizations that are not evolving and changing are probably dying. For any change, big or small, this is the best book available. I first read it 10 years ago and it’s just as applicable today as it was then. It covers the strategic, the tactical, and most importantly, the people part of organizational change
.# 31: Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom.
29-year-old Mo shares her struggles with pornography and sexual indiscretions in an authentic way and identifies how parents and churches can help young women be prepared for how to respond to these enticements. Given that current stats show that 76% of American women ages 18 to 30 look at porn at least once a month, this would be a helpful read for women and anyone with daughters in this age group.
# 32: Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud.
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with your employees or team members, chances are very high that you were not employing one of these foundational leadership behaviors. This is a must-read, and re-read, for all business owners and everyone who manages people or projects.
# 33: To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink.We are all in the business of selling. Whether it’s a product, a service, or our personal expertise, getting someone to trust us and have confidence in us is a part of our American culture. If you’re still trying to wrap your head around selling in today’s culture, Daniel’s book will likely be helpful. My favorite book of his is Drive, which I reviewed back in 2014.
# 34: Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss.
Much like Tools of Titans (which I reviewed in 2017), I read small sections at a time over the last few months. It is thick with great tips, thought leadership, and practical wisdom from people from a variety of industries, places in life, and worldviews. The two whose insights were the most profound and helpful to me were Kevin Kelly and Darren Aronofsky. Though these books take up a lot of space on a bookshelf, they’re both worth having to refer back to when some expert insights would be valuable.
# 35: Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
We are now in an era where employees not only want to know, but deserve to know, the value and bigger picture of the work they are doing. Simon showcases multiple companies that have done a good job of sharing their vision and the reasons behind it, and gives examples of how this strategy has benefitted the companies, including to their financial results. This is a must-read for every business owner and everyone who manages/leads people.
# 36: Deep Work by Cal Newport.
Our belief that multi-tasking is the antithesis of genuine productivity has been shown to be true with great scientific research that demonstrates the importance of “unbroken concentration”. Thankfully, Cal doesn’t leave us hanging with theory and science, he actually provides examples of how to put these ideas into action. Every knowledge worker and artist must read this book.
# 37: Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It by Gary Taubes.
This is a must-read for everyone who grew up in the 70s and 80s with the food pyramid as their point of reference for what we’re supposed to eat. Yes, I blame that pyramid on my love of pasta and bread, which has contributed to the fat place that I now find myself. ;) But seriously, Gary’s book has helped me to reframe how I look at food and given me a new road map. I only wish I’d known about it 15 years ago.
# 38: Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen.
Nourishment for my soul. That’s what this book was for me. So much so that this is the third time I’ve read it in the last year. If your soul is thirsty, read this book. If you find yourself believing you’re not good enough, read this book. If you feel like your whole life is about pleasing people, read this book. If your cup is empty, read this book. Long story short, read this book.
# 39: Everybody, Always by Bob Goff.
World peace will happen when everyone reads this book and puts into practice just one of the examples that Bob shares. Don’t take my word for it, read the book and see for yourself.
# 40: Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast and John D. Preston.
When I said my wedding vows to Corey, I never considered the possibility that “in sickness and in health” could include mental illness. Now that we’ve been knowingly journeying through this complex world for the last 6 years, I recognize the naïveté and ignorance that characterized our first 12 years together. Books like this one, along with many wise and educated advisors, have been extremely helpful teachers as I try do my best to love my husband, illness and all.
# 41: Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning.
I first read this in 2006. I can truthfully say it was life-changing. His words were salve to my wounded heart. He brought life to Jesus’ message in a way I had never before understood and left me compelled to live from a place of grace-filled love. If you’re feeling beat up or broken, please read this book.
# 42: Unexpected by Christine Caine.
As frustrating as it can be at times, we were never promised an easy, pain-free, life. But we were promised that all of our experiences are intended to help us grow into our unique potential and live a full and meaningful life. Christine creates awareness of the benefits of leaning into the difficult aspects of life. If you’re having a difficult time seeing the good in the hard, this will be a helpful book.
# 43: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon.
A simple narrative showing the power of vision, positivity, and love in the workplace. If you’re a skeptic, look at this fact: “If you would invest in the companies voted the best places to work, where people are full of positive energy and enthusiasm, you would significantly outperform the stock market averages.”
# 44: The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer.
Like a rich chocolate cake, I savored each chapter a week at a time. Tozer breaks down each of God’s attributes with clear definitions and helpful analogies. His confidence in God and God’s character is a welcome gift, given how puny and uninvolved God is depicted in today’s culture.
# 45: The Allure of Hope by Jan Meyers.
“It takes courage to live the story we are given.” Six years ago, I would have characterized myself as a control freak, forcing situations and conversations with the goal of diminishing my personal discomfort. Jan called me out on my foolishness and helped me to experience an unmatched freedom. I have gone back to her words of wisdom countless times. Each time my courage and resolve are renewed.
# 46: The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz.So incredible that something written 60 years ago has such tremendous applicability for today. If you need motivation or encouragement, this is a good starting place with a lot of solid foundational truths.
# 47: It’s Okay Not to be Okay by Sheila Walsh.
Driving home from a recent women’s luncheon reflecting on the conversations I had, I realized that every single woman I spoke with had some challenging situation they were dealing with: the loss of a Mom, caregiving for a sick family member, physical pain, the death of a friend, the loss of the ability to drive, having a parent move in with them. What I marveled at was how gracious these women were with themselves and how they allowed themselves to experience the emotions that accompanied their situations. That is what I appreciated most about Sheila’s book, the reminder that all is not right in our lives and that it’s okay to not force ourselves to grin and bear it.
# 48: Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton.
Though often uncomfortable and foreign to us, quiet alone time is a necessity. Ruth says, “We have been feeding for so long on the emptiness of words and noise and activity that our soul is emaciated.” Ruth provides guidance about how to bring life back to our starving and exhausted selves through simple exercises and guided solitude experiences, showing us that Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin had it figured out: “Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something.”
# 49: Spiritual Classics by Richard J. Foster and Emilie Griffin.
What a treasure! Richard and Emilie compiled writings about the spiritual disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration) from wise sages like Martin Luther King Jr, Claire of Assisi, Leo Tolstoy, Dorothy Sayers, G.K. Chesterton, and many others. I particularly appreciated the words of Adolfo Quezada, “Discard the unrealistic expectations and appreciate what is actual in your life instead of constantly looking at what ought to be…release the tension that comes from discontentment.”
# 50: Halftime by Bob Buford.
Bob presents the keys to preventing burn out or a mid-life crisis. This is a must-read book for anyone who is 1/3 or more into their career and finds themselves feeling unfulfilled, trapped, losing motivation, or bored.
# 51: You are Free by Rebekah Lyons.
For women who feel lost, hopeless, weighed down, scared, depressed, anxious, wounded, treading water, Rebekah’s story brings light and awareness of the freedom that is available to us.
#52: Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren.
This was the 4th or 5th time I’ve read this book. Each time I find new nuggets of wisdom that meet me right where I’m at. I will continue to read it every few years because it is rich and impactful. You can’t help but be changed in some way by reading it, so don’t pick it up unless you’re prepared to have your perspectives broadened and challenged.
