Here I present my list of MUST READ books that I’m either currently reading, have on my wishlist or read in the past. Not every book will make the list, only VERY BEST STUFF (in my humble opinion). I’m always looking for new books ideas, so feel free to ping me if you have some amazing MUST READ book that I missed.
Marketing / Business / Enterpreneurship
DotCom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online
One of the best books on marketing and sales funnels concepts that I ever read. Allows you to understand main principles behind every successful business. The book is so good that it primed me enough to buy 15K Russel Branson’s program later on. Be careful, it may change your life! 🙂
Another awesome book from Russel Brunson. This one focuses more on teaching how to sell your expertise and the principles behind any mass movement ( Leader –> Cause –> Vehicle ). Simple, informative and easy to follow. Just grab it and give it a read.
The book is split into 2 parts. The first one is the personal story of the Author, which is pretty interesting in its own way. The second part is all about specific Ask campaign methodology. If you learn how to communicate with your potential customers before you build your product, then you will be able to save precious time and create something that customers want (instead of what you think they need).
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Classics from Tim Ferriss. Shows the true power of outsourcing and working smart, not hard (well both of course). If you didn’t read this book, then… GET IT AND READ IT IMMEDIATELY!
This is classics on writing headlines and copy from Eugene Schwartz. Let me warn you this book is pretty expensive, but it truly a great investment. Even if you will not be writing copy yourself you need to understand why best copywriters charge a lot of money for their services and how to pick the ones with the right mentality.
A bit academic and dry in the beginning, but as it goes on the author presents an excellent strategy on creating your own blue ocean (aka a niche or a new market). It also provides some awesome examples of companies that went through the process and changed their positioning. Pretty cool.
Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat
Another must-read book for everyone who cares about entrepreneurship and wants to get some advice on growing companies from 0 to hundreds of millions. Outlines simple strategies that you need to take when you go from 0 to a million, then from one to ten million and finally from ten and up. Highly recommend this book.
Simply amazing and powerful book from 37signals. Simple, clean and up to the point. I finished it in a day. Definitely a keeper.
Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit for Entrepreneurs
Finished this book a long time ago, but it definitely deserves a spot on my must-read list. Packed with real wisdom and help entrepreneurs to avoid bunch common mistakes. A+!
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
An amazing story of Pixar. Starts from the simple idea and goes all the way to being acquired by Disney. Explains the role of Steve Jobs and how all the pieces fit together. The most interesting part for me was to see the process of managing a truly creative company which was literally packed with super talented people.
Personal development
I’m not a fan of James Altucher lifestyle and appearance, but I do love his writing and a way of thinking. I also subscribed to his financial newsletter. This books can help you to build a daily practice (the foundation) which in turn has everything necessary to transform your life. Read the book and get ready to give up your 9 to 5! )
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
Thanks to this book I started to wake up at 5.30am. Amazing and inspiring sotry, plus it makes sense logically. Give it a shot.
Think and Grow Rich: The Original, an Official Publication of The Napoleon Hill Foundation
An evergreen book that shows the importance of positive thinking and its role in attracting wealth. The interesting fact about this book is that it was written about hundred years ago but the outlined ideas still perfectly apply today. Simply amazing.
The book describes a lot of historical events and breaks down individual strategies applied in each individual case. It even covers the tactics of mass terror which is definitely not the new invention like many may think.
Another book from Rober Greene on my list. Truly deserves the spot. The book outlines a bunch of different live tricks and strategies based on specific real-life examples. Worth keeping at your table so you can periodically flip through specific ideas. Great read overall.
Health and nutrition
The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain
Put simply this book changed the way I eat today. I learned a lot of new stuff about different food sources and also introduced me to the supplements world. I take a few supplements every morning, along with Vitamin D and fish oil and I feel much better than I used to.
A great introduction into biohacking world. The book may feel a bit technical in the beginning but after a few chapters, it just turns into one continuous flow of really important and interesting information. I documented major takeaways for myself, but still highly suggest to read the whole thing. One other detail – now I go by the nickname of Elton John because I wear yellow glasses that block the junk LED light 🙂
Another excellent book that may feel a bit dry in the beginning. Words like creb cycle, mitochondria may throw you off. Just keep plugging through as there are amazing things waiting for you on the other side. There is a good chance that after finishing this book you will stop going to the gym 3-5 times a week. Why? Well, you’ll need to read to find out )
Backstory
Did you know there are somewhere between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published every year in the US alone? It’s crazy to even think about it. Naturally, we need a way to find gold in the ocean of dirt and rocks and Amazon reviews not always produce desired results…
Let me tell you a story. When I was running operations at FastCompany there were tons and tons of books everywhere in the office. What would happen, is I would pick up a random new book with shiny cover and interesting title and read it.
Most of the time the books were average at best, so I had to stop that bad habit.
Well, I still read a lot, but I became much more strict with the books I choose for my reading list. The thing is when you pick up a “wrong book” you may waste a lot of time (weeks, months even years) and get no value (or not the value that you expected) in the end.
Maybe it’s just me, but I like to finish things that I started. That also applies to the books. It’s very hard for me psychologically to put down a book that I didn’t finish, but I’m getting better.
Anyway, here you have my list – enjoy!