Top Books of 2021: Part 1
As an avid reader, I’m constantly looking for book recommendations that encompass business, good stories, or a mix of both. And as I pore through these books, some good and some not-so-great, I want to share the best of the best with you! Whether you want to take your small business mindset to the next level, read a good memoir, or immerse yourself in some captivating fiction, here are the top books of 2021 so far, with links if you want to grab a copy!
1) Rest by Alex Soojung Kim-Pang
The first mention is geared towards the business side of my brain, but impacted a lot of my personal life as well. It covers what exactly rest is (it’s a lot more than just watching TV), why you should prioritize it, and what kind of things bring true rest. Using a good mix of scientific data and stories that hammer the points home, I enjoyed discovering a few new ideas and understanding why I work so hard at the hobby of running.
2) Win at All Costs by Matt Hart
It’s not often that investigative journalism turns into a compelling book, but Matt Hart knocked it out of the park. I already had a lot of reasons for choosing not to purchase any Nike products or support their brand, but even if I didn’t then this book is filled with shocking stories about the inside culture of the Nike Oregon Project and its now-banned founder, Alberto Salazar. While I love that it’s about running, you don’t have to be in the sport at all to appreciate what the author uncovers.
3) Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Most of the time I devour as much of a book as I can at a time, but this was different. I read Gentle and Lowly one chapter at a time, right before bed. It was like a breath of fresh air for anyone who calls him/herself a Christian, or is even thinking about it. I’ve read the stories about Jesus a million times, but Dane Ortlund’s perspective was life-changing, and I continue to think about and live by the principles he covers.
4) Rework by Jason Fried
Another business book, this one is also best read in small bites. It’s a good mix of motivation and turning some old adages on their heads. I’ve read quite a few business-related works, but Jason Fried challenges so many of the ideals accepted as ‘fact.’ It was enjoyable, pretty snarky, and a great read.
5) The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I checked this book out on a Monday around 2:30pm, and by 9:30pm I had read half of it. I often forget about the mystery/thriller genre, but it sucked me in right away. There aren’t huge life lessons in it or compelling personal takeaways, and that’s fine with me - I love reading for fun, so this fit the bill perfectly. Be forewarned that it is definitely not kid-friendly!
It’s always hard to narrow down my favorites list, but even just looking at what I’ve read so far gets me that much more excited for what the rest of the year will bring. If you have any suggestions, leave a comment and let me know - I’m always looking for something new!