BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS
2019 I noticed a steady rise in the number of readers in my circles, friends started popping up talking about books that I’ve read like 1034568 years ago, that have only now come to their attention, flaunting their newly acquired knowledge across all social platforms possible, annoying the veteran readers — (in case it doesn’t read as such, this is all very sarcastic, I too am one of the new readers, flaunting my reads on the socials — whilst real veterans look at me, like- ahh finally people are catching up lool!) either way, it’s a win-win, I get to now discuss my books with my peers, friends, etc and thanks to the world wide web, I can talk to anyone, anywhere about all things books.
This piece is a simple one, I want to recommend my top 5 books to read coming into 2020. (Don’t let this list go over your head, I reckon, all these books will pop up mysteriously throughout your year)
My book recommendations are based on our current atmosphere (especially aimed at young people & adults) We are in a continuing conscious uprise, where the most important thing is your happiness, your sense of peace, belonging and identity. And just as important, we are creating and leaving our mark on the earth via our passions and talents — now
not to say books have all the power to do all the above — but they can absolutely spark your mind!
So *drum roll* here are my top 5 reads for the first couple weeks or months of 2020 — plus one bonus book;
- Celestine Prophecy
- The 4 agreements
- Chris Gardner — The Pursuit of Happiness/ Malala or Richard Branson — Losing my virginity
- Ikigai — The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
- Who Moved My Cheese
- (How to Win Friends & Influence people) Bonus book
All the books above, in my opinion, are very important, they all have something to teach, the lessons I took from each have been very important and beneficial in my personal as well as professional life. So let’s get into it
- Celestine Prophecy By James Redfield.
The celestine prophecy is a fictional story about an ancient manuscript found in Peru which has 8 insights that will lead the world into a greater time, but these insights, are… You guessed it, trying to be destroyed and stopped from circulating by the government and churches. One reason I pick this book is that it teaches the basics of spirituality in a very exciting, edge of seat gripping type of tale. It taught me the basics of energy, understanding, and even to an extent controlling and projecting, after reading this book I bet you won’t look at a plant the same- Still not too sold? Okay hopefully this will push the point a bit more, the 1st insight the main character encounters goes a little something like this:
Critical mass — the first insight speaks of a new spiritual awakening is occurring in human culture, an awakening brought about by a critical mass of individuals who experience their lives as a spiritual unfolding, a journey in which we are led forward by mysterious coincidences.
Sound familiar…… the celestine prophecy
Buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/2t1kh0A
2. The Four Agreements By Miguel Ruiz
The four agreements by Miguel Ruiz, yes it’s a self-help book — before you sigh and flare your nostrils and think — Not another self-help book, telling me how to live some impossible life blah blah. I mean firstly, all self-help books are roughly the same, saying the same thing right? It’s how its packaged and given to us that makes us (individually come alive) right? Well yeah, this one is based on Toltec wisdom, and merely outlines the way the Toltec culture promoted living, which can be applied to ANY PERSONS life. The actual 4 agreements are; 1. Be impeccable with your word, 2. Don’t take anything personally, 3. Don’t make assumptions and 4. Always do your best.
Very simple practices, the books merely details why, and how you can practice them even when it feels tough. These 4 simple agreements I try and practice daily, and although I still fail at times (we all humans you know) they honestly do help towards a clearer life.
Buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/2Rf6Xy3
3. (optional Autobiography)
I would advise everyone to read at least one autobiography, I believe it gives perspective into other lives and helps you connect and gives a warm sensation that internally says — It will and can happen if you are determined. So with that said the recommended autobiography reads from me are;
The pursuit of happiness by Chris Gardner — I’m sure some of you have watched the movie starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, and tells the story of man determined, no matter how low, spoiler alert — this book is sad but inspiring, may even help you look at your situation and rethink how you approach it. I know the biggest take for me was — drive, passion, and WANT to be better will help you get far. He has endured somethings that I couldn’t even imagine, I’m here crying over not having more than £10 to my name, he had to worry about where he and son were sleeping if he didn’t make the shelter in time.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2tl8U3L
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban By Malala Yousafzai -You may have heard this story in passing, but if not Malala Yousafzai is a young lady whose right as a female to education was taken away, and she stood up and fought for her rights. She paid the price and was shot point-blank in the face and survived, and continued to fight. You cannot read this and not be inspired. Reading this book made me ask myself some real questions — am I ready to take a bullet for what I believe? For what I love? Am I ready to stand so strongly in the face of potential death for what I believe in? That’s the question. Are you?
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2FMoQ1M
Losing my virginity by Richard Branson — This is for anyone with a dream and thinks it’s going to be easy, there are ups and downs, but you can build something valuable and sustain. Whether you are in your business or professional journey or both, there is a part of this story that will help inspire you to keep moving regardless.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2RiGCin
4. Ikigai — The Japanese Secret to a long and happy life by Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles -The title of the book, really says it all to be honest, if you are a fan of the Japanese culture, the way they live, how they stay so healthy and full of life at such old ages, this book is full of interviews, rituals, and easy practices that are tested and proven by the Japanese. It’s an easy read and gets very interesting.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2RfeexC
5. Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson — Really like this book, I try to read it a couple of times a year. The book is about 200 pages max I believe, and it’s a fictional story with characters that relate to personality traits, and it talks about knowing what makes you happy, how to handle and look at change. The book is a giant metaphor, but it makes it fun, I was first recommended this book by Charmaine Hayden (REAL BOSS — google her :) )
Buy here: https://amzn.to/35Zj0F3
6. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carniege — This is my bonus book, and should be read once by anyone pushing towards their dreams. Today especially, collaboration and connection are VITAL. This book helps teach you the importance of connectivity and dealing with people. This book is amazing and has over 16 million copies sold! An entrepreneur would tell you, this book is important! I pride myself on being a people person (at least I hope so lol!), some of it is natural charisma, some of it is circumstantial, but this book helped me define the talent of people, which have helped me develop some real relationships — both personally and professionally.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2FMzaqq
I really hope some of you get some of these books, and please let's continue the discussion, what are your top 5 books? Did any of the above books help you? Want to just generally discuss ideas from any of the books? Let's connect on the socials — Twitter and Instagram handles are all @Quethewolf
Enjoy!
