I’ve always been a voracious reader, primarily of fiction (and specifically fantasy novels). This year, I decided to consciously track the books I read throughout the year, both so I could be keeping myself accountable with regard to reading more nonfiction, and so I could know how many new books versus old books I read/reread respectively.
via GIPHY
I decided to create a monster of a post telling you what I read. Some of these books are awesome. Some of them I’ve reread multiple times. Others are poorly written or romantic fluff (I have a weakness for historical romance novels when I’m super stressed). I hope that you get some ideas from this list, and I’d love to hear if I mentioned any of your favorites. The original draft of this post was exceedingly long, so I broke it out into non-fiction and fiction. This is the first post in the two-part series; the non-fiction books.
via GIPHY
These are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That being said, my first preference is for you to check these out from your local library! Read more about my affiliate philosophy here. You can also check them out in e-book form and download them to the Kindle app, which means you don’t even have to put on pants and leave the house to get your book. Isn’t technology grand?
In the list below, the books are labelled by level of recommendation:
Drop everything to read this book (DEAR for short)
Highly recommended (HR)
Good book (GB)
OK
Meh don’t bother (MDB)
I’m not a super critical reader, so don’t expect the distribution to be even. Ok, here we go. For your reading pleasure:
Nonfiction Books I Read
How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick. HR. Wapnick introduces the concept of multipotentialites, or people who have many passions and interests and who may not be satisfied with a single narrow career path. I loved this book, in part because of the way it resonated with me and my struggles with my own job search and desire to try something new and different. If any of this sounds like you, give it a read!
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.
HR. I first got a copy of this book from a finance professor in my senior year of college (the same one who gave me a copy of John Bogle’s books on my resources list; he was awesome). I didn’t read it right away and then finally checked out the audiobook version from my library because I had a long drive to get through. I loved it. Does Sandberg solve all issues for women in the workplace? No. She does however address the topic with eloquence and an effortless ability to connect to her readers. This should probably be required reading for everyone.
One-Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards.
GB. I came across this book after hearing an interview with Carl Richards in a podcast episode. It’s a solid financial read, offering simple advice. If you’ve read your share of financial books already, I don’t know that this one will change your life. But if you’re just getting started on your financial journey, this is definitely a good place to start, with good advice that isn’t overwhelming. It’s approachable and a fast read, which is perfect if you’re looking to take immediate action to improve things.
Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.
HR. I found this book to be really helpful. It explores the science behind relationships and how people connect with others. The idea is that there are three different types of attachment styles, and we all fall into one of these three. Depending on which our partner falls into, there are different ways to approach the relationship. The three types are: Anxious people (preoccupied with the relationship and worried that their partner doesn’t love them back), Avoidant people (fear that relationships mean a loss of independence and control and as a result try to reduce closeness with others), and Secure people who feel comfortable getting close to others. It was a good read and approached these different styles without judgment or blame.
The Year of Less by Cait Flanders.
DEAR. I loved this book so much. Cait is a wonderful human being, and her story is raw and real and relatable. She writes about her struggles with consumerism and her journey to change that through a year-long no spending challenge. But more than that, I think books like this one remind us that so many of us are on a path to get our finances together because we have other priorities and because we want control of our life back. Bonus points: Cait is a beautiful writer, and her words are a joy to read.
Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker.
DEAR. This is such a great read! If you like wine at all, I recommend reading this book ASAP. Bianca writes about her time researching what goes into becoming a sommelier. It’s a fascinating read about how the wine industry works and why people devote their lives to it. I learned plenty of interesting facts about how to approach wine, what separates out nicer wines from the cheap trendy ones, and why sommeliers are important parts of the restaurant industry. Bianca is a witty writer, and really digs into so many eccentric and interesting aspects of the industry. This book is best read with a glass of wine in hand…or several.
You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham.
GB. If you aren’t familiar with the YNAB budgeting method, this is a great place to start. It doesn’t go into the details of using Mecham’s app, but does talk about the guiding principles (the 4 YNAB rules) and why they’re important. I’m a huge fan of YNAB because it was the first step on my own financial journey and helped me finally get rid of the absurd credit card debt I was hanging onto. They’ve helped a lot of people in similar ways. If you haven’t found a budgeting system or philosophy that works for you yet, think about giving this one a try.
Meet the Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames.
DEAR. I’ve long been a fan of the Frugalwoods blog, so I was really excited to read a copy of Liz’s new book when it came out! It was fun to read her origin story, and her reasons for frugality really resonated with me. Plus, she’s just a very entertaining writer. This is a quick read, and well worth it. If you are a regular reader of her blog, then this is like catching up with an old friend, but if you’re new to her writing, it’s like meeting someone new and wonderful and learning all about their interesting life.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
OK. I enjoyed this book, but sometimes books like this seem out of touch to me. For example, the idea that I shouldn’t be eating breakfast first thing in the morning counters plenty of scientific evidence that it’s healthy to eat within 30 minutes of waking up. There’s also a point where he implies that sleep deprivation is all in your head, which…no. Again, science. It isn’t healthy to suggest that reader subject themselves to a less-than-healthy amount of sleep. The book was fine, and has some takeaways that are useful, but it was a little annoying to see another successful white guy pose as a scientific expert on health (cough cough Tim Ferriss cough cough). If you’re thinking about reading this, it is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.
Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America by Lisa Tirado.
HR. Shout out to whoever recommended this book on their blog awhile back…I can’t remember where I found it, but I’m so glad I read this. Tirado went viral after writing a post about the realities of being poor that middle-class Americans just don’t get. This book deal came out of that sudden fame, and she writes about the struggles of poverty that you might not be considering. She also humanizes a working class that is too often overlooked and condescended to. FYI, if you’re someone who doesn’t like reading cuss words, maybe steer clear of this book. But then again, if you’re that person, maybe just get over it because this is worth reading.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
DEAR. OMG I loved this book. I read it on my flight to Peru in August, when I was stressed and overwhelmed by ramping up my job search. Come to think of it…I’m still stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe I’ll reread this one. Gilbert’s book inspired this post about rediscovering my creativity. She’s inspirational without being cheesy or trite. This book automatically gave her a spot on my list of authors I obsessively follow. Which is pretty high praise for me. While I did rent this book from the library originally, I fully intend to buy my own copy so I can own it and love it and annotate the hell out of it.
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant.
HR. I love Sandberg’s writing style (this is, after all, her second book on this list). This book is about her experience with grief after suddenly losing her husband. I definitely cried at points, but it was a cathartic cry…I think. I’ve lost two grandparents, but I’m also estranged from a family member, which is its own type of grief that comes with its own challenges. Sandberg’s book gave me things to think about while going through that process. She also gave me insight into how to talk to others about their grief without letting it take over a friendship or without minimizing it.
The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell.
GB. Currently free with Kindle Unlimited! Russell writes about her time in Denmark after her husband got a job there and they moved from London. She writes about struggling with the culture, the weather, and the insular society, but she also talks about loving the pastries and embracing hygge. It was a fun read with some good takeaway lessons. Entertaining and a quick read!
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor.
HR. I didn’t know much about the Supreme Court Justice, and it was fascinating to read about her life, her struggles with Type 1 Diabetes, and her persistence in pursuing her goals. How her culture plays a role in her career path and education, how her family shaped who she has become, and how she has approached politics in a position where impartiality is essential. This is a great read to learn more about a really fascinating woman!
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.
OK. I wrote about my obsession with hygge in the winter previously. This was a good book and a quick read, but I didn’t feel that it added all that much more to the conversation than Russell’s book (see above). It also felt a little superficial at times. But it’s worth picking up if you want something short or felt like Russell’s book didn’t give you enough information. It also has some good little snippets about things to incorporate for optimal hygge effect.
Seeds of Science by Mark Lynas.
DEAR. I’ve already written about why I don’t buy organic food in a previous post. A facet of food politics that I didn’t get into in that post is GMOs (because that’s a whole other can of worms). Spoiler alert: I eat them too, and they aren’t dangerous, despite what Greenpeace activists might preach. Mark Lynas used to be an anti-GMO activist before he dug into the science and changed his mind. Because of that history, he writes with a unique perspective. He addresses concerns from the anti-GMO camp but doesn’t dismiss some of their valid arguments about industrial agriculture and the environment. It’s a great, approachable read if you’ve been thinking about getting away from internet fear-mongering and making a decision for yourself. Lynas obviously has an opinion on the topic, but backs up that opinion with rigorous research and facts. Which is refreshing in the age of the internet “expert.”
Freelance to Freedom by Vincent Pugliese.
MDB. I read this book because it was recommended by the ChooseFI podcast, and I enjoyed the podcast episode with Vincent Pugliese. Because of that, I was pretty disappointed when I realized that the podcast already covered basically all of the parts of this book that were interesting. I don’t feel like I got any additional knowledge or insights by reading the full book, and I don’t think it’s worth spending too much time on. Just listen to his podcast interview. But I linked to the book anyway in case you want to see for yourself.
Pivot by Jenny Blake.
HR. Blake offers career pivot coaching, and her book focuses on the steps to successfully pivot to another career. It was really informative, with plenty of action steps to follow. This was useful to me as I think about transitioning in my career, possibly between industries but definitely to a new location. Authors like Blake (and Wapnick, above) make me think that I’m not crazy for wanting to do that. Blake also has a podcast that I really enjoy.
Wow, okay, I’m done. These are all the nonfiction books I’ve read this year, though I’m sure I’ll add at least one or two more to the list before the end of the year. Keep an eye out for next week’s post, where I’ll go through the fiction books I’ve read…that list is way longer.
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve read any of these and agree or disagree with my opinion. Also, let me know if there are other books I should read based on this list!
HR. Wapnick introduces the concept of multipotentialites, or people who have many passions and interests and who may not be satisfied with a single narrow career path. I loved this book, in part because of the way it resonated with me and my struggles with my own job search and desire to try something new and different. If any of this sounds like you, give it a read!
HR. I first got a copy of this book from a finance professor in my senior year of college (the same one who gave me a copy of John Bogle’s books on my resources list; he was awesome). I didn’t read it right away and then finally checked out the audiobook version from my library because I had a long drive to get through. I loved it. Does Sandberg solve all issues for women in the workplace? No. She does however address the topic with eloquence and an effortless ability to connect to her readers. This should probably be required reading for everyone.
GB. I came across this book after hearing an interview with Carl Richards in a podcast episode. It’s a solid financial read, offering simple advice. If you’ve read your share of financial books already, I don’t know that this one will change your life. But if you’re just getting started on your financial journey, this is definitely a good place to start, with good advice that isn’t overwhelming. It’s approachable and a fast read, which is perfect if you’re looking to take immediate action to improve things.
HR. I found this book to be really helpful. It explores the science behind relationships and how people connect with others. The idea is that there are three different types of attachment styles, and we all fall into one of these three. Depending on which our partner falls into, there are different ways to approach the relationship. The three types are: Anxious people (preoccupied with the relationship and worried that their partner doesn’t love them back), Avoidant people (fear that relationships mean a loss of independence and control and as a result try to reduce closeness with others), and Secure people who feel comfortable getting close to others. It was a good read and approached these different styles without judgment or blame.
DEAR. I loved this book so much. Cait is a wonderful human being, and her story is raw and real and relatable. She writes about her struggles with consumerism and her journey to change that through a year-long no spending challenge. But more than that, I think books like this one remind us that so many of us are on a path to get our finances together because we have other priorities and because we want control of our life back. Bonus points: Cait is a beautiful writer, and her words are a joy to read.
DEAR. This is such a great read! If you like wine at all, I recommend reading this book ASAP. Bianca writes about her time researching what goes into becoming a sommelier. It’s a fascinating read about how the wine industry works and why people devote their lives to it. I learned plenty of interesting facts about how to approach wine, what separates out nicer wines from the cheap trendy ones, and why sommeliers are important parts of the restaurant industry. Bianca is a witty writer, and really digs into so many eccentric and interesting aspects of the industry. This book is best read with a glass of wine in hand…or several.
GB. If you aren’t familiar with the YNAB budgeting method, this is a great place to start. It doesn’t go into the details of using Mecham’s app, but does talk about the guiding principles (the 4 YNAB rules) and why they’re important. I’m a huge fan of YNAB because it was the first step on my own financial journey and helped me finally get rid of the absurd credit card debt I was hanging onto. They’ve helped a lot of people in similar ways. If you haven’t found a budgeting system or philosophy that works for you yet, think about giving this one a try.
DEAR. I’ve long been a fan of the Frugalwoods blog, so I was really excited to read a copy of Liz’s new book when it came out! It was fun to read her origin story, and her reasons for frugality really resonated with me. Plus, she’s just a very entertaining writer. This is a quick read, and well worth it. If you are a regular reader of her blog, then this is like catching up with an old friend, but if you’re new to her writing, it’s like meeting someone new and wonderful and learning all about their interesting life.
OK. I enjoyed this book, but sometimes books like this seem out of touch to me. For example, the idea that I shouldn’t be eating breakfast first thing in the morning counters plenty of scientific evidence that it’s healthy to eat within 30 minutes of waking up. There’s also a point where he implies that sleep deprivation is all in your head, which…no. Again, science. It isn’t healthy to suggest that reader subject themselves to a less-than-healthy amount of sleep. The book was fine, and has some takeaways that are useful, but it was a little annoying to see another successful white guy pose as a scientific expert on health (cough cough Tim Ferriss cough cough). If you’re thinking about reading this, it is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.
HR. Shout out to whoever recommended this book on their blog awhile back…I can’t remember where I found it, but I’m so glad I read this. Tirado went viral after writing a post about the realities of being poor that middle-class Americans just don’t get. This book deal came out of that sudden fame, and she writes about the struggles of poverty that you might not be considering. She also humanizes a working class that is too often overlooked and condescended to. FYI, if you’re someone who doesn’t like reading cuss words, maybe steer clear of this book. But then again, if you’re that person, maybe just get over it because this is worth reading.
DEAR. OMG I loved this book. I read it on my flight to Peru in August, when I was stressed and overwhelmed by ramping up my job search. Come to think of it…I’m still stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe I’ll reread this one. Gilbert’s book inspired this post about rediscovering my creativity. She’s inspirational without being cheesy or trite. This book automatically gave her a spot on my list of authors I obsessively follow. Which is pretty high praise for me. While I did rent this book from the library originally, I fully intend to buy my own copy so I can own it and love it and annotate the hell out of it.
HR. I love Sandberg’s writing style (this is, after all, her second book on this list). This book is about her experience with grief after suddenly losing her husband. I definitely cried at points, but it was a cathartic cry…I think. I’ve lost two grandparents, but I’m also estranged from a family member, which is its own type of grief that comes with its own challenges. Sandberg’s book gave me things to think about while going through that process. She also gave me insight into how to talk to others about their grief without letting it take over a friendship or without minimizing it.
GB. Currently free with Kindle Unlimited! Russell writes about her time in Denmark after her husband got a job there and they moved from London. She writes about struggling with the culture, the weather, and the insular society, but she also talks about loving the pastries and embracing hygge. It was a fun read with some good takeaway lessons. Entertaining and a quick read!
HR. I didn’t know much about the Supreme Court Justice, and it was fascinating to read about her life, her struggles with Type 1 Diabetes, and her persistence in pursuing her goals. How her culture plays a role in her career path and education, how her family shaped who she has become, and how she has approached politics in a position where impartiality is essential. This is a great read to learn more about a really fascinating woman!
OK. I wrote about my obsession with hygge in the winter previously. This was a good book and a quick read, but I didn’t feel that it added all that much more to the conversation than Russell’s book (see above). It also felt a little superficial at times. But it’s worth picking up if you want something short or felt like Russell’s book didn’t give you enough information. It also has some good little snippets about things to incorporate for optimal hygge effect.
DEAR. I’ve already written about why I don’t buy organic food in a previous post. A facet of food politics that I didn’t get into in that post is GMOs (because that’s a whole other can of worms). Spoiler alert: I eat them too, and they aren’t dangerous, despite what Greenpeace activists might preach. Mark Lynas used to be an anti-GMO activist before he dug into the science and changed his mind. Because of that history, he writes with a unique perspective. He addresses concerns from the anti-GMO camp but doesn’t dismiss some of their valid arguments about industrial agriculture and the environment. It’s a great, approachable read if you’ve been thinking about getting away from internet fear-mongering and making a decision for yourself. Lynas obviously has an opinion on the topic, but backs up that opinion with rigorous research and facts. Which is refreshing in the age of the internet “expert.”
MDB. I read this book because it was recommended by the ChooseFI podcast, and I enjoyed the podcast episode with Vincent Pugliese. Because of that, I was pretty disappointed when I realized that the podcast already covered basically all of the parts of this book that were interesting. I don’t feel like I got any additional knowledge or insights by reading the full book, and I don’t think it’s worth spending too much time on. Just listen to his podcast interview. But I linked to the book anyway in case you want to see for yourself.
HR. Blake offers career pivot coaching, and her book focuses on the steps to successfully pivot to another career. It was really informative, with plenty of action steps to follow. This was useful to me as I think about transitioning in my career, possibly between industries but definitely to a new location. Authors like Blake (and Wapnick, above) make me think that I’m not crazy for wanting to do that. Blake also has a podcast that I really enjoy.
