Nik's Picks - Best Books of 2019

As we move through the first month of the new decade, I hope that the intentions and goals that you set for yourself are off to a supernatural start. This month, I find myself reflecting on 2019 and the last decade as a whole. I'm also looking toward the horizon of this new decade thoughtfully, as I prepare for the personal and professional development work I will do in 2020. Part of that work is identifying some of the books I plan to read this year. As I was adding to my ever-growing Goodreads Wish List, I took a quick look back at the books I read and listened to in 2019. 

I try to read an average of two books a month. I like to listen to audiobooks and read hard copies, based on the book. Sometimes, I'll listen to a book, and it's so filled with nuggets of wisdom or inspiration that I'll purchase it in hardcopy and read it again. This way I can have an additional chance to absorb the content and take notes in the margins. If a book is truly exceptional, I'll start a book club or look for a workbook. One of the books I read in 2019 was so good and relevant to our business, it was my fourth time reading it. In 2018, I read four different versions of "The Art of War," each offering a different perspective. You might not believe that an ancient Chinese general's timeless classic could have such an impact, but it's worth your time to check out at least one of the translations of this book.

While most of the books I read are in the professional or personal development genres, I'm not gonna lie, I do throw in a work of fiction every now and then, just to mix it up. Such books might not change your life, but they may bring a little laughter or distraction to your day, and hey, every now and then, we need a little fun, for no reason other than that, FUN!  

In 2019, I read some amazing books and kissed a few frogs. Perhaps in this new year, you want to read more, or you're looking for ways to gain specific knowledge abourt your business, or home life goals. Below is a list of my book highlights of 2019, as well as a few extras that I've read over the years. These extras I consider a MUST-include in my Top Fave Book List for any year. I left out the lowlights, and books that didn't rock my world because I'm not a professional critic and just because a book didn't strike a chord with me, doesn't mean it won't resonate with you. If you are curious about a bestseller that's not listed here, shoot me a message, and if I've read it, I'll be happy to let you know my thoughts. If you've read any of the books listed below - or as you read them - I'd love to hear what you think. And please let me know books you're reading that are a must, because I may not even know about them yet. Happy reading, y'all! 

Business

"Scaling Up" - Verne Harnish
This Book!  At the time we announced our retirement from World Wind & Solar, I had read this book four times and taken our company through it as a team. It was exactly what we needed when we were growing from a mid to large-scale business. Verne's descriptions of growing pains for a company our size were spot on. As our team went through the book, we kept saying, "This is so us!" If you are scaling a company with an aggressive growth strategy, this is the book for you. The concepts and tools are simple and manageable, but will give you a huge boost in structure, focus and accountability.  

"The Art of War" - Sun Tzu
The oldest Japanese version of Sun Tzu's, "The Art of War" dates back to 8th century A.D. It was translated into English in 1905. The 13 original chapters cover simple and specific battle strategies. "The Art of War for Managers" breaks down the strategies and philosophies into applicable tactics for business. We went through this specific version with our leadership team with great success. The team referred to the strategies and tactics in our operations regularly. It's no coincidence that this book is relevant thousands of years after being written.

"Lean In" - Sheryl Sandberg
I resisted reading this book for some time. I was concerned that it pushed a political agenda that didn't mesh with my views. After a retired senator, and dear friend, recommended it, I read the book with my 11-year-old daughter. I loved it! Sheryl's ideas and concepts about a workplace free of any gender stigmas were eye-opening. Her desire for women to not be viewed as "Female CEOs," but just plain CEOs was inspiring. Both women and men bring unique skill sets to bring to the workplace. The characteristics generally possessed by each gender are relevant and necessary to have a balanced and successful culture. Check out the Lean In website for information on Lean In Circles and more great resources. 

"Dare to Lead" - Brené Brown
I only wish I'd discovered Brené Brown earlier. I will definitely read more of her work this year. "Dare to Lead" compares the concepts of Daring Leadership vs. Armored Leadership. This book promotes vulnerability and transparency in leadership as essential characteristics necessary for the development of the most balanced and healthy organizations built for scale. The author offers tools and concepts that will open your mind to what is possible for your team.

"The 10X Rule" - Grant Cardone
This was my first Cardone book! OMG! Grant Cardone is a cyclone of intensity, drive and inspiration! If you don't walk away from this book motivated and inspired to read more of his books, you might want to have your pulse checked! If you are looking to launch your business in 2020 with focus and intention, this is a great book for you! 

"Be Obsessed or Be Average" - Grant Cardone
All hail Grant Cardone! This book does not disappoint! Cardone shares his testimony and inspiration for his supernatural drive and ambition. If you need an injection of no- B.S.in-your-face permission to pursue your passion with no apologies, this is it!  

Personal Development

"Girl, Wash Your Face" - Rachel Hollis
In her book, Rachel, if she hasn't already, will endear herself to you. You will fall in love with her sweet, humble, hardworking nature and her incessant belief that we are all "Made for More." In this book, Rachel shares about childhood traumas, moving to a big city on her own, starting her business and answering the calling on her heart -  despite her fears, the naysayers, even her family. Rachel has started a movement that is rocking the world, inspiring women to pursue their God-given purpose. If you are one of the few who haven't read this book, READ THIS BOOK!!!

"Girl, Stop Apologizing" - Rachel Hollis
In "Girl, Wash Your Face," Rachel warms her way into your heart. In "Girl, Stop Apologizing," this "Ray" of sunshine permanently takes up residence there. I like to say, she takes the gloves off in this book.  Perhaps in her previous book, Rachel was a little more restrained, but in this book, she BRINGS it! She knows it's essential for you to maximize the time you are investing in reading her book and, she doesn't hold back. I sense that with her momentum, she's become more empowered and the girl doesn't disappoint. She provides strategies and step-by-step tools, and accountability, to purposefully develop the life of your dreams. Rachel, her husband Dave, and their powerhouse team are making a difference in the lives of people around the world. These two books have literally changed my life. I'm confident you'll be blessed too!

​"High Performance Habits" - Brendon Burchard
Whether you are new to habit development, or consider yourself a connoisseur of personal performance and master of your daily routine, this book has something for you. Brendon is a lovely writer and truly cares for his audience. I will definitely be reading more of his books. In addition, Brendon has a lineup of tools and resources on his website for purchase and for free. Check out High Performance Habits, the "Motivation Manifesto" and his other books, planners and tools on his website. 

"Cat + Nat's Mom Truths" - Catherine Belknap & Natalie Telfer
This book may not appear as serious, deep or intentional as the other books listed here, it is every bit as such. While it's written with a tremendous amount of humor, Canadian cuties and best friends, Cat and Nat take on some extremely challenging issues facing stay-at-home mamas. As women, I feel like we are our own worst critics and next in line are other women! Instead of cheering each other on, and acknowledging and owning the fact that every child is unique and that every woman's situation is different, we lob judgements at each other as fast as our social media feeds update. In this hilarious book, (that they narrate themselves on Audible, by the way) Cat and Nat call out all the things! From what not to pack for the delivery room, to believing in yourself even when you have an epic mom fail, these breaths of fresh air are here to lay it all out there. This book gives us permission to love and forgive ourselves - and to begin loving on all those other mamas around us!

"Can't Hurt Me" - David Goggins
Throughout this book, I kept repeating the same three-letter word over and over again, "WOW." David Goggins is truly a machine. I had an ACL replacement surgery in 2019, and was feeling pretty down during my recovery. My husband recommended "You Can't Hurt Me," and it was just what I needed at just the right time. David's story of triumph over the circumstances of his childhood, his lack of self-motivation as a young adult and his physical challenges are unlike anything I've ever read. If you are in a slump, or just looking to break through to the next level in your physical or mental progression, this is a terrific book for you. Follow David on his Instagram to be repeatedly blown away by this man's drive!
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Memoirs / Self-Discovery

"Wild" - Cheryl Strayed
Wild is the very best memoir I've ever read, mic drop! When I discovered Cheryl Strayed's "Wild," I felt a connection with her story, like I'd never felt before. Her relentless transparency and vulnerability in sharing the dirty secrets of her past, render her beautifully broken and honest. The loss of her mother and her home as she knew it, dropping out of college and navigating a divorce (among other things) left her lost and alone. As she embarks on solo hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail in an effort to find herself, you find yourself on the journey with her. She begins her journey at the Cameron Canyon Trailhead, just east of my hometown of Tehachapi, California. Her epic sojourn is both a physical and emotional adventure that has you hanging on every written word.  I've read all of her published books, and she is a beautiful writer. I even attended a book writing workshop hosted by Cheryl. It was amazing! And, yes, Reese Witherspoon was an Oscar nominee for this movie. The film is well done, and I bawled like a baby through the entire thing, but the book is truly exceptional.  

"Into the Wild" - Jon Krakauer
I first read this book circa 2001. I grabbed it before a flight and was completely engrossed. The story of Christopher McCandless is an epic, heartbreaking and beautiful adventure. I was, and still am, haunted by this book and by Christopher's life. It is the one movie that I watched after having read a book, that I thought truly and accurately captured the book's essence. Spoiler Alert: After finishing this book, I literally mourned for Christopher and still do, if I think about it long enough. The author, Jon Krakauer, did an exceptional job researching, tracking and thoughtfully interviewing those folks who Christopher crossed paths with on his journey. I didn't read this book, or "Wild," in 2019, but they are on my most Epic Read List of all time and had to be included here.

"Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia" - Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert writers beautifully, and I've read many of her books, but this is her masterpiece. It chronicles a period in Elizabeth's life, where she is searching for herself, post divorce and bad breakup. She travels to Italy, where she learns Italian and eats all the things, India, where she goes deeper with her mediation and spiritual practice and Indo, where she ultimately falls in love with a Brazilian romantic who sweeps her off of her feet. I mean, what woman doesn't want to read this book, really?   

Good Ole Fashioned Fiction

"City of Girls" - Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth's newest novel is a delight. It's a celebration of youth, women, being single in a big city with the glamour of the theater, and of course, romance. It's a quick and easy read, and it is an absolute delight. I highly recommend it if you're looking for something light and fun!

"Valley of the Dolls" - Jacqueline Susann
This cult classic is about a quintessential small-town girl who moves to the city with big-0time dreams! But, this book's dark and all too real side renders you completely engrossed and ultimately stumped. Even though, this isn't the fairytale I thought I was in for, I feel like this is a must-read, because it's a delicious page-turner and wildly real. Relationships don't always end in fairy tales, amiright Ladies!?!?

"Rules of Civility" - Amor Towles
This book is "The Great Gatsby" meets "Valley of the Dolls." I love this book! Let me say it again, I love this book! Young women coming of age, love, mystery and drama - it has all the perfect ingredients for a tantalizing read! If you like fiction, read this book! No, seriously, read this book!

"Where the Crawdads Sing" - Delia Owens
This book was recommended multiple times in my Goodreads and Audible profiles. After seeing it enough times, I decided it had been a while since I had partaken of fiction, and since it had such great reviews, I'd give it a whirl. It was an excellent read. A mystery turned love story, turned mystery, with a sweet heroine at the center of it all. 

Since retiring from World Wind & Solar, I've had more time and find great joy in encouraging others. I hope that some of these books may serve as an encouragement, inspiration (and maybe a few laughs) for you! 

NOTE:  The book images are linked directly to their Amazon pages for your convenience. For more recommendations, reviews and to check out my Wish List for 2020, follow me on Good Reads.