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4 Best Books This Year

July 18, 2013

After writing for 13 hours yesterday I’m having a massive moment of writer’s block today. The most effective action that seems to help me with writer’s block is to read more. Books, articles, blogs—anything that gets me listening and tuning in to someone else’s voice. I love to read. It is seriously one of my favorite things to do. Just sit and read. Is that lame? Admittedly, I have a really challenging time choosing books to read. I usually rely on suggestions from people I trust or reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. And since I don’t have a book in sight right now, I’m hoping you can lead me to my next good read. In return, I’m listing my four favorite books so far this year. Hey, we’ve got to help each other out on this educational literary journey that we’re on.
  1. Choose Yourself! by James Altucher. If you’re in need of a swift and honest kick in the ass or if you’re feeling like a failure right now, or yesterday, or even this entire month, do yourself a favor and download this book. Altucher even promises a money-back guarantee if you hate it; but you won’t.
  2. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown. My full review is here, but mainly what you need to know is that feelings of shame and a fear of vulnerability are the two emotions that hold humans back. Let yourself be vulnerable, open up about the shame, and notice your life change.
  3. Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. My tested theory is this: You just can’t go wrong with a Nick Hornby novel. His brilliant storytelling captivates the reader and his voice makes his characters truly come alive.
  4. Bossypants by Tina Fey. I know I’m mentioning “voice” a lot but it’s been one of my main focuses in reading and writing lately. Tina Fey’s voice is so clear and present and her willingness to be vulnerable in her stories is what makes this memoir both hilarious and inspiring, simultaneously. For any writer, this is a must-read.
What are some of your favorite books you’ve read recently?  

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