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2019 Book Reviews

Tanner Milne

In 2019, I set out to read a book each week and ended up reading 48 books, which is almost on pace with last year. I try to read at least 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night.

My reading hack for the year is to buy both a physical copy and the audiobook (I use Amazon Audible) and listen to the book on 2x the speed while reading and taking notes in the margins.

Once I finish a book, I write a review in Evernote. I'm hoping to find a better way to retain the information when just listening on Audible.

I'm including my 2019 reading list below, and I also decided to rank my Top 10 books from 2019. A few books were rereads, which I try to weave in periodically.

Top 10 Books of 2019

  1. Atomic Habits by James Clear: I read this earlier in the year on my own and then we decided to read it as a team. This book has inspired real change for me personally. I was able to share some of the new knowledge with my family and also saw several significant habit modifications among team members as a result of the book's tools and concepts.

  2. Thrive by Ariana Huffington: There was no one specific nugget of wisdom, but for someone who runs pretty hard, this book provided a refreshing way of thinking about the balance between personal and professional goals.

  3. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: I have a lot more respect and reverence for Steve Jobs as the visionary. Between Apple and Pixar, it's incredible what he was able to accomplish.

  4. The Everything Store by Brad Stone: Similar to Steve Jobs, the story of Amazon and what Jeff Bezos has done is remarkable. It's inspiring, and I love that throughout history we have extreme innovators that have changed the game in its entirety.

  5. Getting More by Stuart Diamond: This is one I read twice since I read it on my own and then we read it as a team. Some amazing nuggets on not only negotiation but also dealing with conflict in a variety of settings.

  6. The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White: I really enjoyed learning about people's languages and how clients and coworkers have different languages.

  7. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek: I read this in an attempt to enhance my leadership abilities. I enjoyed the stories and examples provided in this book. "When we are able to physically see the positive impact of the decisions we make or the work we do, not only do we feel that our work was worth it, but it also inspires us to work harder and do more."

  8. When by Dan Pink: I have enjoyed every book that I've read by Dan Pink and found the timing of decisions an interesting twist. How does timing affect the success of the things we pursue? I have always fallen back on Grit (passion + persistence) but loved the approach that time of day, time of life, etc. affects the outcome as well.

  9. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler: In an effort to create a culture of Radical Candor in our office, books like Crucial Conversations are highly valuable. When approaching crucial conversations, thinking through what I want and what the other party wants is a great start. I also loved the acronym CRIB: Commit to Seek Mutual Purpose, Recognize the Purpose Behind the Strategy, Invent a Mutual Respect, Brainstorm New Strategies.

  10. Originals by Adam Grant: So many great originals have sought out to impact the world, and we are more progressive and innovative as a result. So what am I going to do to become great today?

2019 Audiobooks

2019 Books