2021 Book Reviews
My 2021 book review post is long overdue. Now that I am in startup mode with some new opportunities, I haven't been reading as much as before. As I told one of my business partners recently, I needed a slice of "humble pie" and increased empathy for all my startup friends.
I have been investing in startups for years, but I haven't been physically and emotionally in the startup trenches in many years. Having started up several companies in the past, I feel unparalleled respect and admiration for those that, mid-career, leave the comfort of their existing role, hit the reset button and start over.
All that being said, here is my annual list of my completed books, either physically read or listened to on Audible. A few of my top books from the year are bolded below.
2021 Physical Books
Book of Mormon: My previous goal to read an average of one book per week was put on hold in September when I committed to read the entire Book of Mormon by the end of the year. I read about an hour per day, both in the morning and in the evening instead of reading another nonfiction book. I have never done this before, and I can say unequivocally, I am better for it. I spent more time reading scripture than learning about systems or leadership, and I feel I am better than I was. This book has been more impactful to the person I am than any other book or combination of books.
Winning by Tim S. Grover: Love the author's tenacity.
The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy: I have enjoyed everything I've read by Ben Hardy and recommend all his work.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Zero to One by Peter Thiel: We read this as a team at Menlo.
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck: Another Menlo team read. Really great! Likely in my top 10 for the year.
The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White: We reread this book at Menlo.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott: We read this book as a team, and we had some really great conversations.
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles: This book had a few good nuggets but nothing life-altering.
Effortless by Greg McKeown: Really great, but it didn't have the same impact on me as Essentialism.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown: Definitely in my top 10 books of all time.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Another Menlo Group book club book.
Find Your Yellow Tux by Jesse Cole: This book was gifted to me by Michelle Heeb, and I really liked it.
2021 Audiobooks
Winning by Tim S. Grover
The Master Coach by Gregg Thompson
Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: Really good book. I listened to it with my kids on a road trip.
Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle: I had listened to this book before. It's really great on leadership and pushing others to be more.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds: Listened with my kids on a road trip.
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan: Listened with my kids on a road trip.
Sons of Valor by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson: Not as good as Jack Carr's work.
The Terminal List by Jack Carr: I listened this book twice. Jack Carr is so entertaining.
Savage Son by Jack Carr: Listened twice through.
True Believer by Jack Carr: Listened twice through.
The Devil's Hand by Jack Carr: Listened twice through.
The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler: Loved it.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: Really enjoyed it.
Effortless by Greg McKeown: Part two of Essentialism. Not quite as moving, but good.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: Super entertaining listen. This is definitely one for a road trip.
Million Dollar Habits by Robert Ringer
My Life Without God by William J. Murray: Crazy story that feels similar to some of the movements of the present, where if people knew the character and intent of those running the organizations, they might question their support.
How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey: Book about meditation. It's a quick listen, but I needed the refresher to get my meditation habit back on track.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy: Possibly in my top 10 of the year. Quick listen, but worth the repeat.
Defying Jihad by Esther Ahmad and Craig Borlase: Really great story. Driving to California and back, I went on a little kick to learn about Islam to Christianity conversions. Really neat stories.
I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh and Richard Schneider: Good story.
Disrupted by Dan Lyons: Entertaining story about Hubspot. Worth a listen, though after listening I was no longer interested in considering the product as a possibility for Menlo.
Big Money Energy by Ryan Serhant
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: My daughter recommended this book. A sad story of World War II.
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull: Really great story about the creation and culture of Pixar.
Thank you for being a reader of my blog. I’m looking forward to another great year of reading, learning and growing in 2022.