A new year has me looking forward to new reads, so I recently decided to compile my 2016 reading list to share with you. For me, part of the fun of reading and learning is the anticipation and excitement of getting a new book in my hands. I get most of my book ideas from listening to podcasts, whether the guests be the authors of the books, or titles that a guest may have mentioned. Usually, if I hear about a book from more than one source, my curiosity is piqued and it goes on my list. Just like my tastes in podcasts, the books cover a wide range of interests: creativity, habits, business marketing, innovative education, wellness and self-development. My criteria are not stringent, but it’s a light mix of the subject, how I heard about it, what books Amazon links it to, and honestly, the cover design. Superficial, I know.
The Creative Habit / Creating Innovators / Small Giants / SPARK / The Obstacle is the Way / The Gift of Failure / Mindset / Rising Strong / Brave Enough / Show Your Work! / Playing Big
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp – Creativity & habits? Yep, that is definitely up my alley. Stumbled upon this one as a recommendation from Amazon. I really enjoy exploring the titles that Amazon recommends for me. I can get caught in that rabbit hole for hours. With 4.5 stars and over 230 reviews, I can tell this one won’t disappoint.
Creating Innovators by Tony Wagner – After reading and loving THIS book about creativity in education, I have a craving to learn more about this topic. I have such a curiosity with how our current educational model needs to adapt our changing world. I love hearing/reading about new approaches that address these changes so hopefully this read with scratch that itch.
Small Giants by Bo Burlingham – I’ve always been interested in behind the scenes stories about successful businesses and specifically ones who dare to do things differently. So I think this book should be a fun and reassuring read about defining your own version of success.
SPARK by John Ratey and Eric Hagerman – This read hits on my interest and passion for wellness. I’ve heard it mentioned for a while, but I am interested in learning more about the details of what the findings show. Plus, if I can find a cure for my terrible memory, then this will be a lifesaver.
The Obstacle is they Way by Ryan Holiday – This has been on my short list for a while. I was introduced to Ryan Holiday when he was a guest on The Tim Ferriss Show. His experience in marketing plus his perspective on life was so smart and straight-forward to listen to, that I then searched for any other podcast that featured him as a guest so I could listen to that too. Can’t wait to dive into this one!
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey – Besides the eye-catching cover art, this book appeals to me because the idea of allowing kids to fail and not overprotecting them resonates with me. It seems to be something that we’re doing that comes from a loving place, yet will be a hindrance later on. I feel like this will be a very good follow up to THIS book which I recently reviewed and enjoyed.
Mindset by Carol Dweck – I am actually almost done reading this one. After hearing all the buzz for quite a while, I figured it was time to see it was all about. Maybe for some the concept of fixed and growth mindsets are common sense, but I feel like it really opened up a completely new paradigm for myself and one to share with my kids.
Rising Strong by Brene Brown – Probably the most hyped book on the list, it is also the one I am most anxious to start reading. It’s actually already here, waiting for me to finish Mindset. Similar to Ryan Holiday, Brene Brown is another one where I can just search her name in my podcast app, and know that any episode she is featured in will be an A+. I loved Daring Greatly, and I know her newest book will not disappoint.
Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed – So I know very little about this one, but I am putting it on my list because I really enjoyed Chery’s interview on The James Altucher Show podcast. Her name may ring a bell because she is the author of the best-seller and movie, Wild. From what I understand of this book, it is composed of little snippets and excerpts from her previous writing.
Playing Big by Tara Mohr – This is a very recent addition to my list. One that I actually just added in the past week. Tara has recently been a guest on two of the podcasts I listen to on a weekly basis – The Lively Show and Being Boss. I probably would have never chosen the book because of the headshot on the cover (not a big fan). However, the interviews and the perspective she shared in each made me curious. So now we know how effective marketing via podcasts is. Very.
Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon – This is a title I have heard over and over again on creative entrepeneur podcasts and recommended by creatives I admire. Like many people, I often hesitate to share my work and ideas. Mostly because of what people may think. Stuff I make up in my own head, really. I need every bit of encouragement and practical advice to overcoming this fear and hesitation, and I have a feeling this book might help in this arena.
And there you have it. My 2016 reading list. Though they are not set in stone, these are the titles that have been on my radar for a while now and I am excited about to dig into. Have you read any of them? Which books are on your list for the coming year?
Stacey | Geeks & Lattes
I’ve challenged myself to read more diversely in 2016. I will definitely have to look into adding some of these books to my list.