A good book. A doggie laying beside me with his/her head in my lap. A blanket wrapped around me. Candles glowing in the room. My husband on the other couch either reading or watching a movie.
Who knows what this is?
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you probably guessed that this is my ideal Friday night.
I’m an introverted nerd. Don’t let the Anthropologie shopping sprees and red lipstick fool you.
And, I know that many of you love reading, too.
That’s why I always share the list I create of the top nonfiction books I want to read each year.
Here are the top 10 for this year (Let me know in the comments if you find some to add to your reading list!):
1. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon
This is my #1 most anticipated nonfiction read of 2019. It comes out in the beginning of April and I’m counting down the days like kids do with Christmas. I’ve read (and adored) Kleon’s two previous books–which is why I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one. I’ll read anything he publishes. His books give me the feeling of a warm hug…and a gentle shove to get stuff done.
In this new release, Kleon delves into how to stay creative and focused when dealing with distractions and burnout. There are chapters on building a bliss station, slaying the art monsters, and planting your garden.
I’ll be stalking the mailwoman on April 2nd, because I’ll want to start reading this book as soon as it arrives on my doorstep.
2. This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin
I’ve read the majority of Seth Godin’s books and I tend to devour them in one sitting (except that giant one with the ducks on the cover). I admire the way they all have a very clear message and I always feel inspired for days after reading one of his books.
This Is Marketing seems to be Godin’s marketing strategies all in one book which is like candy for me because marketing is my ish.
This book came out in November of last year, but I haven’t gotten around to it due to the holidays. I’ll dive into it soon!
3. Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin
I haven’t met a book by Gretchen Rubin that I haven’t looooooooved to pieces. Not only is she a brilliant storyteller, but she always includes actionable tips and advice that you can apply to your life immediately.
I’ve also been on a decluttering and organizing journey (thank you, Marie Kondo!) and this book will continue to help me make my home an oasis instead of a landing space for junk.
This book comes out on March 5th and it can’t come soon enough.
4. One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days by Brenda Kane
More than anything, I enjoy reading about how other people have done something really impressive such as gaining one million followers in a month. It doesn’t hurt that this author has worked with my bae to grow her following, Taylor Swift. YES, I want to read about that, too.
If you’re interested in this book, it’s already out. Woohoo!
5. Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis
Just last week, this book was released and it focuses on something that I’m passionate about: staying small on purpose.
I’ve been asked if I want to grow my business as big as Marie Forleo or even bigger if possible. The answer is no. I don’t want to manage a handful (or dozens) of employees. I don’t want the work hours that go into running a multi-million dollar business.
I want to run a business that allows me to live the life I dream of which includes lots of mornings filled with doggie snuggles, plenty of afternoons spent reading and weekends away from my phone and computer.
And, these are the types of clients that I work with, so this book is right up my alley. I can’t wait to give it a read and see what Jarvis has to say on the topic.
6. Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case
This is another book that came out in the beginning of January and it’s “a call to action for those seeking to live extraordinary lives and bring about transformational change.” -Amazon
I constantly talk about the importance of taking risks in order to succeed in business, so I’m excited to pick this book up.
7. Building a Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
I was introduced to Miller through one of Amy Porterfield’s podcast episodes.
Story is one of the most important things to learn about when you want to write anything compelling for your business, so I try to get better at it every year. I can’t wait to read about the seven universal story points all humans respond to that Miller covers in this book.
This book is already out if you want to give it a read.
8. Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt
Every year, I pick out at least one book on productivity, because it’s one of my favorite topics to read and discover more about.
Hyatt’s book that comes out in April looks more appealing than anything else I came across. I love that there’s an entire section on cutting things with chapters titled “flex your no muscle” and “subtract yourself from the equation.”
I’m also eager to read the chapter on beating distractions and interruptions. I’m pretty sure we could all use some help with this one, amiright?
9. Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa
I’ve read multiple books by Jiwa. They’re all bite-sized and can be consumed in one sitting at a coffee shop with your favorite beverage. But, don’t let the size fool you. They all pack a solid content punch with theory and tips.
This one sounds like another hit that I’ll enjoy:
“Story Driven gives you a framework to help you consistently articulate, live and lead with your story. This book is about how to stop competing and start succeeding by being who you are, so you can do work you’re proud of and create the future you want to see.” -Amazon
This book came out last year, so you can pick it up anytime.
10. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Last on my list, is a book that comes out in the beginning of February and it focuses on minimizing the amount of time we spend on our computers and phones.
Digital minimalists are happy people who can hold long conversations without constantly checking their phones and pay attention to their work without the itch to open up email and Facebook.
In his book, Newport describes how you can use technology to support your goals and values instead of allowing technology to rule your life.
This is such a relevant topic, so I’m interested in giving this a read.
These are the top ten nonfiction books I want to read this year. I also have a list of fiction, but that one is a lot longer.
Now, I’ve got to know what you’re dying to read this year. Do you have a number one most anticipated nonfiction book for 2019? Please share it in the comments below, because I love adding good books to my Amazon wishlist.
P.S. I’ve got some big announcements coming really soon…one includes A LIVE RETREAT that I’m hosting with my biz bestie. Make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss anything!
Company of One sounds right up my alley! Thank you April!
The other books sound good too, and I will look into them by and by.
Could you maybe do a post on staying small, please?Why, how small, different small sizes, what happen at each etc etc
Because staying small is absolutely what I want to do too – Earn to Enjoy Life, and not Live to Make Money.
Some Female Bbusiness Coaches are promoting employing at least 4-5 People and driving a Million Dollar Business. And I have been wondering if that would give greater freedom than being the Founder and also the doer…
Your insights are Always spot on, so that would be great when you find a bit of time. Thanks again!
That sounds like a great blog post idea, Renuka. I’ll add it to my content calendar for sure.
Just to get you started, it’s all about what’s ideal for you: being a manager or being a creative day in and day out. If you have more than a couple employees, you spend a lot of time in the management position and lose a lot of creative freedom. I’ll write a blog post to expand on this and answer your other questions, but that’s just to get you started thinking in that direction. 🙂
I already buy Company of one book and join Co1 Academy.
Awesome! 🙂
Now I read Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice. https://www.amazon.com/Jobs-be-Done-Theory-Practice/dp/0990576744/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548167126&sr=1-1&keywords=jobs+to+be+done
Thanks for sharing…will check it out!
Hi April !!! I loved this post. As Renuka and Rex I’m also very interested on Company of one. I totally share your view on life. Having weekends off and away from the computer sounds right up my alley. My word for this year is Brave. So my list of 3 books include 1) Brave from Margie Warrell, 2) The courage habit from Kate Swoboda and 3) Courage by Debbie Ford. After reading your list I’ll also include Be fearless. Have a great week !!!
Very cool word of the year. Thanks for sharing some more books…looking forward to checking those out.
love your list April! I’ve been making a list to read this year – and I’m excited to add these to the list! I just finished this one – it was a quick read, and a boost to my productivity: https://www.amazon.com/Manage-Your-Day-Day-Creative/dp/1477800670/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZU47ZFL6JF4M&keywords=manage+your+day-to-day+build+your+routine%2C+find+your+focus&qid=1548185095&sprefix=manage+your+day%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1
I’ve read this one, Neesha! It’s been a couple years since I read it, but I definitely enjoyed it. 🙂
Well, I already started this one, but I can’t wait to read and work it through (now that I also have a paperback copy): The Human Centered Brand by Nela Dunato
Otherwise I don’t have a list, but I’ll check out your recommendations for sure.
I’ve got a copy of Nela’s book as well. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Maybe you sould consider starting book trading group with your members — you all can read more great books and save money at the same time.
This list sounds wonderful! I am trying hard to buy fewer things this year so I will have to see which ones of these are at my local library.
Hey Joni! A book trading group sounds like a great project…not the right fit for me to run but I can definitely see the benefits. I hope your library carries some of these!
I just read this article and thought you might also enjoy it too —
You Make Or Break Your Life Between 5–7 AM – Thrive Global – Medium — https://medium.com/thrive-global/you-make-or-break-your-life-between-5-7-am-a7f4125e1326
It talks about making time to read/learn/do more to make your life better.
That post is pretty much right up my alley. I don’t get up that early, because I’m not a morning person but I read almost every morning. It’s part of my morning routine. That was a great article to read…thanks for sharing!
Yes, his main point was to do it as soon as you wake up – whatever time that is and to make it a habit. I am a morning person but I know not everyone is.
I will be checking my library for your book list soon!
I love Number #7 which is creating a Story brand.. Will be checking it out soon
One more book for sharing:
From Single to Scale: How a Single Person, Small Business, or an Entrepreneur Can Grow Their Business to Profit – Explain from single person to scale up your business
https://www.amazon.com/Single-Scale-Person-Business-Entrepreneur/dp/1484238133/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549513114&sr=8-1&keywords=from+single+to+scale
As always, April, I enjoyed your post and receiving book titles on your reading list. Although I am long retired I still enjoy reading about today’s business world, about young people like you who are building successful businesses, and about the pros/cons of staying small.
Today’s world seems beset with people living hectic, chaotic lives in spite of the technology which was to turn businesses into paperless offices. I had my first “paying” job when I was eleven years old. I loved working as an adult, doing my best with the wonderful opportunities I was given at large, prestigious companies, and being appreciated and rewarded with promotions and salary increases. As a single mother of a son and a daughter and taking care of my mother for the last 30 years of her life I was sure it was necessary that I do whatever was required to make as much money as I could in order to take care of my family and educate my children. That meant 10 to 12 hour days, and even 18 hours on some days and 48 straight days without a day off because “getting the job done” was my rule. I was promoted 11 times, became a VP of a prestigious retailer, and put both children through college.
This year I will be 80 years old, and in retrospect I wish I had not been so driven to succeed that I followed financial reward, at times uprooting my family for another career move to achieve a greater salary. My children and I love each other but we do not know each other. While I was working so many hours I was not attentive to their emotional needs in addition to their physical needs as I did not have enough time or energy. My Mother was always at home to look after them so I was free to work all of those hours and do a lot of traveling in one position.
I wish there were do-overs in life so that I could have another opportunity to really know the people I have loved most in the world. I thought I was doing the “right things” to be a good parent and daughter by constantly working and providing all that I could for them. In reality I short-changed them and myself, and that has impacted our lives.
So young people, think about what you really want out of your life. April knows what she wants and has arranged her priorities accordingly. If you want a big business then by all means go for it. If you want a life that will not be possible with a big business then remain small and enjoy daily life with people you love.
Whatever your choice I wish all of you good health, happiness and the level of success you choose.
Thank you so much . Brilliantly helpful as always.