Do you want to become a reader? Start by buying a book you’ll truly enjoy, and it’ll be way easier. To help in your quest for a great book, Here are the top 5 books I’ve read so far this year. You can click the photos to go directly to Amazon and have it in your mailbox in 2 days! Enjoy!

Presence

I started 2020 recognizing that my ambitions were huge but my confidence was weak. I was scared of walking up to people I met and introducing myself. I felt bashful and reserved, which is totally unlike me. I used this book to help me figure out how to fake it til I become it — “it” is the very best version of me I can envision BEFORE entering an intimidating landscape. And sure enough, a friend of mine recently commented, “You seem so comfortable in your own skin.” (God bless you, S!)

My secret is this book — I do the body movements that inspire my body to feel secure & confident — and then I feel truly confident. Amy’s tips are easy, life-changing, and world-changing. If you’ve been in a confidence rut lately, read Presence by Amy Cuddy!

Inspired

I read this book twice — once by myself, and again the following week whilst on a roadtrip with my husband through the Chattanooga mountains. The second time I read it was via Audible, which I really recommend for Rachel’s storytelling style. If you struggle to stay focused when you read, try listening to this book via Audible. Here’s a link to try Audible FOR FREE for 30 days.

Inspired is for anyone who cringes when people use “Because the Bible says so” as an excuse to not use their brains. It’s for anyone who wants to wrestle with the Scriptures and find the loving Father’s character within. It’s for anyone whose heart longs for a meaningful relationship with God Almighty.

Give It A Rest

Okay, I wouldn’t recommend this book to just anyone, because IT. IS. SO. REAL. that I just don’t know if everyone is ready for it. But, if you find yourself struggling to maintain friendships through changing seasons of life or if you struggle to procure new friendships that are deep & meaningful, then you will savor Danielle’s clear direction. Not only is it real, but there’s real actions to take as a result. I simultaneously rejoiced at her guidance and cringed at the recollection of my own friendship faux-pas.

Buy it here: Give It A Rest by Danielle Bayard Jackson.

Master of One

If you’re struggling to figure out your calling, this is the book for you. Jordan cuts the legs off the lies we sometimes believe about calling including that ministerial work is a calling, but being a restaurant server or car salesperson isn’t. Then, he offers the practical advice of pursuing the work you’re naturally inclined and good at, and pursuing it with dogged determination. In the process, you find the Lord leading you, and ultimately, isn’t that the calling for each of our lives?

Check out Master of One here.

High Performance Habits

I read two books on habits this year: this one and Atomic Habits by James Clear. I gleaned a lot from both, but I’ll recommend this one because it required deeper soul-searching, and I’m always up for a challenge! Atomic Habits had a lot of simple, practical advice, so if that’s your cup of tea — check it out here.

High Performance Habits is broken down into 6 habits, including my 2020 focus of demonstrating courage in my writing. What’s great is that I identified the things I’m already doing well, so I can hold onto those, and I identified the ones I need to work on to up-level my work performance long-term. This is a book for workers, so buy this if you need to grow stronger work habits. Click here to buy High Performance Habits.

DO YOU WANT TO READ MORE?

Start with a book you truly enjoy, and you’re well on your way. If/when you read one of these book recs, let me know what you think about it. Until then…

Happy reading!

Priska