35 DESERT ISLAND BOOKS

It is not that you don't like reading, you just haven't found the right book for you.

The following are some of those books that have genuinely added value to my life in their own way.

PSA: I added the links to the books on Amazon, so if one of them interests you can get it asap!

FICTION

All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr

Genuinely would recommend this book to everyone.

One of the most compelling, well-written stories where

every piece connects at the end in the most serendipitous way.

I highly recommend this book - it is one of my all time favorites.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My favorite book at the moment.

A couple years ago this book (or any Paulo Coelho book for that matter) was one of the most popular books out there. For some reason, it took me until a couple months ago to read it, but when I did - I could not put it down.

The book is primarily a fictional story, but has so many real life lessons that I honestly could turn into another book just off everything I highlighted.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: a Novel by Ocean Voung

The best book you can gift someone you love.

This book is so beautifully written. Ocean Voung is so incredibly talented at turning a story of pain and hardship into something so genuine and beautiful.

The Midnight Library: a Novel by Matt Haig

For those who always ponder on the "what if's" of life.

If you've ever wondered how different your life would've been if you would've gone to a different school or chosen a different friend circle, or whatever it is - this is the book for you.

This is a very light but compelling novel for a nice leisure reading day, like reading by the pool, in the sauna, in bed, etc - you get it.

BASED ON REAL LIFE STORIES

Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery by Catherine Gildiner

Not what you would expect - in the best way possible.

This was my favorite book for a while there before "The Alchemist" came into the picture.

Although this book does depict some of the most crude stories of emotional trauma, it highlights the power of human resilience in such a powerful and compelling way.

My favorite is the third story.

I Forgot to Die by Khalil Rafati

Talk about resilience.

Khalil Rafati, the guy on this cover is currently the owner of Sun Life Organics - however he was once a 100 pound thirty year old homeless man living in the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles. This book is very raw and nothing short of gripping. This book is the ultimate depiction of resilience and how you can turn your life around even at the deepest levels of grief. Definitely not PG-13, but one of the most compelling books I've ever read.

Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller

What role are you playing in your life?

a hero, a victim, a villain or a guide?

Be brutally honest with yourself and I promise you it will change your life.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

For you if you're feeling blocked or in a creative rut.

In all honesty, this book interested me because of the irony of its cover. It's a book about creativity, with the most boring cover ever. It had to be intentional, especially since it is written by one of the most creative people in the world.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is feeling stuck creatively and want to tap into their own genius.

BUSINESS & STRATEGY

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

This book should be mandatory in school.

I have recommended this book to every single person that crossed my path in the year 2021. Robert Greene is not only one of the greatest authors, but he is also someone so observant and stoic that he opens your eyes to a reality within human nature that has always been there and you're better off understanding. This book is especially helpful if you're seeking to stand out in a competitive field.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

Straight to the point.

This book is one of the most practical, straight to the point and effective books I have ever read. Naval will say it how it is, no way around it. If you're in a transition phase in your life and are seeking to gain tactical advice that applies to most industries, this book is 100% for you.

Mind Reader by David Lieberman

The fun starts when you start testing out the concepts.

From the very beginning, this book showcases multiple examples of how language is so complex that can be easily deconstructed and used as a way to reveal the inner workings of someone's mind. If you're someone who wants to understand human nature and relationships more profoundly, this book is most certainly for you. David Lieberman has several other books like this one, so if you like this book I also recommend checking out his other work.

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I originally heard about this book through one of the greatest, Bob Proctor. But the most interesting thing that he said about Think & Grow Rich is that it is a book that has to be studied and re read multiple times throughout your life, because every single time you read it, you find and understand something different. This a book like no other. It is not so much a book about money, but a book about the mindset you must acquire in order to receive it.

The Changing World Order by Ray Dalio

The world is changing and so should you.

This book is pretty much an x-ray in to the current state of the world - both economically and socially. Ray Dalio is so great at connecting complex economic concepts to current social events that give you a deeper understanding of the trajectory our world is moving towards. This book is by no means a pessimistic highlight on the perils of society, but rather an insight into the only constant we can always account for: change.

MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

Tony Robbins' best work.

In my opinion.

Money is not really a topic that most likes to talk about but one that needs to be better understood. Tony Robbins is mostly known for his work as a motivational speaker, but this book is special in the sense that it creates a correlation between your mindset and your money making ability. The book is also very practical and strategic.

What They Don't Teach you at Harvard Business School: Notes from a street - smart Executive by Mark H. McCormack

Although originally published in 1984, this book is more relevant now than ever.

This book is particularly good at emphasizing the power that personal connections and discipline have in the world of business. It really challenges the preconceived notion that in order to be successful you must follow a very linear path through Academy.

The Cash Flow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom

Where in the Quadrant do you currently stand & where do you want to be?

I personally grew up with a father who read every single one of Robert Kiyosaki's books, so naturally it had to be included in this list. This is my personal favorite from all the books within the Poor Dad, Rich Dad "saga". The book highlights four levels within the cashflow quadrant: employee, self-employed, business owner and investor. It is one of those books that will change your outlook on work life forever.

This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin

It is all about being disruptive.

This book does such a great job at showcasing how simple marketing can be in today's day and age. The book is very big on emphasizing the importance of understanding what drives consumer behavior and leveraging that insight into creating products or content that are disruptive even within their industries.

Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool For Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future by Cameron Herold

This is one of my favorite books. Cameron Herold is like the business whisperer for any troubled CEO. Through the use of terms like "BHAG's" (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and written life and business plans, he very accurately articulates the formula for a business to grow. While reading this book, I couldn't help but be reminded of a very similar strategy outlined in "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - just in a more "modern" version.

The Daily Laws by Robert Greene

The best pieces of wisdom out of every single Robert Greene book contained into one book.

This book is the definition of a marathon, not a sprint. Not because its long but rather because it is meant to be read one day at a time. It contains about 365 pieces of wisdom as excerpts from some of his other books. Every lesson is concise, to the point and will very much add value to your day. I read one page every morning and it set the right tone for that day. Highly recommend if you are looking for short attainable strategies for your day to day.

LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR MIND