After swapping out summer clothes for winter coats, I figured it’s high time to do a post that has been on my mind for a while – let’s talk books!
Even though we have been busy renovating our rental property (of which you will be able to read all about in a coming post by Sherry) and otherwise marveling at our little one, there is something in our lives that we will always find time for. A good book.
I have kept a list of all the books I have read, ever since I came upon the first book which I read not out of school assignment but for love of reading. (It was Lord of the Rings btw!)
The full list can be seen on my Goodreads profile and you can also see 5 latest books I have read, on the right-hand side of the blog. In this post, I will summarize and recommend three books for each genre we love – Finances/Money, Sci-Fi, Fantasy*, Parenting and Non-fiction.
Finances/Money
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a classic among FI community and many cite this book as opening their eyes to the possibility of retiring early and becoming financially independent. The author, Robert Kiyosaki, gives these insights through the story of his life and the differences between his educated but poor dad and his self-educated but rich mentor. The book will not give you detailed, specific instructions how to get rich, but it will alter your mindset and how you see finances in your life.
Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam
The title really says it all – it’s a book written by a college teacher who happens to be a millionaire. Well, it didn’t just happen, every last bit of it he has earned himself through self-sacrifice and some very intense saving methods. He details all this in the book, as well as simplifying the index stocks, which is where his money is invested.
Money: Master the Game by Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins is internationally famous author and life coach who has changed and inspired many people’s lives. In this best-selling book, he has tackled the topic of personal finances and both how to save more and how to invest smartly to get the most out of it and enjoy life to the fullest. This amazing book is packed in detail with good vibe and extremely useful investing information alike. Whoever is committed to bettering their life, this book is truly a great resource and inspiration.
Sci-Fi
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
Hyperion is a sci-fi masterpiece that explores the lives of 7 strangers who find themselves together on a pilgrimage to the mystical Time Tombs. As each of them tells their story, you are pulled more deeply into this futuristic universe of 28thcentury. The entire series, Hyperion Cantos, consists of 4 novels. One of the best birthday presents I ever got!
Otherland by Tad Williams
Otherland is another sci-fi series that consists of 4 novels (coincidental), only it is set in a not so distant future of end of 21stcentury. It masterfully explores the topics of human evolution, artificial intelligence and virtual reality through a great story and unique characters.
Ilium by Dan Simmons
This award-winning book (including Sci-fi novel of the year) offers truly everything you might imagine in its genre – futuristic robots, gene mutation, exploration of apocalyptic Earth and Mars, and even Greek gods. All the while it oozes great writing and offers homage to Homer and Shakespeare.
Fantasy
Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson
If Mistborn had remained a trilogy, it would have still been a remarkable piece of writing with one heck of a story and relatable characters. Luckily for all the avid fans, Sanderson expanded Mistborn world with a second trilogy with view to make even more. This unique world is so cleverly written you just can’t put the books down. Epic.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings is a first novel of series entitled The Stormlight Archive, predicted to have 10 novels. Both it, and its 2 sequels, Words of Radiance and Oathbringer have won numerous awards (I am actually currently reading the latest, third novel). In all fairness, no matter what review I write, it won’t adequately describe this truly one-of-a-kind work. It creates a world that is unparalleled in its complexity and yet it is so immersive and smart you feel like you belong there, with characters you will grow to love. Epic. Squared.
Shadowmarch by Tad Williams
Shadowmarch saga consists of 4 novels, with a beautifully written and picturesque world that gets enveloped in battle for survival, supremacy and Godhood. It will definitely make you wonder and continue reading well into the night. From ancient faeries, insane kings, sleeping gods and old magic, this fantasy series has it all.
Parenting
Expecting Better by Emily Oster
I have to start with a small “correction”, expecting better is better described as a pregnancy book than a parenting one. It is the best pregnancy book we have come across by far. It is written by a economist-turned-mother who investigated all the myths and effects of pregnancy with extreme attention to detail and wrote down the results with clarity. Very nicely written and comforting for new parents.
Brain Rules by John Medina
Brain Rules is a book for parents written by a molecular biologist specializing in brain genes. To simplify it, he studies brain development for a living. Intimate knowledge of that field and especially when it comes to infants and toddlers, has allowed him to combine different studies and data and summarize for us, the parents, what stimulates a child’s brain development and what doesn’t. (Hint: Easy on TV!)
Newborn 101 by Carole Kramer Arsenault
Newborn 101 is one book where we found perfect combination of book knowledge and personal experience on both pregnancy and taking care of the babies. It is written by a Nurse in an easy understandable way and divided by child’s age. Every month of child’s development is analyzed and explained, together with all the issues the mom (and dad) might be experiencing.
Non-fiction
Night by Elie Wiesel
Night is an immensely moving and powerful first-hand telling of the horrors of World War II. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel delivers personal experience of prosecution and survival in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. Even amidst death and such inexplicable acts of human cruelty, he manages to convey a sense of hope and message of peace.
What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro
What Every Body Is Saying is a book written by a former FBI special agent and an expert in body language and non-verbal communication. It is written in a very understanding manner and backed by examples from author’s investigations and cases. If aspects of human behavior interest you, this is definitely the book for you. Fascinating to see with your eyes how the body betrays the brain.
Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson
Being a huge Manchester United fan, this book was always going to be on my read list. It doesn’t disappoint, regardless of your football allegiances. From humble and hard working beginnings to the absolute peak of your profession and untarnished legacy, this book shows the inner workings of a brilliant and determined mind.
These are just some of the books that inspire us on our Journey, hopefully they can do the same for you! As always, we welcome any recommendations (as that is how we got to most of our books) as well as comments and discussions!
*Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) rightfully deserve their place on the list, but they are excluded to focus on novels maybe not known to general public in the same magnitude