I heard Gary Vaynerchuk say, "If you go out to dinner and the sommelier, waiter, or waitress recommends a bottle of wine, don't buy it."  Nobody can direct you on a bottle of wine unless they know what kind of wine you typically drink (or like.)  I think, he's right.  I think, the same goes for books.

Important things to note about my reading and consequently my lists...

• Some books I read out of curiosity

• Some books I read for entertainment

• Some books I read to inspire me

• Some books I read for pure utility

• Some books I read because I admire the author or their work

• Some books I read I don't have a reason for reading

• Some books I read you might like

• Some books I read you may not like

• Some books I don't agree or jive with either

I don't want to be a crappy waiter for you.  If you want a suggestion, tell me 2 of your favorite books, then I can confidently point you in the right direction. 

Okay, here's what I read in June 2017...

*All titles are clickable.

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1.) The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stand resistance."

An inspiring book on how to fight your inner demons and beat resistance.  Pressfield often reminds you of resistance's ever presence in our lives.  It comes in various forms, disguised, and ready to attack.  It has relentless pursuit of your dreams, aspirations, and future.  This book has been on my must read list for over a year.  Coming on high recommendation from two people who's work I truly admire - Seth Godin and Marie Forleo - it didn't disappoint.

2.) BOLD - Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler

"Right now, and for the first time ever, a passionate and committed individual has access to the technology, minds, and capital required to take on any challenge."

Regarding our future, there's probably not a more optimistic man on the planet than Diamandis. This book is a blueprint for an exponential entrepreneur.  Someone who is willing to take on big challenges, assume big risk, and utilize every resource modern technology has provided for us. Kotler is co-founder of the Flow Research Collective , and organization leading the way on the power of flow psychology.  Together they've created a book former President Bill Clinton called, "A visionary roadmap..."

3.) Pre-Suasion - Robert Cialdini, P.h.D.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Cialdini has long been regarded as the benchmark and father of influence psychology.  This is his first published work in 32 years.  Through much research and plenty of case studies he tackles the idea that long before somebody is persuaded, they're "pre-suaded."  He also demystifies the notion that persuasion is a bad thing.  If you're interested, I'd read Influence prior, this one adds research to that foundational work.   

4.) Reinvent Yourself - James Altucher

"Nobody remembers your bad stuff. They only remember your good stuff."

Altucher is hilarious - always - but this one wasn't as good as Choose Yourself, which was one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.  Unfortunately, I read this book immediately after reading it so my expectations were super high.  Altucher is pure, honest, and direct.  He doesn't play inside the box and I love that about him.  He is constantly re-inventing himself.

5.) Expert Secrets - Russell Brunson

"Your message has the ability to change someone's life."

A how to guide for online entrepreneurs trying to craft a message, create a movement, and do what they love.  I was curious how Brunson created the fastest rising SaaS based start-up ClickFunnels - ever - completely self-funded.  An amazing feat, so I took a deep dive, and read both of his books.  I read this as a follow up to his first release Dotcom Secrets (which was on last months list.)  Oddly, I think they're more impactful read in reverse order.

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Please reach out to me if you have any comments, suggestions, and feedback.

Thoughts on format? 

Crush the day!

DV