I read a lot of books in different genres. These are the books that really rocked my world creatively. They left an impression. I would get up and walk around as I read them. Or I pulled out the highlighter. Or opened a word document to take notes. These are my heavy hitters of the year. (get ready to share your own influential reading at the end of this post!)
1. 20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith
A short read that will light a small fire under your proverbial pants.
The Robert D (as he is affectionately known as by his friends) shares a life changing weekend helped him decide how to spend the rest of his life. You can read this in a few hours . It is so very good to read this at the beginning of the year when we are in a more reflective state.
I read this a few months back on a recommendation (thank you Alan) and once I started I couldn't stop. Robert shares a perspective on life that, while not new, contains a sense of urgency and importance.
If you want an "I-need-a-whopping-dose-of-practical-encouragement" this is a great read.
2. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
This book made me think, reflect, get angry, and get moving. I don't agree with a lot of what Sheryl says and I do agree with other things she says. Most of the book I really enjoyed, some of it left me re-reading it and there were a few parts I disagreed with vehemently. I had a multitude of mixed reactions and responses.
This is my take: a lot of us aren't the "lets-take-over-technology-and-politics" type of women. We aren't vying to take over Google or Yahoo or run for senator or anything in these realms. But women have amazing leadership potential, regardless of what niche they serve.
So take what you have, decide to eliminate the crap that doesn't really matter and change the world in your sphere of influence.
Want to write page-turning fiction to inspire teens to take on the world? Do it.
Want to rebuild the education system in Haiti? Somebody needs to.
Want to start your own home decor line? Send me your brochure.
Want to help women be amazing by helping them look and feel amazing with the right make-up and fashion? Please do it.
Wherever your passion is- decide to be the leader in that field.
We have an overabundance of mediocrity and apathy in our society. Dare to be different and, as my nursing instructor used to say, "go for the gusto." It will take a lot of work but who says it can't be done?
I thought the book was a bit wordy; it could have been edited down. And many of us aren't married. Sheryl spends quite a few chapters on marriage and taking care of children.
She does admit the truth that many of us already know: we can't do everything and we can't have it all (whatever "everything" and "it" are.) But we can do a few things well with a lot of determination and effort.
3. The Icarus Deception -This book is showing up on a lot of "best reads of 2013" lists and for a good reason. Seth Godin shouts a lesson more of us are embracing and sharing with anyone who will listen.
Biggest takeaway: stop waiting for someone to come over and give you permission to be amazing. We really have the freedom to start a business, a publishing company, a PR firm, make and sell mixed media art, publish your books, change the world. In the world of Nike, just do it. In the words of Seth Godin, "choose yourself."
4. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
Some books just want make a girl want to be braver. This is one of those books. Loved it. Mark has a very fresh and vibrant faith. I consider myself a fairly bible literate person and I wasn't very familiar with this story. I listened to this on audible on a long car ride across the dessert and my attention was riveted.
5. The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews
Good fiction hits harder than nonfiction. Humans love stories. Andy Andrews' ability to mix historic figures with fictional events never ceases to inspire me.
O.k. your turn. What were the books that influenced YOU this year?
Did you read something this year that is still rocking your world? Let me know. I'm always on the lookout for a good read 
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