A good book. A doggie laying beside me with his/her head in my lap. A blanket wrapped around me. Candles glowing in the room. My husband on the other couch either reading or watching a movie.
Who knows what this is?
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you probably guessed that this is my ideal Friday night.
I’m an introverted nerd. Don’t let the Anthropologie shopping sprees and red lipstick fool you.
And, I know that many of you love reading, too.
That’s why I always share the list I create of the top nonfiction books I want to read each year.
Here are the top 10 for this year (Let me know in the comments if you find some to add to your reading list!):
1. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon
This is my #1 most anticipated nonfiction read of 2019. It comes out in the beginning of April and I’m counting down the days like kids do with Christmas. I’ve read (and adored) Kleon’s two previous books–which is why I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one. I’ll read anything he publishes. His books give me the feeling of a warm hug…and a gentle shove to get stuff done.
In this new release, Kleon delves into how to stay creative and focused when dealing with distractions and burnout. There are chapters on building a bliss station, slaying the art monsters, and planting your garden.
I’ll be stalking the mailwoman on April 2nd, because I’ll want to start reading this book as soon as it arrives on my doorstep.
2. This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin
I’ve read the majority of Seth Godin’s books and I tend to devour them in one sitting (except that giant one with the ducks on the cover). I admire the way they all have a very clear message and I always feel inspired for days after reading one of his books.
This Is Marketing seems to be Godin’s marketing strategies all in one book which is like candy for me because marketing is my ish.
This book came out in November of last year, but I haven’t gotten around to it due to the holidays. I’ll dive into it soon!
3. Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin
I haven’t met a book by Gretchen Rubin that I haven’t looooooooved to pieces. Not only is she a brilliant storyteller, but she always includes actionable tips and advice that you can apply to your life immediately.
I’ve also been on a decluttering and organizing journey (thank you, Marie Kondo!) and this book will continue to help me make my home an oasis instead of a landing space for junk.
This book comes out on March 5th and it can’t come soon enough.
4. One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days by Brenda Kane
More than anything, I enjoy reading about how other people have done something really impressive such as gaining one million followers in a month. It doesn’t hurt that this author has worked with my bae to grow her following, Taylor Swift. YES, I want to read about that, too.
If you’re interested in this book, it’s already out. Woohoo!
5. Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis
Just last week, this book was released and it focuses on something that I’m passionate about: staying small on purpose.
I’ve been asked if I want to grow my business as big as Marie Forleo or even bigger if possible. The answer is no. I don’t want to manage a handful (or dozens) of employees. I don’t want the work hours that go into running a multi-million dollar business.
I want to run a business that allows me to live the life I dream of which includes lots of mornings filled with doggie snuggles, plenty of afternoons spent reading and weekends away from my phone and computer.
And, these are the types of clients that I work with, so this book is right up my alley. I can’t wait to give it a read and see what Jarvis has to say on the topic.
6. Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case
This is another book that came out in the beginning of January and it’s “a call to action for those seeking to live extraordinary lives and bring about transformational change.” -Amazon
I constantly talk about the importance of taking risks in order to succeed in business, so I’m excited to pick this book up.
7. Building a Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
I was introduced to Miller through one of Amy Porterfield’s podcast episodes.
Story is one of the most important things to learn about when you want to write anything compelling for your business, so I try to get better at it every year. I can’t wait to read about the seven universal story points all humans respond to that Miller covers in this book.
This book is already out if you want to give it a read.
8. Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt
Every year, I pick out at least one book on productivity, because it’s one of my favorite topics to read and discover more about.
Hyatt’s book that comes out in April looks more appealing than anything else I came across. I love that there’s an entire section on cutting things with chapters titled “flex your no muscle” and “subtract yourself from the equation.”
I’m also eager to read the chapter on beating distractions and interruptions. I’m pretty sure we could all use some help with this one, amiright?
9. Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa
I’ve read multiple books by Jiwa. They’re all bite-sized and can be consumed in one sitting at a coffee shop with your favorite beverage. But, don’t let the size fool you. They all pack a solid content punch with theory and tips.
This one sounds like another hit that I’ll enjoy:
“Story Driven gives you a framework to help you consistently articulate, live and lead with your story. This book is about how to stop competing and start succeeding by being who you are, so you can do work you’re proud of and create the future you want to see.” -Amazon
This book came out last year, so you can pick it up anytime.
10. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Last on my list, is a book that comes out in the beginning of February and it focuses on minimizing the amount of time we spend on our computers and phones.
Digital minimalists are happy people who can hold long conversations without constantly checking their phones and pay attention to their work without the itch to open up email and Facebook.
In his book, Newport describes how you can use technology to support your goals and values instead of allowing technology to rule your life.
This is such a relevant topic, so I’m interested in giving this a read.
These are the top ten nonfiction books I want to read this year. I also have a list of fiction, but that one is a lot longer.
Now, I’ve got to know what you’re dying to read this year. Do you have a number one most anticipated nonfiction book for 2019? Please share it in the comments below, because I love adding good books to my Amazon wishlist.
P.S. I’ve got some big announcements coming really soon…one includes A LIVE RETREAT that I’m hosting with my biz bestie. Make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss anything!