WHAT I READ IN MARCH

I had another three book month over here and while that’s not terrible, in a perfect world I’d love to be finishing one book every week. I do most of my “reading” on audiobooks in the car and since I was traveling the majority of the month, I got through fewer books than I otherwise would have. (I know a lot of people read more while traveling, but both of these trips were go-go-go and I usually spend flights working on my laptop.) How many books do you usually read in a given month? Does three sound like a ton or like nothing to you?

presence amy cuddy book review

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy

Rating: 4/5

You might have seen Amy Cuddy’s popular TED Talk about body language and power posing, and this book elaborates on the correlation between non-verbal communication and self-confidence. Through several studies, she demonstrates that changing your posture (or posing so as to take up more space) can actually make you more confident before a high-stress situation like a job interview or public speaking engagement. My one criticism is it felt a little longer than it needed to be, particularly if you’ve already seen the TED Talk, but still, if you’ve ever struggled with shyness in a class, office, or social setting (hi ??), I think you’ll find this a fascinating read. I also think this would make a great graduation gift for a high school or college senior!

the motivation myth book review

The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win by Jeff Haden

Rating: 5/5

This book debunks the “myth” that high achievers are born with or somehow discover supernatural levels of motivation in order to accomplish massive goals. Instead the author emphasizes the importance of process (or “chipping away at it” as my dad has always told me!) and highlights the virtuous cycle of small wins leading to more motivation, leading to bigger wins, leading to even more motivation. I’d put this book in a similar category to Tim Ferriss’s 4 Hour Workweek (which you can read my review of here) — and the audiobook is actually narrated by the same person! Highly recommend to anyone who’s started/starting a business or just wanting to feel more motivated in general.

gary vaynerchuk crush it book review

Crush It! Why Now Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

Rating: 4/5

Another month, another business book… sorry if you don’t find these as motivating as I do! Gary Vaynerchuk’s family moved to the United States from the former Soviet Union when he was three years old. Later, as a recent college graduate, he took his family’s liquor store sales from $3 million to $60 million in just a few years through the use of social media. He has an inspiring work ethic and I love his candor about everything from family to finances, but it shouldn’t have surprised that a 2009 book partly about social media already feels pretty dated in 2018. Perhaps next month I’ll read his aptly titled new release Crushing It — after all, the guy now has 3 million Instagram followers, so he clearly still knows his stuff.

P.S. Want more book recommendations? Check out what I read in January and what I read in February!