Adult

Thanks to my buddy Ruben Gonzalez for insisting I read this fascinating diatribe by KISS founder Gene Simmons. Filled with all sorts of great practical tips on how to get ahead in business. Not always “politically correct,” Simmons impresses with his no-nonsense approach to succeeding financially in America.

The first comprehensive social history of jazz, this book provides an intimate and compelling look at the many forces that shaped this most American of art forms and the many influences that gave rise to jazz’s post-war styles.

Want to sound impressive at cocktail parties? Fit this quick, literary read into the conversation. In A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare had a sister – a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, and equal in genius, but whose legacy is radically different. This imaginary woman never writes a word and dies by her own hand, her genius unexpressed. If only she had found the means to create, argues Woolf, she would have reached the same heights as her immortal sibling. In this classic essay, she takes on the establishment, using her gift of language to dissect the world around her and give voice to those who are without. Her message is a simple one: women must have a fixed income and a room of their own in order to have the freedom to create. Best of all? This summary is just a little longer than the book itself.

This collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in Niequist’s life: leaving behind “busyness” and frantic living and rediscovering the person she was made to be. Great examination of how to pull free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder and produce more. This book was as relaxing as a yoga session.

There’s nothing like reading a good Western. Wonderfully written – a lot like True Grit – with terrific characters. I sped through this novel.

Truly moving reminder about gratitude and helping others. This real-life story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore takes a new look into the mind of a homeless man who’s spiritually filled and a wealthy entrepreneur who is struggling with spiritual strength through his wife’s illness. Engaging and uplifting.

Before becoming a New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner for the extraordinary All the Light We Cannot See, Doerr wrote this collection of short stories, which provide readers a glimpse into his extraordinary future writing.

A compulsively readable collection of short stories that explore the complex – and often darkly funny – connections between gender, sex, and power across genres. Spanning a range of genres and topics, these stories fascinate and repel, revolt and arouse, scare and delight in equal measure.

I know Sedaris doesn’t need my help, but I cannot resist sharing his books with all my friends – and enemies. No writer more reliably gets me laughing out loud. The perfect book after a draining day.

I think my favorite autobiographies are the ones that are not afraid to share the “warts” of their authors. Dash unabashedly reveals how his addictions put him on a downward spiral, but don’t worry. There’s a happy ending, with lessons all of us can use in our own lives.

Nothing brings me more joy than devouring a quick, Agatha Christie-style mystery over a pot of tea. Kingsbury’s wonderful Pennyfoot Hotel mystery series is perfect for those who enjoyed Downton Abbey.

Most people know that Google is the world’s top search engine, but fewer realize that YouTube comes in second place. And its audience grows every day. Cannell and Travis have successfully utilized YouTube to build massive audiences that they can serve with their products and tips, and this book is an essential guide for anyone interested in sharing their knowledge with the world.

The nonfiction books that touch me the most are the ones where the authors are vulnerable and allow you to see all of their faults. Too many of us pose as our profile pictures, when the reality is much more mixed. Telesco’s journey through ups and downs reminds us all of the possibilities that exist, even when reach our lowest depths.

Listened to an interview with Robertson on Donald Miller’s excellent Building a Storybrand podcast and had to grab a copy of this book. Inspired by Robertson’s personal rags to riches story and couldn’t get enough anecdotes about various entrepreneurial ventures throughout American history. I’d actually like this book to be issued to every middle school student, as it is quite inspiring.

There are certain comedians I turn to when I have had a really crummy day, and one of them is Rita Rudner. This woman always seems to put a smile on my face. Read this book whenever you’re feeling down. It’s better than medication at lifting your spirits.