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Oops, did you come here thinking I published something? I'm not writing a book... but check back soon for some other resources I'm putting together.
What if I told you that three books could build your character, strengthen your relationships, and improve your work? No "Think and Grow Rich" on this page. Each one of these books hit me at just the right time, challenging my assumptions and giving me tools to lead, live, and and improve my life with more clarity.
Atlas Shrugged
by Ayn Rand
Takeaway: Put on your own air mask before helping others.
Your own quality of life is what powers your ability to act, give, and contribute to society. Fill your own cup so that you have the strength to do your part. If something doesn’t serve your life, let it go. If it does, build it into something of value- to yourself first, and then to others.
Atlas Shrugged is an epic parable that will change how you think about confidence, money, and quality.
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
Takeaway: Trauma is an excuse we make up to avoid actions and feelings we’re afraid of.
This book is a relatively-easy-to-undersand lesson in radical self governance. And also, a full emotional audit. Every element of your life is created and defined in your own head— it’s up to you to determine how you interact with that reality. If you’ve ever wanted to be more level headed, pragmatic, and intentional with your own thoughts and your relationships with others, this is the book for you.
The 4-Hour Work Week
by Tim Ferriss
Takeaway: True freedom comes from good systems- not planning, delaying, or deferring.
Beyond the hype, this was my gateway into leverage thinking. At the very start of my post-college career, it redefined work as something that should fund your life, not consume it. Delegation, automation, and high-impact effort became my core responsibilities that clear the way for everything else.
Candidly, it's a bit outdated and I recommend ignoring all the dead web links... but the skills, challenges, and thought processes hold up.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Takeaway: “Eat the path.” The universe could be radically different tomorrow. Embrace it hungrily.
An exciting adventure story set in the not-too-distant future, this one is about accidental first contact with an alien species. The best, realest looks inside ourselves are found in fiction that feels real, and Paolini has mastered blending pop-culture, high-stakes fiction, and holding a mirror up to human nature. If you read for pleasure, have at it. If you read for philosophy and self exploration, pay extra attention to Gregorovich, The Entropists, and Inarë.
Affiliate Disclosure: Heads up: some of the links on this page are affiliate links, including Amazon links. If you grab a book or resource through one, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I don’t push fluff. Everything listed here is something I’ve read, used, or think is genuinely worth your time.
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