Books

Welcome to the Book recommendations page, where you can discover your next favorite read. Reading is a great way to exercise the mind and get access to unlimited ideas. A lot of these recommendations are centered around personal growth, marketing/business, and spirituality. We hope that they help whoever comes across this list as much as they have helped me in the past (and still do to this day).

Keep in mind, any links provided below are affiliate links. The affiliate links give me a little coffee or something similar when you buy the book from the links. However, if you find the book cheaper somewhere else, please buy it cheaper :) the main focus here is that I want you to get the quality information and resources you need at whatever price point that works best for you.

Note that within these recommendations, there is a brief section with our thoughts on why you might enjoy the read. There is also a Main Features section included that highlights the main premise and general opinion of the book.

Happy reading!

Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

Stigs Thoughts: This was my first introduction to the area of self-help/improvement books, given to me after graduating high school from my Father. I always knew that I was interested in entrepreneurship, and had a "vision" for what I wanted in life, but wasn't sure if other people had experienced these ideations before and how I could "reign them in" so to speak. When I first read this book, it connected with me in such a way that I will never forget. It seemed like someone was speaking directly to that little entrepreneur in my mind. This is a good starting point for anyone seeking personal development books in the space of entrepreneurship and isn't sure where to begin. Note: Please know that A LOT of other self help books basically regurgitate this book nonstop. A lot of faux personal development stuff or business books don't give you actionable to do's, but more of a "mental game" sort of premise that is entirely borrowed from this book. Therefore, another reason to consult this list or read into reviews before your next purchase.

Main Features:

Highly impactful introduction to the self-help genre and entrepreneurship.
Connects deeply with the entrepreneurial mindset, providing actionable insights and ways of thinking.
Many subsequent self-help books borrow concepts from this classic, a solid starting point.

The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene

Stigs Thoughts: Overall, this book gets a bad, almost evil reputation that it doesn't deserve. Sure, some of the topics within this book can be used in a manipulative way. However, the author Robert Green stated within an interview that the intention behind writing the book was so that people can be aware of the tricks and manipulation tactics that other people may try to pull on you. This book has quite a bit of history in it, and can be a dense but rewarding read. The history examples that Greene uses within the book exemplify the laws extremely well, in addition to there being some very cool notable fables on the sides of the pages from legendary authors, artists, inventors, and heroes and villains of the times.

Main Features:

Raises readers awareness into the Laws of Power and how people may use them against you in different ways.
Great historical examples illustrating the laws and notable fables.
Can be dense due to format but is a very rewarding, interesting, and fun read.

12 Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson Audiobook

Stigs Thoughts: This book changed my life. I personally liked the audio version of this book (through Audible) as I enjoy Jordan Peterson's communication skills. This book is a bit of a dense listen, but it is so worth the time invested. Dr. Peterson covers a myriad of topics on how to set your life in order, and references everything from Pinnochio to The Bible in the process in order to provide the reader with moral examples from stories of human civilization. One of the biggest takeaways from this book for me are Dr. Peterson's thoughts on resentment and how that feeling can easily misconstrue your entire perception of reality and your opinion on the world. Dr. Peterson illuminated so many paths out of the line of negative thinking and put my situation in a more positive and uplifting light through a sense of responsibility. 10/10.

Main Features:

Life-changing book, particularly the audio version.
Covers a wide range of life topics, referencing literature, modern stories, and the Bible.
Emphasizes the impact of resentment and the importance of taking responsibility.
Overall, material can be dense, not for the faint of heart.

Beyond Order 12 More Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson Audiobook

Stigs Thoughts: Another incredible reflection on life and what you should and shouldn't do in this crazy world of ours. After finishing the first book, I did indeed want more, but wasn't sure if it was necessary after the enlightenment I felt after the first 12 Rules for Life. I was again, beyond satisfied with this read too, and thought to myself "holy sh*t, he really did it again" after the final closing of the book. Once again, this may be too dense for a lot of people as it does take some deep thought along with it. This is no walk in the park, but rather a deep dive into the depths of a cave knowing that there is light somewhere on the other side. There may also be some gnarly dragons in that cave - you'll get this reference once you read or listen to this masterpiece. Another instant classic in my opinion. 10/10.

Main Features:

A worthy follow-up to the first book, 12 Rules for Life.
Offers deep insights on life and it's messy but balanced function, takes intense effort to comprehend.
Again, material can be dense and thought provoking, not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to rewind portions and re-listen when needed if you are listening to the audio version.

The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday

Stigs Thoughts: Whether you are familiar with stoicism or not, this is a good book to have and refer to on the daily. This is a book that provides a year's worth of meditations and insights from the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophy. The book is designed as a daily devotional, with each day featuring a quote from a Stoic philosopher such as Marcus Aurelius or Seneca, followed by a reflection on how that quote can be applied to modern life. The book covers a wide range of topics including self-discipline, emotional regulation, and the nature of happiness. It is meant to serve as a practical guide for applying Stoic principles to daily life and achieving a greater sense of inner peace and fulfillment. Overall great book if you want more wisdom from some of the most profound thinkers within your daily life. Holiday also does a fantastic job with his interpretations and reflections on the quotes from these stoic philosophers as well.

Main Features:

A valuable daily resource for Stoic philosophy and personal growth.
Features daily meditations and insights from ancient Stoic philosophers.
Practical guide for applying Stoic principles to modern life.

Easily digestible format.

Meditations - Marcus Aurelius

Stigs Thoughts: Meditations is a collection of personal writings and reflections by Marcus Aurelius, who was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. The book was written during his time as emperor, and it was not intended for publication. Rather, it was a private journal that Aurelius used to reflect on his thoughts and actions, and to explore his own philosophical beliefs.

The book is divided into 12 sections, each of which covers a different aspect of philosophy and personal development. Throughout the book, Aurelius focuses on themes such as the transience of life, the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue, and the need to accept whatever happens in life with equanimity. Aurelius encourages readers to look inward and to question their own beliefs and actions, with the goal of becoming a better person and achieving a greater sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

Not only is this a valuable book from a mental standpoint, but it is cool to think about how Marcus' life experience in 161 to 180 AD as the most powerful person on the planet (being the Roman emperor), resonates to people on an individual level in modern day 2023. Just goes to show how the "human experience" is just that - human.

Note that there are many different translations of this book, I personally prefer the Gregory Hays translation as compared to the Penguin Classics version, as I know Ryan Holiday does too and that is where I received this initial recommendation. Check out both if you want, there is enough variability in tone in each to make it worthwhile.

Main Features:

Personal reflections of a Roman Emperor resonate with modern readers.
Divided into 12 sections, covering various philosophical aspects, includes notes from the author that help extract meaning from Aureulius' writings.
Encourages introspection and acceptance of life's challenges.
Very thought provoking, high possibility of changing your perception of life.

A Man Alone With Himself - Friedrich Nietzsche

Stigs Thoughts: I have never read a book quite like this, and it struck me at just the right time. This is probably the most intense book on this list, as the concepts are extremely deep and thought provoking. The main premise of the book being Nietzsche's statement that "Every superior human being will instinctively aspire after a secret citadel where he is set free from the crowd, the many, the majority." This is another book that is not for the faint of heart, and takes deep processing in order to extract its meaning.

Nietzsche is one of the most prolific writers I have ever read in my life. His style is like nothing else I have ever read, and he speaks volumes through these aphorisms in the book. Great read if you are into philosophy and need some sword for tongue writing on the complexities and inescapable aspects of life, including culture, politics, nature, ethics, power, good and evil, and thinking itself. Nietzsche argues that individuals should reject the conformity and herd mentality of society, and instead cultivate their own unique perspectives and values.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is the following: "And how could there exist a 'common good!' The expression is a self contradiction: what can be common has ever but little value. In the end it must be as it is and has always been: great things are for the great, abysses for the profound, shudders and delicacies for the refined, and, in sum, all rare things for the rare."

Main Features:

Intense and thought-provoking book with deep concepts.
Encourages individuals to reject conformity and develop unique perspectives.
Nietzsche's aphorisms make it a great read for philosophy enthusiasts and those that like to contemplate life and its surrounding complexities.
Nietzsche's writing style and prose is like no other, extremely exuberant and enormously clever. The way things are written and described within this book is like no other I have ever read.
NOT a light read - takes effort and critical thinking to extract potential meanings.

80 20 Sales and Marketing - Perry Marshall

Stigs Thoughts: In my opinion, by far the best Marketing and Business book I have ever read in my life. Perry is an absolute beast in the face of marketing (his newsletter is also really good), and wraps this book in such a way that blends business into human nature and economics themselves. This book is based upon the famous Pareto "80/20" principle, where 20% of people are responsible for 80% of the results (and vice versa). As an example of this universal law, check out the studies online that state that 20% of the population owns 80% of the wealth in the world and in the United States. This book was derived off of the original principles and work written by Robert Koch, but flipped into a business sense. As the story goes, Perry originally read Koch's work and that is when it all "clicked" for him. If you are in business, marketing, or sales, GET THIS BOOK, as I know the same "click" feeling happened to me when I first read it.

Another note because I love this book so much - there is not a single inkling of fluff within this entire book. I could not put this thing down due to it's no bullsh*t, here are the facts principles. Honestly so refreshing to digest a book like this in the world of charlatan business men that write "entrepreneur" books just to pad their own pockets.

Main Features:

My personal, all time favorite read on marketing and business.
Based on the 80/20 principle and offers a fresh application for the rule in business and marketing.
No fluff, provides straightforward and insightful, actionable principles.
Very valuable info, also comes with a voucher for Marshall's "Marketing Personality Test" that illuminates your strengths and weaknesses as a marketer. I have taken the test and can vouch that it is very valuable and accurate.

The Prosperity Bible - Various Authors

Stigs Thoughts: This is actually a collection of books, and focuses on "The Greatest Writing of All Time on the Secrets to Wealth and Prosperity." This work was originally recommended to me by music producer MG the Future (@mgthefuture).

Very expansive collection, and includes a total of 19 titles. It is also very interesting to see these ideas on success and prosperity flushed out from powerful people such as Benjamin Franklin and James Allen.

A great read, with no need to read cover to cover as it is a very large book. Pick what title sticks out to you first and go from there.

Main Features:

Information-rich and expansive collection of wisdom.
Includes a total number of 19 titles within, including classics like "As a Man Thinketh," by James Allen, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, and "Creative Mind and Success" by Ernest Holmes.
Very large and thick book due to the many titles included, hardcover is recommended if possible.

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

Stigs Thoughts: This book is just all around great for any creative person out there. Passman's writing style is very good, and this book is so digestible - there is not an overload of information here, or any secret "formula" for success in your creative process, because that type of thing just doesn't exist. There is, however, many forces that us creatives need to look out for. The main one covered in this book is resistance, and how to overcome that feeling of "I'll do it tomorrow" or "not today" thinking. If you need a fire lit under your unproductive but creative ass this is the book for you.

Honorable Mention: Turning Pro - Steven Pressfield - This is the sequel to The War of Art and is also good, and expands on the ideas presented in the first book and what being a professional really means within the creative world. Little bit of repetition within this title, but still worth reading as it is in a very friendly format like it's predecessor.

Main Features:

Great read for creative individuals overall, especially those facing resistance.
Passman's writing style and formatting is highly readable and addictive.
Focuses on overcoming procrastination and taking action, in addition to the mental, self-imposed blocks that creatives put onto themselves.

The One Thing - Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Stigs Thoughts: This is another good, no fluff business book. The essential concept being that at this current time, there is really only "One Thing" that you need to be doing, and it happens to be the thing that gives you the most leverage. Or better put, ask yourself "What's the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"

Throughout the book, the authors provide practical tips and examples to help readers apply the one thing concept to their own lives. They also discuss the importance of goal setting, time management, and developing a success-oriented mindset. All around great business and personal life read if you feel like you have 100 options swirling around you all the time.

Main Features:

Promotes the idea of focusing on the most critical task for leverage.
Offers practical tips for applying the concept in daily life.
A valuable read for those overwhelmed by numerous options.

Perennial Seller - Ryan Holiday

Stigs Thoughts: An all around great marketing book from Ryan Holiday. I really like his tone throughout this book, and it was a very pleasant read as a marketer myself. The main premise of this one is that you don't want to create lackluster work that isn't going to stand the test of time. Holiday dives into classics such as Illmatic, with supporting thoughts from Rick Rubin, Jay-Z, and other legends in the creative and marketing playing fields.

Main Features:

A great marketing book with an emphasis on creating quality, enduring, high-quality work no matter the field.
Features insights from legends in the creative and marketing fields such as Jay-Z and Rick Rubin to name a few.
Digestible, pleasant tone even for people who aren't interested in Marketing but want to create things that stand the test of time.

Universal Principles of Design - Various Authors

Stigs Thoughts: Honestly, this is just an all around cool book to look at and read from time to time. Not necessarily something you'd read cover to cover, but is such a cool reference to have somewhere in your library. There is also a pocket version that is super cool if you want to take it with you. I originally stumbled across this book off of an Instagram story post that Kanye West posted about six years ago. I figured he is a pretty damn good designer, so I picked it up. Well worth buying and covers everything from The Golden Ratio to psychology principles such as Anchoring. Cool stuff.

Main Features:

A cool book for reference on various Laws of Nature and Design. Not necessarily to be read cover to cover.
Discovered initially through an Instagram story post from legendary artist and designer Kanye West.
Covers various design and psychological principles, making it a valuable resource. Examples are the Golden Ratio, Hick's Law, and Framing.
Neat little pocket version that is available separately.