Summary:
Nine books that I will read this summer and probably in the fall. It is a continuation of my summer reading list of 2019. The books range from self-help books, a comic, a bibliography, and workbooks. Enough to recharge this summer (and fall).
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It was a challenging spring. Much work was canceled. A lot of time was made available for a new project, for personal development, to be with my family and to buy books. After my 2019 summer reading list, there are now nine (of which four are in Dutch) on the beach towel.
I have already read some of the books. For each book, I describe how I got to the book and how/why I think it will help me.
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
This book is not on the towel because I just finished it. Together with two befriended entrepreneurs, René and Jeroen, we discussed it during the Yomu night last week. That is a book club that I founded a few months ago in which we discuss books (mainly self-help type) and exchange insights. “Never Split The Difference” is recommended for people (like myself) who have difficulty negotiating or with conflicts. Written by a former FBI negotiator, it contains tons of tips, techniques, psychological proof, and stories that can help you negotiate difficult issues at home, at work, or if you want to buy a car.
The Art of People by Dave Kerpen
The first book we discussed during Yomu night was “How to win Friends and Influence People.” A must for anyone who wants to get along better with others. It was written by Dale Carnegie and released in 1936. “The Art of People” by Dave Kerpen is very similar but focuses more on the required communication skills of this (digital) time (email, LinkedIn). What I love about this book is that you have to do a small assessment (Enneagram) in the beginning. This helps you to focus on those aspects of the book that you benefit the most from.
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
I first came into contact with Calvin & Hobbes when I went to high school in Canada for a year. The following years, I read almost all the books of the little boy and his toy tiger.
In his fantasy worlds, Calvin has the most fantastic adventures in his time travel machine, his hike to Canada (Yukon), and his intergalactic travels as Spaceman Spiff. In “Exploring Calvin and Hobbes”, Bill Watterson tells how he got to the characters and stories (spoiler: his childhood). A lovely (reading) book with accompanying illustrations.
Barking up the Wrong Tree by Eric Barker
This is the next book that we will discuss during Yomu night. We all want to know what we need to do to be successful in our lives. There are countless books on this subject. What I understand is that Eric Barker highlights 2 sides of the coin. In his book “Barking up the Wrong Tree”, he explains why some techniques, mindsets, intentions, or models do not lead to success for someone but do for others. A kind of myth busters about success.
Why is it that a large proportion of the people who passed their final exams with honors did not necessarily become the most successful in life compared to their classmates?
Socrates on Sneakers by Elke Wiss (in Dutch)
Last year I was amazed during a masterclass on Socratic coaching. It sometimes happens that I think about the next step when I talk to someone or during a coaching session. This is because I have already had many conversations, and I believe that I already know what the other person is going to say and how I can best help him or her.
And what if I don’t know? That is what Socratic discussions are about. It is a beautiful way to better understand someone else’s world, but it also helps the other person to understand his or her world better. I heard about this book “Socrates on Sneakers“ during Glenn Vergoossen’s “Over Spreken Gesproken Podcast.” Since then it has been in my bookcase, and now it is on the beach towel.
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron
A good friend recommended this book to me years ago. When someone else recently told me that this book could help me, I immediately bought it. Well, I was susceptible to atmosphere and conflicts. Nowadays, this is a lot less, and I am convinced that I get more insights through Elaine Aron’s book. She is one of the first to write about high sensitivity. The book also seems to be recommended for parents who have a highly sensitive child.
Simpler Life by Mark Verhees (in Dutch)
I have always been a fan of books with “life hacks” to make your life easier. In 2007, I had already bought my first, and I still have it. In my opinion, life hacks are about learning new habits, and BJ Fogg’s BMAP model also applies here. It will only work if there is a motivation for it and if it is easy to do. “The Simpler Life” (“Eenvoudiger eleven”) book is highly praised on various social media, and I bought it because I am always looking for (easy) life hacks or tips for a simpler life.
Dino by Jandino Asporaat (in Dutch)
I knew Jandino from his “shady” characters on TV. When I heard him on the 100% Inspiration Podcast by Thijs Lindhout, I got a different picture of this successful Dutch entertainer and entrepreneur. The book is his life story and seems to be very easy to read (in an evening).
How the F#ck do I find Happiness? by Thijs Lindhout (in Dutch)
Thijs Lindhout has already interviewed more than 180 people on their search for happiness and success. Thijs is an entrepreneur (in sustainability), speaker, podcaster and has toured the Netherlands and Belgium in 2019 with his 100% inspiration show where he will entertain you in an evening with his search for happiness and success. He shares with you what he has learned during various courses and training as those with Tony Robbins’.
The book “How the F#ck do I find happiness?” (“Hoe de F#ck vind ik Geluk?”) is about what Thijs has discovered about happiness during the conversations with his podcast guests. It also has a workbook to take the first steps yourself for a life with more joy (experience).
Social Mag. by The Social Brand (in Dutch)
I bought this “magazine” to help me create more & better social media content. I have been doing this myself for years, but I can also grow in it. It also contains a workbook with many tips and techniques to have more effective social media.
What are you reading (or are you going to read) this summer ?? Let me know in the comment field below. The other readers of this article and I are looking forward to reading from you!
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