35 DESERT ISLAND BOOKS

It is not that you don't like reading, you just haven't found the right book for you.

The following are some of those books that have genuinely added value to my life in their own way.

PSA: I added the links to the books on Amazon, so if one of them interests you can get it asap!

FICTION

All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr

Genuinely would recommend this book to everyone.

One of the most compelling, well-written stories where

every piece connects at the end in the most serendipitous way.

I highly recommend this book - it is one of my all time favorites.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My favorite book at the moment.

A couple years ago this book (or any Paulo Coelho book for that matter) was one of the most popular books out there. For some reason, it took me until a couple months ago to read it, but when I did - I could not put it down.

The book is primarily a fictional story, but has so many real life lessons that I honestly could turn into another book just off everything I highlighted.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: a Novel by Ocean Voung

The best book you can gift someone you love.

This book is so beautifully written. Ocean Voung is so incredibly talented at turning a story of pain and hardship into something so genuine and beautiful.

The Midnight Library: a Novel by Matt Haig

For those who always ponder on the "what if's" of life.

If you've ever wondered how different your life would've been if you would've gone to a different school or chosen a different friend circle, or whatever it is - this is the book for you.

This is a very light but compelling novel for a nice leisure reading day, like reading by the pool, in the sauna, in bed, etc - you get it.

BASED ON REAL LIFE STORIES

Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery by Catherine Gildiner

Not what you would expect - in the best way possible.

This was my favorite book for a while there before "The Alchemist" came into the picture.

Although this book does depict some of the most crude stories of emotional trauma, it highlights the power of human resilience in such a powerful and compelling way.

My favorite is the third story.

I Forgot to Die by Khalil Rafati

Talk about resilience.

Khalil Rafati, the guy on this cover is currently the owner of Sun Life Organics - however he was once a 100 pound thirty year old homeless man living in the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles. This book is very raw and nothing short of gripping. This book is the ultimate depiction of resilience and how you can turn your life around even at the deepest levels of grief. Definitely not PG-13, but one of the most compelling books I've ever read.

Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller

What role are you playing in your life?

a hero, a victim, a villain or a guide?

Be brutally honest with yourself and I promise you it will change your life.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

For you if you're feeling blocked or in a creative rut.

In all honesty, this book interested me because of the irony of its cover. It's a book about creativity, with the most boring cover ever. It had to be intentional, especially since it is written by one of the most creative people in the world.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is feeling stuck creatively and want to tap into their own genius.

BUSINESS & STRATEGY

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

This book should be mandatory in school.

I have recommended this book to every single person that crossed my path in the year 2021. Robert Greene is not only one of the greatest authors, but he is also someone so observant and stoic that he opens your eyes to a reality within human nature that has always been there and you're better off understanding. This book is especially helpful if you're seeking to stand out in a competitive field.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

Straight to the point.

This book is one of the most practical, straight to the point and effective books I have ever read. Naval will say it how it is, no way around it. If you're in a transition phase in your life and are seeking to gain tactical advice that applies to most industries, this book is 100% for you.

Mind Reader by David Lieberman

The fun starts when you start testing out the concepts.

From the very beginning, this book showcases multiple examples of how language is so complex that can be easily deconstructed and used as a way to reveal the inner workings of someone's mind. If you're someone who wants to understand human nature and relationships more profoundly, this book is most certainly for you. David Lieberman has several other books like this one, so if you like this book I also recommend checking out his other work.

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I originally heard about this book through one of the greatest, Bob Proctor. But the most interesting thing that he said about Think & Grow Rich is that it is a book that has to be studied and re read multiple times throughout your life, because every single time you read it, you find and understand something different. This a book like no other. It is not so much a book about money, but a book about the mindset you must acquire in order to receive it.

The Changing World Order by Ray Dalio

The world is changing and so should you.

This book is pretty much an x-ray in to the current state of the world - both economically and socially. Ray Dalio is so great at connecting complex economic concepts to current social events that give you a deeper understanding of the trajectory our world is moving towards. This book is by no means a pessimistic highlight on the perils of society, but rather an insight into the only constant we can always account for: change.

MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

Tony Robbins' best work.

In my opinion.

Money is not really a topic that most likes to talk about but one that needs to be better understood. Tony Robbins is mostly known for his work as a motivational speaker, but this book is special in the sense that it creates a correlation between your mindset and your money making ability. The book is also very practical and strategic.

What They Don't Teach you at Harvard Business School: Notes from a street - smart Executive by Mark H. McCormack

Although originally published in 1984, this book is more relevant now than ever.

This book is particularly good at emphasizing the power that personal connections and discipline have in the world of business. It really challenges the preconceived notion that in order to be successful you must follow a very linear path through Academy.

The Cash Flow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom

Where in the Quadrant do you currently stand & where do you want to be?

I personally grew up with a father who read every single one of Robert Kiyosaki's books, so naturally it had to be included in this list. This is my personal favorite from all the books within the Poor Dad, Rich Dad "saga". The book highlights four levels within the cashflow quadrant: employee, self-employed, business owner and investor. It is one of those books that will change your outlook on work life forever.

This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin

It is all about being disruptive.

This book does such a great job at showcasing how simple marketing can be in today's day and age. The book is very big on emphasizing the importance of understanding what drives consumer behavior and leveraging that insight into creating products or content that are disruptive even within their industries.

Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool For Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future by Cameron Herold

This is one of my favorite books. Cameron Herold is like the business whisperer for any troubled CEO. Through the use of terms like "BHAG's" (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and written life and business plans, he very accurately articulates the formula for a business to grow. While reading this book, I couldn't help but be reminded of a very similar strategy outlined in "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - just in a more "modern" version.

The Daily Laws by Robert Greene

The best pieces of wisdom out of every single Robert Greene book contained into one book.

This book is the definition of a marathon, not a sprint. Not because its long but rather because it is meant to be read one day at a time. It contains about 365 pieces of wisdom as excerpts from some of his other books. Every lesson is concise, to the point and will very much add value to your day. I read one page every morning and it set the right tone for that day. Highly recommend if you are looking for short attainable strategies for your day to day.

LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR MIND

Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza

This is a book that I would recommend every one reads at least once in their lives. This book is truly a testament to the power of epigenetics and our mind's power over our body and environment. If you or anyone you know is currently undergoing any kind of health condition, I highly suggest to read this book or check out any of the work by Joe Dispenza. He is also, in my opinion, the leader and pioneer of the meditation space. Meditations like "Blessing of the Energy Centers", "Activation of the Pineal Gland", or any other of his meditations are truly transformative.

You are the placebo by Joe Dispenza

Any book from Joe Dispenza is guaranteed to bring value to your life.

This is one of his first books, however it is a great place to start if you are just beginning to dip your toes into his work. Joe Dispenza's books always seem to have the ability of very clearly communicating intricate concepts in a way that apply to every day life.

It Didn't Start with you: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How To End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

Heal your family line.

Although the concept of "generational trauma" has gained more traction and research in the past decade, I believe that this book by Mark Wolynn does the best job at explaining the ways in which unresolved generational emotions might be showing up in our current life.

There is also a show on Netflix called "Another Self" that deals with a lot of concepts from this book and even mentions certain pages of the book itself. Highly recommend both the book and the series.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

All I can say about this book that can come close to doing it justice, is that it explores what life would look like for us if we were to get rid of the self limiting thoughts, beliefs, fears and doubts that we have become so accustomed and addicted to throughout our lives.

The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection

This book is specifically intended for those of us who are so caught up in trying to control every single aspect of our lives so that it happens in the way we believe it is best for us, and therefore completely neglecting to live.

I believe this book is an open invitation into exploring what would happen if we stopped trying to control every single outcome, but rather focused on fully living life as it comes through the understanding that it is teaching us something valuable about ourselves.

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence by Michael Pollan

Also adapted into a Netflix series.

Michael Pollan is an American author, professor and researcher who has devoted pretty much his entire career to the study of psychoactive plants, food as medicine and even the effects of caffeine. What I respect most about his work is how wholesome his research is and how committed he is to his craft. In this book, he went deep into the study of psychedelics for medicinal purposes and is able to shed light into the amazing discoveries on psilocybin, LSD, DMT and other psychoactive components for the treatment of anxiety, depression, cancer and many other conditions. As this is a growing field of research, I invite you to be open - minded and explore the possibility that perhaps there is another much safer and more effective way to approach dis-ease.

(As a side note, also check out his audio book on the power of caffeine linked here)

The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden

In every single one of his books, Gregg Braden does an amazing job at bridging modern science to spirituality and the potential of the human mind.

His style of writing and content is very similar to that of Joe Dispenza and Bruce Lipton. I recommend this book specifically because it goes in depth with the process of aligning yourself into a place where the act of receiving is more than a merely act of luck but rather a consequence of being in touch with source. This book is just as spiritual as it is logical and research based.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

Based on Ancient Toltec wisdom, this book gives you four life principles that have the purpose of achieving personal freedom by clearing your mind of self-limiting beliefs, blame, judgement and fear. These four concepts are so clear and simple and yet so foundational to the human experience. Every single person that I have met that has read this book has attributed a deeper understanding of life to this book and the teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz.

Ask and It is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks

I believe Esther and Jerry Hicks are the pioneers of the concept of "manifestation".

This book is truly foundational for anyone who is feeling stuck or hopeless about their current situation and really want to experience a profound change in their reality. The best part about this book specifically, is that it gives you 22 practical steps to achieve whatever it is that you are currently seeking. I would highly recommend the audio book version as well.

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

“If you want to understand your parents more, get them to talk about their own childhood; and if you listen with compassion, you will learn where their fears and rigid patterns come from. Those people who “did all that stuff to you” were just as frightened and scared as you are.”

― Louise L. Hay

HEALTH

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

I believe we can all agree that we can think of our body as the vehicle we use to navigate through the human experience. And through the years, the vehicle suddenly experiences "break downs" that we can't explain - to which the response from Western medicine tends to be somewhere along the lines of "its genetic". This book is one of the best resources to understand our body and the effect emotions have in creating dis-ease.

YOU, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on your Brain Type by Dr. Daniel Amen

Initially heard of the work of Dr. Daniel Amen through one of my favorite podcasts and immediately became a fan of his work. He takes a very different approach to mental health given that he takes scans of the brains of his patients and then recognizes the impact that their brain structure has on their behavior and susceptibility to certain conditions. By understanding your brain type, you can accurately come up with a strategy to not only take care of it but to also prevent any type of neurodegenerative condition.

Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences by Sarah E. Hill

The conversation around the effects of birth control on women has gained so much traction, that new research has come out highlighting the potential short and long term dangers of hormonal contraception of this type.

This book does a great job at condensing a world of research into one resourceful and practical book. I believe this book is really insightful for any woman who is currently on hormone based birth control and is interested in understanding the effects this method could have long term.

Glucose Revolution: The Life Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar by Jessie Inchauspe

This book is such a helpful guide in the understanding of how the order in which we consume food impacts the levels of glucose spikes in the body.

Jessie Inchauspe's social media accounts are also extremely helpful as she gives daily practical tips on how to make the most of the food we consume through the regulation of glucose spikes.

May Cause Side Effects: a Memoir

Brooke Siem's memoir is honest and very powerful. It is through her personal experience of having been put on a wide variety of anti-depressants since a very young age that she sheds a light to the medication overload crisis that seems to be becoming more prevalent in today's day and age.

The Essential Oils Hormone Solution: Reclaim your Energy and Focus and Lose Weight Naturally by Marissa Snyder

Truly a fan of this book because of how practical it is.

Hormones play such a big role in the development and functioning of pretty much every system in our bodies - and given that we live in a time where almost every conventional product disrupts our hormones, this book is a practical step by step guide on how to balance them and regain our natural energy and focus.