This list was last updated February 2nd, 2022. These are my current top 5 favorite books to upgrade your life. I’ve included links to Amazon for each book. I figured I might as well include Amazon Associates links which earn me a small commission if you buy any of the books on the list. If you prefer Amazon to keep 100% of what it charges for any books you buy, don’t click the link and just search the title on Amazon.
My Real Mentors
I haven’t had many formal mentors in the past 12 years as a full-time entrepreneur except for my dad and my executive coach. I have had thousands of other mentors via the books I’ve devoured on finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and self-improvement.
Continual learning is key to continual success. My path has been through reading.
My Top 5 Book Recommendations to Upgrade Your Life
This is an anti-business business hero story. You hear first-hand how a guy who loved to surf and rock climb built a $600 million iconic brand from scratch, all without sacrificing his values.
2 – Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
WWWD (“What Would Warren Do?”). That’s what I wonder when I have a hard business or money decision to make. I think he’s the wisest modern business person to learn from. This book gives you the story of how a kid interested in investing became the richest person in the world as an honest, ethical person.
3 – The Book of Joy
Two incredible world leaders and humanitarians meet to discuss the meaning of life and how to be a good person. I’ve listened to this book about 5 times because it’s a useful reminder to me to focus more on helping others when I feel overwhelmed with stresses and stuff “I have to do”.
This is a new addition to my list. I read this book on a trip to Southern California and loved it so much I read it again on the same trip. It contains a ton of good principles and wisdom from a lot of smart business leaders and investors. Highly recommended.
Recently I’ve tried to read every book recommended by Warren Buffett or written about him. After Snowball, this is my next top favorite. It’s unique in that it includes interviews with the leaders of the businesses Buffett has purchased including NetJets, GEICO, and more. I think there’s more well-rounded business wisdom packed in this book than almost any other.
Additional Highly Recommended Books