My Favorite Books of 2017

With the holiday season and the new year quickly approaching, I wanted to share my favorite books I read or listened to this year.

I love the following books because they are not just business books. These books are applicable to anyone who wants to dig into a great book.

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
By: Brené Brown

During an interview with Oprah, Brené Brown says, “I’m good at giving people language to describe experiences that we’ve all had.” I feel like that is exactly what she has done with this book.

If you aren’t familiar with Brown’s work, she is a shame and vulnerability researcher who has shared her findings in the best sellers, The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong.

While Brown does bring her research into Braving the Wilderness, this book is deeply personal yet universal. She tackles our core desire of true belonging and explains that changing our perspective can change how we feel about ourselves and each other. When you understand how to truly belong, you will better equipped to understand and deal with the outside world.

I truly believe if everyone read this book, the world would be a better place.

Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life
By: Lara Casey

Lara Casey guides you through her process designed to help you cultivate an intentional life that values progress, not perfection.  So often I find myself getting caught up in the little details that won’t make a difference when I’m 80. With Casey’s help, we can create a legacy that truly matters, not what matters today.

If you are a PowerSheets user, I highly recommend grabbing this book as you start to plan for 2018.

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
By: Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins hasn’t always been a super successful motivational speaker and CNN contributor. In her book, The 5 Second Rule, Robbins shares her struggles and how one day she discovered a secret for getting things done and living a better life: the 5 second rule.

Robbins shares how this rule can change your life and the science behind it. If you are looking to make big leaps in 2018, grab this book.

The Hate U Give
By: Angie Thomas

I’ll never know what it’s like to be a young black person in America, but Angie Thomas has given me a better understanding. The Hate U Give follows a 16-year old girl who witnesses her childhood friend shot and killed by a police officer.

Thomas does a beautiful job of approaching a difficult subject matter that, unfortunately, could be pulled right from the headlines. Her characters are complex and relatable. I didn’t want to put the book down.

The Magnolia Story
By: Chip & Joanna Gaines

I’ve never been a huge fan of Chip & Joanna Gaines, but I will happily watch their show if it’s on. I decided to read The Magnolia Story after a friend recommended it.

I was honestly blown away. Chip & Joanna’s story proves there is no such thing as overnight success and good things do take time. If Joanna would have given up on her shop after finding out no one wanted to buy the sled she decorated and tried to sell in her father’s tire shop, it’s very possible we would have no Magnolia Market at the Silos. (Which I can’t wait to visit in April!)

This book is perfect for business owners or Chip & Joanna lovers.

You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth
By: Jen Sincero

I’ve listened to this book a few times through on Audible and I’m obsessed. (If you use my affiliate link, you can grab 2 free Audible books today! Woohoo!)

The hilarious Jen Sincero tackles a topic most people want to run and hide from – MONEY. She challenges you to throw out all of your limiting beliefs surrounding money in order to change your mindset. While this might sound scary to many, Sincero is right there with you, sharing her witty insights and helping you get out of your own way.

We all need to stop living from a place of lack and embrace abundance.

What books are you hoping for this holiday season? What books have you loved in 2017? Let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. I have used the products above and recommend them without the affiliate.