Quick Reads for January

Are you addicted to your cell phone? There is an interesting video going around of Simon Sinek discussing the plight of millennials. He attributes the problems this generation is facing to parenting, technology, impatience, and environment. Check out the short video clip below. I wanted to include it because what he says about millennials really applies to most of us.  How much time are you spending reading or learning something new? If this talk inspires you to pick up a book for the New Year, we’ve got a couple of quick reads for you. These simple narratives illustrate metaphors of life and will change your perspective for the better, too.

Quick Reads For On the Go

The best thing about these little quick reads is that you can start and stop them easy. Both books are under 200 pages and can be read in half a day. Pack one in your purse and you can read a few pages here and there. Quick reads are perfect for re-reading or passing along to a friend when you’re done.  Both of the books we’ve included here explore simple, but profound ideas. They will certainly challenge your perspective and hopefully will enhance your lifestyle.

The Alchemist

Firstly, let me introduce the book that completely changed how I live through each day. The Alchemist is an inspiring fable about a young shepherd named Santiago.  A young shepherd boy, he can’t help but feel there must be more to life than chilling with his sheep.  He doesn’t want to be tied down and dreams of traveling to the Egyptian Pyramids. A mysterious man answers his dream and sends him on a journey to Africa. Santiago values his freedom and sets out to find his Personal Legend.  Written by Paulo Coelho, this is one of my favorite books to give as a gift.  It uses beautiful imagery and really opens your mind to inviting new experiences into your life.

Live in the Now

As Santiago goes on his journey, he interacts with different people along the way.  Different methods of living are illustrated through each of the characters.  Each one has taken a different path as they have followed their own Personal Legends.  Some of them settle into life with their dreams unrealized. Santiago soon learns that playing it safe threatens his freedom more than risk-taking does.  Do you find yourself dwelling on the past? Or do you kind of miss what’s going on right now by anticipating what is coming in the future?  Time to learn how to be more present and take chances on yourself as you seek your own journey through life.

The Richest Man in Babylon

Next, start off the New Year with a financial plan in hand! This short book is actually a collection of parables, written by George Samuel Clason.  They were originally a series of pamphlets distributed by banks and financial institutions.  They are written in what I call “Biblical verse” using “thees” and “thys” and “thous”.  Once I got the hang of it, I started incorporating the lingo into my everyday language.  My son loves it.  ;p The stories are easy to read and easy to follow.  Financial wisdom is learned by the characters in each of the parables as they come into money and try to spend or save. Learn how to manage your own money as you follow along.  There are some great tips for managing both business and household finances!

Learn How to Invest

The first concept presented in the book is how to save part of what you earn. Pay yourself first by putting a portion of money aside from every paycheck. Once you have that down, learn how to control your expenses, make safe loans, and insure a future income. With titles such as “Seven Cures For a Lean Purse” the book is a fun and easy read. It’s amazing what you can learn when the material is presented well!  I hate learning about budgeting, but this book is an exception.  These interesting concepts have served me well and I probably should give it another quick read myself as I head into 2017.

Spark Some Lively Conversation

Now that you’re not checking your cell phone every 2 minutes, you’ve got some great material for striking up conversation! Teach others what you learn or add one of these quick reads to your book club queue. They are very fun to chat about with others and stimulate your minds a little.  Maybe hand one over to that stinky millennial kid and add some value to their upbringing.  ;p If you’ve got some other quick reads you like, please leave them in the comments below. We’re always looking for good books!  Happy reading!