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Welcome to my reading list – a collection of books that have shaped how I think, create, and move through the world.
These aren’t just books I’ve read; they’re books I’ve returned to, underlined, dog-eared, and recommended countless times. Whether you’re looking to spark creativity, deepen your understanding of yourself, explore new ideas, or simply get lost in a great story, there’s something here for you.
I’ve organized them by theme to help you find exactly what you need right now – but feel free to wander. Some of the best discoveries happen when we follow our curiosity.
These are genuine recommendations, and to keep content free, some links are affiliates that support our small team in continuing to bring you inspiration and resources.
Storytelling
Show Your Work
by Austin Kleon
This small coffee table book is so powerful. It reminds you of the simplicity of sharing your journey with the public as a way to not only stay accountable, but to create better products and services as a result. And how it can be way more fun. This book changed my business strategy, and it’s a game changer.
This one is THICK. McKee breaks down the mechanics of storytelling, like why scenes need to turn, how character desire drives narrative, and what makes endings feel earned versus flat. It’s dense and academic, but it gets into the real architecture of why stories work.
Language Learning
Fluentish
by Jo Franco
There were no language learning journals or planners, so I had to publish one myself. I’ve designed this journal for language learners of all stages. This is like a giant workbook where you can store your notes, find new resources, and of course, journal in your target language. Complete with habit trackers, monthly planning, and a rewards system, you’ll stay motivated and linguistically challenged one page at a time.
Self-Development
Entrepreneurship
Contagious by Jonah Berger
I assigned myself this book for film school to understand how to make ideas catch on, and it changed how I see my business strategy in the best way. This book will outline scientific ways to make your ideas and messages catch on. It’s essential in this world of clutter and lack of originality.
A guidebook on how to create and nurture community-driven businesses. In the age of cluttered information, artificial intelligence, and content overload what will always resonate is good, old fashioned community. But there’s an art to creating a thriving world of traditions, nomenclature, and life-long support from members.
The Copywriter's Handbook by Robert Bly
A MUST READ for all entrepreneurs. Founders are typically their company’s greatest copywriters, and even if you’re not, you need to know the art of direct-sales-copywriting to be able to hire (or fire) a copywriter to hype up your products and services. This guidebook is dense and looks at the psychology of writing as opposed to the fluffy stuff.