Dear reader,
These are strange and trying times, and since last month’s reading list, things…well, let’s face it. Things are still not great.
You might be starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or you might be afraid that the sky is still going to fall.
But either way, never fear! You always have books.
In uncertain times, books are often a source of comfort and strength*.
Books give you information so you feel more empowered, different perspectives so you feel more knowledgeable, and some even provide a temporary fictional escape so you feel refreshed and ready to take on the world!
At least, that’s what this month’s carefully hand-picked book list will hopefully help you with!
So. To help you get through the rest of this subterranean passage, try out this month’s book recommendations…
The Wealthy Freelancer by Slaunwhite, Savage, & Gandia
Do you want to be a freelancer? Scratch that, do you want to be a WEALTHY freelancer? Well then, The Wealthy Freelancer isn’t going to make you into one, but it will definitely point you in the right direction.
(Because being a wealthy freelancer is ultimately up to you — how seriously you take the book’s advice, how hard you’re willing to work)
In this book, long-time freelance writers and teachers, Steve Slaunwhite, Pete Savage, and Ed Gandia distill the most important lessons from their life experience to teach aspiring wealthy freelancers how to find work, market themselves, and create a lifestyle you love.
If you are or are thinking about becoming a freelance writer (or artist, or any type of creative freelancer), give yourself an edge by reading this book first.
Superfans by Pat Flynn
Ever wondered why some businesses tend to do better than other businesses, even when they sell exactly the same things to the same people? Eg: Apple vs…well, everybody else?
Part of the reason is thanks to superfans! You know, those die-hard, loyal trend-setters and word-spreaders who come back again and again to a particular business or brand most just because they like the product, but because they love YOU.
If you’re involved in business (which is most of us, in some form or another), you’ll want to learn what superfans are, how they are “created,” and how to win your own superfans. And in this book, successful marketer, podcaster, author, and speaker Pat Flynn shows you how to do just that.
The Elements of Investing by Malkiel & Ellis
These economically uncertain and difficult times are a wake-up call to many, including myself. That’s why I decided to beef up my financial education, starting with The Elements of Investing, written by two experienced, long-time financial professionals.
This book is short and sweet, written to help all beginning individual investors (including the authors’ grandchildren), and will teach you all you need to know about putting aside your money to provide for your retirement.
And if you’re not close to retirement yet, don’t think this book isn’t relevant to you. It is written EXACTLY for you. Those who succeed (aka don’t have to worry about money) down the line are those who’ve planned ahead.
Personal note from me: take advantage of the down market right now, and get your Roth IRA filled up if you can. The more time you give your investment to grow, the better!
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Okay, all you historical fiction-lovers out there, this one’s for you:
Stacey Lee’s The Downstairs Girl is about Jo, an Asian-American girl in 1890s Atlanta, who secretly lives with her adopted father underneath a printing press that is about to go out of business.
To save her home, and the family that lives upstairs, Jo uses her observation skills and quick wit to write a saucy advice column that has the whole town talking (and subscribing to the paper).
Meanwhile, Jo accidentally stumbles on a clue hidden by her adopted father, which could lead to discovering who her real parents are, a discovery that will (of course) change her entire life…
Sound like a fun read? Yep, it was. So if you’re in the mood for American history with a twist, you might want to give this new novel a try 🙂
The Naked Communist by W Cleon Skousen
I have to admit. Reading The Naked Communist made me sad. Really sad. Usually I can read a book in a couple days, or less, but this one took me weeks to get through. Not because it was boring (it’s actually an EXTREMELY interesting book), but because it created such feelings of grief.
So why should you read a book that might make you sad?
Because it’s important to know what happened in the past, so we don’t repeat our mistakes. If you have a vague idea about communism and aren’t sure whether or why it’s harmful to humans, you need to read this book. Seriously. At least skim it.
The author clearly and simply goes through the history of communism, from its founding by Marx and its effects in various countries over time. You’ll learn what communism is, what principles and assumptions it is based on, what effects it has had on people who have believed in it or lived under it, and how it is still going on today.
Seriously. Read this book.
And that’s the book list for April!
If you’re a part of the Brilliant Writer Family already, you’ve got your extra recommendation + gift in your email box. If you’re not yet part of the tribe, use the link below to stay in the loop! 😃
*At least, they are for me! So thank you, electronic libraries and the people who make you possible…as well as all of you ordinary unnamed heroes who have been risking life and limb to stay helpful and hopeful as they help us through this valley. We ❤ you!
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