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Writer's pictureDr. Kristen Mitteness

Book Club: Great Reads for 2017

It's been a year of non-fiction reading for me. I read a lot. I have the time because I don't watch television and I really just like to curl up with a good book at the end of the day. I don't buy my books, I rent them from the library, unless I really love them. I move every year or so and carting around boxes of books is exhausting. Plus, renting from the library is free for me and the authors still get a cut! Truthfully, I don't finish all of my books. Sometimes they need to be returned to the library before I can finish. Sometimes I find something else that peaks my interest. I mostly read about health, nutrition, goal setting and business. Toward the end of this year, I was lucky enough to read some of the best books I have had the privilege of putting my little paws on. Here they are.


1. The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani - When I first starting reading this book, I felt like it was just a bunch of (almost bragging) stories about how many big names author Lakihani spent his time with. But, when I got deep into the goal setting chapters and information about changing your mindset, I was inspired. So inspired, that I ask all of my girl friends if they wanted to join me in a goal setting session during our next dinner date. Trying to take your life to the next level? This book is for you.

2. It Starts with Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig - There are a handful of paleo books that I send people to and this is one at the top. I re-read it this fall (I first read it in 2012) to get myself organized for my first #Whole30 challenge. I am familiar and preach nutrition in the same way they describe it, but it's always nice to hear the information again. Honestly, I could talk about food forever. And while you are doing your Whole30 challenge and panicking about what life looks like post. Whole30, read Melissa's latest, Food Freedom Forever. Trying to change your relationship with food for the rest of your life? This book is for you.

3. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, and Monique Tilford - I really enjoy reading about money and investing. I like being inspired by people who have hacked their way to millions, but it feels like if you're not in the computer business, Silicon Valley or real estate, you don't really have a chance. I actually enjoyed this book way more than I anticipated. It does a really good job of changing the way you look at how you work and how you spend your money. I also am a sucker for anything that takes into account the environmental aspect of everything we do and this book touches on that. Trying to become more money savvy? This book is for you.

4. Beyond Training by Ben Greenfield - I no longer participate in any sort of endurance sports although my background is in track and field and I have done my fair share of duathlons (I can't swim so triathlons weren't an option) but this book had lots of awesome ideas for people simply trying to improve their life in a very functional way. I immediately was able to apply many of his suggestions to the way I coach and how I train (which is also minimal). I love the way he writes. It's like he's just sitting there having a conversation with you. Even if you are just kind of into fitness, you will learn something from this book. Be warned! It's a thick one, but it's easy to jump around in. Looking to make 2017 your fittest year yet? This book is for you.

5. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg - I'm a little behind the times as this book was written in 2013, but Sandberg does a great job of not only pointing out the differences between males and females in the workplace and at home, but also does a fantastic job of explaining how was can fix them. Often I find we are pointing out the flaws in everything, but rarely do we have a way to make improvements. Ready to light a fire under your butt, hold up your peace fingers and say "girl power"? This book is for you.

I used Amazon links for all of the books above because it is a site that everyone is familiar with and I earn a kickback from any purchases made though them. Another site I love to use for buying books is called AbeBooks.com. They usually have the best prices and ship from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world. Also, these books are available at the library to rent for free! Happy reading!

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