Nineteen Books That Shaped My Thinking (Volume One)

*This post is from David’s book, “Punch Failure in The Face, The Buy It a Beer” 

Over the years I’ve literally read hundreds of books; and as with most things, I’ve enjoyed some more than others. Below are nineteen books which I believe have shaped my thinking, and therefore shaped my ideas and approach to life.

Since variety is the spice of life, my selections include different several genres. For ease of identification, I’ve listed the applicable one after each author’s name. Whether your jam is personal finance or literature (or anything in-between), I hope you enjoy checking them out.

Your Money Or Your Life by Joe Dominguez & Vicki Robin (Personal Finance)
Solid strategies on creating work-life balance with a big dose of social consciousness tossed in. Two words: Gazingas Pin.  
 
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins (Personal Development)
Classic Tony on how anyone – regardless of background, education, social standing, etc. – can harness the power of their mind to create an amazing life. A must-read.
 
Walden; or “Life in the Woods” by Henry David Thoreau  (Literature/Memoir)
Thoreau moved to the woods to live deliberately and avoid the quiet desperation felt by the mass of men. His account of this time is as brilliant today as when Thoreau wrote it in 1854. My favorite book ever.
 
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz  (Personal Development)
Chock full of simple, yet powerful advice to make lasting and measurable change. I love this book so much. 
 
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens  (Literature)
While often hard to read, Dickens novels are always well worth the effort and Great Expectations is no exception. Follow Pip the orphan boy as he weaves through life trying to navigate classic characters like the wacky Miss Havisham, the manipulative Estella and escaped convict Magwich. So great!
 
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey  (Personal Development)
My relationship with this book is love/hate. I love the actual habits as they act like a compass to guide us in our daily lives but Covey can be long-winded so it’s often dull. If possible find an abridged version, but don’t miss this book. 
 
Give And Take by Adam Grant  (Personal Development)
Grant explains how being a giver can expand our circles of influence, offering valuable tips on where and with whom we should put our energies. It’s both powerful and pragmatic.
 
No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert A. Glover. (Men’s Personal Development)
Every man (and woman) should read this to better understand how and why we do the things we do. The advice found within helped me get unstuck from an unhealthy relationship pattern I’d had for years. 
 
A Movable Feast by Ernest Hemingway (Literature)
An account chronicling Hemingway’s Parisian lifestyle in the 1920s, surrounded by creative friends, gin, good food and more gin. Told as only Papa could tell. 
 
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi  (Personal Development)
The very best playbook on networking and human connection out there, bar none. Ferrazzi turns the simple “Hello” into a step-by-step art form making this a must read for anyone who wants to expand their influence in either/or business and community. 
 
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo  (Literature)
Set in Paris in 1842, it tells the story of the story of what happens when misshapen bell ringer Quasimodo, the beautiful gypsy girl Esmerelda, and lustful crazed Archdeacon Frollo all cross paths, and right and wrong take on whole new meanings. Heartbreaking.
 
Seven Strategies for Wealth And Happiness by Jim Rohn  (Personal Development)
If you are want a no frills place to begin your personal development, here it is. A little book full of sound advice and a terrific goal setting section. 
 
How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie  (Personal Development)
The granddaddy of personal development books! Solid advice for anyone who interacts with, talks to, or communicates with people. It’s a must-read for absolutely everyone. 
 
For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway  (Literature)
Set during the Spanish Civil War, it’s the story of an America dynamiter assigned to help guerillas blow up a bridge by during an attack on the city of Segovia. Based on Hemingway’s own experiences as a wartime ambulance driver. Thrilling read. 
 
Seeds of Greatness by Dr. Denis Waitley  (Personal Development)
This is the book that began my personal development, and is as timely today as it was back in 1985 when it changed the trajectory of my life. 
 
The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton (Personal Finance)
Simple, commonsense approach to investing that has worked well for me and helped me retire early. Regardless of age, if you’re Canadian and not where you want to be financially, read this book. 
 
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck By Mark Manson (Personal Development)
This book is akin to getting lifestyle advice (over beer and wings) from a friend wise beyond his years. Manson suggests we focus our energies on giving fucks about things that really matter rather in life rather than those that don’t. And yes, he says fuck a lot. 
 
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris  (Lifestyle and Personal Development)
I’m a fan of Tim Ferris’s work (especially his excellent podcasts) and must mention this book first brought forth the idea that it is possible for people to live life on our own terms. 
 
Sea Biscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand  (Historical Memoir)
Sea biscuit is a gripping tale of the life and times of the crooked little horse that became a symbol of hope during the depression. It’s a fascinating portrait of this unique period of American history.

Author Bio: David Knapp-Fisher

As founder of The Inspired Humans Project, David loves sharing inspirational stories. His TEDx talk, “Discipline or Regret, a Father’s Decision” been viewed over 100,000 times, and his first book, “Punch Failure in The Face, The Buy It a Beer” has 36 five star reviews on amazon.ca. and this post is from it. 

David lives in Victoria B.C. where he spends most of his time trying (& usually failing) to stump his son with movie trivia, or planning his next big adventure; both while drinking great coffee, of course. 

Website: www.davidknappfisher.com