Jake's Summer Reading List

Do y'all remember growing up with Summer Reading Lists in school? These were lists that were sent home with us before the end of the school year that consisted of books that we could read during the Summer and I believe there were prizes for the number you read or something like that. Not entirely sure, because I honestly didn't really ever participate that much with it.

Nowadays though, I thoroughly enjoy reading a good book. I typically opt for a book that has a practical purpose though and will help me grow as a person to be a better husband and father.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I am the best role model in the world or anything like that, but I like to think that I have my shit together in this life. Below, you will find a list of a few books that I feel helped make me the man that I am today.

I get it, summertime is for hanging out by the pool with a cold one or six. But if you're looking to grow some too, give one or all of these books a try.

- Make Your Bed - Admiral William H. McRaven: This is a fairly short read, but it is very provoking and will make you want to be a better person day after day. Written by former US Navy SEAL, Admiral McRaven. Within its pages, Admiral McRaven expands upon ten important life lessons that will make you want to be more successful in whatever it is that you're trying to do in life.

- Endure - Cameron Hanes: Being an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman, I was familiar with Cam Hanes before reading his book, but I wasn't aware of his grit and unwavering determination to be the best at everything he does. This book will make you want to get up and do something and how to endure whatever comes your way to succeed at it.

- Outliers - Malcolm Gladwell: In this book, you will learn how high achievers differ from other people and how you can be an Outlier too.

- Atomic Habits - James Clear: I cracked this book open on January 1st, 2024 and finished it within a couple of days. While reading this book, you will learn how simply doing small things until they become habit will better your life and make you more successful. Definitely a good New Years book.

- The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel: I am obsessed with all things finance and have read a ton of books on the subject. This one is by far my favorite. In this book, "Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life's most important topics" The book cover said it best, so I quoted it. End of the day though, this book taught me financial responsibility, which is a hard topic to learn for a lot of people.

- The Bible: Some of you just need this one in your life.

These books below didn't quite make the list, but I'll give them an honorary mention, because I learned a lot from them:

- Lone Survivor - Marcus Lutrell
- Can't Hurt Me - David Goggins
- The 10X Rule - Grant Cardone
- Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
- With The Old Breed - E. B. Sledge

I'm sure my lists will continue to grow, but these can get you started.