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It’s early morning June 6, 2025, and I’m reflecting on my memories of my coach Jay since his passing yesterday occupies most of my thoughts at present.   While sipping my coffee, I’m also thinking about how grateful I am for my mother, who died in 2007. She was a voracious reader and her example lit a fire in me that’s never gone out. On LivinBestLife.com, I often talk about chasing what brings joy, and for me, reading is right up there with motorcycling, skiing or grilling with friends. It’s shaped my personal development in ways I can’t overstate, and I want to share why it matters so much.   Mom always had a book in her hand, whether she was waiting for us kids or winding down after a long day on our Indiana farm. Watching her lose herself in those pages made reading feel like an adventure, not a chore. It stuck with me, even when I struggled early on. I’ll never forget my “reading lab” teacher in school—ironically, the mother of a classmate who married one of my childhood friends. She used this device with a mirror and light to train my eyes to move faster across the page. Looking back, I wonder if comprehension even factored in, but it worked—I got faster, and soon I was devouring books like Mom did.   That friend, by the way, goes way back. Her family helped us start our sheep farm when I was about 8, and she was a school year older. Last July, in 2024, we took a motorcycle trip together to upstate New York, cruising through open roads with the wind in our faces. As we rode, I couldn’t help but think about how those early days—her family’s support, my reading lab experiences – set me on a path to where I am now. Reading opened my mind to new ideas, resilience, and balance, core values I live by.   I recently read a quote (something to the effect) that reading allows us to live hundreds or thousands of lives during our single life.   Profound way of thinking about it, actually!   Reading isn’t just about stories—it’s about growth. It builds empathy, sharpens your mind, and lets you travel without leaving your chair. Books have been my mentors when I couldn’t find one in person, teaching me to live with purpose and joy.   Reading’s a habit that’s fueled my journey, from those farm days to now, chasing my best life. It’s a gift I’m passing to my kids, just like Mom did for me.   The Adventures Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn were two books that had an impact on me in my early youth.   What books have shaped your path?   Drop your favorites in the comments—I’d love to build a reading list with my tribe.   Let’s keep growing together, one page at a time!   Keep reading, Brian  

I’m a guy who’s passionate about living my best life: chasing health and happiness with a good dose of curiosity and grit.   I’m no scholar, but I’ve learned one thing for sure: reading is the ultimate cheat code for leveling up in life. Books are like mentors you can carry in your pocket, offering wisdom from the greatest minds across history.   Over the years, I’ve built a ‘core’ library – a collection of books that shape my thinking, keep me grounded, and push me to grow. These aren’t just books; they’re tools I use for navigating the chaos of life with clarity and purpose. Today, I’m sharing why reading is non-negotiable and why having a core library is the foundation for a life well-lived, along with the current 12 books that make up mine.     Why Reading Matters   In a world of endless notifications and 30-second videos, reading is a rebellion. It’s you saying, “I’m taking back my attention and feeding my mind.”   Books force you to slow down, think deeply, and wrestle with big ideas.   They’re not just entertainment; they’re training for your brain. Reading exposes you to perspectives you’d never encounter otherwise, from ancient philosophers to modern economists. It’s how you learn to question the noise, cut through the fluff, and build a worldview that’s yours, not borrowed.   A core library takes this further. It’s not about having a bookshelf that looks pretty on Instagram. It’s about curating a set of books that speak to the pillars of your life—health, purpose, relationships, wealth, and wisdom. These are the books you return to, the ones that anchor you when life gets messy. My core library is my personal council of advisors, each book offering a unique lens on how to live better.   I’ll add that if there are negative comments online about any of these authors, I want to be clear that I’m not encouraging or endorsing anything divisive. This is about the message, not the person/author. It’s OK if you disagree but please keep negative comments out of any feedback. Take what you need and leave the rest.   Here’s why these 12 made the cut.   My Core Library   The Obesity Code by Jason Fung This book cracked open the truth about nutrition for me. Fung, a nephrologist, dives into why obesity isn’t just about calories in, calories out—it’s about hormones, especially insulin. He breaks down complex science into practical advice, like how intermittent fasting can reset your body’s metabolism. I keep this in my library because it’s a no-nonsense guide to taking control of my health in a world obsessed with fad diets. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about understanding your body and making choices that last.   As A Man Thinketh by James Allen This slim classic is a powerhouse on the power of thought. Allen argues that your mind is like a garden—what you plant, grows. Positive, disciplined thinking shapes your character and destiny, while negative thoughts breed failure. I love its simplicity and timelessness. It’s in my library because it reminds me that my mindset is my greatest asset. When I’m stuck or stressed, this book is a quick reset to focus on what I can control: my thoughts.   The Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez Stoicism isn’t about being emotionless; it’s about finding tranquility in a chaotic world. This book is a practical guide with 52 weekly exercises to apply Stoic principles like resilience and perspective. I keep it close because it’s like a workout for my soul, helping me stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at me. It’s a reminder that peace comes from within, not from external wins.   Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, shares his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and his discovery that meaning is the key to survival. His logotherapy framework argues that finding purpose, even in suffering, is what keeps us going. This book is in my library because it’s a gut punch and a beacon of hope. It reminds me to seek meaning in my struggles and to live with intention, no matter the circumstances.   The Art of Happiness by Epicurus Epicurus gets a bad rap as a hedonist, but his philosophy is about sustainable pleasure—friendship, simplicity, and reflection over excess. This collection of his teachings shows how to find joy in the small stuff while avoiding pain. I include it because it balances my drive for achievement with a reminder to savor life’s simple pleasures, like a good meal or a sunset.   Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom This heartwarming memoir chronicles Albom’s conversations with his dying professor, Morrie, who shares lessons on love, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s a masterclass in what really matters when time’s running out. I keep this book in my library because it softens my edges, reminding me to prioritize relationships and lead with empathy in a world that often feels cold.   Start with Why by Simon Sinek Sinek’s book is a game-changer for motivation. He argues that great leaders and organizations start with a clear “why”—their purpose—before tackling the “how” or “what.” It’s not just for business; it’s for life. This book is in my library because it pushes me to align my actions with my deeper purpose, whether I’m building a side hustle or planning my day. It’s fuel for staying driven.   12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson Peterson’s blend of psychology, mythology, and practical advice offers a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities. His rules, like “stand up straight with your shoulders back” or “tell the truth,” cut through modern confusion with timeless wisdom. I keep this in my library for its bold perspective—it challenges me to take responsibility for my life and find order in the chaos.   Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki This personal finance classic contrasts the mindsets of Kiyosaki’s “rich dad” (an