Today I thought I’d recommend some books that I like. I’ve got a few that I’m reading now and like, but I’ll save those for when I finish them and only recommend the ones that I’ve already read and find helpful or inspiring or just interesting.

Personally, I’m a big fan of books. I’m not interested in Kindle because I like stacks of books and having my books on my bookshelf after I read them. Or even before I read them because I’m prone to book buying binges and they tend to stack up as a result of that unfortunate habit. Now that I live in the suburbs, and my library is right around the corner, I’ve begun to go on book borrowing binges as well and that can be fun too. The only problem with that is you can’t underline. I love to underline.

Anyway, here’s a list of some career + creative books with a very brief summary. They’re in no particular order, except how I pulled them off of my shelf:

1 — Career Distinction: Stand Out By Building Your Brand by William Arruda + Kristen Dixson.

I just read this book and found it very readable and it has good solid information on working on your own personal brand. Even includes an additional workbook that you can access online. I’ve already recommended it to a few of my clients.

2 — Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O Clifton, PhD.

Great book that helps you discover and develop your strengths. When I read this it was so refreshing to look at my skills in this positive way, rather than focusing on what needs improvement. Believe me, I always thought there were plenty of things to improve, but this book made me recognize that what I took for granted in myself, could actually be a strength and something that makes me unique.

3 — Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends by Tim Sanders

Wonderful book about sharing your knowledge freely. Basically, spreading the love.

4 — The Creative Habit Learn It and Use it for Life by Twyla Tharp

I love this book and go back to it a lot for ideas and inspiration. I’ve got the whole thing underlined with pages turned down.

5 — Zen and the Art of Making a Living: A Practical Guide to Creative Career Design by Laurence G Boldt

This is an oldie but goodie. I read this awhile ago but really enjoyed it and still go back to it for inspiration or to find a quote. Lots of good quotes.

6 — Radical Careering: 100 Truths To Jumpstart your Job, your Career, and your Life by Sally Hogshead

Classic, shake things up book by the inimitable guru of careers in advertising. It’s relevant for any career because it’s about thinking differently. She’s got a new book coming out too. Can’t wait to read that.

7 — Creating a Life Worth Living: A practical course in career design for artists, innovators, and others aspiring to a creative life by Carol Lloyd

I read this awhile back too, but found it very helpful and thought provoking with good wisdom in it.

8 — The Artist’s Way At Work: Riding the Dragon Twelve Weeks to Creative Freedom by Mark Bryan with Julia Cameron and Catherine Allen

I read this years ago when I was very unhappy at a job. It helped me shift my thinking to make the best of it and stick with the job for a little longer. I’ve always thought that if you’re still learning, then you’re probably not finished with the job yet.

9 — Pick Me: Breaking Into Advertising and Staying There by Nancy Vonk & Janet Kestin

This book is a must-read for anyone considering a career in advertising. These Chief Creative Directors from Ogilvy & Mather in Toronto can also be found on the site ihaveanidea.org

10. What Should I Do With My Life? by Po Bronson

Inspiring stories of people who made big changes in their careers.

And there you have it. My list for today. There are more that I like, but I’ll save those for a future post. If you have any that you’d like to suggest, please add them in comments.