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*New blog as of January 2021. Find previous blog here*

February Book Reviews

2/25/2023

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For the year 2023, I plan to read/re-read 52 books (1/week). I did this a few years back and fell off from my regular reading pattern. If you're an avid non-fiction reader or just looking for your next good read, come back each week to see which books may be up your alley. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Week 5 (Jan. 29 - Feb. 04)
​Beyond Basketball by Mike Krzyzewski
​Quick Summary
Most basketball fans know Coach Krzyzewski but many of them might not know how important he values words. The West Point Graduate and successful Duke basketball coach likes to put a couple words on a chalk board before every game. In this book, he shares some of those words and others that have more meaning than you would expect. Each word has a story and a purpose. This is an easy read. I read it on a roundtrip flight from Grand Rapids, MI to Nashville, TN and back with extra time for a nap.

Recommendation
I'd highly recommend this book to basketball and sports fans. there are familiar names and teams that make it an easy read. I'd also recommend this to those who like short stories. Enjoy!
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Where to buy
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to buy it now: Beyond Basketball
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Week 6 (Feb. 05 - 11)
​Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
Quick Summary
This is a creative masterpiece. Austin Kleon finds a way to harbor his scrambled thoughts and ideas into a meaningful picture book. Many pages have ten or less words yet bring out feels of happiness, motivation, thoughtfulness, etc. Sometimes, and especially true for this book, less is more. This New York Times bestseller may be the easiest book you've ever read but also the most impactful.

Recommendation
Everyone should read this, especially those of you who are looking for more creativeness. At the very least, go to your local book store and flip through the pages without buying it... sorry Austin. I have a feeling that if you do, you'll want it around the house for every time you need a spark.
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Where to buy
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to buy it now: Steal Like An Artist
Week 7 (Feb. 12 - 18)
​The Race by Dee Groberg
Quick Summary
A good friend found this book somewhere and bought it for me. It wasn't on my radar but now it is. This short yet important book is about "life's greatest lesson". I won'y give the lesson away but one quote in this book really stuck it out me, it goes "... winning is no more than this: To rise each time you fall.". The author does a great job at relating running to life's obstacles. Thank you for the book, Justin.

Recommendation
I'd recommend this to anyone who is down on themselves for "failing" at something. Sometimes looking at what you're going through with a different perspective is all that's needed to overcome it. Thats what this book could do for its readers.
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Where to buy
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to buy it now: The Race
Week 8 (Feb. 19 - 25)
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Quick Summary
Every time I read The 4-Hour Workweek, I learn something new. This book is jam packed with knowledge and I don't mean the generic "you should do" or "you shouldn't do" knowledge. The message from this book is that it's possible to work smarter, not harder... therefore increasing the amount of time in a day. There are recommendations from all areas; books, blogs, websites, businesses, and other resources listed with information on how/when they can be beneficial. Tim Ferriss does a great job not only providing a large amount of useful information but by also organizing it in a way that it's not overwhelming.

Recommendation
I'd recommend this to anyone that is or plans to grow a brand, business, or career 
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​and anyone looking to work less by utilizing automation and time saving resources. Open-minded people only! Tim likes to go against the grain by doing things differently then the same old way they have always been done.
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Where to buy
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to buy it now: The 4-Hour Workweek
Are you interested in more book recommendations?
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    Greg Smolka

    Greg is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native with a passion for personal growth.

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Greg Smolka
Greg is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native with a passion for personal growth and the city of Grand Rapids. #WeAreGR

"Growth is the driving force to success & happiness" - G.S.
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