What are you reading, right now?

Guru, Book, & Course Reviews
12yFollow

What are you reading, right now?

Brandon TurnerPro Member
Investor · Maui, HI · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 3k+ votes

Hey Folks,

I thought it would be interesting to share what book you are currently reading (or have just finished reading.)

It does not need to be real estate related.

If you want to share more information about it, feel free - but you don't have to.

(Also, please, no affiliate links! :) )

I'll start - I'm currently reading "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook" by Gary Vaynerchuk. It's not a Real Estate Investing book - but it has everything to do with running a successful business that deals with consumers. Specifically, it deals with social media and how people are presenting their companies to the world. Most companies simply "attack" all the time with a sales pitch (the right hook) but should instead focus on providing value (the Jab). Gary gives a TON of real-life examples of companies doing great (and terrible) social media outreach. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have a business that has a brand name to build or protect. Flippers, property management companies, large landlords, wholesalers, etc.

Alright, I started. Who's next?

What are you reading?

Podcast Guest on Show #92
6Reply
830 views

Most Popular Reply

Aaron Mazzrillo
Investor · Riverside, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y

After reading well over 100 real estate books including almost all mentioned in this thread, I learned there are only 4 ways to buy a piece of real estate;

cash, loans, trade, or any combo of the previous 3.

So, I don't read many real estate books any longer. I do enjoy motivational/self help and business topic books such as marketing, management, etc., but I've started reading classics that I've always wanted to tackle.

Just finished The Count of Monte Cristo. At 1,250 pages, it was the longest book I've ever read and a real page turner even though it is more than 150 years old.

For business/self help I'm currently reading;

Leading and Inspired Life by Jim Rohn

Modern Persuasion Strategies by Donald Moine

Heat Up Your Cold Calls by George Walther

I also just finished The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & David Mann

Donald Trump once said he could tell how successful a person is by what three books he is reading and that is one of his favorite questions to ask someone when he meets them for the first time. So, if you are only reading one or two, up your game. Never know when you might bump into Mr. Trump.

Also, a strategy I heard recently, but can't recall who said it, is to buy all the books you hear about and add them to your library. If you read one from cover to cover, you won't remember most of it any way so there really isn't any point in doing so and there isn't enough time to read all the great books out there. It is better to build your library and randomly select books and chapters to read. Also, when you need help in a specific area, you will have your library available to you to do your research. I liked that idea so much I cash in some reward points from my credit card for Amazon gift cards and purchased 100 books from Amazon.

4Reply
See this reply in the discussion

182 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Sean Moen
    Investor · Sacramento County, CA · Member since 2013 · 104 posts · 20 votes
    12y

    Currently reading "Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell.

    Awesome read on how "things" get to a tipping and spill over. This epidemics without it being purely medical. He's blowing my mind right now.

    I think I've got another 40 books in my queue on Amazon. Need more time!

    0Reply
  • Sean Moen
    Investor · Sacramento County, CA · Member since 2013 · 104 posts · 20 votes
    12y

    Realized I should have read the whole thread before replying.

    Just got done with Mobile Home Wealth Part 2 by Zalman Velvel

    Along with Tipping Point by Gladwell, still trying to finish

    48 Rules of Power by Robert Greene - taken over a year to finish this one and about 70% through. Very interesting book on influence and yes, power.

    Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow - Heard great things about this book, got it for Christmas and looking forward to cracking into 950 pages of the founder himself.

    @John Southard

    How was Mastery by Robert Greene? I was contemplating adding Mastery to the never ending list.

    @Paul Granneman

    Just started listening to EntreLeadership by Ramsey as well. Great podcast! I've got his hour radio podcast on free subscription as well and the no-nonsense that comes out of his mouth is purely epic. Love that guy's attitude.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Multi-family Investor · San Juan, Puerto Rico · Member since 2014 · 90 posts · 1 vote
    12y
    I finished The alchemist last night and now thanks to Ken McElroy who sent me some of his books signed, I'm reading The Sleeping Giant. I'm gonna read The advanced guide to real estate investing on Monday and I have plans to read in 3 weeks the Cashflow Creation by J. Massey. Check one of my posts I have a list of books that changed my life.
    0Reply
  • Christopher Dumelle
    Belvidere, IL · Member since 2009 · 88 posts · 22 votes
    12y
    Just listened too. 4 hour work week- by Tim ferris Great book, gets you thinking about business and life in a whole new way. Earn the right to win-by Tom Coughlin Written by the couch of the New York giants, it's a great book about his story. It will teach you what extreme organization and scheduling can help you accomplish. How to enjoy your life and your job-by Dale Carnegie. This is an older book, but it does have a lot of good concepts. Millionaire real estate agent/investor-by Gary Keller ect.... Both are great books centered multiple aspects if the real estate industry. How to get rich-by Donald Trump This book was eh ok at best. It had some interesting points, but it was not my favorite. I look forward to reading his classics the art of the deal ect. Start with why-by Simon Sinek This was a good book. It ties into similar concepts as the millionaire real estate investor and agent, having a big why. Amazon has a sale just after the new year all the all the audio books were 5.95 I believe. It was well worth it.
    0Reply
  • Eric F.
    Real Estate Investor · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2012 · 427 posts · 297 votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Tim Hoffman:
    Reading a book about raising chickens in the backyard that I got for Christmas. I love to garden (flowers and vegetables) and raising my own eggs and roasters sounded like a logical extension. There is more to life than making money and real estate. You have to relax somehow.

    I would recommend seeing if your city has a chicken coop tour. I went on one last year and it was awesome. It is interesting to see how people incorporate the chicken coop into their garden, and usually people who have chicken coops have fantastic gardens otherwise as well. I hope to build a chicken coop as a springtime project.

    Non real estate wise I am reading "Lies my Teacher told me." The basic point of the book effectively all of the history we are taught in store is two steps short of an outright lie. It is very eye opening. I will never trust any basic accepted historical narrative again. Highly recommended to anyone who likes to learn interesting facts.

    Business wise, I just finished my annual reread of the first half of the Four Hour Workweek. Overall I am a "skeptical" Tim Ferris follower, I read most of his stuff but I do not trust half his claims. Still, the first half of this book is really good and everyone should read it.

    I am debating what to read next, like most I have a huge pile of books recommended here and elsewhere.

    0Reply
  • Kleefenzie Lightner
    Hamilton, NJ · Member since 2013 · 20 posts · 2 votes
    12y
    I'm currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
    0Reply
  • Stephen S.
    Wholesaler · Holiday, FL · Member since 2013 · 571 posts · 221 votes
    12y
    Trump's books are, much like he is himself; a substantial amount of fluff.



    Originally posted by @Christopher Dumelle:
    Just listened too. 4 hour work week- by Tim ferris
    Great book, gets you thinking about business and life in a whole new way. Earn the right to win-by Tom Coughlin

    Written by the couch of the New York giants, it's a great book about his story. It will teach you what extreme organization and scheduling can help you accomplish.

    How to enjoy your life and your job-by Dale Carnegie.

    This is an older book, but it does have a lot of good concepts.

    Millionaire real estate agent/investor-by Gary Keller ect....

    Both are great books centered multiple aspects if the real estate industry.

    How to get rich-by Donald Trump

    This book was eh ok at best. It had some interesting points, but it was not my favorite. I look forward to reading his classics the art of the deal ect.

    Start with why-by Simon Sinek

    This was a good book. It ties into similar concepts as the millionaire real estate investor and agent, having a big why.

    Amazon has a sale just after the new year all the all the audio books were 5.95 I believe. It was well worth it.

    0Reply
  • Engelo RumoraBusiness Member
    Investor · Toledo, OH · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Kleefenzie Lightner:
    I'm currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

    Hi Kleefenzie,

    Is the book good?

    I have it at home but haven't started yet lol

    Podcast Guest on Show #89
    Oz Realty4.5356 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Tom Keith
    Investor · Longview, TX · Member since 2012 · 631 posts · 186 votes
    12y

    I'm reading a book written by a friend, Michael Dan Kellum, 1stLt USMCR, "American Heroes-Grunts, Pilots & Docs" as you can tell it is a first party story of Marines in Vietnam. This is a non fiction non business history lesson for me. Also reading the BP forums, J Scott's "The Book on Flipping Houses" and just for pleasure reading, a Louis L'Amour book "Sackets Land" this probably the 50th time Ive read it since childhood.

    0Reply
  • Kleefenzie Lightner
    Hamilton, NJ · Member since 2013 · 20 posts · 2 votes
    12y

    @Engelo Rumora

    It is a great book! Funny, you say that, I've had mine for a while now and just started reading it about a month ago.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2012 · 164 posts · 49 votes
    12y
    Reading Douglas Andrews' "Missed Fortune 101" About creating a legacy for generations after me to participate in. That's what I am passionate about - helping others create financial prosperity and stability for themselves, their children and grandchildren. It's all about education since so many people are in the dark about how they can do this for $25 a month.
    0Reply
  • Engelo RumoraBusiness Member
    Investor · Toledo, OH · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Kleefenzie Lightner:
    @Engelo Rumora

    It is a great book! Funny, you say that, I've had mine for a while now and just started reading it about a month ago.

    Awesome,

    I better get onto it hehe

    Thanks

    Podcast Guest on Show #89
    Oz Realty4.5356 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Derek McCreight
    Red Oak, TX · Member since 2013 · 15 posts · 0 votes
    12y

    "Game On" by Emmitt Smith

    "The Book on Flipping Houses" by J Scott

    "The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs" by J Scott

    0Reply
  • Marcus Maloney
    Rental Property Investor · Queen Creek, AZ · Member since 2013 · 368 posts · 191 votes
    12y

    The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Central Valley, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y

    Ernest Holmes: The Art of Life and This Thing Called You

    The Course in Miracles

    Fried Walleye and Cherry Pie: Midwestern Writers on Food

    1Reply
  • Tony H.
    Santa Barbara, CA · Member since 2014 · 49 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    Hello all,

    Books and education are always good - eben the terrible ones, because it's still information that you'll have, and know is junk. I have read many books and taken many accredited courses over the years. I am a deal maker, not a deal breaker.

    I would just like to make the point that, I have found, many of the 'guru's - have made most of their money selling their courses, and not investing. Many with names we'd all recognize have gone bankrupt, been sued or died completely broke. Point being, it was all theory, and NOT real life experience.

    I feel I am part of your group now (just joined), but it is a pint I strongly feel is important.

    We have changing environments, sellers are not pushovers and trying to get too over the-top creative will end you up in court in a bad way.

    Sorry I got off your point. Learn all you can...but try not to buy into folks that are pushing books, non-accredited courses and fantasy theory.

    So be careful all. I am not accusing everyone of selling such things - BUT I KNOW of hundreds that have.

    That said, I like biographies of folks who have taken on fights, taken on issues or taken on a big challenge - and hopefully won. Right now I am reading a book about the history of Goldman Sachs name 'partnership.' And another called 'This Big Short.' Nice light reading choices I know.

    Been through the school of hands on vs. what the seminar and book sellers put together to take your money.

    Be careful. There are opportunities. But in today's age, with technology, strict laws, the game has changed.

    If we collaborate more, I hope to get to know you all.

    Again, all information is good.

    Let's share and do good things.

    1Reply
  • Bill Sheffield
    Pensacola, FL · Member since 2013 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    12y

    Just in the middle of it - learned a lot

    0Reply
  • J. MartinPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    The BP forums of course!! (not only literally, but some of the best resources out there!!) I like financial disaster books, and I think they're a great learning tool..

    When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management - By Roger Lowenstein

    I think there's a good lesson for all of us in being humble, understanding the limitations of own brilliance and prowess, understanding the limitations of "overly-calculating" prices and risks that all the data and math in the world cannot account for (no offense "big data" folk and economic statisticians)!, and perhaps the most important lesson that stands the test of time: the risk of leverage.

    I think one of my favorite investing quotes comes from this book, regarding the squeeze that can take place when markets change and you're leveraged (think lack of refinancing, equity extraction, etc).. "The market can stay irrational longer than most people can stay liquid."

    I wrote a blog post on BP about the risks/benefit trade-off on how leveraged you are over economic cycles, with some thoughts, considerations, and questions..

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/4579/blog_posts/32645-if-ca-h-is-king-then-leverage-is-god---loans-cash-roe-roi-and-risk

    0Reply
  • Asher Anthes
    Charlotte, NC · Member since 2011 · 107 posts · 13 votes
    12y
    Rich dad's guide to investing, and the millionaire next door. Great books
    0Reply
  • Tim Hoffman
    Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2013 · 63 posts · 41 votes
    12y

    @Eric F. , Thank you for the advice. I never thought to even look for a chicken coop tour. There are so many other garden tours in this area I am sure there is one relating to chickens. Thanx again and good luck with your Spring project.

    0Reply
  • Dale G.
    Investor · Wauwatosa, WI · Member since 2013 · 53 posts · 9 votes
    12y

    Finished the 'The Book on Flipping Houses' - J Scott and now reading 'The Book on Estimating Rehab Cost' - J Scott

    The Rehab Cost book I can already tell is going to be dog eared and book marked until its falling apart!

    1Reply
  • Brandon Belanger
    Henderson, NV · Member since 2014 · 25 posts · 7 votes
    12y

    Rich dad, poor dad....

    0Reply
  • Jerry J.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2013 · 6 posts · 2 votes
    12y
    Land lording made simple and millionaire real estate investor
    0Reply
  • Matt C.
    Rental Property Investor · Jupiter, FL · Member since 2013 · 48 posts · 18 votes
    12y
    Socialnomics - actually waiting on it to arrive but looking forward to it. It was recommended at workshop recently. Anybody read it? I am currently reconsidering the value of social media, websites, etc. for marketing. Recently finished - The Checklist Manifesto, which, as you might guess, was 240 pages on the value of using a checklist. But, I'm the kind of guy that needs a checklist. So, for me, it was a good read.
    0Reply
  • Bill Reinicke
    Albuquerque, NM · Member since 2014 · 1 post · 1 vote
    12y

    I am reading a "The Millionaire Next Door." This book is amazing. Written and substantiated on years of quantitative research and data. This book describes the different value systems and world views of UAW's (under accumulator of wealth) and PAW's (prodigious accumulator of wealth). Knowledge is power and knowing where one falls in the continuum of these definitions allows one to make positive changes in ones thinking and habits toward accumulating wealth.

    1Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free