Nick Janetakis' Top Book Recommendations

Nick Janetakis

Tools of the Titans by Tim Ferriss has awesome stories from some of the most successful people in the world. [source]

Tony Robbins

Life Coach

Tim is a brilliant thinker. The way he approaches mastery is inspiring in many ways. His latest book is no exception. What I loved about Tools of Titans is that it distills key tactics, routines and habits of the ultra-successful in actionable ways that anyone can take advantage of. Highly recommended. Every chapter is a valuable lesson. [source]

James Altucher

Founder/StockPickr

It only came out recently. I had so many questions about it that I flew to California and interviewed him about it for my podcast.It’s the collection of all the knowledge and wisdom he gained from the 100s of people he interviewed.I leave it out on my floor and read a page or two whenever I pass it.It’s already filled with 100s of my notes (see below). It’s maybe the one physical book I keep around. The rest, including my own books, I keep on my Kindle. [source]

Nick Janetakis

Despite its name, it's not necessarily about going out and making friends, but instead, it will alter how you communicate with people in general. This makes it very valuable for anyone to read. [source]

Dave Ramsey

Author

Dave Ramsey recommended this book on his website. [source]

Daymond John

Founder/FUBU

I love all the Dale Carnegie books. [source]

Nick Janetakis

Who Moved My Cheese - I'm a sucker for parables (stories to illustrate a moral lesson) and this book really delivers. I wish I found it years ago. It's super short but it has so many insights about dealing with change. It teaches you how to avoid over complicating things and to constantly be aware of what's going on around you so that you can adapt before things get problematic. It's one of those books where you feel sad that it's over, surprised how you managed to go your entire life without reading it and excited to move forward with whatever journey you're on. [source]

Dave Ramsey

Author

Dave Ramsey recommended this book on his website. [source]

Daymond John

Founder/FUBU

Daymond John said this is one of his most-recommended books. [source]

Nick Janetakis

Here’s a few books I recommend (in this order) on learning how to write effective copy: The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert; Advertising Secrets of the Written Word by Joseph Sugerman; Kickass Writing Secrets of a Marketing Rebel by John Carlton. [source]

Louis Grenier

If you want to learn more about copywriting, you need to read “Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit”. Also, “The Boron Letters” – Fantastic resource, absolutely amazing. [source]

Neville Medhora

I stayed up till 6am every night going through these letters. [source]

Nick Janetakis

Here’s a few books I recommend (in this order) on learning how to write effective copy: The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert; Advertising Secrets of the Written Word by Joseph Sugerman; Kickass Writing Secrets of a Marketing Rebel by John Carlton. [source]

Neville Medhora

These are super helpful, and a great resource to re-read when you’re feeling unmotivated! [source]

Nick Janetakis

Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz will open your eyes on the topic of self image. [source]

Catrinel Hagivreta

Psycho-Cybernetics, written in 1960 by Maxwell Maltz, an American surgeon; you understand about how your mind works and how you can take control over your actions and results. This book helped me understand that there is no context or circumstances that prevent you from getting where you want, but only consequences of our own habits. [source]

Chris Goward

Here are some of the books that have been very impactful for me, or taught me a new way of thinking: … Psycho Cybernetics. [source]

Nick Janetakis

I'm going to start reading Ghost in the Wires by Kevin Mitnick this week. I used to go to 2600 meetings back when he was arrested for wire fraud and other hacking related shenanigans in the mid 1990s. I'm fascinated by things like social engineering and language in general. In the end, I just want to be entertained by his stories. For someone who is into computer programming, a book like this is pretty close to porn! [source]

Antonio Eram

This book was recommended by Antonio when asked for titles he would recommend to young people interested in his career path. [source]

Richard Bejtlich

In 2002 I reviewed Kevin Mitnick's first book, The Art of Deception. In 2005 I reviewed his second book, The Art of Intrusion. I gave both books four stars. Mitnick's newest book, however, with long-time co-author Bill Simon, is a cut above their previous collaborations and earns five stars. As far as I can tell (and I am no Mitnick expert, despite reading almost all previous texts mentioning him), this is the real deal. Mitnick addresses just about everything you might want to know about. For me, the factor that made the book very unique was the authors' attention to detail. This sounds like it might have been a point of contention between the co-authors, but I found the methodical explanation of the social engineering and technical attacks to be relevant and interesting. Mitnick just doesn't say he social engineered a target; rather, he walks you through every step of the event! It's amazing, audacious, and in many cases beyond the pale. … Ghost in the Wires also shares the human side of Mitnick's story. His description of solitary confinement and his anxiety of returning to those conditions seemed very real. They appear ever more relevant given recent treatment of Bradley Manning. One has to wonder about "cruel and unusual punishment" of those who are not convicted, such that they will sign plea deals just to avoid solitary confinement. Beyond prison issues, Mitnick's love for his family (especially his mother and grandmother) were clear throughout the book. I very much enjoyed reading Ghost in the Wires, and I believe the majority of the computer security community would too. [source]

Nick Janetakis

I remember reading Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life which is filled with epic quotes and insights but one quote stuck with me, which is: “People are frugal in guarding their personal property; but as soon as it comes to squandering time they are most wasteful of the one thing in which it is right to be stingy.” This is so true. I’m generally pretty cheap when it comes to spending money but I’m also that guy who will spend 3 days planning out and building a custom desk instead of buying one. However, after reading that quote, it woke me up to the reality that I’m going to die eventually and if I want to accomplish everything I want to accomplish then I should stop screwing around with my time. [source]

Chip Conley

Says something about the fact that it’s not so much the shortness of life, it’s how we waste it. [source]

Ryan Holiday

Author

Seneca’s letters are the best place to start, but the essays in On the Shortness of Life are excellent as well. [source]