I have been influenced by books probably more than anything else when it comes to living.

Today is world’s book day and I thought of sharing books that have made a huge impact and difference in my life. These books continue to influence me, and if I will be fortunate to be alive in the next few decades, their impact will surely be more visible. I have omitted religious books (as they are countless, such as books by Ellen G White (especially Patriarchs and Prophets, Christs Object Lessons, Education, Ministry of Healing) the Bible(especially the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes etc.,) that have also influenced me greatly.

This list is just not exhaustive and I even think it may be misleading. For the best books that I have recommended over the last four years, you can check out; For the 2019 list (growing list), find it here. For the 2018 list, find it here. For the 2017 list, find it here. For the 2016 list, find it here. For the 2015 list, find it here.

1. Think Big by Ben Carson.

I read this book immediately after writing my KCPE in 2004. I then re-read it several times and even make copious amounts of notes. At that age, it really inspired me and it had a huge impact by the time I was joining High School.

2. Gifted Hands Ben Carson.

I read this one in 2005, soon after having joined Form 1. It was during a camp meeting (SDA camp meeting) held at Nduluku Youth Polytechnic. I was so hooked to the book and story that I also made notes and read all other books that were being promoted during the camp.

3. Think and Grow Rich Book by Napoleon Hill.

I read this book after finishing my KCSE. I had visited my Aunt in Nairobi then in 2009 and I happened to notice one of her neighbours read it. He was a JKUAT student doing his attachment. I borrowed the book and I remember reading the whole in only two days. I literally copied the whole the book during notes taking.

4. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

I came across this when I was in high school, probably in my form 2 year.

Benjamin Franklin came from extremely poor and humble background but went on to become a world-renowned scientist, writer, politician, inventor and one of the founders of the United States of America. All without the benefit of formal education whatsoever. This is a book about his story.

5. The improvement of the mind by Isaac Watts.

A wonderful book about education and learning. Read it in 2010, in the first year of my undergraduate studies at JKUAT. It influenced the first book I wrote in 2014, which I aptly titled “Smart Way to Improve Your Mind and Grades”

6. How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie.

This is the only book I have gifted the most in hardcopy. Even when I was parting ways with a certain “girlfriend”, this was my parting gift to her. Many years ago.

7. How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie.

Very enjoyable read. It has literally helped me conquer stage fright. This has helped in my conference, seminar and research defences presentations. The book gives real, practical techniques.

8. Siku Njema by Ken Walibora.

This is Kiswahili novel written in the first person, it deals with the life of a young man, Msanifu Kombo who is born in Tanga, Tanzania and who faces family hardships with his single mother, who is a talented singer of taarab.

9. Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger by Peter Bevelin.
10. Man’s Search for Meaning: by Viktor E. Frankl
11. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferris.
12. Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? By Seth Godin.
13. How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell.
14. The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker.
15. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi.
16. Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix.
17. Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
18. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World — and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling.
19. Either/Or by Søren Kierkegaard.
20. How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams
21. The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell.
22. The Subtle Art of not giving a f*#k: A Counterintuitive Guide to Living A Good Life by Mark Manson. Mark shows us how to stop trying to be “positive” all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people. This book can change a perspective, a life. Do not be misled by the title.
23. The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker.
24. Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene M. Schwartz.
25. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (Incerto) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
26. Principles: Life and Work -by Ray Dalio.
27. Influence – by Robert Cialdini.

A classic book on the psychology of persuasion. He explains the psychology of why people say “yes”—and how to apply these understandings. You’ll learn the six universal principles, how to use them to become a skilled persuader—and how to defend yourself against them.

25. How to Get Rich – by Felix Dennis. Shockingly honest thoughts from a filthy rich poet.
26. Great Innovators: Benjamin Franklin, Einstein, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Three in one biography as chronicled by Walter Isaacson. Walter Isaacson has a way with words and you won’t put the book down.

27. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware.

Bronnie Ware shares her inspiring and honest journey, which will leave you feeling kinder towards yourself and others, and more determined to live the life you are truly here to live.

28. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

This is essentially a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. They are private reflections, outlining a philosophy of commitment to virtue above pleasure and tranquillity above happiness.

29. The Tao of Seneca: Practical Letters from a Stoic Master.

The Tao of Seneca (volumes 1-3) is an introduction to Stoic philosophy through the words of Seneca. Stoicism is a no-nonsense philosophical system designed to produce dramatic real-world effects.

30. Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam.

It a book that documents the life of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, and inspires the readers to ignite the fire within themselves. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India was a visionary scientist.

31. If I Could Tell You Just One Thing…Encounters with Remarkable People and Their Most Valuable Advice by Richard Reed. In this book, Richard has compiled pearls of wisdom from some of the most remarkable, inspiring and game-changing people in the world – in business, tech, philanthropy, politics, sport, art, spirituality, medicine, film, and design.
32. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi.
33. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.

Dr Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction—but you do need to learn and understand the habit of thinking and behaving in ways that will get you there.

34. Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
35. Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker.

 World Book Day: 10 Quotes That Celebrate The Power And Love For Books:

“A house without books is like a room without windows.”  – Heinrich Mann

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” –  Ernest Hemingway

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King

“Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.” – Unknown

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” – Haruki Murakami

“We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too.” – Anonymous

“Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.” – Mark Haddon

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”  – Malala Yousafzai

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx.

“I have always imagines that paradise would be la kind of library.” – Jorde Luis Borges