Books Read and Courses Taken in February 2018

I love looking through lists of what other creatives are reading and learning. I believe wholeheartedly that as coders, developers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, teachers, etc., that we should be regularly learning and educating ourselves.

Thus, I decided I would start contributing my list of books and courses each month in an effort to stir up others the same way I feel stirred when I read through these lists.

So look for these posts at the beginning of each month and let me know in the comments if you do the same or have a recommendation of good blogs or lists to follow to do this.

Overview

The month of February was a busy one, and as usual, short, but I was able to fit in six books and complete one online course via Udemy. Here are the results:

Books Read In February 2018

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki

I think I'm the only one that hadn't read this book. It was great, though I have to agree with many that while it provided very thought-provoking information, it was lacking in any practicality. Yet, I think the subsequent books in this series are aimed at taking care of that so no problem.

Overall, a wonderful book with one key theme: Make it a high priority in your life to become financially literate. 

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

A huge letdown. Not because its a bad book, but because it did not at all live up to its hype. I mean this book is idolized by so many.

Now while some content is helpful, I can't get past the writing style/chapter layouts. It's just annoying. For this reason, I didn't care for "Do the Work" either. Perhaps I'll give it another shot down the road.

Investing for Beginners: Simple Investing Guide to Become an Intelligent Investor by Sam Sutton

This was free with Kindle Unlimited, so I picked it up and it was a good refresh on investing.

In its 43 pages, there is nothing new per se, but there is some solid, foundational advice and core concepts that anyone new-ish to investing would definitely benefit from.

Rich20Something: Ditch Your Average Job, Start an Epic Business, and Score the Life You Want by Daniel DiPiazza

This is the book of the month, and one of the best I've read in a while in regards to being real and practical about starting or growing a business.

Daniel DiPiazza offers really helpful advice and wisdom on starting a business, growing it (with really unique examples), building your network (and developing yourself) and taking full advantage of this great time we live in. I've read a number of books on this subject and this is by far the most helpful. There are some solid boots on these feet.

Mark, the Match Boy (#3 The Ragged Dick Series) by Horatio Alger

This is the third book in the Ragged Dick series, a sequence of stories about the lives of capitalist street boys in late 19 century New York City, who choose to rise up and make something better of their situation.

I've been reading these to the kids and each one has been a delight. In this third story, Mark the Match Boy (his profession) leaves an abusive caretaker and meets up with Ragged Dick (now a successful businessman) who helps him rise to a better life.

Rough and Ready (#4 The Ragged Dick Series) by Horatio Alger

Book #4 in the Ragged Dick series, and another exciting story for the kids (and myself, as I think I may enjoy them more!).

Rufus (or Rough & Ready as his street name) an entrepreneurial newsboy escapes with his younger sister from an abusive, drunken step-father, and vows to set up a better life for them even though this step-father does not let it happen so easily. Exciting stuff, and as always great lessons learned, both morally and fiscally.

Courses Taken in February 2018

Affinity Designer: The Complete Guide to Affinity Designer by Jeremy Hazel

You may have noticed more custom graphics on my site. In an effort to strengthen my "design skills" I took this lengthy course on Affinity Designer, my tool of choice for vector graphics.

I had taken another Affinity Designer course on Udemy, and one on a Pluralsight trial, and I can say this one blows both out of the water. It is comprehensive AND very thorough and well taught. I would recommend this as THE course for anyone looking to get acquainted with Affinity Designer or looking for an Illustrator alternative.

Kudos Jeremy Hazal!

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