december-book-club

The Gist: Literary critic David Kipen has gathered what he calls “a collective self-portrait of Los Angeles when it thought nobody was looking,” told through the diary entries and letters of locals, transplants, and those just passing through. The book, which spans 1542 to 2018, features an eclectic range of characters including 16th-century Spanish missionaries, Marilyn Monroe, Ryan Reynolds, and hundreds more.

The Gist: Ten years ago, Joshua Becker and his family sold, donated, or discarded over 60 percent of their possessions, embarking on a path towards minimalism that created a more “intentional life.” His newest book lays out step-by-step, room-by-room tips anyone can use to declutter their home, which, Becker posits, will promote greater “peace, serenity, relaxation, calmness, and sleep.”

The Gist: For the hypochondriac in everyone, comes this indispensable guide from two Columbia University cardiologists. The authors walk through dozens of common symptoms like chest pain, bloating, and shortness of breath, and advise readers on when to relax, make a doctor’s appointment, or head to the hospital.

The Gist: Retired Navy SEAL David Goggins has completed over 60 endurance races, placing within the top three in some of the hardest and most brutal among them, including the Badwater Ultramarathon, Infinitus 88K, and Ultraman World Championship. In his first book, he chronicles his life story from a nightmarish childhood and a weight problem to pushing the limits of athleticism and earning a Guinness World Record for pull-ups—4,030 in 17 hours. Goggins also illuminates his “40% Rule” which, he says, can help anyone reach their full potential. 

The Gist: Founder of plant-based lifestyle company 22 Days Nutrition, Marco Borges is also Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s life coach and wellness guru.  In his new book, which has an introduction by the duo, Borges distills his tips into “22 Laws of Plants,” and offers more than 60 clean, healthy vegan recipes.

Being up to date on all things health and <a href=/articles/2017/01/health-startups>wellness</a> is social and <a href=/articles/2017/02/creativity>cultural currency</a> these days. And while quick-hit news bites are great, in-depth reads are still a worthy pursuit. Many non-fiction books come out every month, though, and it can feel overwhelming to cut through the clutter. That’s why we started the <a href=/articles/2018/01/jan-book-club>Furthermore book club</a>. Here, our picks for this month.

5 books high performers should read this month

Furthermore is the authority on the high-performance life. Travel, taste, experience, achieve. Go Further. Want More.