Grit
In Brief
A research-backed case that what separates high achievers from everyone else isn't talent, but the combination of passion and perseverance Duckworth calls grit.
Joel's Quick Comments
Adding my thoughts once I'm done.
Non-Fiction
Books I picked up because I wanted to know more. Short notes on what each one covers and what stood out.
The Art of Playing the Violin
In Brief
A beginner's guide covering everything from purchasing your first violin to reading music, tuning, and building the foundational skills to actually play.
Joel's Quick Comments
Good book on background and basics of the violin. Includes interesting history facts on the instrument.
Spanish Short Stories for Beginners
In Brief
Ten short stories written in Latin American Spanish, with vocabulary lists and comprehension questions, designed to build confidence through reading rather than drilling.
Joel's Quick Comments
Nice way to learn some additional Spanish vocabulary. The short stories are decent.
Discipleship Essentials
In Brief
Jesus didn't change the world by addressing crowds — he invested deeply in a few. A structured workbook built around that same idea: gather in a small group of two or three, work through 25 weekly units covering the core truths of the Christian faith, and let the process of study and honest conversation shape you into a more grounded follower of Christ.
Joel's Quick Comments
Great workbook for a group of 3 or 4 people looking to get closer in Christ.
Loveology
In Brief
A Christ-centered look at love, dating, and marriage.
Joel's Quick Comments
Great book that dives into the purpose of marriage and singleness, showing how both are complete and meaningful ways to reflect God's love.
The Expectation Gap
In Brief
A guide to the space between knowing God and truly experiencing him.
Joel's Quick Comments
A seriously great read for anyone trying to improve their relationship to Christ. Covers expectations and how our assumptions keep us from fully experiencing of God.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
In Brief
A case for slowing down, drawn from the unhurried life of Jesus.
Joel's Quick Comments
This book is a must for those who are always on the busy train but still want a deep relationship with God.
Permission to Screw Up
In Brief
Kristen Hadeed started Student Maid almost by accident — a Craigslist ad to clean houses so she could afford a pair of jeans. It grew into a cleaning company with industry-leading retention, but only after she'd made every leadership mistake imaginable, including the day 45 of her employees walked out at once. Her premise: stop trying to be the perfect leader, admit your screwups, and give your people permission to make their own.
Joel's Quick Comments
This book is a must read for leaders or entrepreneurs at any level. Great pacing and fun stories, this books a large amount of life lessons crucial for anyone trying to have a great team or go from ground up in a business.
Non-Toxic Masculinity
In Brief
Geared toward Christian men — an honest look at male sexuality that reexamines some cultural church assumptions.
Joel's Quick Comments
A fascinating look at how purity culture can backfire when it shifts from Jesus to legalism, told through the author's own story.