My Favorite Books I read this Past Year

My whole life I have never really been a reader. Growing up I struggled with reading and it was something that never came easy to me. I would read books for school and occasionally I would read something like Harry Potter or a comic book, but that was pretty rare. In college I don't think I ever got through one text book. I always envied those that read a lot. I wanted so bad to be a reader. When I was working on my bachelors degree I always told myself that once I graduated I would start reading, and when the time finally came I was put to the test. It probably took a good 4 or 5 months before I really started reading, but I did it. So about a year and half later I'm proud to say that I'm finally a reader! I'm still pretty slow at reading and it takes me a while to get through a book, but I've come to find a great passion in reading. (You can read more about my journey to become a reader here) Every year since I started a blog I've always shared my favorite movies I watched from the previous year (which you can see 2015's picks here) but now I'm excited to finally share my favorite books that I read this past year!

10. The $100 Start Up

Author: Chris Guillebeau

This book was a really fun and easy read, full of really cool business ideas. I had never really thought too much about the possibilities of small, microbusinesses before. This book really helped me get my creative juices flowing. There are lots of great little nuggets of information in this book that are both applicable and interesting.

9. The Power of Habit 

Author: Charles Duhigg

I loved how this book literally breaks down what habits are, how they work, and how they dictate almost every thing we do. It presents all of it's information through interesting case studies about habit formation. It also does a great job at helping you recognize your habits, how to create good habits and how to break bad ones. It does this all by telling real life stories. 

8. 10% Happier 

Author Dan: Harris

Before reading this book I had no idea who Dan Harris was and I didn't really know anything about meditation. The only reason I decided to give it go was because a friend recommended it to me (and it also has a pretty catchy title), but I loved it. Dan Harris's personal story and his introduction to mediation was super interesting. I also loved learning about something that seemed so foreign and different to me. Mediating is something I've done on and off since first reading this book but it was here that I really first gained my introduction to mediation. 

7. Getting to Yes

Author: William Ury

When Taylor I moved back to Arizona from Utah in April of last year I was tasked with driving our moving truck back alone, but this book kept me company. It was a really fun and inspiring book about how to overcome internal and external conflicts. I love how it goes into detail about before resolving problems with others we need to address the problems inside of us first. It's filled with a ton of great stories and cool ideas. 

6. Essentialism

Author: Greg McKeown

It wasn't until I read this book that I realized how cluttered and unfocused my life can be sometimes. This is an excellent book about why it's important to simplify our lives. It's filled with great stories and insights and has a lot of great application. The thing I liked most about it though is that it's one of the first books I've read that stays focused on one topic and keeps that one topic interesting. 

5. The Morning Miracle

Author: Hal Elrod

This is a tremendous self help book that outlines 6 practical things to help live to a more balanced and fulfilled life. Unlike other self help books though this book actually has great application. Everything discussed is something that you can put into practice right away. A lot of books present interesting ideas but they don't really give you any application (which I like sometimes because it allows you to be creative with it) but I liked how this one was very straight forward.

4. Real Love in Marriage

Author: Gref Baer

This is an amazing book about how to have great relationships. It helped changed the way I view my marriage and relationships. Some of things this book address is how to help your spouse and also how to help your spouse understand you. Another thing this book addresses is how to receive love when you feel like it may be lacking in your life.

3. The Hiding Place

Author: Corrie Ten Boom

This is one of the most inspiring stories true I have ever read. This is a book that makes your soul ache but at the same time inspires and uplifts. There are so many great things to learn and discuss in this book. I loved reading about Corrie Ten Boom experience of finding God and meaning even in extreme and difficult situations, like a concentration camp. This story is living proof that bad things still happen to good people, but that doesn't mean that good thinks don't happen either.

2. Man's Search for Meaning

Author: Victor Frankl

This is another book that had a profound impact on my life this year. Like Corrie TenBoom from The Hiding Place, I find it incredible that someone can go through something as excruciating as a Nazi concentration camp and come out finding meaning and gratitude. This book really helped me better understand what it means to have a purpose and meaning in life. No matter what happens around us we can always find meaning.  

1. The Power of Vulnerability

Author: Brene Brown

2015 introduced me to one of my favorite author's/speakers, Brene Brown. I chose this over two of her other books I read this year (The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly, which easily could of made my list as well) because it encompasses pretty much everything she talks about. In this book Brene Brown fleshes out topics such as vulnerability, connection, shame, belonging, authenticity, and she helped me realize why these are important things we should be discussing. She shares a lot of important stories and interesting research to back up what she's teaching. Her work more than any other this year really helped me understand myself better and help give me a better sense of purpose and reason to life. 

Here are some of the books I plan on reading this year! 

The Four Hour Work Week

by: Tim Ferris 

Rising Strong

by: Brene Brown

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

by: Robert Kiyosaki

The Bonds That Make Us Free

by: C. Terry Warner

The One Thing

by: Gary W. Keller & Jay Papasan

The Art of Work

by: Jeff Goins

The Psychology of Superheroes 

by: Robin Rosenberg

So what were some of your favorite books that you read this last year? And what books do you look forward to reading? Have any good recommendations?

Best Movies of 2015 and the Movies I Look Forward to Most in 2016

It seemed like for so long I was looking forward to 2015 simply because of the movies that were coming out. It's crazy to think I've know seen all the movies I've been anticipating for a few years now. So without further adieu here are my favorite movies from 2015!

(Also check out my favorite movies from 2014, 2013, and 2012)

10. Joy

Directed by: David O. Russell

Starring: Jennifer Lawerence, Robert Dinero, Bradley Cooper

Most critics were pretty mixed on this movie so I wasn't really expecting too much from it, but the combo of Jennifer Lawrence and director David O. Russell paid off once again. This movie was weird and quirky, depressing, frustrating, but also inspiring. It's a great story about hard work and not letting your circumstance in life prevent you from doing what you really want. I also like that it shows that going after your dreams is not easy and sometimes it can be painful, but it also incredibly satisfying. I felt like Jennifer Lawrence demonstrated all those emotions from her performance. 

9. American Sniper 

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller

Technically this movie came out in 2014, but it wasn't wide released until Jan. of 2015, which is when I saw it. Not only is this an intense war movie, but it's also a great movie about family. I loved that they decided to focus on Chris Kyle and his relationships. It was fascinating to see his story unfold and to get to know him as a person. This movie also made me want to do more for the people around me, and gave me great appreciation for anyone who sacrifices for help others.  

8. Mad Max: Fury Road

Directed by: George Miller

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theoron, Nicolas Hoult

This was probably the most insane movie I saw this year, and I mean that in a good way. It was one giant thrill ride, but it also had a great story about humanity and pulling yourself out of terrible circumstances. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Nicolas Hoult are all crazy in this movie and yet they still show enough humanity that you really care for them. This movie has some of the best chase scenes I've ever seen in a film. Along with that it has amazing visuals, great action, and a heart pounding soundtrack. 

7. Mission Impossible Rogue Nation

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames 

There seemed to be a lot of spies movies in 2015 but no one does spies quite like Tom Cruise does. I love that he still does his own stunts and that's what makes this movie so much fun. This time around though Tom Cruise is joined by Rebecca Ferguson who proves that she can go toe to toe with Ethan Hunt. Mission Impossible delivered some of the best action scenes of the year but it also had a fun and interesting plot (something the last one was lacking). 

6. Antman 

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Corey Stroll

Marvel has a great track record but if any movie was going to fail it probably would be one about a guy who can talk to Ants. Some how though they managed to make this movie both funny, heartfelt, and deliver some unique action. I liked that Marvel chose to go with a smaller more intimate movie and focus on family relationships, which is something we don't see in a lot from superhero movies.

5. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Directed by: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downy Jr., Christ Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Paul Betany, James Spader

Living up to the first Avengers is an impossible task, but Joss Whedon does an excellent job at creating a sequel that comes very close. Age of Ultron checks off all the requirements of a good Marvel movie, it’s funny, has incredible action, introduces a great villain, but it also some how manages to still make the characters relatable and real. In-between the action and laughs there are great character moments for all the main characters. Some of them get more screen time than others, but the fact that this movie has about 10 main characters and is still cohesive is a huge achievement.

4. Bridge of Spies

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan

This movie took a premise that in the wrong hands could of been slow and boring but instead it was a fascinating and interesting and intense thriller. By now everyone has come to expect great performances from Tom Hanks, but everyone else in this movie were also excellent. I really enjoyed how this movie felt like an old movie. It had a certain charm to it that you don't see a lot in modern movies anymore. This is based off an amazing true story that is both inspiring and entertaining. I'm glad that Steven Spielberg took the time to tell us this great story.

3. Inside out

Directed by: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Lewis Black

After a little bit of rough patch Pixar is back at it delivering funny, thought provoking movies, and this might be my favorite one yet. I loved how creative and original this movies is. There aren't whole lot of original movies like this that get made anymore. What made this movie work so well for me was the great dynamic between the characters Joy and Sadness. This movie was more than just a kids movie, but an interesting and moving piece of art.

2. Creed

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

I've always been a huge Rocky fan. I love all the movies, including the sequels, but this may be one of the best one since the first Rocky. Michael B. Jordan kills it as the lead character and Apollo Creed's son, and Sylvester Stallone gives one of his best performances of his career. Seriously, he almost made me tear up a few times. While Creed relies on some of the same plot points from the first Rocky it does a enough new things and introduces great new characters for it to still feel fresh. This movie is an instant classic.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Directed by: JJ Abrams

Starring: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boega, Oscar Isaacs, Adam Driver 

Was there even ever really a question on whether or not this was going to be my favorite movie of the year? Star Wars is back and I could not be happier about it. The Force Awakens introduces fun and interesting new characters, brings back old ones, has excellent special effects, is funny, emotional, and most of all feels like a Star Wars movie. It's not a perfect film, but it was still the most fun I had with any movie this year. No other movie this year made me cheer, laugh, and cry like this movie did. And plus, it's Star Wars that alone gives it bonuses points.

Honorable Mentions:

Everest

The Martian

Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2

Jurassic World

Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl

Movies I Look Forward to Most in 2016

10. Midnight Special

Release Date: March 18

9. Star Trek Beyond 

Release Date: July 22

8. Hail Caesar 

Release Date: February 6 

7. Doctor Strange 

Release Date: November 4

6. Suicide Squad

Release Date: August 5

5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 

Release Date: November18

4. X-Men: Apocalypse

Release Date: May 27

3. Captain America: Civil War

Release Date: May 6

2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Release Date: March 28

1. Star Wars: Rogue One

Release Date: December 16

So what were your favorite movies of 2015? I didn't get to see every movie of 2015. Did I miss any good ones? What movies are you look forward to seeing most in 2016?

Favoritve TV show: #1

The Office (2005-2013) 

Synopsis: 
A day in the life of what it's like to work for a small paper company and a crazy boss. 

Why I love this show: 
It was really a toss up between this and Lost for my favorite TV show, but I think the The Office just barely edges it out, simply because this is a show that I never get sick of watching. I've probably seen every episode at least twice, and I still find myself laughing every time. I love to go back and revisit these characters all the time. One thing that's great about this show is that it's not just a comedy, but it's has a lot of heart. This show felt like I was getting to know a group people and the more I watched the more I got to know them. I felt like I had become connected to the characters, almost like they were old friends. The last few seasons the show wasn't quite as good, but I still loved being with those characters (except Meredith, I never really liked her). This show is far from perfect, but it's still my favorite and it's probably the show that I'm going to go back and watch the most over the years. To read more about my thoughts on The Office check out my tribute here.

Favorite Season: 

Season 2

Favorite Episodes: 

"Safetly Training" "Casino Night" "The Injury" "The Fire" "Finale"

Favorite Scene: 

Favorite Quote: 

"If you are a racist I will attack with the north, Abraham Lincoln" Michael Scott 

Favorite Characters: 

Jim

 Michael

Dwight

Stanley 

Where to watch: 

Netflix 

Well there you go! My favorite TV shows! Did you agree with any of them? What are you favorite shows? 

Favorite TV show: #2

2. Lost (2004-2010) 

Synopsis: 
The survivors of a plane crash must work together to survive and understand the mysteries of the island. 

Why I love this show: 

Never has a show gripped my attention and my emotions quite like Lost did. It seems that most fans are divided about Lost, they either love it or they hate it, and it all seems to go back to what they thought of the last episode. But whether or not the last episode is good or not I don’t think one of episode can determine a TV show. (I for one loved the last episode so I guess it’s a little easier for me to say). For me Lost was more about the journey of the characters, the things they learned and discovered, and what they were able to let go of. There are so many parallels to life that I often found myself pondering about long after it was over. I love TV shows and films that make me think and have conversations even after they are over. While not ever mystery or clue was wrapped up in the end, the one thing that matter did, the emotional journey of each character. I find that so similar to our lives, that we won’t always be able to find the answer to everything, but despite that we can still learn, discover, and connect with people. And those are what are most important. Of course though all the other crazy things about Lost make the show so much more fun as well! I wrote a lot more about Lost here and here. 

Favorite Season: 
Season 3

Favorite Episodes: 

"Walkabout", "Do No Harm", "Through the Looking Glass"

Favorite Scene: 

Favorite Characters:

John Locke

 Ben Linus

Desmond 

Where to watch: 

Netflix 

Favoritve TV show: #3

3. Batman The Animated Series (1992-1995) (1997-1999)

Synopsis: 
Animated series based off the comic book character Batman. 

Why I love this show: 

This is THE Batman show. If anyone really wants to get to know the character (besides the movies) and not get overwhelmed with the thousands of comics this is the best place to go for it. This show is what made me love Batman in the first place and was a staple in my after school routine. While it was made for kids, it’s one that all ages can enjoy. The stories are dark, smart, and most of all a lot of fun. It has some of the best Batman stories ever told in my opinion. For a kids cartoon the action is also very good. It’s got a unique animation style and some amazing voice acting. Seriously google Mark Hamill as the Joker, you will get chills. There are now hundreds of versions an interpretations of Batman but I think this may be my favorite version. Well, it’s probably a tie with Dark Knight trilogy:) If you are a Batman fan and have not seen this show (I don’t know how you call yourself a Batman fan and have not seen this show) do yourself a favor and watch it now! 

Favorite Season: 
Season 2

Favorite Episodes: 
"Over the Edge", "His Silicon Soul", "Two Face", "Trial", "Old Wounds", "Mad Love"

Favorite Characters:

Batman

Joker

Two-Face 

Robin

Where to watch: 

Amazon Prime 

Favoritve TV show: #4

4. Parks and Rec (2009-2015) 

Synopsis: 
Lesile Knope leads the Parks and Rec department in the small town of Pawnee Indiana. 

Why I love this show: 
Why do I not love this show? Seriously I can’t really think of any reasons why I wouldn’t love it. The first thing I have to say about this show is that the characters are amazing. The all add their own unique quirks that makes this show so great.  At first they all seem a little zany and un relatable but after a few episodes in it’s easy to see how each of them have different redeemable qualities. And when Amy Poelar isn’t even the funniest person on the show, you know you have a hilarious show. Like I mentioned with the Wonder Years this show can be both funny and sweet at the same time. This is show that if I ever need a pick me up and I can turn it on and it always seems to do the trick. 

Favorite Season: 
Season 3, 4 

Favorite Episodes: 
"April and Andy’s Fancy Party", "End of the World", "Halloween Surprise", "The Cones of Dunshire"

Favorite Characters:

Ron Swanson

 Andy Dwyer

Tom Haverford and Jean Ralphio

Chris Trager

Where to watch: 

Netflix 

Favoritve TV show: # 5

5. Friday night lights (2006-2011) 

Synopsis: 
The story of what it’s like to live in small Texas town and their love for high school football. 

Why I love this show: 
I saw the movie that this show is based off and I didn’t really love it, so I was never really interested in watching the TV show. But I kept hearing from a few people how great it was, so I thought I would check it out on Netflix one day. I honestly didn’t think I would keep watching it, but once I started it I could not stop. I love that this show deals with real life issues that happen within families and communities. I like how the show explores one of the many differing cultures that America has to offer. I felt like I was living in Texas experiencing the culture. Most shows set up their own fictional culture, but few are able to capture a real life one. Like all shows on my list though the main draw is the characters. Seeing them struggle, triumphant and make stupid and dumb decisions made them all sympathetic characters to me. While season 2 goes off to show weird places the rest of it simply amazing. Even if you are not a fan of football I would still recommend this show.

Favorite Season: 
Season 3 

Favorite Episodes: 
"Mud Bowl", "Tomorrow’s Blues", "The Son", "East of Dillion", "Always"

Favorite Characters:

Coach Taylor and Tami

Vince Howard 

Smash Williams

Where to watch: 

Netflix