Reading is one of those things that we can all partake in to increase our knowledge and capacity, challenge our views, enhance our creativity and become better at what we do. Reading becomes more important than ever as a daily action if we want to become better at life. There were so many great books that I read this year, but there are only a few that made my list as the best books that I read in 2013.
Today, I am giving you a chance to win a free copy of each one of my favorite six books I read this year.
My favorite books that I read in 2013 include:
START: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters by Jon Acuff
Over the last 100 years, the road to success for most everyone has been divided into predictable stages. But three things have changed the path to success: Boomers are realizing that a lot of the things they were promised aren’t going to materialize, and they have started second and third careers. Technology has given access to an unprecedented number of people who are building online empires and changing their lives in ways that would have been impossible years ago. The days of “success first, significance later,” have ended. While none of the stages can be skipped, they can be shortened and accelerated.
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt
In Platform, Michael Hyatt will teach readers not only how to extend their influence, but also how to monetize it and build a sustainable career. The key? By building a platform. It has never been easier, less expensive, or more possible than right now.
Love and Respect For A Lifetime (Gift Version) by Emerson Eggerichs
When you touch your spouse’s deepest need, something good almost always happens! Based on three decades of counseling and research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs leads couples through the intricacies of a marriage built on Love and Respect. He explores the differences in men and women and how a husband’s need for respect can be balanced by a wife’s need for love. (This is the gift version, not the full version.)
Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry
Embrace the importance of now, and refuse to allow the lull of comfort, fear, familiarity, and ego to prevent you from taking action on your ambitions…The cost of inaction is vast. Don’t go to your grave with your best work inside of you. Choose to die empty.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff
When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don’t want to miss.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
What makes things popular? If you said advertising, think again. People don’t listen to advertisements, they listen to their peers. But why do people talk about certain products and ideas more than others? Why are some stories and rumors more infectious? And what makes online content go viral? This book explains the “why” behind all of these questions.
[All book descriptions from amazon.com / Books published 2010-2013 ]
[box] The contest is over, winners have been announced and the books have already been delivered. If you were selected, I have contacted you via email for more information. Thank you so much for stopping by and trying. If you didn’t win, add these books to your reading list, because they will impact you in some way. I will be doing another giveaway in the future and I hope to see you then, too.[/box]
I have one copy of each book to give away, today. All you need to do to have a chance at winning one of these six great books are the following two things:
1. Tweet and Facebook Share. Tweet about this giveaway by clicking here. If you do not use twitter, you can share this update on Facebook. [facebook]
2. Leave a comment. Please leave a comment below in the comment section telling me which book you want and why.
This giveaway ends at midnight on Tuesday, December 3rd. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 4th. If you are selected as a winner, I will email you to get your physical mailing address, so I am able to quickly mail you your free “Best Book of 2013”.
Thank you so much for reading asmithblog.com.
Which book do you want the most and why?
[box] The contest is over, winners have been announced and the books have already been delivered. If you were selected, I have contacted you via email for more information. Thank you so much for stopping by and trying. If you didn’t win, add these books to your reading list, because they will impact you in some way. I will be doing another giveaway in the future and I hope to see you then, too.[/box]
Definitely would enjoy a copy of Todd Henry’s book “Die Empty”. I’m a regular listener to his podcast and he knows how to get right to the meat of issues that block or rob people of their natural creativity. An extended conversation with him through his book would be time well spent. Thanks for this chance, Adam.
I love his work. He has some really good insight.
Todd Henry’s book is something I’d like to get my hands. Inspiration!
It’s so good, Travis. Definitely inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
Hi Adam. I would also like a copy of “Die Empty.” Not only is it the only book in the list I did not read this year (great minds think alike) but I teach mindfulness (the value of being present) in my practice and it would be great to be able to add the value of staying present in your work.
You would use it well. 🙂
I would love a copy of Love and Respect for a lifetime. One thing I need to focus more on is my relationship with my wife and not so much on my career. It’s always good to spend time and re-focus on your relationship. They require just as much work to keep together and growing. This book is at the right time for me to work on my relationship at home. Thanks.
This book is such a great way to bless your marriage.
I would like a copy of Love Does. I would give it to a friend or co-worker as I have done in the past with copies I have purchased for the same purpose. Does it come with balloons?
That would be awesome! But no, sorry. Not this time. 🙂
Jon Acuff’s book START looks like something I could learn from.
Loved this book! I tell everyone I know about this one. Such a great book!
I would like to get a copy of Platform. I want to learn how to be more effective sharing my passion with others.
Michael knows his stuff and each of us could learn something from this read.
This is a great list! I already have “Platform” and “Love and Respect.” Any of the others would be fantastic.
I posted about this on facebook, too. https://www.facebook.com/TanyaDennisBooks/posts/758809767466266
THANKS!
Awesome! Thank you so much, Tanya.
I would love a copy of START by Jon Acuff. It says it all in the title. I want to punch fear in the face!
If you win it, you will thoroughly enjoy it! I can’t say it enough – such a great book!
This contest is a great way to get people reading these books. I’ve read Platform and Start, and both books were AMAZING! I would like to read Contagious. I am getting ready to launch, and I could really benefit from this book. Even if I don’t win this contest, thanks for giving me some more books to add to my “To Read” list.
Absolutely, Carla!
I would like Love Does by Bob Goff because I saw him speak and he is amazing!
His life is inspirational. After I read it I immediately wanted to get creative with how I live my life.
I would like a copy of the book: Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger.It is on my “Santa list”.
Maybe this contest can be Santa! Ha
I’d really love to read “Platform” by Michael Hyatt. I’ve been a follower of his blog and podcast for some time now and am currently building my own platform.
Awesome, Reade.
All of these books look great. Thanks for posting a summary to help me get familiar with each one. Each appears to be worth adding to my 2014 reading list. Coming from an educational background in sociology and as someone involved with sales and marketing, Contagious would be a great book to win and start reading right away. Thanks.
Absolutely, Doug. That book changed the way I view ideas. So good.
Platform is the book I need. I am a new author(self-published) and definitely need to build my platform. I have had people excited enough to translate it into 2 other languages for free. Besides sharing a good story, I want to tell my translators how their translations are spreading. This can only happen with patience and a good platform.
You would really enjoy the book, Charles.
I would love a copy of Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. As a young marketing professional early in my career, I’m always on the lookout for what makes people tick. As a millennial, I know ads are blocked out and I would love to know WHY! Hopefully learn to combat it as well. 🙂
It’s such a good book! Thanks for stopping by, Alexis!
I would like to read Jon Acuff’s Start. I love his style. I follow him on Twitter and read his blog. His Instagram shares are awesome. When I see his alarm clock photos that say 4:30am I am filled with envy and respect for someone living their dream and punching fear in the face.
He’s an inspiration to me too. Love that guy.
I have been eyeing Die Empty for the past few weeks. I definitely need some encouragement out of the slump that I’ve been in lately.
Hey, Jessica. It’s a great book for sure and hope you get out of the slump soon. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I would like to win: Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry – Why? Because I think it is really important to give the best of yourself every day, even if you have a “routine-work” which doesn’t change much from day to day. I can’t bear to listen to colleagues who constantly complain and only long for the weekend. I want to and I try to – live every day.
ps. My excuses my blog has not been updated for a long period now, but there is a lot of interesting old material on it! 😉
I like your attitude, Josephine. Thanks for stopping by and will definitely check out your blog.
I would select “Die Empty” only because if I live a normal life span, I am in the last chapters and I want to do things right in the time God grants me.
It’s a good one Hal. Hope you have been doing well. I enjoy our discussions.
Adam,
Let me start by agreeing with you on the choice of Platform. I have just finished this myself and it is a very good book.
If I get the chance, I would appreciate START by Jon Acuff. Being relatively early in my career, fear is something that is necessary to conquer and something that I am thinking about.
Thank you for a good blog,
Simon Almstrom
Both are great books and thank you so much for reading, Simon.
It’s an honor to be included in this list. Thanks, Adam.
Absolutely, Todd. Thank you for you great book! 🙂
Dear Adam:
I hope you select me to receive a copy of Die Empty. I am a 48 year old single mom of (2) whose dreams and goals had been put on hold to take care of my children. I am ready to dream and live life to its fullest checking off all of my bucket list items. I find myself sometimes stagnant and afraid of being successful in my endeavors. I believe Die Empty will give me the courage and the insight to step out in faith. Thank you for your consideration.
Absolutely, Renee. Thanks so much for your story. I love hearing people’s background and where life has taken them. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’m interested in Die Empty & Platform.
Platform – because it’s on my list of must-haves! And the reason it is a must have is that Michael Hyatt’s blog has been extremely useful to me, I read just about every post he makes or find value in his podcasts. Best to learn from those we’d like to imitate in some way!
Die Empty – sounds very interesting. I recently took a new and challenging job with a startup and I’d love more fuel to get me going in finding out how to bring out the best work from me. My boss feels like there is something in me that once tapped will bring extreme value to our company. I’m still praying through this.
Ha. I know Christina. With so many good choices it’s difficult to choose one. I agree with you completely. Michael is a great resource for us all. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I would like to have “Love does” because I need some encouragement and inspiration to live my life to the fullest potential and spread the love of Christ around me. I do not want to sit on the sidelines and let some circumstances keep me from living my purpose.
Well, this book will definitely do that. Thank you so much for stopping by, Emma.
I’d love a copy of Die Empty or Contagious! Both of these look interesting, and I’ve read most of the other books already.
You have great taste my friend! 😉
Start. I’ve heard it talked about in a couple of podcasts and it sounds like it could be really helpful.
It’s hard to have a favorite book out of this group, but it may be #1 for me. Such a good one. Thanks for stopping by, David.
I own Love Does already (plan to read it this month on Kindle), and would most enjoy Platform from this list. I’m a regular listener to Michael’s Podcast, and can only imagine that his books would be equally great. Thanks again for the chance, Adam. I hope that you and your family are doing well. Merry Christmas!
It’s very informative for sure. Doing great here and Merry Christmas to you and yours! Hope yall are doing great as well.
Platform. I read Michael Hyatt’s blog as often as possible. I am interested in learning how to be heard with the blog I have started.
It would be a great read for you then, for sure. Thank you for stopping by, Michael.
I’ve heard great things about Bob Goff! Great way to start the New Year. Thanks Adam.
Absolutely!
I’d really love Bob Goff’s book or Jon Acuff’s.
Goff has got something amazing going on– a love revolution that is both refreshing and inspiring. The thing I love about it is how beautifully simplistic the idea is and how DOABLE it is. He’s got lots of Truth to share.
I’ve been a part of Acuff’s “Experiment” and still have been unable to buy his book. It’s been an interesting few months– dreams are being reignited, but sometimes I feel as far away from my dreams as I ever have been before. I know it takes hard work, but sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it in me.
I’d take either one. Would love to win. Thanks for putting it out there.
Absolutely, Holly. They are both great! I’m sure that you have it in you. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Die Empty by Todd Henry for sure. I’ve read great reviews about it and by the description it feels like written for me.
Well then you would definitely benefit from it then. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Ved.
Thanx Adam for this possibility! Thank you also for your ebook… enjoy your ebook and email posts. Platform is one of my top 5 all around and Love and Respect was very helpful to my marriage. Love Does looks interesting but Die Empty is on my to read list! Thanx again for the opportunity and for your blog.
Absolutely, Martin. Thank you for reading and I’m glad you enjoy the posts here and the ebook!
I would love a copy of Contagious (or any other book, winky) because the subject fascinates me and also because I’m a Masters student..and I’m poor…♥
Ha, Michelle. Well, good luck with that! Contagious is a great read for sure!
What a great idea! All the books look worthwhile, but I’d be especially tickled to win a copy of Todd Henry’s new book. I’m addicted to his Accidental Creative podcast and can’t wait to read Die Empty.
Well, it is such a great read, Peter. I’m a huge fan of his as well!
They all sound amazing and will put them on my reading list for next year. As to your generous offer, I would love to have Jon Acuff’s book, Start for my grandson. He’s in a tough place in his career right now, looking to find “his niche”. This book I feel would be a huge boost and give him the encouragement and sense of direction he needs.
Thank you so much, Adam.
God bless.
Absolutely, Bobbie. Thank you so much for stopping by. It’s such a great book!
Hi Adam,
I would LOVE a copy of Die Empty by Todd Henry. I can not even put into words how much Accidental Creative has changed my life (and the life of those I have encouraged to pick up a copy). As a young designer I feel so blessed to have come across the insights of Todd Henry at the beginning of my career. Through his books and podcasts he has become a mentor to me and is both inspiring and helpful in teaching how to structure your life to accomplish your best work. I have downloaded the Audible version of Die Empty and love it so far, but I need a hard copy for my collection! To all creatives our there, both Accidental Creative and Die Empty are must reads 🙂
Thanks for your comment Alynn. I have a lot of Todd Henry fans here today. Love it! He produces some great content!
I would love to read Love and Respect. I have read a little bit in the PDF format when entering one of the contest years ago. I never had the chance to finish reading this book. Also would love to share this with my wonderful church family too.
Awesome, Marguerite, Such a great read that will have you benefitting from it for a very long time!
You can’t beat a good book recommendation from an esteemed peer and most of these I’d pick up in a heart beat but this one: Love and Respect For A Lifetime (Gift Version) by Emerson Eggerichs? I can’t imagine ever selecting off the shelf of a local bookstore. 10 years in, after a tough 2012-13 and a moment of unexpected serendipitous bliss more recently… self-help romance, is not my bag but this is my choice and it might just be the guidance to that path that I was hoping for….
It’s a great read for sure. Content in it is precise. I’m a big believer in the message and that it changes lives.
Always heard great things about Love and Respect. Probably the biggest need for me right now is to ensure I am being a Godly husband and model that for my children. The others are all icing. Fingers crossed!
Such a great read, Zack. Thanks for stopping by today!
A copy of ‘Start’ would be a nice book for me. Im a college student and have heard about the book but never quite got around to purchasing it. I saw this on Twitter and was like perfect chance to get a copy! So yeah,i’m hoping i can sort of luck up on it because i could definitely use a little help.
It’s only natural to be indecisive with all these good books lol. So im replying to my own post just to say ‘Die Empty’ would be a nice one as well. Either one and i’ll be more than grateful. Thanks!!!
Both are great reads Dave. Such awesome info in both of their books. Thanks for stopping by today.
No doubt, had to check it out man. Complete book junkie right here!
I would say platform. All of the books are valuable and all sound interesting.
They really all are very beneficial. Thanks for stopping by today, Ari.
I would love a copy of Contagious. I read Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Tipping Point, which has a similar theme. I wonder if the premise of this book will give additional insight on the topic, especially since social media was not a big factor when Gladwell’s book was written.
I’ve read both and it’s definitely different, but both of those book are great. Thanks for stopping by Gladys and here’s to more great books! 🙂
I’d love Contagious. I’m a student, and I’ve been wanting to read it but haven’t been able to afford it.
Well, Chad here’s your chance, right? Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I’d love a copy of “Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day” by Todd Henry. Seems like an inspirational and motivating read. Thanks, Adam!
You’re welcome, Scott. It really is a great book. Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I am interested in reading “Contagious” I would love to see how this idea can add to the sharing of the faith.
You could definitely apply it to that in some ways, Diana. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today!
It was a tough choice between Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyat and Contagious, but I think I would really benefit from Platform the most.
I’m currently a graduate student, and I’m trying to build a platform for my photography business and blog. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I try to model what I see other professionals do.
My degree is in writing, but I discovered a passion for photography in the past few years and would love to use the two to create a successful business. I know a little bit about photography, and a lot about writing, but not much about business!
I feel like I have a lot to offer, but I’m not always sure how to get the word out. I could use all the help I can get.
Thanks for your consideration and the opportunity! This was fun. 🙂
Awesome Katie. I love your story. Well, his book would definitely be helpful and informative in that area. Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Wow, I’m enjoying all the responses so far. I can see the passion in your story and love how you are inspired to read. These are all great books, best of luck to all of you.
They’re all so great, huh?
These books all look informative and by the comments they must come through as “best books”. I would love a copy of Platform as it is surely in line with where I am at in my community. So I am now looking at these and putting on my “wish” list on Amazon.
Thanks Adam!
Awesome Gary. They are all so good. Thanks for taking the time to stop by today!
I’d really like to read Love Does. Like the name suggests, I believe love is an action word. I believe that every human being alive deserves to be loved.
Right now, my daughter is battling a rate and aggressive cancer. Through this unfolding journey, we have encountered many people who need to know they aren’t alone, and are loved.
Also, as a (diagnosed) bipolar Christian mom, understanding love is vital to being okay. Being able to reach out and share hope with others centers around the idea that people need people, and people – simply by virtue of being people – are loved.
I’d love the opportunity to see what this book is all about.
Wow, I love your perspective through your story, Laura. Bob does a great job with this book. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Hey Adam,
Alright, you’ve nabbed me at the tail end and perhaps my arm is being twisted. It wouldn’t be a first! I’m opting for Start, by Jon Acuff. I think it’s a great tool for the present season and I’ve heard a host of good things about him and the book through various groups on Facebook. I’m sure I’ll benefit greatly from its message and inspire others as a result.
Thank you for your generosity! 🙂
Absolutely, Sarah. It’s such a great read. thanks for taking the time to stop by today.
Just saw him at Willow Creek leadership summit and he blew my socks off
Nice! Love what Willow Creek does with that.
Adam, thanks for tweeting about this contest. I’d like to read Love Does. Sounds like Goff is a great story teller. And, anything that makes “faith simple and real” already sounds inspiring.
You’re welcome, Kevin. In his book, he really does tell great stories and lives up to the promise of, “faith simple and real.” Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Hi Adam!!! I would love to win, Love and Respect For A Lifetime (Gift Version) by Emerson Eggerichs
It seems tho me that God gave me my wife got a reason…..any way that I can honor, respect, or love her more is a great thing. I want to make sure that I am the type of husband God expects me to be, and she deserves!!
That’s so awesome Tony. Love when men take that role seriously and want to be the best that they can be. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Words make a difference. Your words made a difference. If those books made a difference to you then maybe they will make a difference to me, my customers, my friends and family. Any one of those books sounds like a great read because you make them sound interesting so I’m intetested 🙂
Please keep doing that!
Hi, Lee. Words definitely do make a difference. All of these books definitely made an impact on me. Thank you for taking the time to stop by.
Thanks to everyone who entered. I have emailed the winners. Congrats to those who won, but for those of you who didn’t, please add these books to your reading list as these books will impact you in some way. I will also be doing more giveaways in the future. Thanks again for stopping by.
I love all of the selections! Someone just recommended the Punch Fear in the Face book to me very recently. I’ll have to start with that one.
I am interested in:
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt
Thanks,
j