And it will likely grow more in 2008.

Lynn Terry started an interesting meme titled My 2007 Book List which got me thinking about the books I purchased and read in 2007. After perusing my Amazon order list, I realized it wasn’t the only place I was plunking down cold hard cash for reading materials.

I also shopped at Borders, Books A Million (the outlet store has some great deals on remainders), and Barnes & Noble. Not to mention the occasional online ebook purchase. But, for the sake of keeping things simple, I’m going to limit the list to my Amazon purchases — brace yourselves; this is not a short list.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Mr. Gerber has an inimitable writing style, especially when it comes to business writing. He’s mastered the art of weaving an entertaining story to get his point across without diminishing the lesson. More than a few times I found myself nodding in agreement and sighing aha just under my breath. A must have book for anyone looking to start and run their own business. (By the way, E stands for entrepreneurial and not electronic.)

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design by Jason Beaird

A primer for anyone wishing to design a website. While it’s not a definitive guide to the art, it does cover the basics of design such as color, composition, and texture and how it translates to web design.

Designing the Obvious: A Common Sense Approach to Web Application Design by Robert Hoekman Jr.

As I get more into developing plugins and scripts which are designed to make life a bit easier, I figured it was only right that I invest in such a book and take its instruction to heart. Thank goodness it’s not a thick or boring book, so it makes it an easy read and an especially easy reference guide. However, if you’re not planning on building any web applications, you probably won’t need it.

AJAX and PHP: Building Responsive Web Applications by Cristian Darie, Bogdan Brinzarea, Filip Chereches-Tosa, and Mihai Bucica

Gotta be honest with you, I only made it half way through this book. I simply became too busy, put it down, and just never picked it back up again. This may change in 2008 as I am finding myself more inclined to learn about AJAX.

CSS Pocket Reference* by Eric Meyer

This is a lifesaver in pocket-book form. Although I’ve memorized a tremendous number of CSS selectors and their accepted properties and values, there are still plenty more I didn’t have memorized (or even knew existed for that matter). So, whenever I have a senior moment while coding up some CSS, I simply whip out this little book and save a few strands of hair in the process. Just as a special note, this book will not teach you CSS, it’s just a reference.

* I originally purchased the 2nd edition and gave it away later that year when I upgraded to the 3rd edition.

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier

Having watched Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, I formed a new respect for Sidney Poitier. That respect grew into a desire to learn more about him and his thought process. Although it was an autobiography, it was as though I was sitting on the porch listening to the grandfather I never knew offer me the sagest of advice for living my life by telling me about his own. The gentle, nurturing voice in this book tends to linger on the soul after each reading. Great inspiration if you’re in need of it.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

Whenever I start deluding myself into thinking I can do it all, I grab this book and re-read all the sections I’ve marked as important. Why? This is such a handy reminder that growing a business is not a "single person" job — outsource, outsource, outsource. In fact, I’ve been referencing this book a lot more since 2008 started because this is the year I intend to outsource more of the work I would normally take on. It’s rare that I come across a book on business that makes me giggle, but this book wins hands down.

Just one thing you should be aware of before you put it on your shopping list: you’ll either hate it or love it. Tim is very intense and it comes through in his writing. Frankly, I loved it and appreciated his blunt and sometimes comical voice, but some people may find it hard to relate.

Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design by Andy Clarke, Molly E. Holzschlag, Aaron Gustafson, and Mark Boulton

Pure eye candy and inspiration in a glossy binding. This book is not for those just starting with HTML or CSS because you could become lost in the techniques, workflow, and CSS 3 (yes, three) discussion. But, if you’re already in love with web standards and CSS, then this is a must have on your bookshelf.

My War: Killing Time in Iraq by Colby Buzzell

Rarely do books make me cry. In fact, the last book I remember that made me cry was The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold which I read a couple years ago. But, My War made me cry and laugh all within the same page. This one soldier’s perspective of the war brought the whole thing down to a human level. It made the war real for me as opposed to what’s seen on the news or heard on the radio. He had bad days and he had less than bad days and he brought us all along for the ride. By the way, it’s also an excellent example of how someone can transform his blog into a book.

What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter

Planning to participate in NaNoWriMo this year? Great, go get yourself a copy of this book to get the creative juices flowing early. Although you should ideally write each day, I look at this as my weekend exercise book. When I have a quiet afternoon at home, I like to flip through it and select an exercise, then write for a few hours.

The Pocket Muse: Ideas & Inspirations for Writing by Monica Wood

In a way, this book’s layout seems like a contrived attempt at scatterbrained creativity. In some instances, it works. But when it doesn’t work, it really doesn’t work. For the most part, though, I enjoy the exercises and how they make me stop and think before I sit down to write.

Complete Guide to Self Publishing by Tom & Marilyn Ross

When this book first landed on my doorstep, I was overwhelmed by its size (500+ pages). But, after thumbing through it and then sitting down to read it and mark off important pages for future reference, I was in awe of the detail — from setting up your business to book layout and design to obtaining an ISBN to marketing the book. This book isn’t just for offline publishing; it’s a wonderful reference tool for any self-published author who wants to do things the right way the first time around.

What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting by Ted Demopoulos

Are interviews your thing? Well, then you’re in for a treat; this book is simply one giant compilation of interviews — sort of. Each blogger wrote about one to two pages on their lessons learned about blogging and podcasting. Some are better than others, but each of them contain their own unique bit of wisdom. Overall, I probably picked up a good tip (that wasn’t already common sense) from about 30 of the 100 bloggers interviewed. Not bad by any means.

Living Out Loud by Keri Smith

This is how creative chaos should be done. The book is well laid out, fun, and the prompts to get you up and about are easy for anyone to follow. I will say, however, that women will probably be more inclined to use the book than men. Not to say that men can’t find inspiration from it, but they may be put off by all the feminine nuances.

Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith

My 2nd ever review on Amazon was about this journal — in fact, the review became "the most helpful favorable review". It received 5 stars from me and it deserved every one of them. It still smells like roses and coffee. And just for good measure, here’s a snapshot of my completely wrecked journal. (Reminder to self: you still need to run over it with your car.)


(If you’d like to see the barista getting involved, see the entry on my personal blog.)

52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity by Jeffrey Yamaguchi

Only about 10 of the random acts appealed to me. This book speaks more towards people trapped in the cubicle (or desk job) lifestyle as opposed to those people who work from home or run their own businesses. Despite that, there are definitely some great tips designed to inspire. In fact, I’m planning on hopping a train — it will be my first train ride ever — to some random location this weekend just to take some photos. That should be fun.

Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create, Collect, Swap by Bernie Berlin

I have another confession to make: I had no idea what artist trading cards were when I purchased this book. The only reason I picked it up was because Amazon suggested it, it seemed like fun, I was looking to get back into my art, and the reviews cinched it. By the time I got this book, drawing seemed like a foreign act to me. Luckily this book helped to rekindle my love and it also showed me how easy it is to become addicted to these small works of art. It started with a few quick doodles in my sketchbook, then grew into something prolonged and meaningful. It also helped that I purchased Wreck This Journal (see above) at roughly the same time which also helped me get back into a creative groove.

Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat by Michael Masterson

When I was a young girl, my mother always told me If you can’t find something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Since I’m only a few chapters in, I sincerely hope I can find something more than "this author really, really loves himself and his accomplishments" by the time I’m finished reading it. (Although I ordered this book in 2007, it was a pre-order and didn’t actually arrive until sometime last week.)

Special Bonus Selection

And for good measure, here are 5 books from 2006 that I highly recommend every writer invest in, whether you’re a weekend blogger or hoping to make a profession of it.

The Classic Guide to Better Writing by Rudolf Flesch

A lead by example approach to writing. All the techniques discussed in the book are followed up by excellent examples to drive the point home. Absolute best primer when it comes to writing well.

Line by Line: How to Edit Your Own Writing by Claire Kehrwald Cook

Timeless advice for editing your own writing. Although I’ve not mastered everything she discusses, I’m working on it and I often reference this book when I’m editing my ebooks and other publications.

On Writing by Stephen King

Not your average book about writing by any stretch of the imagination. But, what did you expect from Stephen King? Don’t worry, there isn’t much blood, guts, or gore in this "memoir of the craft". It does, however, contain some down to earth advice and assurances. King has a surprisingly conversational style that is inviting and settling, even to the novice writer. I should probably mention that this isn’t so much a reference book as it is a book to read if you need a reminder that becoming a writer is a progression and even the "big guys" had to start somewhere (and they get writer’s block, too).

The Dictionary of Concise Writing by Robert Hartwell Fiske

This is certainly not my favorite book on writing, or writing concisely, however, it does serve quite a useful purpose.

* I currently own the first edition and will be upgrading to the 2nd edition soon. That means I’ll be giving away my 1st edition copy; just pay shipping and handling ($10 anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States for USPS Flat-rate Priority Mail). If you’d like the 1st edition book, just let me know — first come, first served.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

You need this book. Is that plain and concise enough? For a book that’s less than 100 pages, it is one of my most referenced books on writing, second only to the dictionary.

If you’ve made it this far, I commend you. In fact, you deserve some sort of prize because I’m sure reading through the list was no small feat. In any event, I certainly hope it inspired you expand your own library in 2008.