The Travel Brats

Good To Great by Jim Collins

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Good+To+Great+by+Jim+Collins&qid=1594662891&sr=8-2

The Art of Closing the Sale by Brian Tracy

https://www.amazon.com/Closing-Sale-Brian-Tracy-2012-03-12/dp/B017MYT7SW/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+Art+of+Closing+the+Sale+by+Brian+Tracy&qid=1594662806&sr=8-2

Zero to One - Peter Thiel

https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Zero+to+One+-+Peter+Thiel&qid=1595359734&sr=8-2

Entrepreneurial Leap - Gino Wickman

https://www.amazon.com/Leap-Have-Takes-Become-Entrepreneur/dp/1948836815/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Entrepreneurial+Leap+-+Gino+Wickman&qid=1595359758&sr=8-3

Traction - Gino Wickman https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661845/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Traction+-+Gino+Wickman&qid=1595359782&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTElaM0JaTUZINUNQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODkwNTY1MUk2MjVZRDZSUlg0WiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODYwMTUzMVg3OFg3WjczMktSMyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

  https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Outliers+-+Malcolm+Gladwell&qid=1595359803&sr=8-2

Financial Intelligence - Karen Berman & Joe Knight https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Intelligence-Revised-Managers-Knowing/dp/1422144119/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Financial+Intelligence+-+Karen+Berman+%26+Joe+Knight&qid=1595359828&sr=8-

Marketing to Gen Z - Jeff Fromm & Angie Reed https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Gen-Vast-Different-Generation-Influencers/dp/0814439276/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Marketing+to+Gen+Z+-+Jeff+Fromm+%26+Angie+Reed&qid=1595359857&sr=8-2

The Personal MBA - Josh Kaufman https://www.amazon.com/Personal-MBA-Master-Art-Business/dp/1591845572/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+Personal+MBA+-+Josh+Kaufman&qid=1595359875&sr=8-2

The Startup Checklist - Dave Rose

https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Business-QuickStart-Guide-Entrepreneurial/dp/1945051825/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=the+startup+checklist+dave+rose&qid=1595421379&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySE85Q1A1ODFOM0xWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODA0NDcyMlNJWUlFTjZBT1AwSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDgxMjUzM0FGWEZMWUtTUVVJNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Lean Analytics - Alistair Croll & Ben Yoskovitz https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Analytics-Better-Startup-Faster/dp/1449335675/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Lean+Analytics+-+Alistair+Croll+%26+Ben+Yoskovitz&qid=1595421400&sr=8-2

Talk Like TED - Carmine Gallo https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Like-TED-Public-Speaking-Secrets/dp/1250061539/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Talk+Like+TED+-+Carmine+Gallo&qid=1595421422&sr=8-2

E-Myth - Micharl Gerber https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Chief-Financial-Officer-Businesses/dp/0983500142/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=e-myth+-+michael+gerber&qid=1595421462&sr=8-3

Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Complete-Original/dp/125021534X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Think+and+Grow+Rich+-+Napoleon+Hill&qid=1595421484&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRE41UkpZN0VNU0pLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzU2MjgzMTdXWTZHSFEyQlVaUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTk1Nzc1MVRVMjdESVRBOVVBOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

The Fourth Turning - Neil Howe & William Strauss https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Turning-American-Prophecy-Rendezvous/dp/0767900464/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Fourth+Turning+-+Neil+Howe+%26+William+Strauss&qid=1595421500&sr=8-1

MONEY Master the Game - Tony Robbins https://www.amazon.com/MONEY-Master-Game-Financial-Freedom/dp/1476757860/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=MONEY+Master+the+Game+-+Tony+Robbins&qid=1595424686&sr=8-2

Quit and Get Rich - Karl Gibbons

Leadership Crisis by John Allison (bb&t principles)

The Present by Spencer Johnson

Eat the Rich by PJ O’Rouke 

The startup checklist: 25 steps to a scalable, high-growth business

The leadership Challenge: Kouzes Posner

Entrepreneurship The Art of the Unknown by Lauren Black Schwarz

Lean Analytics by O’Reily

Travel Brats asked: Where are we discussing today?

Andrew: Shediac New Brunswick, Canada

Travel Brats asked: How many times have you been there? Would you consider yourself a regular? How did you start going there?

Andrew: I’ve been going at least once a year since I was 4, so I’d say, I know my way around. My grandma on my mom’s side is from there and she’s one of 10. I have a ton of family that lives there. 

Travel Brats asked: What’s it like there?

Andrew said: It is a tiny fishing town with only like 2 stop lights. It’s a very slow pace, relaxed vibe there. 

FUN FACTS: self proclaimed lobster capital of the world, more lobsters come out of this region of water than anywhere else in the world, it has the warmest waters north of virginia

Travel Brats asked: What are some of the best things to do there?

• World’s largest lobster statue https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/6632
• Shopping https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g154961-Activities-c26-Shediac_New_Brunswick.html
• Local breweries 
  •  pump house https://www.pumphousebrewery.ca/
• Farmer markets

BLUEBERRY PICKING https://ca.pickyourown.farm/farms/shediac-nb/blueberries/

Travel Brats asked: What are the best Outdoors Activities?

• Tree Go
• Canoeing/ Kayaking
• Water sports - skiing wake boarding tubing
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Cohoging

Travel Brats asked: What are some Must Sees/ Hidden Gems?

• Fundy National Park - 45 mins out https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/fundy

Travel Brats asked: Best places to stay?

• Abnb all day https://www.airbnb.com/shediac-canada/stays

Places to Eat 

• The tate house/ farmer markets - breakfast http://www.maisontaithouse.com/
• Chez Leo - lunch/ dinner https://www.chezleo.ca/
• Chez Gabrielle - Dinner https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g154961-d1895921-Reviews-Gabriele_Hotel_Restaurant_Auberge_Gabriele_Inn-Shediac_New_Brunswick.html

Other cool places to visit

• Prince Edwards Island https://www.tourismpei.com/
• Nova Scotia - Hallafax https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-go/regions/halifax-metro
• Titanic Museum https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/titanic-unsinkable-ship-and-halifax

Thank you so much to Andrew for sharing his insights on all things Canada, and now we can’t wait until we get to plan our trip to the North. Have you ever been to Canada? If you have any questions, reach out to any of us. 

Follow Andrew on IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrewjmorgan/

Follow Travel Brats on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelbrats/

1. Push My Luck by Chainsmokers, 
2. Faith by Galantis and Dolly Partin
3. Beautiful People Remix by Ed Sheeran and Khalid (NOTD)
4. Hopes remix by don diablo by panic at the disco
5. You Mine by NOTD and Shy martin
6. Tie Me Down by Gryffin 
7. Happy Now by Kygo and Sandra Cavazza Remix R3hab
8. This Feelings by Chainsmokers and Kelsey Ballerine (Young Bombs Remix)
9. Not Alright by Bryce Vine
10. Body by Loud Luxury
11. Happy Now by Kygo and Sandra Cavazza Remix R3hab
12. Know No Better by Major Lazer ft Travis Scott, ULTRA
13. Particular (feat Dj Maphorisa)
14. Closer by Chainsmokers

Travel  Brats asked: What kinds of trips would you recommend for going to Alberta? 

Natalie: It’s great for family trips, couple retreats, honeymoons, and even an extended get away.

Travel Brats asked: Can you explain a little bit where is Albert and the Surrounding areas of Alberta?
 

◦ East side of the rockies
 

◦ Central and Southern Alberta
 

Travel Brats asked: What are the Best Things To Do Outside?
 

◦ Discovery Canyon -- water tubing in red deer https://www.travelalberta.com/us/listings/discovery-canyon-10610/
 

◦ The badlands - Hoodoos of Drumheller https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/road-trips/canadian-badlands/#:~:text=Today%2C%20fertile%20plains%20suddenly%20drop,dinosaur%20bones%20in%20the%20world.
 

◦ GO TO THE ROCKIES (Jasper/Banff/Waterton) https://www.travelalberta.com/us/places-to-go/canadian-rockies/
 

◦ Lakes (Lake Louise) https://www.banfflakelouise.com/lake-louise
 

◦ Beautiful scenery 
 

◦ Skiing - a few places near Red Deer, but the best will be in the rockies (Banff) https://www.snowpak.com/alberta/best-ski-resorts
 

◦ Hiking
 

▪ Waskasoo trail (this is in Red Deer, but there are a TON in the rockies) https://www.reddeer.ca/media/reddeerca/about-red-deer/map-catalogue/parks-and-trails/Waskasoo-Trails-Map-2014-11x17-LoRes.pdf
 

◦ Camping - there are many camping grounds all over Central and Western Alberta https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/find-a-park/
 

Travel Brats asked: What are some fun facts about Alberta and Canda?
 

◦ Surprising Facts - it’s pretty much all farm land! Except the Rockies 
 

◦ Provinces (10), territories (3)
 

◦ Largest Mall in North America - West Edmonton Mallhttps://www.wem.ca/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
 

◦ Calgary Stampede https://www.calgarystampede.com/

 

• Travel Brats asked: What are some historical facts about Alberta?

◦ Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump (toward the mountains in the foothills) https://headsmashedin.ca/
 

◦ Black Foot Tribe https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/blackfoot-nation
 

• Places to Stay
 

◦ Cabins
 

◦ Quaint hotels (rustic)
 

For more information on Alberta, stay tuned for Part 2. Follow Natalie on IG and follow along the Travel Brats podcasting journey.

Tampa is made up of several parts and neighborhoods. Some of the best places to visit are: 

-Downtown Tampa https://www.tampasdowntown.com/

-South Tampa/ Bayshore https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34678-d147138-Reviews-Bayshore_Boulevard-Tampa_Florida.html

-Ybor City https://yborcityonline.com/

-Citrus Park https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/citrus-park-hillsborough-fl/

Exciting Places to Hang Out

BREWERIES

-Tampa Bay Brewing Co. (Ybor and Westchase) https://www.tbbc.beer/home

-Coppertail Brewing Co. (Ybor, right across the street from IKEA) https://coppertailbrewing.com/

-Brew Bus Brewing (they have busses that take you all over Tampa to different breweries) https://brewbususa.com/

-Cigar City Brewing Co. (South Tampa) https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

-Six/Ten Brewing (Central Tampa by the airport) https://www.sixtenbrewing.com/

Fun Parks and things to do outside

-Hillsborough River State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-park

-Busch Gardens https://buschgardens.com/tampa/tickets/theme-park-tickets/?utm_source=google&utm_id=go_cmp-1488418546_adg-57107059186_ad-441700882502_kwd-92805455_dev-c_ext-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrrLyvqaU6gIVB0WGCh2zGgF7EAAYASAAEgI4V_D_BwE

-Adventure Island https://adventureisland.com/?utm_source=google&utm_id=go_cmp-1736156326_adg-77120006152_ad-374911442314_kwd-301868999751_dev-c_ext-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrtGkyKaU6gIVDE2GCh0oaADPEAAYASAAEgIrRPD_BwE

-Bayshore Blvd trails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/bayshore-boulevard#:~:text=Bayshore%20Boulevard%20is%20a%208.8,must%20be%20kept%20on%20leash.

-Water Works https://www.tampagov.net/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/waterworks

-Hyde Park https://hydeparkvillage.com/

-Armature Works https://armatureworks.com/

-Lowry Park Zoo https://zootampa.org/visitor-info/?utm_source=madden&utm_medium=googlegrantcpc&utm_campaign=dmflzoot&utm_content=visitorinfo&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIloPu8qaU6gIVE2KGCh0M9gMJEAAYASAAEgLjQfD_BwE

-Centro Ybor (Historic District)  https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/ybor_city_historic_district.html

-Sparkman’s Warff https://sparkmanwharf.com/

-Channelside https://www.813area.com/tampa/channelside/

Sporting Events: 

-Amalie Arena--hockey games, students who show up in Lightning apparel and present ID can get into the “student rush” where they will place you in empty seats. You could be sitting right behind the glass. https://www.amaliearena.com/

-Raymond James Stadium-- football games, should be a lot more popular now because of Brady and Gronk http://raymondjamesstadium.com/

Hidden Gems:

-Bru-- a 16 tap taproom that sells beers from only Florida Breweries. They have games and trivia. They are dog friendly, kid friendly and have a kombucha and cold brew for non-alcoholic options https://www.brufl.com/

-Maloney's Irish Pub--Wednesdays are $7 burgers...THE BEST BURGERS and they have trivia that night as well https://www.maloneyslocalirishpub.com/

-The Floridian-- the best Cbuan sandwich around (we make the Cuban sandwich with pork, swiss cheese, mustard, pickles and SALAMI) https://floridanpalace.com/

-Burger Culture-- a food truck that serves fresh burgers to order. They have a great fries too https://tampaharley.com/en/check-out-our-burger-culture-menu

-Breakout Games Escape Room- the best escape room I have been to ever https://breakoutgames.com/tampa

-Loli’s Tacos-- authentic tacos that are served in a little shack, I always take it to go and eat it in the brewery down the road https://www.lolismexicancravings.com/

-Eddie and Sam N.Y. Pizza https://www.eddieandsamspizza.com/

-Mott and Hester’s Deli--best cheese ziti and meaty sandwiches https://www.mottandhesterdeli.com/

- Front Porch and Bart’s Tavern-- located in a two story Victorian house on Florida Ave. they have string lights and awesome live music https://frontporchgrill.com/

Places to Eat -- 

-Ulele- the best macaroni and cheese in Tampa (won several awards) https://www.ulele.com/

-Datz- a deli that serves really eclectic food from sandwiches to bacon stuffed meatloaf. They also have a chocolate shop that makes awesome little truffles and a bakery called Datz Dough (two locations one Downtown Tampa and the other in St. Pete) https://datztampa.com/

-Columbia Restaurant- famous for their 1905 salad and amazing traditional cuban food (Ybor) https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

-Oxford Exchange- https://oxfordexchange.com/

-Daily Eats- super fancy but diner-like food serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34678-d794024-Reviews-Daily_Eats-Tampa_Florida.html

-Green Lemon https://www.opentable.com/green-lemon

-Bern’s Steakhouse and Dessert Room you can just do dessert if you want https://bernssteakhouse.com/harry-waugh-dessert-room/

-King of the Coop- Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant https://www.kingofthecoop.com/

-Bahama Bucks- shaved ice https://www.bahamabucks.com/

-Jeremiah’s - Italian ice https://jeremiahsice.com/locations/south-tampa

- Michael’s Grill-- really great authentic italian food https://michaelsgrill.com/

Thanks for tuning in everyone, we appreciate Hannah for sharing her insights about the best places to visit in Tampa!

Jayson is Ashley’s life long friend from her hometown in Lowell, IN. Ashley moved to FL almost 7 years ago and Jayson ventured out West almost 4 years ago to attend school. He now lives in Scripts Ranch in San Diego, California and really living out his musical dreams.

He gave us some background about San Diego by saying, “It’s a unique, different vibe. You can go 15 minutes in either direction and be at the beach or in the mountains. It’s crazy how just 30 minutes away and you can be in snow. It’s also pretty big, and the traffic can be a hassle and unpredictable. It’s not normal rush hour traffic like we think of.”

We asked about Renting A Car and he said, “If you are staying out far from the center of San Diego, you may want a car, but it’s really easy to get around and there is Uber and Lyft that you can use.”

We asked, “When is the best time to visit San Diego?”

He said, “The worst time to come is during the summer months!!!!” Listen to the podcast to find out why.

We asked, “What are your favorite things to do there? Do you have any local hacks for things to do? Any festivals? Things people wouldn’t know to check out?”

He said, “CONCERTS EVERYWHERE! There are like 17-18 venues and here are some of his favorites:

• House of blues https://www.houseofblues.com/sandiego
• Observatory in north park https://www.observatorysd.com
• Bang bang  https://bangbangsd.com/
• Soma, Where Jay met Billie Ellish
• https://www.ticketmaster.com/soma-tickets-san-diego/venue/82073
• Farmer’s Markets 
  • Little Italy, biggest and best 
  • https://www.littleitalysd.com/events/mercato
• Kayaking Lajolla Cove-- seals https://www.lajollakayak.com/
• Mount SoleDad (Mountain overlooking San Diego)  https://www.gosandiego.com/mount-soledad/
• Border to Tijuana Mexico 

Okay we love talking about hidden gems -- what can’t we miss there? ^^^

For the hot spots at night, here are Jay’s top picks!

• Shore Club (Red Bull Vodka Slushie) https://pbshoreclub.com/
• El Perez https://elprezpb.com/
• Downtown 
  • Moonshine (country bar) https://www.moonshineflats.com/

The Travel Brats love to find out the best places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so we have options. Here are Jay’s must haves: 

Breakfast: Lahaina Pacific Beach https://www.yelp.com/biz/lahaina-beach-house-san-diego

Great Maple https://thegreatmaple.com/

Morning Glory https://morningglorybreakfast.com/

Lunchy: 

Gringas -- Taco Food Truck https://www.yelp.com/biz/gringas-tacos-and-catering-san-diego

Rocky’s Crowne Pub -- http://rockyburgers.com/

Good Onya -- organic place https://goodonyaorganic.com/

Din din:

Ballast Point Beer IPA https://ballastpoint.com/

Tajima -- Eatery https://tajimasandiego.com/home-4/tajima-convoy/

Island Prime -- good ass steak right on the harbour https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime

When staying in San Diego, he recommended finding a cool Airbnb to stay at:

https://www.airbnb.com/san-diego-ca/stays

Now go adventure, be safe, and have fun!!!!! 

Reka was born and raised in Budapest before moving to Tampa for school. She speaks multiple languages and gave us a lot of insight about how the younger generations are speaking more languages, whereas the older generations are more commonly Hungarian speakers. While in school, she was learning at least three languages at a time, English being one of them. 

Travel Brats: Can you describe Budapest? What’s it like there?

Reka said: It’s a combo of history and great architecture. There are a lot of things to do for going out and there’s an active night life. It’s also a good mix between touristy and a local environment. 

Travel Brats: Is it Hungary a big country?

Reka said: It’s a Fairly smaller country, about 10 million people live, but Reka grew up in Budapest 

So it’s Budapest, and then there’s the rest of the country. Budapest is the largest city in Hungary, 2 million people. 

Travel Brats asked: What are your favorite places around Hungary?

Reka: There are smaller towns with tons of history about Budapest, bordering Austria and Slovakia so it’s great for day and weekend trips. 

Travel Brats: What’s it like crossing the borders in Europe?

Reka: It’s very, very easy to do, just checking passports and you’re on your way.

Travel Brats: What kind of currency does Budapest use? 

Reka: It’s surprisingly not the Euro, it’s called the Hungarian Forint. The cost of living is cheaper than in the US.

Travel Brats: What’s the best way to get around the country?

• Reka: Don’t need a car to get around, traffic, parking is difficult 
• Public Transportations or taxis if you need to
• Trains (3 big train stations, double check where you are leaving from, buy ticket online)
• Backpacking -- buy train ticket and it’s valid for a week, 2 weeks, a month

Travel Brats: When is the best time to visit Budapest?

Reka: Summertime is more popular for tourists, it’s a dry heat, and awesome festivals. Winter -- it’s very pretty, christmas market, below freezing temperatures 

Travel Brats: What are must do’s when you are in Budapest?

Reka: Some Sightseeing activities are: 

• Touristy things -- 
• Parliament
• Chain Bridge
• Budacastle (Sofia)
• Seasonal vs. permanent
• Fisherman’s Architecture Place: very cool church
• Hero’s Square 3 museums
• Zoo, lake, arch museum (during the winter, they turn the lakes into an ice skating rink)
• Ferris Wheel, during the summer 
• Downtown Budapest
• Festivals + Artsy + Historical
  • Statue of Liberty

Travel Brats: Best places to Eat?

Reka: Everyone eats at home, not so much fast food, and my family cooks a ton for me when I’m home. There are tons of little pastries places that I love. Some restaurants are:

• Hungarikum Bisztró: https://hungarikumbisztro.hu/en/home/
• Dobrumba: https://dobrumba.hu
• Babel Budapest: https://babel-budapest.hu/en/

Signature Liquor:  Palinka and Spicy Wine

Travel Brats: Where should we stay in Budapest? 

Reka: The Hotels downtown are nice and breakfast included or if you are traveling on a budget, there are really cute and fun airbnbs, close to downtown. https://www.airbnb.com/budapest-hungary/stays

Travel Brats: What are your tips to stay safe?

Reka: 

• Common sense, still pretty busy at night, don’t walk around by yourself at night, call a cab (no Ubers) 
• During the day, don’t leave your purse or backpack open, for pickpocketing 
• PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN THE TRAIN CLOSES, wouldn’t recommend taking the night buses -- it’s longer, and can be sketchy 
• Keep cash on you 

A huge thank you to Reka for being our guest and sharing her insight about Budapest and Hungary. Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to follow along our journeys on IG!

Over the past month, Sofia and Ashley have been compiling a list of all the best books and authors to share with the Travel Brats Tribe. We’ve asked friends, family, and our listeners for what books they love and why, so now we have a big list of some of the greatest novels of all time. We’ve got a little bit of everything from nonfiction to historical fiction to mystery to romance, so delve on into our comprehensive book recommendations.

Top picks for NONFICTION:

1. Dreams of Eldorado: A History of the American West. By W.H. Brand

     This overview of the history of the West is exciting and beautifully written. Lewis and Clark, The Texas Revolution, California Gold Rush, wild San Francisco, Building the Trans-Continental Rail Road, over  the Sierras and across the plains which are  filled with Indians, one-armed John John Westly Powell leading the first expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, John Coulter discovering  Yellowstone and the Tetons( in mid-winter), all incredible, separate stories that, in combination,  depict what the West was like and why it is still so much a part of the American spirit.

1. The Second World Wars By Victor Davis Hanson

     You may be wondering how someone could write anything new about WWII. But Dr.Hanson does. He has a commanding understanding of the grand strategy and tactics of each combatant nation, their strengths, and weaknesses, economically and militarily, who had the best weapons, how geography affected battles, and much more. It is just a very creative explanation of  the overall inexorability of the of the Allied victory (as long as they didn’t make too many blunders). If you would like a shorter and lighter example of what an inspiring writer Dr.Hanson is, try The Savior Generals, which shows how important leadership can be(examples in the book are: William Tecumseh Sherman, Mathew Ridgeway, and David Petraeus).

1. A Team of Rivals  By Doris Kearns Goodwin

 This is about Abraham Lincoln and the brilliant men he chose for his cabinet, nearly all of whom wanted his job. There good mini-biographies of each cabinet member and his relationship with Lincoln. The most revealing is the relation with William Seward, who, brilliant in his own right, initially was Lincoln’s biggest rival and most severe critic. But Seward is smart enough to quickly realize that   Lincoln is in a class of his own and is far and away from the best man for the difficult times ahead. How Seward then becomes Lincoln’s most trusted and valuable advisor one of the great stories in this masterpiece.

1. The Thomas Sowell Reader: By Thomas Sowell

    This is a compilation of short essays explaining, with humor, wit, and logic, how economics really works in our everyday lives. No graphs or equations,but clear lessons. Dr. Sowell has written many    

     other engaging and brilliant books, all recommended..

1. The Aviators By Winston Groom

    This is the story of the early days of aviation from before WWI through WWII as seen and lived by three remarkable aviation pioneers. Eddie Rickenbacker was a mechanic then race car driver ,who became America’s WWI ace fighter pilot. After the war , he founded and was president of Eastern Airlines, among other things. Jimmy Doolittle not only led the early air raid on Tokyo in WWII, he was a  pioneer in developing and flight testing aviation instrumentation. Charles Lindberg is known for being the first person to solo the Atlantic, but he also flew 40 combat missions as a civilian in WWII and greatly improved fighter plane engine performance. This is great adventure.

 Top FICTION Picks

Open Season: By C.J. Box 

This is the first in a series of mysteries about game warden, Joe Pickett as he solves mysteries in the rugged mountains of Wyoming. Well plotted stories with engaging character development and great descriptions of the Wyoming wilderness.

The Black Echo: By Michael Connelly

This is the first in a series about police detective Harry Bosch. These mysteries are filled with rich, detailed descriptions of the grittier sides of LA, along with police department political intrigue and multiple plots. The have a compelling feeling of authenticity. The author was a police reporter before he started writing fiction.

South of Broad: By Pat Conroy

 He has written so many great books, that it is difficult to pick just one. Most are about the South Carolina coastal region, and all are beautifully written with vivid description of this amazing area. South of Brond is his last and my favorite by an eyelash.

The Gods Themselves: BY Isaac Asimov. 

Dr. Asimov is one of the giants of the Golden Age of science fiction. This book is perhaps even more timely today ( about free clean energy) than when it was published in 1972. It consists of three stories,one the near the future on earth, one a beautifully described alternative universe, and lastly, a very plausible story on our moon after it is colonized. All stories seem totally independent until the end. This is engaging and imaginative writing and would be a great introduction to science fiction.

War and Peace: By Leo Tolstoy

This really is a fun and exciting read with sweeping grandeur and lots of subplots. Not at all dull like most books that are” classics”. OK it is long.-even better. A miniseries in one volume.

Think of it as Downton Abbey in Russia,in the middle of a war. It will not take you 5 years to read. Promise!

Top Picks for Fiction Continued 

1.  Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

     This is a story of the relationship between a widower and a widow  who are in their 70's.  They are acquainted as neighbors in a small rural town in eastern Colorado. This is a bittersweet tale of two lonely people who get to know each other better; sharing thoughts and feelings during the night which they agree can be so terribly lonely.  A beautiful story of second chances unfolds in this author's last book before his death.

2.  A Painted House by John Grisham

     This is a story narrated by a 7-year old farm boy(Luke) who lives in Arkansas with his parents & grandparents in a house that has never been painted. The family has a hard life picking cotton on an 80 acre farm that they rent. They have to hire Mexican  immigrants and hill people from the Ozarks to help them at harvest time. This book is referred to as a  "real slice of Americana" with vivid descriptions of life in the rural South in the 1950's.   Young Luke has a dream of being a Major League baseball player and looks forward to listening to games on the radio.  While this novel portrays some of the mundane experiences of his life, it also includes some harsh realities and a loss of innocence that he experiences.  The author usually writes legal thrillers, none of which I read.  But I found John Grisham to be a superb storyteller.  And I found this book to be a moving story of a portion of a  young  boy's life.

3.  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Very Highly Recommended)

     This is a mesmerizing story of the richness of the North Carolina coastal marshlands and the disturbing story of a young woman who is abandoned by her parents and older siblings as a young child.  As the story unfolds we learn how she adapts and survives in the swamps with very little help from the outside world. And it also includes a love story and a murder-mystery tale.  So this book has a little bit of everything.  This book is so beautifully written and contains poetry and vivid descriptions of the Marsh where the entire story takes place.

4.  Just for good measure, I have to mention 3 other books by the author of my #1 selection--Kent Haruf.  They are:  Plainsong,  Where You Once Belonged  and  The Tie That Binds.  All three of these are compelling and compassionate novels set in the High Plains of Colorado. The author is an amazing storyteller who captures the everyday lives of various people in a small rural community.

Top Picks For Mystery, Drama, and Historical Fiction: 

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Ashley’s favorite book of all time, and has a first edition)
• Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Anne Burns (Suzi S/O)
• Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
• The Book Thief & I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
• The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn
• The Pilot’s Wife & Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve
• The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason
• The Tattooist of Aschwitz by Heather Morris
• Pachinko by Min Jinn Lee
• the Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks,
• The Irishman by Charles Brandt
• Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts,
• A Southern Family Gail Godwin
• My sister's Keeper and All the Small Things by Jodi Pidcolut,
• China rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

Best Authors Recommended:

• Pat Conroy
• James Michener
• Ernest Hemingway (Ashley loves him)
• Willa Cather
• Ferrol Sams
• Tom Wolfe
• CJ Box
• John Grisham
• Sue Grafton
• Kathy Reichs
• Peter Mayle
• Leon Uris
• James Patterson (Mysteries)

Top Series Picks

• Miss Marple series
• Hercule Poirot series --my favorite is Murder on the Orient Express 
• Harry Potter 
• The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz

OUR LISTENERS’ FAVORITE BOOKS (Thank you Hannah)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

19th century Gothic Romance novel that follows the hard life of Jane Eyre in her journey to meeting and falling in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester, but she runs into trouble when she realizes that Rochester is keeping his first wife hostage in their attic.

The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis

18th century Gothic Horror novel that follows much of the plot of a modern soap opera. This novel details the depraved nature of a monk who sells his soul to his cross-dressing friend who turns out to be a woman, who then turns out to be a demon sent from hell to tempt him. Through his deal with the demon he tries to fulfill his sexual desires toward a young woman in his village who ends up being his long lost sister. Churches burn, people are poisoned, raped, and trampled to death. Pretty saucy for the 1700’s. 

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

set in a dystopian, futuristic society (likely America) where reading is outlawed, anyone who owns a book is arrested, and the book is promptly burned. The citizens are held captive by cool technology and entertainment so they do not realize that the government is completely taking over their minds and stifling knowledge. 

Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee

set in an unnamed, futuristic society where members of “the Empire” are waiting to be attacked by “the Barbarians”. The main character ends up bringing a Barbarian girl to his home after she is captured and tortured by the Empire. There are lots of really weird, sexual bathing scenes, but ultimately, this novel is a commentary on racial injustice in South African apartheid. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

such a popular story, but many people have only seen the movie. If you read the book, you get to see the personalities of Darcy and Elizabeth so much clearer which makes their relationship so fun. 

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

this is a prequel to Jane Eyre that shows the origin story of Bertha, Rochester’s first wife and how she came to be “the mad-woman in the attic.” It made me cry.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

the 19th century Gothic/Horror story that many people know so well but have never actually read. Follows a team of vampire hunters led by a Dutch professor after Jonathan iis kidnapped and held hostage by Count Dracula. The team must race against time before Mina is forever un-dead and made to be Dracula’s wife. Super creepy, and uncomfortably sexual, lots of blood, kinda saucy. 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

another 19th century Gothic Romance novel with a much more sinister and creepy love interest. Lots of Ghosts, some weird love triangles, and lots of useless violence. Rad. 

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

arguably the best Dickens book. It’s about two men, one British and one French, fighting over the same girl during the French Revolution. 

Literally anything by Agatha Christie-- Christie is known as the “Queen of Murder” and she is the most widely published author of all time. She wrote 80 novels and short story collections and 19 plays. Here are my favorite titles of her work and plays:

• The Mousetrap-the longest running play in history
• And Then There Were None (also called Ten Little Indians)
• Appointment with Death
• The Hollow
• Witness for the Prosecution
• Towards Zero
• Verdict
• Go Back for Murder 

Honorable Mentions

• Prince of Tides
• Hawaii
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Betsey, A Memoir with Mark Vitulano
• Mademoiselle Chanel
• Atlas Obscure
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
• A Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

Thank you Sofia’s grandpa, Shelia, Sebastian, Caleigh, Jenny, Rachael, Hannah, and all of the wonderful people who made suggestions and recommendations! We love you! Enjoy and read on.