Deep Work by Cal Newport

The best guide I've read on how to navigate the current landscape of constant distractions that we impose on ourselves. Newport makes the case for limiting your exposure to all kinds of online distractions and instead do the work.
It is both inspirational and highly convincing at the same time. You can't afford not to read this one.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

A fantastic book about a young gymnasts spiritual journey and awakening. Read and re-read. It shook me and made me think of what I really value in life. Perhaps it can do the same for you.

10% Happier by Dan Harris

The story of news-anchor Dan Harris and his discovery of meditation as a way to handle his anxiety and increase overall satisfaction in life. Many people start out as sceptics when it comes to the area of meditation or spirituality in general. Therefore Harris' story is incredibly helpful as it shows in real-time how the author is convinced about the utility of the practice.

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

I recommend the audio version of this book, read by Sivers himself. This is a short listen, not much more than one hour, but packed with so many valuable lessons about building a company with customer satisfaction as the main goal. Even just the insights in the chapter "Why I gave my company to charity" is worth your money for this one.

The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker

Don't let the title put you off. Drucker's definition of an executive is basically anyone that makes decisions in an organization. The parts on how to get the right things done also applies largely to anyone working for themselves.
What I like is that the focus on the strength of individuals, rather than on the weaknesses. There are concrete recommendations for how to approach certain things, for example promoting employees, where Drucker says to ask these four questions to oneself regarding the employee:

• "What has he [or she] done well?"
• "What, therefore, is he likely to be able to do well?"
• "What does he have to learn or to acquire to be able to get the full benefit from his strength?"
• "If he had a son or daughter, would I be willing to have him or her work under this person?"
  • "If yes, why?"
  • "If no, why?"

Open by Andre Agassi

Agassi was drilled by his ruthless father from a young age to become the best tennis player in world. He succeeded, but this is the story of what it cost. Agassi's rebel mentality is both entertaining to read about and inspirational.

Stoner by John Williams

A beautiful, epic, slow-moving tale of the life of a scholar and teacher. It gives that kind of swindling, zoomed-out view of what a life can be; full of dissapointments, but also with glimmers of hope and moments of pure joy.