The Books That Shaped My Journey
Why You Should Read More If You Want to Write a Book
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book1—or even “just” changing your life—you might be surprised where it all begins.
It starts with reading.
Before I became a published author of The Freedom Project series, I was simply a guy trying to figure things out. Many people think authors have all the answers, but more often the process of writing a book helps an author find answers. I felt stuck, and was searching for true freedom in every sense of the word: freedom to travel, to live life on my terms, and eventually, to love and connect more deeply.
My books aren’t a collection of ‘thou-shalt’ instructions—they’re the sometimes not-so-pretty story of how I searched for answers and started building a life on my own terms.
Books became my lifeline. They were my teachers when I didn’t know who to ask, my inspiration when I felt stuck, and later, my compass when I started writing my own story. They say you’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with - in my case, those were often authors. You may not be able to go for coffee with someone you look up to, but you can buy their books, online courses, listen to their podcasts, or sign up for their blog.2
That’s why I put together a curated Reading List PDF, sharing the books that have had the biggest impact on my life, mindset, and creative work. It’s completely free, and you can download it here.
Why Reading More is the First Step to Writing Better
If you’re dreaming of writing your own book one day, let me give you one of the most important (yet most overlooked) tips:
📚 Writers read. A lot.
I always tell students in my Write a Book in a Week program: Before you focus on what you want to say, spend some time listening to what others have already said. Reading broadens your voice, sharpens your ideas, and shows you what’s possible.
But not just any reading will do. I’m not talking about mindless scrolling or clickbait. I’m talking about real, intentional reading. The kind of books that stay with you long after the last page.
That’s what this list is all about.
How These Books Inspired The Freedom Project Series
Every book in my reading list played a role in shaping The Freedom Project series.
When I wrote The Freedom Project: Travel, I wanted to share how travel can be more than a vacation—it can be a catalyst for transformation. Many of the books I read around that time helped me understand minimalism, intentional living, and designing a life around experiences, not things.
Later, The Freedom Project: Happiness was born from a deeper need to bring that sense of freedom home. I didn’t want to escape my life—I wanted to build one I didn’t need to escape from. That book was heavily influenced by titles on mindset, spirituality, and conscious living.
And then there’s Love 2.0, my most personal book to date. It dives into the messy, beautiful, and often painful world of relationships. I leaned on memoirs, psychology books, and personal development reads to help make sense of it all—and ultimately, to share what I’d learned.
Each one of my books exists because I read someone else’s first. Books are how we pay wisdom forward.
What You’ll Find in the Reading List
The PDF guide I’ve created isn’t just a generic list of bestsellers. It’s filled with titles that have made a real difference to me—books I return to, recommend to friends, and in some cases, reread every year.
Inside, you’ll find:
Life-changing reads on travel, creativity, and freedom
Thought-provoking books on happiness, love, and purpose
Practical guides on writing, mindset, and business
A personal note on how these books shaped my journey—and how they might shape yours
📥 Click here to download the free PDF
Take Action: Start Your Own Reading Revolution
Whether you’re looking to travel more, write your first book, or simply reconnect with yourself, the right book can be the spark that starts it all.
My challenge to you? Make space for reading. Not just as a hobby—but as a tool for freedom.
Download the list and pick just one title that speaks to you. Start reading with intention. And if you ever feel the nudge to write your own story… well, you’ll already be one step ahead.
Happy reading.
P.S. Curious about The Freedom Project series? You can find all three books—Travel, Happiness, and Love 2.0—on Amazon, or explore more at www.freedomprojectbook.com.
Further Reading
According to the New York Times, 81% of Americans say they want to write a book someday — but fewer than 1% ever do. If you’re part of the 81% and want to become part of the 1% - check out my program www.writeabookinaweek.com. I’d love to help make your book dream a reality.
A word of caution here: Some will spam you to death. I’ve eventually unsubscribed and unfollowed most “gurus”. When I subscribe to someone’s emails it doesn’t mean I want to hear from you every single day - trying to sell me the next 15-thousand dollar program that’s going to magically change my life. It’s not how it works.