9.5 Books Every American Must Read

Simply put, most Americans don't read enough. This can be for any number of reasons. I have taken the liberty of listing some of the more common reasons here. More importantly, I have also included a couple of methods that can be used to help overcome each excuse.

Lack of time
- Read while waiting for someone or something.
- Break books into smaller sections that can be read at separate intervals.

Lack of money
- Borrow books from the library.
- Borrow books from friends or colleagues (you can also start a book-sharing club).

Lack of interest
- Start by reading books that cover subjects that you find interesting.
- Find books with information that you can use for your own personal benefit (e.g. to make more money or to increase your influence).

If you're not an avid reader, the following list provides 9.5 titles that are full of information that can change your life. If you read these books, they will, at a minimum, change the way you look at things and open your eyes and mind to something bigger and better.

1. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
3. Cheat to Win: The Honest Way to Break All the Dishonest Rules in Business by Robert MacDonald
4. Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism by Muhammad Yunus
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
6. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
7. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
8. Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump
9. Winning by Jack Welch
9.5* Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude: How to Find, Build, and Keep a YES! Attitude for a Lifetime of SUCCESS by Jeffrey Gitomer

Most of the books above are business related. Some are even business-focused. This is because the world is business-related. Whether we like it or not, time and money are two primary factors in determining standard of living and quality of life - and business focuses more heavily on these two factors than almost anything else. However, the list was not created solely for tomorrow’s executives or entrepreneurs. It was created for anybody who has any desire to improve their life (or their lot in it).

Now, get your hands on one of these books, read it, and tell me what you think of it!

*Note: this is counted as .5 books because it is short and succinct - almost more of a quick reference guide than a book - great for people without much time to "spare". It's also a tribute to the author's list style that sometimes includes x.5 items.