Fans pick 99 books like Make Someone's Day

By Howard Prager,

Here are 99 books that Make Someone's Day fans have personally recommended if you like Make Someone's Day. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Raving Fans

Bruno Hilgart Author Of French Fry Leadership: How to Attain Profits Through Serving People

From my list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been blessed in my career, beginning as a 16-year-old, being an assistant manager at 17, a general manager at 20, and the face of the franchise at the age of 30 for over 16 years. This has led to me learning how to get people more motivated to perform their work than they ever thought possible when they accepted the position. I spent over 30 years literally “growing up” with this company and in this business, having been exposed to some of the best companies within their respective industries, learning how they source, on-board, train, and retain their team members, as well as some of the most influential motivational speakers throughout the world.

Bruno's book list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams

Bruno Hilgart Why did Bruno love this book?

This book took our customer service performance in our company to levels we had never seen before. All of our leaders read this book and then the magic began.

The premise is that satisfied customers just are not good enough. They need to be “raving fans’ of us meaning, they actually become advocates of your business! This led to sales and traffic that exceeded our peers in all measurable ways while truly making our work more fun than we ever thought.

By Sheldon Bowles, Ken Blanchard,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Raving Fans as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With a new foreword by Ken Blanchard

A straightforward and snappy guide to successful customer service from the author of the bestselling The One Minute Manager.

Raving Fans, in a nutshell, is the advice given to a new Area Manager on his first day - in an extraordinary business book that will help everyone, in every kind of organisation or business, deliver stunning customer service and achieve miraculous bottom-line results.

Raving Fans is written in the parable style of The One Minute Manager and uses a brilliantly simple and charming story to teach how to define a vision, learn what…


Book cover of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win

Scott Greenberg Author Of Stop the Shift Show: How to Turn Your Struggling Hourly Workers Into a Top-Performing Team

From my list on managing employees and building teams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m fascinated with the relationship between personal growth and professional performance. Why is it in the same environment, doing the same work, some people can excel while others struggle? Most chalk it up to external circumstances that can’t be controlled. Others focus on tactics. But I’ve learned top-performers are masters at the human side of their work–the way they think, lead and serve–and that’s what gives them their edge. All of my work centers around infusing hard skills with improved soft skills, and getting better results in the process. That’s the stuff I find delicious, and it’s what I speak and write about.

Scott's book list on managing employees and building teams

Scott Greenberg Why did Scott love this book?

I like tools and tactics, but when reading, I also like engaging stories. This book is loaded with them, offering a raw and authentic approach to leadership.

I liked how Willink and Babin pull valuable business takeaways from intense experiences on the battlefield. And I liked that a major takeaway is the importance of accepting absolute responsibility for what you do. No one’s going to argue with these guys.

I found the book totally empowering. 

By Jocko Willink, Leif Babin,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Extreme Ownership as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Highly decorated Navy SEALs, now successful businessmen, show readers how to lead and win in business and in life with principles learned on the battlefield. In Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin share hard-hitting, Navy SEAL combat stories that translate into lessons for business and life. With riveting first-hand accounts of making high-pressure decisions as Navy SEAL battlefield leaders, this book is equally gripping for leaders who seek to dominate other arenas. Jocko and Leif served together in SEAL Task Unit Bruiser, the most highly decorated Special Operations unit from the war in Iraq. Their efforts contributed to the…


Book cover of Gung Ho! Turn On the People in Any Organization

Bruno Hilgart Author Of French Fry Leadership: How to Attain Profits Through Serving People

From my list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been blessed in my career, beginning as a 16-year-old, being an assistant manager at 17, a general manager at 20, and the face of the franchise at the age of 30 for over 16 years. This has led to me learning how to get people more motivated to perform their work than they ever thought possible when they accepted the position. I spent over 30 years literally “growing up” with this company and in this business, having been exposed to some of the best companies within their respective industries, learning how they source, on-board, train, and retain their team members, as well as some of the most influential motivational speakers throughout the world.

Bruno's book list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams

Bruno Hilgart Why did Bruno love this book?

This book was one of a few “game changers” in my career. In fact, we used this book to “gung ho!” our entire company of managers/leaders.

The premise of the book is how to create worthwhile work through the balance of cash and congratulations. It is a heartwarming and compelling story about a new manager of a factory that had poor results throughout except for one department that always met/exceeded their goals.

The new manager is taught by the department head the reasons why this department had so much success through 3 concepts: 1. The spirit of the squirrel 2. The way of the beaver 3. The gift of the goose. 

By Ken Blanchard, Sheldon Bowles,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Gung Ho! Turn On the People in Any Organization as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With a new foreword by Ken Blanchard

An invaluable new strategy for creating enthusiastic employees, from the author of the bestselling The One Minute Manager.

Every day thousands of uninspired employees trudge to work - often dooming their companies to failure with their lack of enthusiasm.

Drawing on over 20 years' experience of working with hundreds of corporations across the US - including America Online, Eastman Kodak, General Motors, Hershey Chocolate and Microsoft - Blanchard reveals a sure-fire strategy for boosting employee enthusiasm, productivity and performance.

Gung Ho! presents a simple system for inspiring employees. Based on three core ideas:…


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Book cover of The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever

The Coaching Habit By Michael Bungay Stanier,

The coaching book that's for all of us, not just coaches.

It's the best-selling book on coaching this century, with 15k+ online reviews. Brené Brown calls it "a classic". Dan Pink said it was "essential".

It is practical, funny, and short, and "unweirds" coaching. Whether you're a parent, a teacher,…

Book cover of The 100/0 Principle: The Secret Of Great Relationships

Bruno Hilgart Author Of French Fry Leadership: How to Attain Profits Through Serving People

From my list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been blessed in my career, beginning as a 16-year-old, being an assistant manager at 17, a general manager at 20, and the face of the franchise at the age of 30 for over 16 years. This has led to me learning how to get people more motivated to perform their work than they ever thought possible when they accepted the position. I spent over 30 years literally “growing up” with this company and in this business, having been exposed to some of the best companies within their respective industries, learning how they source, on-board, train, and retain their team members, as well as some of the most influential motivational speakers throughout the world.

Bruno's book list on creating highly motivated, self-sufficient teams

Bruno Hilgart Why did Bruno love this book?

I was blessed to have met this author at a local Chamber of Commerce event that he spoke at.

His story about his book was emotionally moving to me so much so that we “hired” him to come in and speak with our leadership team for an afternoon. When we put 100% into our relationships and expect nothing in return, magic begins to happen. This works no matter how challenging the current state of your relationship is. The quality of our relationships is what really matters in our lives and this book frames this concept like no other.

By Al Ritter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 100/0 Principle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

• Think about it...when you look back at the end of your life, what will really matter? FIVE WORDS...The quality of your relationships
• The 100/0 Principle, The Secret of Great Relationships, may be the most important book you'll ever read.
• If you like "212, the Extra Degree," you are going to love this book!

Brian Tracy said..."Eighty percent of life's satisfaction comes from meaningful relationships." Think about it...when you look back at the end of your life what will really matter? Five words...the quality of your relationships.

So here's the question: If your relationships are the most important…


Book cover of Home Farm

Piers Warren Author Of How to Store Your Garden Produce: The Key to Self-Sufficiency

From my list on self-sufficiency.

Why am I passionate about this?

Aged six, I was first given a tiny piece of garden where I grew radishes and lettuces. I haven’t stopped growing my own food since! Everything about it is good for you and I have been writing about this for many years in various magazines and books. I have always been fascinated with the idea of self-sufficiency and love to read about methods old and new.

Piers' book list on self-sufficiency

Piers Warren Why did Piers love this book?

The photography in this book is so gorgeous you can just imagine yourself on a sunny smallholding or homestead, tending your crops and looking after your livestock. The instructions are clear and concise from someone who lives the good life. It certainly encouraged me to have a go at various aspects of self-sufficiency that other books didn’t. A great book to dream over while you plan your future.

By Paul Heiney,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Home Farm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There is a part in every one of us that wants to be a home farmer: a part that yearns to get back to the earth and to revel in the healthy experiences of growing rearing and making. In Home Farm well-known journalist TV and radio presenter and part-time farmer Paul Heiney shows you how to turn that dream into a reality beginning from the premise that anyone can bring an element of home farming however small into their life. Country Living for All Paul Heiney addresses the needs of both country livers and country dreamers including advice for those…


Book cover of The Weekend Homesteader: A Twelve-Month Guide to Self-Sufficiency

Holly Worton Author Of If Trees Could Talk: Life Lessons from the Wisdom of the Woods

From my list on nature connection.

Why am I passionate about this?

Holly Worton is an author, podcaster, and speaker. She writes nonfiction books about her adventures to inspire people to get outdoors and reconnect with nature so they can reconnect with themselves. Holly enjoys spending time outdoors, walking and running long-distance trails, and exploring Britain's sacred sites. Travel is important to her: she's originally from California and now lives in England, but has also lived in Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. Holly is a member of the Druid order OBOD, and nature connection is an important part of her spirituality.

Holly's book list on nature connection

Holly Worton Why did Holly love this book?

Even if you aren’t interested in becoming fully self-sufficient, this book is an eye-opening and exciting look at the possibilities available to us. Growing our own food (even some of it) can help us to reconnect with nature. It’s also very empowering.

By Anna Hess,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Weekend Homesteader as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Whether you want to live off the grid in a fully self-sufficient way, or just turn your backyard into your own small homestead, here is advice on backyard chicken care, how to plant a no-till garden that heals the soil, composting, canning, and much more.

The Weekend Homesteader is organized by month-so whether it's January or June you'll find exciting, quick-to-do projects that allow you to start your own homestead without getting overwhelmed. If you need to fit homesteading into a few hours each weekend and would like to have fun while doing it, these projects will be right up…


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Book cover of Free Your Joy: The Twelve Keys to Sustainable Happiness

Free Your Joy By Lisa McCourt,

We all want peace. We all want a life of joy and meaning. We want to feel blissfully comfortable in our own skin, moving through the world with grace and ease. But how many of us are actively taking the steps to create such a life? 

In Free Your Joy…

Book cover of The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times

Anna Hess Author Of The Ultimate Guide to Soil

From my list on for beyond-organic gardeners.

Why am I passionate about this?

If I'm honest, I became a gardener because I like getting dirty. Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Tom Kitten is the story of my childhood (and my adulthood too, only now I don't have to pretend I'm going to stay clean). Of course, high-quality soil leads to high-quality produce, and I deeply adore the flavors of strawberries growing in deep, dark soil. Biting into a juicy, homegrown tomato still warm from the summer sun is bliss.

Anna's book list on for beyond-organic gardeners

Anna Hess Why did Anna love this book?

I have a love/hate relationship with permaculture. I adore the concept...and when I put most authors' assertions into practice, I find that I get a much lower yield than doing things the old way. That's why I enjoy books like this one from gardeners who walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Warning: You will be sorely tempted to buy ducks. Resist, resist!

By Carol Deppe,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Resilient Gardener as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Scientist/gardener Carol Deppe combines her passion for organic gardening with newly emerging scientific information from many fields - resilience science, climatology, climate change, ecology, anthropology, paleontology, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, health, and medicine. In the last half of The Resilient Gardener, Deppe extends and illustrates these principles with detailed information about growing and using five key crops: potatoes, corn, beans, squash, and eggs.

In this book you'll learn how to:

*Garden in an era of unpredictable weather and climate change

*Grow, store, and use more of your own staple crops

*Garden efficiently and comfortably (even if you have a bad back)…


Book cover of The Way Home: Tales from a Life Without Technology

Shaun Chamberlin Author Of Surviving the Future: Culture, Carnival and Capital in the Aftermath of the Market Economy

From my list on navigating the unfolding collapse of civilisation.

Why am I passionate about this?

In 2005 I realised that society was gradually, inexorably, headed off a cliff. So I quit a job I loved – a great decision! – and followed John Michael Greer's advice to “collapse now and avoid the rush”. Through that I’ve written a film, books, and peer-reviewed articles, co-founded organisations and movements, been arrested for direct action, advised governments, and come to live at a money-free pub! And now lead the ‘Surviving the Future: Conversations for Our Time’ online program, through Vermont’s Sterling College. I haven’t learned to change the course of history, but have discovered the ‘dark optimism’ of meaningful – even joyous – paths through such times, with eyes wide open.

Shaun's book list on navigating the unfolding collapse of civilisation

Shaun Chamberlin Why did Shaun love this book?

Turning to practicalities, Mark Boyle’s writing redirected my life.

The Moneyless Man thrilled me, shining with the evident integrity, commitment, and insight that drove him to give up money. Long story short, I went to meet him, we became firm friends, and over a decade later, we’ve built a small community around our moneyless inn, The Happy Pig!

The Way Home explores his later decision to live – to this day – without electricity, and all it’s teaching him. 

From his beautiful self-built cabin here on our land, it’s a reflective and hands-in-earth meditation on navigating these omnicidal times: "Despite knowing little or nothing of the bloody, mucky realities of land-based lives, techno-utopians will warn you to be careful not to romanticise the past. On this I agree, and I know it first-hand. But be even more careful of those who romanticise the future..."

By Mark Boyle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Way Home as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It was 11pm when I checked my email for the last time and turned off my phone for what I hoped would be forever.

No running water, no car, no electricity or any of the things it powers: the internet, phone, washing machine, radio or light bulb. Just a wooden cabin, on a smallholding, by the edge of a stand of spruce.

In this honest and lyrical account of a remarkable life without modern technology, Mark Boyle explores the hard won joys of building a home with his bare hands, learning to make fire, collecting water from the spring, foraging…


Book cover of The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today's America

Jennifer Grayson Author Of A Call to Farms: Reconnecting to Nature, Food, and Community in a Modern World

From my list on rethinking the modern industrial existence.

Why am I passionate about this?

Blame it on the issues of National Geographic and books on ancient mythology I devoured as a child or my family’s obsession with Frontier House, but I’ve always been one of those people who felt misplaced in time—longing to live a life more immersed in the natural world. That yearning has only grown stronger as the world has rapidly technologized and globalized since my childhood. Luckily, I’ve been able to channel it into some fascinating work as a journalist and author writing about the environment, food systems (I’m also a lifelong foodie with a passion for traditional foods), and cultural history.

Jennifer's book list on rethinking the modern industrial existence

Jennifer Grayson Why did Jennifer love this book?

I read this in the early days of my fantasizing about off-grid living, and I found a true kindred spirit in Sundeen and the remarkable new-gen back-to-the-land pioneers he followed to write the three deep-dive stories that form this beautiful book.

Sundeen is a master of the immersive journalism genre in the vein of Jon Krakauer or Sebastian Junger and a true writer’s writer (i.e., never in love with the sound of his own voice, yet blows you away with the choiceness and poignancy of his storytelling). That this book isn’t yet more widely known is astonishing.

By Mark Sundeen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Unsettlers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“An in-depth and compelling account of diverse Americans living off the grid.” —Los Angeles Times

The radical search for the simple life in today’s America.

On a frigid April night, a classically trained opera singer, five months pregnant, and her husband, a former marine biologist, disembark an Amtrak train in La Plata, Missouri, assemble two bikes, and pedal off into the night, bound for a homestead they've purchased, sight unseen. Meanwhile, a horticulturist, heir to the Great Migration that brought masses of African Americans to Detroit, and her husband, a product of the white flight from it, have turned to…


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Book cover of Currently Away: How Two Disenchanted People Traveled the Great Loop for Nine Months and Returned to the Start, Energized and Optimistic

Currently Away By Bruce Tate,

The plan was insane. The trap seemed to snap shut on Bruce and Maggie Tate, an isolation forced on them by the pandemic and America's growing political factionalism. Something had to change.

Maggie's surprising answer: buy a boat, learn to pilot it, and embark on the Great Loop. With no…

Book cover of The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency: The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers

Piers Warren Author Of How to Store Your Garden Produce: The Key to Self-Sufficiency

From my list on self-sufficiency.

Why am I passionate about this?

Aged six, I was first given a tiny piece of garden where I grew radishes and lettuces. I haven’t stopped growing my own food since! Everything about it is good for you and I have been writing about this for many years in various magazines and books. I have always been fascinated with the idea of self-sufficiency and love to read about methods old and new.

Piers' book list on self-sufficiency

Piers Warren Why did Piers love this book?

This is the classic book on self-sufficiency that started my interest when I first read it decades ago. John Seymour was the master and teacher and the book is crammed with practical methods with many useful illustrations. Many people I know who are fascinated with the idea of self-sufficiency, and successful practitioners, were initially inspired by this book.

By John Seymour,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Embrace off-grid green living with this all-encompassing guide to self-sufficiency, your new go-to guide for a more sustainable way of life.

For over 40 years, John Seymour has inspired and motivated thousands of people to make more eco-friendly choices to enrich their lives and live sustainably. Now, his bestselling self-sufficiency book offers step-by-step instructions on all things environment-friendly, from preserving your harvest to living off land, this survival guide has it all. So what are you waiting for?

Dive straight in to discover:

-Detailed step-by-step guide for achieving a self-sufficient lifestyle tailored to your needs and environment
-Encyclopaedic knowledge on…


Book cover of Raving Fans
Book cover of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win
Book cover of Gung Ho! Turn On the People in Any Organization

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