Lindsay’s List: Best of 2020 Books

By LINDSAY FRICKS

With near certainty, none of us left 2020 as the same person who entered. In spite of the significant challenges we faced (and continue to face), the amount of growth I saw in and around me was truly astounding. From a real estate perspective the year was a resounding success, but the biggest achievement I had in 2020 was a giant leap forward in spirituality and self-development. 

In the past my reading has primarily been fiction so this was departure from the light and airy books I used mainly to relax and enjoy. These books were consumed thoughtfully with a pen, highlighter and journal nearby to lock in the key learnings. It’s tough to rank order them because I truly received something life changing from each one of these books. 

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Best of 2020 Nonfiction:

  1. Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristen Neff- This is for anyone who has a self-deprecating, negative internal monologue that you’re wishing to change. Great journaling and meditation exercises to help “reprogram” how to be more kind to yourself. 
  2. Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver- I’ve struggled with any type of spirituality since my nephew passed away. This cracked open the door to let in some new spiritual light into my life.  
  3. Breaking the Habit of Being You by Dr. Joe Dispenza- This was my final read of 2020 and arguably the most developmental of any on this list. This is focused on understanding the mind, body so you can reprogram a new reality.
  4. The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Shinn- This is actually 4 books in 1. I read all of them and it was another delve into spirituality that continued to open up this channel for me. It’s a very old book written in 1925, but a great guide for releasing our wants and desires to God. 
  5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie- I like to refer to this book as “How to not be an asshole.” Another very old text with sage advice that every person should read if they haven’t already. 
  6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill- Another oldie but goodie in this book. This helps you get into the mindset of all the great entrepreneurs of the past and realize that everything you ever wanted is on the other side of your self-limiting beliefs. 
  7. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle- Known best for his book The Power of Now, this is follow-up focusing on recognizing and managing the ego. I got some of the best tips for recognizing and overcoming when I’m suffering shame from living in the past or anxiety for living in the future.
  8. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss- Some of the concepts taught in this book have dramatically changed my success working in real estate. I’m almost reluctant to share this one because it’s been transformational in working with cross-agents and getting houses under contract in this intense sellers market. 
  9. Untamed by Glennon Doyle- I liked this book, but I didn’t love it primarily because there’s a lot of references to parenthood that I can’t relate to. In general though, I really enjoy Glennon’s perspective on life and social issues we are facing. 
  10. Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday- Great historical examples of how the ego gets in the way of success and happiness. It’s rather dry, but still valuable if you want to recognize and overcome when your ego is sabotaging you. 
Lindsay Fricks Real Estate Arizona

Even though my focus was on learning and growing professionally and spiritually, I still managed a few great fiction novels worth considering if that’s more your speed. 

Best of 2020 Fiction:

  1. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid- This book is pure fun and adventure. Get ready for a wild ride in a different era. It’s more like a historical fiction novel since it is based on real characters and events as interpreted by the author. 
  2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid- This is fiction but has themes of race and privilege which seemed very timely for 2020. I was pretty into this and burned through it in two days. 
  3. Fifty Words For Rain by Asha Lemmie- This is another book I could not put down. I’m still trying to get over the ending of this book. I feel like there needs to be a sequel. 
  4. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins- This was one of the books I picked up and put down several times over the course of the year. I think it’s a very dynamic tale of what immigrants experience coming to the US, but it did move a tiny bit slow for me, but still worth the read. 
  5. Creek Canyon Series by Catherine Bybee- All the series by Catherine are my guilty pleasure. They all follow the same fairly predictable format, but I love the characters and love stories. I enjoy getting different perspectives through each of the books. Fun and easy reads. 

Did you read any of these in 2020? What’s on your best of 2020 reading list? Will you be adding any of these titles to your 2021 reading list? Drop a comment with the best book you read in 2020 in any genre!

Lindsay Fricks, helping you, your family and friends Live & Love in Arizona!

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Median Home Price

$325,000

Annual Appreciation Rate

+7%

Estimated Population

450k

Median Age

34

East
Valley

why you want to live here

The two largest and most popular cities in the East Valley are Gilbert and Chandler. Once known for agriculture, the area has now been transformed into some of the most well known suburbs. Both cities have experienced tremendous growth in population and along with it now has all the amenities of larger cities. The suburbs are highly focused around families and have lots of parks, recreation and many family events year-round.

Median Home Price

$261,096

Annual Appreciation Rate

+8%

Estimated Population

1.6M

Median Age

33

Central
Phoenix

why you want to live here

Phoenix is the heart of The Valley of the Sun and capital of Arizona. Known for warm temperatures year-round and sprawling urban space surrounded by desert mountains. Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the US and home to nearly 1.6 million people. Phoenix has just about something to offer everyone: numerous golf course, professional sports teams, hiking trails, concerts, festivals and much more. With an affordable cost of living there’s a place for everyone with the Phoenix metro.

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$308,750

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+8%

Estimated Population

174k

Median Age

28.5

Tempe

why you want to live here

Tempe is a city just east of Phoenix, in Arizona. Its striking Tempe Center for the Arts hosts concerts, dance and comedy shows. Nearby, Tempe Town Lake is dotted with kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards. Tempe Beach Park hosts outdoor festivals. Rising above the city, Hayden Butte is a mountain dotted with centuries-old rock art. Sporting events and concerts are held at Wells Fargo Arena.

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$725,000

Annual Appreciation Rate

8%

Estimated Population

36,241

Median Age

39

Scottsdale

why you want to live here

Scottsdale has long had a reputation as one of the most affluent cities in the West most well known for high end golf, spas, resorts, restaurants and shopping. There are over 27 golf courses located within the Scottsdale boundaries. The Southern part of Scottsdale is home to the historic Old Town area. The southwestern charm, numerous restaurants, bars and shopping as well as exciting nightlight make Old Town a hot spot for both young and old. Central Scottsdale is home to many popular golf communities such as McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch and Kierland Commons.  North Scottsdale is home to to two of the valleys largest annual events: the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction and the Waste Management Open PGA tournament. These events along with the 5 professional baseball spring training facilities bring millions of visitors into the area throughout the Spring months.

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