Books I read

Mike Horn: Conquering the Impossible

This book traces Mike Horns circumnavigation of the world inside the arctic circle. Done mostly in the thickest snow and ice imaginable, Mike pushes through pretty much anything. 

He misses his family and friends and home and all the comforts of "home" living but chases his dream with determination and passion. 

Mike teaches us just how far one can go if we are determined. He raises the bar and shows us that the only limits to what we can achieve in anything, is the ones we put on ourselves.

Recommended: Yes (4 out of 5 Starts)

John C. Maxwell: The 5 

Levels of Leadership

Maxwell is possibly the best leader I have ever heard of. His book challenges his readers to perform and really press into the "next level living" he describes in this book. Success starts from somewhere and Maxwell explains in detail how important leadership is in the workplace.

This book knocked me back down to size and made me realize just how much work I have to do when it comes to leading teams.

Recommended: Yes (5 out of 5 Stars)

Roland Huntford: The Last Place on Earth

Adventure enthusiasts this is a must read. Its the full story of the epic race for the South Pole. Amundsen and Scott head to head for the last piece of discoverable land on the whole earth! 

I read this book on my expedition by bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town and learnt so much about the character of a man in physically enduring expeditions. I drew many lessons for adventure and life. The key is in preparation, loving the journey, being the best you can be, attention to detail. Be humble, work hard and love. Its simple. 

Recommended: Yes (5 out 5)

Gregory David Roberts: Shantaram

If you love traveling, culture, religion, debating and just generally love discovering new things this book will take you into the tale of one mans world. He escapes prison in Australia and lives in a slum in Bombay. The story goes about his survival money making, philosophy, making friends, drugs and being part of illegal gangster movements. Its a gripping tale. If you think you want to travel to India, you should read this book, you might never come back because you will love it so much.

Recommended: Yes (4 out of 5)

Gregory David Roberts: Mountain Shadow

This book follows on from Shantaram and should not be read if you haven't read it. I have seen some horrific reviews on this book by readers who read it before Shantaram, these pathetic reviews do it no justice at all! I would say this book is definitely the more philosophical of the two books. It dives into some serious thoughts about life as Lin climbs the mountain to learn from Khaderbai's mentor. 

The love hate relationship continues between Karla and Lin and takes an unexpected turn. Friends die, and many things change in this second book!

Recommended: Yes (5 out of 5)

Yolande Korkie: 558 Days

This book has it all! Thriller, suspense, romantic, adventure and action. Its a true story of the "Korkie's" experience living in Yemen amongst a broken Nation and being captured by and extremist group. Their 558 days held as prisoners under revolting conditions is testament to their faith and fighting spirt. This book inspired me to never give up and realize that suffering, is perhaps part of the journey! 

Recommended: Yes (5 out of 5)