Breath by James Nestor

This great book was recommended by my soon-to-be son-in-law, Tyler Cox, who is a great athlete, and one who has an innate ability to win at almost everything sports-related. If you want to optimize your physical fitness, get educated on the effects of breathing, and its impact on how we operate, this book is for you!

As a child, I developed chronic asthma that was the cause of many hospital stays and one of the many reasons my family migrated to the US (better health care). I remember all those days and nights feeling like I was breathing through a straw wondering what the hell was the problem with my lungs. As I got older I quickly figured out that the lungs need exercise, and I was allowing my body to make decisions that should have been made by my mind. I started researching ways of overcoming this debilitating disease and, thus, started my pursuit of knowledge in physiology and anthropology.

We need to be educated on how the body works, and what elite athletes are doing to perform at the highest possible level. This book educates you on the importance of breathing correctly to maximize your potential, while enlightening you on what history has taught biologists, psychologists, and healers about the importance of how we "choose" to take a breath.

Recommend for all ranks but especially those tip-of-the-spear firefighters wanting to maximize their physical potential

the program by Eric kapitulik and jake macdonald

A gift from a great friend, Alex Robles, during a challenging time in my career that aided in my ability to move past the obstacles thrown in front of me. This book is packed with great lessons from elite military units. This book was written for high-performance leaders and is packed with great information and theories on leadership.

One of the things that makes this book stand out is the practical application of each lesson. It gives examples of applying these lessons to everyday issues, etc. I appreciate the logic placed on the direction they advise, and although some of the theories may not align with you, it will most definitely challenge some of your leadership theory. This book is very applicable to the fire service and a great read for anyone looking to challenge their theories on leadership and how to best apply practices to improve your success as a leader.

Recommended for anyone in leadership

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.)

Most of us have heard Admiral McRaven's speech about making your bed, but this book has details that are not in the speech. This is a very easy read with great nuggets to keep you motivated and give some tips on how to develop discipline and routine.

Recommended for all ranks

The Servant by James C. Hunter

I have to start with this book because I think it truly captures the essence of how we “should” lead! If you read this book with an open mind and free of judgement, you will find a very valuable message on the true heart of servant leadership. If I had my way; all chiefs would be required to read and apply the principles taught in this great book. True servant leadership, NOT what sounds and feels good but the hard facts of leading with a servant's heart and putting others first. It's a "give them what they need not what they want" type read.

Recommended for all ranks, highly recommended to Chief Officers

It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff

This book was recommended by a mentor of mine: Atlanta Battalion Chief Hatcher. As a company officer at the time, this book served as a confirmation that out of the box thinking was a good thing. This book is very applicable to the fire service and a must read for company officers! This guy took the worst boat in the Navy and turned it to a sought after fighting machine. How he did it is VERY applicable to the fire service! If you feel that you are a lone ranger in a fight for what’s right; READ this book!

Recommended for Company Officers

Rescue Men by Charles Kenny

This book was recommended to me by my brother Andy Rivero who serves as a Captain of DeKalb’s Heavy 24. This book is an amazing tale of how no matter how big or small a department you work for, YOU can make a tremendous difference. Gritty tales of the true battle days of firefighting, history, brotherhood, and table talk make this one of my favorite "Jake" books.

Recommended for all ranks

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

A great book this is applied to your professional and personal life! This book was recommended to me by the great Don Sapp of the Georgia Fire Academy. Not only due I value this man’s integrity and faith, but I value his passion to make others better, and that's what this book does. This is a great book for those in a leadership position!

Recommended for anyone in leadership

No Easy Day by Mark Owen

My nephew, Anthony, came to me one day and said “I want to be a SEAL.” I immediately went to my book shelf and grabbed this book and advised him, "Many of us think that we are elite. Read this book and see if you’re really ready for the sacrifices to be part of this elite team." Fast forward two years and he did not pursue being a Navy SEAL, but is close to completing Special Forces training as a Coast Guard Rescue Diver. Forget the movie, READ the book!

Recommended for all ranks

Warrior Mindset by Michael J. Asken

This book breaks down the true meaning of a Warrior. I love this book because it helps you understand the complex mind of a warrior and the attributes needed to have a warrior mindset. It is pretty impressive how it breaks things down to a very logical and understandable way of life.

Recommended for all ranks

Damn Few by Rorke Denver and Ellis Henican

A majority of my library consists of Navy Seal books. I believe in a lot of their principles and their complete ownership of their craft. The title of this book says it all: the only hero is the guy at your side, NOT you.

Recommended for all ranks

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

A must read for all. This book is VERY applicable to all of us. Navy SEAL principles on having extreme ownership over everything you do. I don’t want to give too much away because I feel this book will impact everyone who reads it. It gives you daily lessons learned and their application to business. Both the military and business lesson can be applicable to us.

Recommended for all ranks