Recently we had the amazing opportunity to teach at the 2021 Mile High Firefighters conference and had the students in attendance create a book list that included some solid titles! The cool thing about learning and training with engaged firefighters from across the country is the diverse ideas and knowledge that everyone possesses. Here is a suggested reading list from the students and instructors. Some of these titles are new to us and we are excited to dive into them and some are old friends that we reference often as we grow ourselves, our crews and ensure we are ready for the fireground. Check these out and let us know what you think, what else to add to the list, and how these help you along your journey!

Some of these links are affiliate links, which means we may get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the fees of these resources have been increased to compensate me.

Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success: -Matthew Syed

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma: -Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups: -Daniel Coyle

Crucial Conversations when the Stakes are High: -Kerry Patterson

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise: -Anders Ericsson

Start with Why: -Simon Sinek

Sources of Power: -Gary A. Klein

Why We Sleep: -Matthew Walker PhD

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: -Robert M. Sapolsky

You can also check out another reading list here that we developed for all things Human Performance. Included in this extensive list are resources for mental toughness, leadership and foundational books related to breathing, breath training, and the impact of your breath in high performance situations. Check that blog post out here!

We hope both of these lists helps you along the way as you continue to dedicate yourself to being a better prepared firefighter and overall human! Keep up the great work and let us know what other books we should be reading. Stay Smart.