It seems a shame to let these recommendations go unsaid just because I didn't reach the end. Life happens and priorities shift. Unfinished doesn't mean unfit. Some books introduce the wonder right away. Take a chance on one of these and tell me how i...
Sections
4
History
Big ideas
Mindset
Fiction
History
There's so much out there, so start somewhere
One of my favorite historical figures. Pillar of the early 20th century. He changed the world. Learn from him.
FDR - Jean Edward Smith
Not for the faint of heart. Dense, straight-shooting portrait of countless philosophers. Packed with wisdom.
History of Western Philosophy - Bertrand Russell
Even giants have flaws and trials. If they can learn and persevere, so can you. Fascinating men who had profound, lasting impact.
Churchill and Orwell - Thomas E. Ricks
Church history is an sensitive subject. I hadn't even heard of apocryphal texts until well into adulthood. Grow your awareness now.
The Gnostic Gospels - Elaine Pagels
Big ideas
Challenge your assumptions and intuitions
Hartley tackles existential stakes with refreshing frankness and perspective. Find out what religion, occultism, and atheism have in common.
No Nonsense Spirituality - Brittney Hartley
Are you eating enough fiber? Probably not. Read this to learn what's at stake and how you can change your health.
Fiber Fueled - Will Bulsiewicz
I picked this one up after Dennet died. Evolution isn't what most people think. Can you handle it?
Darwin's Dangerous Idea - Daniel Dennet
Peterson is a fascinating individual. Like most, I started with his YouTube videos, moved to his podcast circuit, and then found his books. Love him or hate him, find some provocative ideas here.
12 Rules for Life - Jordan B. Peterson
UFOs. Experiencers. Abductions. The whole nine yards. How open-minded are you? Read this and find out.
Making Contact - Alan Steinfeld
Mindset
Don't stop improving yourself
One of the more important and most highly recommended books from the last decade. Clear is a powerhouse thinker and writer.
Atomic Habits - James Clear
People have been reading this one for almost a century. I found it accessible, direct, and engaging. Improve your financial literacy today.
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
Holiday is a force and a personal favorite of mine. Get daily snippets of actionable, ancient wisdom.
The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday
Kahneman is so often cited in mainstream psychology. I appreciated his well-researched words in this book. Understand yourself a bit better than you did yesterday.
Noise - Daniel Kahneman
Fiction
Not often that I don't finish a novel
Impressively original. Confusingly original. First heard about this one from Tim Ferriss. I'll be coming back to hear the ending sometime soon.
Little, Big - John Crowley
Wells is one of my favorite authors. Every book of his is a pleasure. I'll return to this one.
The First Men in the Moon - H. G. Wells
A bold extension of the phenomenal Three-Body Problem. Even Obama recommended this one.
The Dark Forest - Cixin Liu
A hell of a read. It's a lot to comprehend and imagine. Up for a challenge?
