I find the New Year a terrific chance for reflection, and what better topic to reflect on than what you learned from the books you read?
Collecting my list of favorite books from the past year forced me to double-check my reading list. Who would have guessed that a newborn, sleep deprivation, and launching a new business would mean forgetting half of what I read?!
So I must thank my writing practice (and you the reader!) for encouraging me to revisit my book list to highlight the gems. Here you go!
Top Non-Fiction
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
I feel incredibly lucky if I can point at one book from the year that changed my perspective drastically. This is one of those. For me the biggest lesson Newport shares comes from the archives of historical figures – it’s not what they did in a day that matters, but what they did over months and years.
Captain Class: The Hidden Force that Creates the World’s Greatest Teams by Sam Walker
After a data-centric intro on how he came up with his list, the big lesson in this book comes from the discovery of linchpins in top teams, often understated captains who quietly lead their teams to success. Great lessons here.
Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
This terrific collection of historical anecdotes connects to Ray Dalio’s catchphrase “it’s another one of those.” He shares great examples on the importance of making time to think instead of filling your days with busyness.
Ultra-Something by Brendan Leonard
I went in expecting a bunch of humor—it delivered!—but when I put the book down I felt inspired to run longer (grueling) distances! A terrific collection of stories, insights, and perseverance through absurdist challenges like running 100 miles. Strongly endorse!
Top Autobiographies
This is Going to Hurt: The Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay
I laughed out loud many more times than expected in this collection of stories. Another serendipitous find, suggested by my public library app, that filled me with delight.
Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew Wilkinson
This book by the “modern Warren Buffet” had quite a few inspiring anecdotes. I was surprised at how well written it is and the emphasis on working smarter not harder.
Top Fiction
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
I found this on a shelf in a bookstore in Boise ID with a handwritten endorsement from the staff. And I loved the writing style and weaving of stories that never dragged on too long.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I have lamented that the popular fiction books seem to be about lifestyles I don’t want to envy, like being a playwright or a book editor. But a family that runs an apple orchard? I’m all in!
(I also really enjoyed “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage” featured in the collection of essays by the same name.)
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
The incredible prequel to one of my favorite books last year did not disappoint. What a wonderful world with good dragons and bad dragons and indefatigable lady protagonists, one of whom climbs mountains.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
With a great tagline, “Lord of the Rings directed by Kurosawa,” this world feels like a magical folktale imbued with samurai warrior elements. I’m working my way through the second book in the series right now and it’s also terrific!
Ending Note
Here’s a list of additional books I read last year that offered some wisdom or valuable lessons:
- Principles by Ray Dalio
- Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzennegger
- This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin
- Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
- Good Inside by Becky Kennedy (About Parenting)
- Million Dollar Weeked by Noah Kagan
- The Sports Gene by David Epstein
- Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
- Crypto Confidential by Nat Eliason
- On The Edge by Nate Silver
I used to have very elaborate methods of taking notes and trying to review what I’ve learned. But lately I feel satisfied if I learn three things from a book.
If you want to see some of those ideas – check out my post: 24 Things I’ve Learned in 2024.
