Top Reads from 2018
- Legacy by James Kerr (5/5)
I re-read this for the third or fourth time this year. It offers many brilliant insights into building an elite culture.
2. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman (5/5)
This book has impacted me in a massive, life-altering way every time I read it (this was the third such occasion). It’s a little out there but lots of great metaphors and lessons.
3. Principles by Ray Dalio (5/5)
I found it be tremendously helpful having just started up a business. As AHP grows I know I’ll continue to refer back to it.
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (5/5)
I first read this book when I was 19 and I didn’t like it – I didn’t understand why it was so highly regarded. Being nearly a decade older though, this time I loved it and also appreciated the writing much more. I think oftentimes we idealize the past and it does us no good. That’s essentially what this classic is about.
5. Culture Code by Daniel Coyle (5/5)
Another solid book about building a strong culture within an organization.
6. Sapiens by Yuval Harari (5/5)
This book was flat out brilliant. It was a really cool history of our evolution since the beginning – with an extremely broad scope. The author has a real knack for making what may seem like dry subjects very interesting. I read it and then immediately re-read it I found it so interesting.
7. Adventures of Huck Finn by Mark Twain (5/5)
I read this and Tom Sawyer for the first time this year and loved them both, but if I had to pick one over the other I’d go with Huck Finn. As someone who loves writing, I loved both the story and Twain’s way with words equally.
8. Start With Why by Simon Sinek (4/5)
A good message and lots of good information but a little repetitive.
9. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil Degrasse Tyson (4.5/5)
A really quick, easy read if space, time travel, etc fascinates you like it does me.
10. Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss (4/5)
This isn’t a book you should read in a traditional way – however it’s filled with lots of good quotes and insights from many successful people. I found it interesting that many of the most successful individuals in the world cited taking time to themselves, going on daily walks, and meditating as being keys to their success.