The Top 5 Books I’ve Read This Year
My thoughts, favorite quotes and recommendations
Since graduating college I made it a goal to read more books. This is one of the few goals I have managed to incorporate into my daily life over the past year.
I’ve chosen to read both non-fiction and fiction because each genre has something to offer. I love reading about other people’s perspectives in non-fiction, while fiction allows me to take a break from reality and dive into another world.
I didn’t rank these books because some books may appeal to certain people, but hopefully one intrigues you enough to read…
1. Ready Player One — Ernest Cline
I read this right before the movie came out, and like most novels that transition to the big screen, the book was flat out better (though the movie wasn’t bad).
The plot is something you might find in a Black Mirror episode as Wade Watts lives in a futuristic world that revolves around a virtual reality. Definitely made me think about the direction our world is heading with the popularity of Bitmojis, Esports and technology in general.
But even beyond the metaphors this book presents, it is a book that you will find difficult to put down as you get engulfed in the OASIS. All of the pop culture and 80’s references make it even more entertaining too. If you need a break from your life, read this book.
“No one in the world gets what they want and that is beautiful”
2. Relentless: From Good To Great To Unstoppable — Tim Grover
Definitely more oriented towards sports as the author is a trainer/life coach of NBA Superstars like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. If you think you work hard, you should read this book because it will change your opinion of what it means to work hard.
The truly elite out work you, it’s that simple.
“They don’t want the pressure and stress, they don’t want to sacrifice time with friends and family, they want to party when the mood strikes, sleep late when they can, and get up and go to bed with limited worries and responsibilities and pressure. I get that. It’s a much easier way to experience life.
But usually, those are the same people who look around at others who have more success and say, ‘I can’t believe how lucky that guy is, I could do that if…’ stop. You could do that if…what? If you put in more time and effort? If you commit to whatever is making it work for him? If you’re willing to pay the price he’s paying? What’s he doing that you can’t do?”
3. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running — Haruki Murakami
This was a recommendation from my dad after he learned I was training for my first marathon this winter. This book was not just about running, but Murakami gives his unique perspective as someone who is not competitive in a sport with so many competitors. Did this book inspire me to run more? No. Was it intriguing and worth my time? Yes.
4. The End of Secrets — Ryan Quinn
A mystery novel that highlights that with the popularity of technology and cell phones nothing we do is a secret anymore, or so we think. Quinn emphasizes that in a society were everyone tries so hard to be normal we are so easily amazed by things that stand out because they are different.
“The American challenge, then, is to be oneself — only, exactly, and totally.”
5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck — Mark Manson
This is without a doubt the one book of the 5 that I would recommend to anyone because the messages are universal. Manson just puts life in perspective by encouraging you to think from the perspective of others and evaluate what you dedicate your attention to.
“I learned the hard way that if the people in your relationships are selfish and doing hurtful things, it’s likely you are too, you just don’t realize it.”
I don’t really have a system to select books, I usually choose them based on recommendations from others, but the Amazon Prime free first read books make it simple to find new ones to try.
If you have any recommendations please share them! Thanks for reading, now go out and do some more because there are few feelings like the satisfaction of finishing a book and slamming it closed.
