2024, like 2023, was another big year of fiction for me. I did manage to read more in 2024 than 2023, and I credit that to many a night with my baby girl or waiting for one of the boys to fall asleep.
I made it point of emphasis to be on my phone less during those times, choosing to read instead. It’s a much better use of time and brain waves, at least for me.
I didn’t get around to making a video about the books this year. I did get around to publishing a new video about 5 ways to journal, linked at the end of the book list. Let me know (on YouTube) which journal method you’re going to try in 2025!
Story Driven Books
Red Rising (Books 1-3) by Pierce Brown
I get the hype now. The first book starts a little slow and has a very distinct tone and pace. I found it tough to get used to, so much so that the first time I tried to read Red Rising I stopped. The second time I picked it up and I couldn’t put it down. The pacing of the book is as quick as any I’ve read in a long time.
Honestly I was astounded with how Brown was able to string together scene after scene of action and dialogue without it falling flat. I’ve read a lot of good fantasy and sci-fi series the last few years and this one is right up at the top.
The Son by Philipp Meyer
I saw this on Ryan Holiday’s reading list last year and picked it up. The Son is a great multi-generational story of a family’s legacy from the 1850s through the early 2000s. The story is told through the eyes of Eli—the patriarch and local legend, Peter—who is haunted by his father’s choices, and J.A.—the granddaughter who saves the family ranch but ultimately… well you’ll just have to read it. I think it was Ryan that said “The Son is what Yellowstone could have been” and I think that’s a great description.
The Sh!thead by Tim Grahl
Tim is a friend of mine, in fact he works in the office next to me in Nashville. This ended up being one of the most meaningful books of the year for me because it hit so close to home. The story is of an entrepreneur with a young family, trying to build his business, stressed out, making ends meet, and slowly burning himself out.
Eric, the main character, meets a quirky therapist who helps him face his inner demons, but not before Eric makes a mess of his marriage, double-crosses his best friend, and nearly loses everything. But then he doesn’t. He hits rock-bottom, but then finally slays the dragon and pulls himself out of the pit. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
Non-Fiction
The Inner Game of Golf by Timothy Gallwey
This book is about golf, but it also isn’t — it’s about life, man. But seriously, this is part of a whole “inner game” series by Gallwey including books on work and stress. Really, it’s a book about how to think and talk to yourself when it’s time to perform, whether that is lining up a putt or just trying to make contact. If you’re a golfer, I can’t recommend it highly enough. And if you’re not a golfer, the inner game books and work and stress are excellent too.
Crypto Confidential by Nathaniel (Nat) Eliason
Ok this is a bit of a smuggle, because while it non-fiction, it’s still a true story. Nat is one of my oldest internet friends and I’m thrilled he got this book out in the world. It’s a great story about the wild world of crypto and the 2020-21 boom. He was right in the middle of everything — as a speculator, investor, farmer, and programmer.
You don’t have to be interested in crypto to enjoy the story either. I know just a little (learned a lot more), but was locked in when Nat was talking about the roller coaster ride and also how it affected his family. Nat’s daughter was born right near the beginning, and I could feel those moments of stress when he was fighting off hackers, deciding when to sell his ape (it will make sense in the book), and balancing life-changing opportunities with the present needs of his wife and daughter.
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold
I read this with my team at Good People Digital this year and it really made an impact on me. I’ve read other vision books before (most have been helpful) but what I liked about this book is that it gave some very concrete steps for casting a 3 year vision. Herold encourages the reader to describe the details of every area in your business and life until you’ve exhausted all the goals that are hiding in the back of your mind. Don’t get caught up in the why or how, that’s what bogs down the process. But when you have a clear vision, it’s easier to decide if you’re doing the right things for the life you want to live.
Note: other great books for life planning and vision include Hero on a Mission (more personal) and Traction (specifically the chapter on VTO).
Honorable Mentions
Other great books from the year are The Brothers K (would have been a top pick but this is my second time reading), The Licanius Trilogy, Shogun, The Obvious Choice, and Wind and Truth. The final book, Wind and Truth, just came out in December and clocks in at 1,344 words, and will carry me in to the new year.
Full List
Read Every Word
- The Son
- Red Rising
- Golden Son
- Eight Bears
- Morning Star
- The Brothers K
- Vivid Vision
- The Shithead
- Wind and Truth
- The Dark Forest
- Shogun, Part 1
- Shogun, Part 2
- Inner Game of Golf
- The Black Cauldron
- The Obvious Choice
- Crypto Confidential
- Think and Grow Rich
- Husk (advance copy)
- No Country for Old Men
- Be Your Future Self Now
- The Three-Body Problem
- The Light of All That Falls
- An Echo of Things to Come
- The Shadow of What Was Lost
- Simple Marketing for Smart People
Read Most
- Traction
- Sell Like Crazy
- Expert Secrets
- The Book of Elsewhere
Didn’t Make It Through
- Lonesome Dove
- The Mythmakers
- Becoming a King
- Meditation for Mortals