Must Read Books
These books have rewired my brain. Broke my heart. Touched my soul. Challenged my beliefs and forced me to grow. My only criteria for putting them on this list was that I was different after closing the back cover.
*if you use my links to purchase a book, I will receive a small commission from Amazon*
01
Man's Search for Meaning
by Viktor Frankl
Viktor spent three years in Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps. More remarkable than his survival was his ability to chose hope in a world filled with evil, suffering and death. For those looking for meaning and purpose in their lives, this is required reading.
02
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Identity drives behavior and behavior becomes habit. Therefore, your habits define both success and failure. James provides actionable tips and systems to be more focused, effective, and intentional in your everyday life. A must read in a modern world full of distraction and hyper-novelty.
03
Why We Sleep
by Matthew Walker
In the world of Netflix binges and late night scrolling, a full 8 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep is becoming a rarity. Neuroscientist Matthew makes the case why sleep is essential to human health, longevity and performance. Sleep enhances all waking human pursuits. Getting your sleep hygiene on point is a must.
04
Sapiens
by Yuval Noah Harari
Hard to believe all of human history can be summarized in 464 pages. Dr. Yuval takes readers on a journey starting 4.5 billion years ago. He carries us through several historical revolutions (Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific) and paints a thought-provoking image of the future. The history textbooks I was forced to read in high school don't hold a candle to this powerhouse of a book. Enlightening, educational, essential.
05
The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield
We all have an internal critic. One that tells us we shouldn't dance because we will look silly. Or we shouldn't start that business because it will fail. Or that we shouldn't approach that girl because she is way out of our league. Stephen arms us with the tools necessary to battle "the resistance" and throw our paint on the canvas of life.
06
The Artist's Way
by Julia Cameron
Julia argues that we are all artists. And if you don't feel creative, its because you have forgotten your artist self. She introduces a journaling practice called the "morning pages," that help you unlock your imaginative potential and become more confident, curious and creative in your daily life. Most impactful book I have read in the last decade.
07
The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Let's face it...we are lucky to reach adulthood without experiencing some level of trauma. This book examines the inner workings of trauma and how it manifests physically in the body and chemically in the brain. Tools are offered to the reader to rewire their brains and rebuild their lives as trauma survivors. This book will make you feel "seen" and remedy the isolation often felt in response to traumatic events.
08
The Prophet
by Kahlil Gibran
A classic released in 1923 by a Lebanese-American poet. This short read touches all aspects of the human experience (love, death, friendship, good vs. evil, pain, freedom, self knowledge, faith). Your heart will be touched. Tears will fall. And chances are you will adopt a new understanding of life itself.
09
A New Earth
by Eckhart Tolle
I read this book over 15 years ago and I still recall exactly where I was in the library when I read through it the first time. Tolle paints a utopia of ego transcendence to end suffering and conflict in the world. This book will help you better understand yourself and the possibilities in the world around you.
10
12 Rules for Life
by Jordan Peterson
This book hammered home the importance of personal responsibility in an examined life. I read this book 5 years ago, but still apply the lessons learned daily. We have lost wisdom shared around a campfire from the village elders. Jordan Peterson uses his decades of experience as a clinical psychologist to lay out 12 essential rules to be a better citizen of the world.
11
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
by Alfred Lansing
A story so fantastic and inconceivable that it's hard to believe it's real. I have traveled the world and been in some hairy situations, but this book made me feel like I never left my crib. Proof of the unbreakable human spirit in the face of unsurmountable odds. A page turner from cover to cover. If you have an appetite for adventure, this is a must read. 10 out of 10.
12
Can't Hurt Me
by David Goggins
The ultimate transformation story. From overweight bug exterminator with zero prospects or ambition to one of the hardest men (and Navy Seal) to ever walk the Earth. After reading this book, you will be looking to sign up for your first marathon or do burpees 'til your arms fall off. If your life isn't where you want it to be, you aren't aiming high enough. David proves that the mind is stronger that the body will ever be. "Stay hard." - DG
