Apparently I should have done less reading and more blogging in 2022. The last post I made was the books of 2021. Oh well, maybe 2023 will be different.
With a lot of help from Audible, I made it through 33 books in 2022. Some were great, some weren’t. Here’s my recap of my reading from last year. The book images are affiliate links if you want to purchase any of these for yourself.
Book of the Year
Range – David Epstein (Audio)
For most of my life I’ve felt like I’m wired wrong. While it seems everyone around me can pick a career, a hobby, or a topic of interest and stick to it, I have many many interests. I also can’t truly understand if I’m going to like something unless I immerse myself in it, which leads me to try lots of things, and to quit just about as many. This process has led many to believe I’m a quitter and can’t stick to anything. It’s also led me to believe I’m a quitter and can’t stick to anything. “Range” by David Epstein led me to realize that this process isn’t a liability. It’s actually an asset. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit in and you’re the only person who can’t choose a path and stick to it, this book is a must read.
Great
The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life – Boyd Varty
I became aware of this book, like many books I read, on the Tim Ferriss podcast. If you haven’t listened to Boyd’s interview, it’s well worth the time. It’s hilarious, terrifying and heart warming. Boyd is a master story teller and he lays out his philosophies on life in this book.
22 Immutable Laws of Marketing – Al Ries and Jack Trout (Re-Read)
I read this book many years ago, but thanks to a couple new irons in the fire, I needed a refresher. This book is a fast read packed with great information. Considering it’s almost a full year later and those irons in the fire are started to grow, I plan on running through it again in the next few weeks.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck – Mark Manson
I was turned off by the title of this book for quite a while, but my wife bought it so I thought I’d give it a shot. I really enjoyed it. It’s actually quite heart-felt and impactful despite the book’s click-baitey title. I’m even looking forward to watching the movie of the same name very soon.
Building a Story Brand – Donald Miller
I’ve been a Donald Miller fan for many years now but somehow missed how many titles he’s been releasing over the years. This is another book my wife bought and I devoured it in just a couple days. I also plan on re-reading in the next few weeks.
Ego is the Enemy – Ryan holiday (Re-Read)
I can’t remember why I wanted to re-read this, other than the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it the first time. As always, Ryan Holiday produces great writing that reveals important truths and I’m sure I’ll read this book again in the future.
In The Blood – Jack Carr (Audio)
May is one of my favorite months of the year because it means the new Jack Carr book is coming out. The latest in the series did not disappoint and I’m waiting on bated breath for “Only The Dead” which will be coming out May 2023. Also, if you haven’t watched “The Terminal List” on Amazon Prime, do yourself a favor and binge it.
Scars and Stripes – Tim Kennedy (Audio)
I’ve been a Tim Kennedy fan for years so I was excited to jump in and learn more about what makes this wild-man tick. The book is a circus. Tim has enough life experience to fill multiple life times.
I’d Like to Play Alone Please- Tom Segura (Audio)
I became a Tom Segura fan shortly before his career blasted off to the moon. My wife and I even went to see him at the Funny Bone here in Omaha for my birthday and saw all the rough material that he eventually molded into his second Netflix special. Just like his stand-up, this book will have you laughing your ass off.
Personal – Lee Child (Audio)
Inspired by the excellent “Reacher” series on Amazon Prime, I binged my way through several more Jack Reacher novels in 2022. “Personal” has Jack Reacher tracking down one of the best snipers in the world and it’s a lot of fun.
Make Me – Lee Child (Audio)
“Make Me” ranks up there with some of my favorite Reacher novels. The bad guys are about as evil as they come.
Night School – Lee Child (Audio)
Another great plot by Lee Child. One of the things that amazes me about authors like him are the depths of their creativity. I just don’t understand how he keeps coming up with great story after great story.
Profit First – Mike Michalowicz
Another book bought by my wife. Another great read. I’ll be using the principles from this book in every business venture I’m a part of moving forward.
Musashi – Eiji Yoshikawa (Audio)
At over 52 hours in listening length, this is the longest book I’ve ever listened too. I can’t say it kept me enthralled through the whole thing, but it’s a masterpiece none the less. I’m glad I finally made my way through it.
Discipline is Destiny – Ryan Holiday
Every year I look forward to Ryan’s new book. “Discipline” did not disappoint. If your motivation coffers are running low, this book will help you get back to where you need to be.
Never Finished – David Goggins – (Audio)
Another great book by the world’s toughest man. I will say his first book spoke to me more than this one did, but I’m still glad I read it and it’s helped fuel me for everything I need to do this year.
The Daily Stoic – Ryan Holiday (Re-Read)
One quick passage every morning to start the day out right. This book was on my list last year and it’ll be on there again next year.
Fahrenhieght 451 – Ray Bradbury (Audio)
I’ve made it a point to go back and listen to or read all of the classics I somehow missed over the years. If you ask me, Fahrenheit 451 hits a little too close to home these days. All the more reason to be glad I finally made it through.
Endure – Cam Hanes (Audio)
I’m a big fan of Cam Hanes and inspired by all he’s managed to accomplish. I listened to this book during a road trip to Montana, and seeing elk wandering around the big timber during that trip made it all the more enjoyable.
Of Boys and Men – Richard Reeves – (Audio)
If you’re a man or a parent to boys, this book is a must read. Richard Reeves does a good job of presenting the facts, even if they’re not popular in today’s woke culture. The short of it is boys and men as a group are facing some major difficulties that need to be addressed, but most of society would rather turn a blind eye.
Good
Growth Hacker Marketing – Ryan Holiday
Another great book by Ryan Holiday, though I’m ranking it under good as I was already familiar with most of the concepts in the book. I was late to the party on this book and I was already familiar with all the concepts.
Hero on a Mission – Donald Miller
I really enjoyed this book, I just didn’t find it’s actionable items to be very useful for me. That doesn’t mean they won’t be useful for you. I believe in the concept of this book, I just have a different way of going about things.
The Cold Start Problem – Andrew Chen
This book is another I heard about on the Tim Ferriss podcast and if I remember correctly, it was Andrew Chen’s blog post that inspired Ryan Holiday to write Growth Hacker marketing. The books go well together. I didn’t find it as useful as I was hoping, but I think that’s mostly because I’m not trying to build a Silicon Valley startup.
Post Office – Charles Bukowski (Audio)
I know a lot of people who are big Charles Bukowski fans, so I figured I’d throw one of his books into my fiction “catch-up” list. The book was fine but I don’t feel the need to read any more of his work. At least not for the time being.
Slaughterhouse 5 – Kurt Vonnegut (Audio)
Another fiction “catch up” read. For as much as I’ve heard about Kurt Vonnegut, I’d never read any of his work. Once again I liked the book, but wouldn’t go as far as to say I loved it. I could see myself reading more Vonnegut in the future though.
The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
I had big expectations for this book, but it fell a little bit flat for me. If nothing else, it did help me realize that just because I’ve been telling myself the same story about money over the years, doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s also interesting learning about other people’s money stories and how they are completely different than mine.
Red Teaming – Bryce Hoffman – (Audio)
I heard about this book on “The Art of Manliness” podcast but it took a couple years before I managed to wrangle up a copy. It has some really good information, but I feel I could have skipped to the last 1/3rd of the book and walked away with just as much knowledge.
Surge – Mike Michaelwicz
After reading “Profit First” I jumped on Kindle and found a couple more books by Mike Michaelwicz on sale. Unfortunately, neither were as impactful. “Surge” kinda felt like entrepreneurial junk food. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t really take much from it.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek – Audio
I’ve avoided Simon Sinek for a while now as the way he presents is a bit off-putting to me, but I’m glad I read this book. Once again, and probably because the book has been out for a while, most of the concepts were review for me.
Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb – (Audio)
Two admissions on this book. 1. I finished it in January 2023. 2. I only understood about 10% of it. It is a good read, just know it’s not written at the standard Jr. High level that most books are written. I couldn’t make it past the first few sentences without encountering terms I was completely un-familiar with.
Meh
The 4 Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
This was another Tim Ferriss recommendation but I could have done without reading it. Just not my cup of tea. Oh well.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
I practiced my speed reading on this one. I’ve said it before, I think this book is great for a lot of people (as evidenced by it’s astronomical sales) but none of the information was new for me. It almost felt like I could have written the book myself. (Maybe I’m just jealous that I didn’t?)
The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur – Mike Michaelowicz
I bought this book for $3. I’m glad I didn’t spend more. It was his first book and the one that eventually inspired “Profit First” but I mostly just finished it to have another book to add to the list. Nobody’s perfect.