Reading 2018
Overview
I’ve always read books slowly. I digest them, research as I read, and take notes along the way. They are my mentors. I enjoy slow and deliberate thinking. A few thoughts on reading:
- I will re-read favorite books the way I rewatch favorite movies and replay favorite albums.
- I will take a deep breath and understand that it is IMPOSSIBLE to read everything on my list.
- I will be selective about my reading. If I don’t like it, then I won’t finish it.
- I will take better notes and retain the information gleaned.
- For my favorite authors, I’ll read other books they’ve written as well as what they read.
- I will read bibliographies. I will let one book lead me to another.
Previous Years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Books Completed (32)
These are the books I’ve completed reading so far this year. Favorite books are denoted by a ★
I’ve been meaning to read this one for awhile. Seemed fitting for the first book of 2018. I really enjoyed reading about the journey that personal trainer Drew Manning went through.
He realized that perhaps there are more variables to losing weight than just “will power”. By literally being in their shoes, he learned to show empathy towards his clients. This inspired me to keep it up with my fitness goals.
One of the scariest books that I’ve read. Highly recommended reading.
Give it a go if you want a glimpse into the current administration, how the White House is being run, and the influence that Steve Bannon has had.
At the end of last year I enjoyed reading The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living . When his new book, The Little Book of Lykke came out, I immediately looked forward to giving it a go. I still romanticize the first, however, this was a great look about happiness around the world. If you are looking for more detail into happiness research then this is a great followup.
Russ Harris talks about fear, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and a host of other “problems”. Which in fact, may not be problems at all but a matter of perception. He also introduces the reader to acceptance and commitment therapy. (ACT) I really enjoyed this read and am looking forward to reading some of his other books.
In 2011, I read Gary Taubes’ books Good Calories, Bad Calories and Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It. Needless to say, these books changed the way that I thought about metabolism of food, fat, and sugar. I was excited to read his new book, The Case Against Sugar. It did not disappoint.
A beautiful love story set in summertime Paris of the 80s. Really enjoyed Armie Hammer’s reading of the audiobook as well.
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been focused on making small incremental changes. They are starting to add up on a big way. It’s been a few years since I’ve intended to read this book. I’m so glad that I finally did! It gives a framework, The Habit Loop, for changing the routines and identifying triggers for habits.
The book inspired me so much that I wrote a blog post on it. The Confidence Gap and The Compound Effect are perfect companions to this text.
I first read this book in 2012. For me it was the “Best book of the year so far. Hands down.” This book kept the momentum going after I completed The Power of Habit. It reminded me to be mindful of the following: “Are you learning and growing everyday?” Using the habit loop and keeping up momentum, one will see big changes. I’m excited to keep growing!
