The 10 most valuable books I’ve read
This is the first time I’ve sat and thought about the books I’ve gained the most value from. Given I’m in the midst of one (#2), I feel its only right.
These books have resonated deeply with me. Some have changed my worldview, others have deepened existing convictions, and all of them left me wishing I had picked it up years before.
#1 Breath | James Nestor
Single handedly the most life changing book I’ve ever read.
It changed the way I ate, slept, and worked out. It opened mental doors I didn’t know were there. It helped me understand the epidemic root of chronic illness, sleep apnea, autoimmune disorders, infertility, ADHD, jacked up teeth, and a myriad of other human ailments. Absolutely WILD.
Had a hard time shutting up about it the months after reading it.
#2 About Face | Colonel David Hackworth
When you grow up in peacetime, its easy to take for granted the price of freedom. This book tells you the costs in detail.
The fact that David Hackworth survived long enough to even write this book is an epic story in and of itself, but the incredible leader he became and his willingness to take a stand for what he believed was right is what makes this man a legend.
#3 The Autobiography of Malcolm X | as told to Alex Haley
History as it should be taught - real and unfiltered.
Damn shame this man gets maybe a paragraph in history textbooks. Against all odds Malcolm X became one of the most fearless and eloquent orators in modern history. It will leave you stunned, inspired, and downright amazed by this man’s accomplishments.
Up there in the same league of what-ifs as John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr, Robert F Kennedy, Kobe Bryant, Jimi Hendrix, and Princess Diana. His job wasn’t finished and his beliefs were still being shaped. Amazing human.
#4 Shoedog | Phil Knight
One of the best stories on entrepreneurship and business one can come upon.
Will make you want to burn the midnight oil and then some. If you’ve got a dream to pursue, read this book.
#5 Can’t hurt me | David goggins
Baddest man on the planet. Exploring the power of the mind through relentless physical pursuit. Hell yeah.
Not only are his physical achievements ridiculous, but his story from abusive childhood, obesity, and poverty to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete is second to none.
Thousands of lives have been improved by the wisdom he gained through blood, sweat, injuries, and tears.
Would recommend the audiobook more so because in between chapters he does a short podcast on the contents and its incredibly valuable.
#6 The Real Anthony Fauci | Robert f Kennedy jr.
This one hurts. It’s a bit depressing and makes you worried about the state of America’s healthcare system.
This book shouldn’t be political, it’s documentation of corruption and an egregious abuse of power.
If you take yours, your kids, or future kids health seriously, read this book.
#7 Into the wild | jon krakauer
All-time book by my favorite author.
It reminds me of one of my favorite songs - “That Funny Feeling” by Bo Burnham. You can’t quite put words to the feeling of knowing that parts of the system that we have been born into and live within are deeply flawed, in conflict with our instincts, and diametrically opposed to the natural world.
There’s a reason this book resonates with so many people. Chris McCandless is us. I see parts of myself within him and am envious of his willingness to answer the call for adventure and protest the comfortable life. Legend.
#8 Deep | James Nestor
Author so nice he made it on the list twice. This book is the catalyst behind my interest in the ocean and the world of free diving.
My copy of this book has highlights throughout because of all of the unique facts that I would have never discovered without it. Expect to learn the unique physiological responses in the human body that make us incredibly efficient divers. How sharks migrate using electromagnetism. How coral of the same species on opposite sides of the globe spawn within the same minute. How sperm whales are uniquely built to be the best freedivers on Earth and that their clicks, should they choose, could instantly kill you. Epic book.
#9 Unbroken | Laura Hillenbrand
A true testament to the human spirit and its burning desire to live and fight against the most torturous, grueling, and inhumane treatment one can possibly endure.
Louis Zamperini and thousands of POWs in WWII dealt with the most sadistic and evil treatment at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. Louis’s story in particular is wildly unfortunate and tragically beautiful. Those that fought and gave their lives to protect the world from eventual catastrophe are heroes forever.
#10 The Overstory | Richard Powers
Incredible. The writing style, epic interwoven storyline, character development, and genuine learning one gets exposed to is fantastic. Dozens of times I had to set this book down to process what I was reading.
Will make you fall madly in love with the natural world and yearn to hug a tree in an old growth forest.
Now go sit down somewhere comfy and read!
-Derek
