If you’re anything like me, you love a good book, and in the wake of the festive season you’ve probably got a voucher or two you need to convert into written words.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, something new or something entirely different, this is what I got up to in 2018 reading-wise.
Fiction
Letters from the Dead by Dawn Meredith
Overall, a solid concept that would make a decent television show, and an enjoyable read too. Letters from the Dead is Dawn’s first foray into a longer work. I like to support new authors, and gave this four-stars. Read the full review of Letters from the Dead. As I’ve met Dawn at a couple of writers conventions, I also asked her to do a guest blog post.
Three Great Lies by Vanessa MacLellan
Three Great Lies is set in a mythological version of Ancient Egypt. It’s got a good fun concept and its a really enjoyable read. Here’s my review.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Illuminae is a ‘letters’ style story, in that it’s essentially compiled from recorded conversations and video footage etc, and presented in such as way as to build a narrative. Overall, a fantastic read. Here’s my review.
Mnemo’s Memory and other Fantastic Tales by David Versace
I purchased a copy of the anthology Mnemo’s Memory and other Fantastic Tales rather than grab the free version available from Prolific Works, largely so I could drop a ‘verified purchase’ review on Amazon. I know Dave and have read quite a few of his short stories, and figured the few bucks would be well spent. It was. I surprised myself at how much I enjoyed it. Here’s my review of Mnemo’s Memory.
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
This book was recommended to me by several different people, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. An urban magic story set in London, with plenty to keep you interested and guessing the outcome. I’ll probably pick up the next one in the series when I get through my current reading list. I indend to review it when I get the time.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
A decent read, but I was hoping I’d enjoy Moon Called more as I love a good werewolf / supernatural / real-world magic story. I enjoyed it, but not enough that I’d rush out and grab the sequel.
Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
Blood Song was another great pickup and I intend to get the sequel when I can. Definitely one I’d recommend. Harsh and gritty, it’s the story of a young boy as he trains to be a warrior of the faith. Plenty of intrigue, politics and mystery as well. A superbly crafted book. Check out my full review.
Biographies
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Brilliant biography about a very complex, highly driven man. I hope to review this one on my blog some time soon. Highly recommended.
The Warren Buffet Way by Robert G Hagstrom
Another fantastic read about the most successful investor ever, and another one I really want to review on my blog. Highly recommended.
Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Brilliant read, right up there with Elon Musk and The Warren Buffet Way. This one I did review on my blog. Highly recommended.
Non-fiction
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
I stumbled across this book via a TED Talk and am glad I did. It’s all about getting stuff done and how to do it immediately without the risk of putting it off indefinitely, including the psychology of why this method works. Highly recommended.
Charlie Munger, the Complete Investor by Tren Griffin
It’s essentially a bunch of quotes taken from public documents with a little narrative to explain and tie them together. It was okay, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get a copy.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
A solid read focusing on today’s problem of too many things coming at you at once, making it difficult to focus and really think about a project. This book provdes some strategies to help you clear your unnecessary interruptions from your life, like limiting your exposure to the constant bombardment of email and social media. Well worth the time.
Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestly
Although it had some reasonably good information, it was more of a sales pitch for the author’s business than anything else. Maybe grab a copy if you can see it in a yard sale, but not otherwise.
The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
This is hands-down the best book I’ve ever read on personal finances. I bought both the audio and printed versions, lent it out to friends and even bought copies as gifts. If you only read one book on personal finances, read this one.
Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday
This books about using social media and other means to promote yourself and your products, as opposed to paying for advertising. While it provides some usable ideas, it’s the sort of thing you really need to work hard at in order to continually reinvent your strategies. There’s no silver bullet as far as I can tell. A little bit of a sales pitch, it’s not as on the nose as Key Person of Influence and the information’s better overall.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Wow, this book doesn’t pull any punches. It’s the best book I’ve ever read on the subject of personal growth. If you only buy one non-fiction book in your life, make it this one.
The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins
A creatively written book on the subject of developing your own creativity. Well worth the read, regardless of your profession.
Unshakable by Tony Robbins
This was a bit of a letdown, to be honest. The main messages are ‘buy shares directly’ and ‘be wary about trusting advice from the financial industry’. Perhaps useful info if you’ve never read anything on the subject before, but it was a bit light-on.
The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
This book’s a really good match for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. It comes at the same issues, but from a more philosophical point of view. I’ve recommended this to friends and even bought a gift copy for someone. Highly recommended.
Ted Talks by Chris J. Anderson
I grabbed this because I’m finding myself in the spotlight more and more. It’s well worth the read. I read the audio version, and although Chris J Anderson runs Ted Talks, he’s not a voice actor. I’d recommend the written version over the audio version. You can check out the full review.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
I grabbed this largely because of the Marvel movies with the character of Thor, and figured as it was by Neil Gaiman it was well worth a shot. I can’t say I’m into Norse mythology any more now than I was before I purchased the book, but I’m certainly a lot more informed. Interesting and insightful. To put it another way, the third Thor movie is probably a lot more representative of Thor’s personality than the earlier ones.