This year, I consumed 258 books in total. That’s down from last year’s 346, but there’s a simple explanation for that.

Election year.

And podcasts.

Frankly, there was always too much to keep up with and I have an insatiable urge to know what’s happening in the environments in which I participate.

All that said, there were some great books released this year and I encourage everyone to continue learning as much as they can across as many categories as possible. Reading, and/or listening to audiobooks, has become one of my favorite things to do and has allowed me to improve upon my already curious state of being.

Below are my favorite 25 books of this year. Please note that this list is based on books I read this year, and doesn’t necessarily suggest that all of them were released this year, or are even relatively recent releases.

25. Real Artists Don’t Starve by Jeff Goins

"Real Artists Don't Starve" by Jeff Goins challenges the myth of the starving artist and provides practical strategies for creatives to thrive.

• Core Idea: Creativity is a competitive advantage, not a hindrance.

• Key Strategies: Collaborate, take strategic risks, and apprentice under masters.

• Focus: Encourages blending artistic passion with financial success.

• Audience: Ideal for artists, writers, and creative professionals.

24. Honey, Baby, Mine by Laura Dern & Diane Ladd

"Honey, Baby, Mine" by Laura Dern and Diane Ladd is a heartfelt exploration of the mother-daughter bond through candid conversations.

• Themes: Love, family, career, and personal growth.

• Structure: Features dialogues, reflections, photos, and family recipes.

• Inspiration: Born from walks during Diane’s recovery from a critical illness.

• Tone: Honest, emotional, and relatable.

23. The Joy of Less by Francine Jay

"The Joy of Less" by Francine Jay is a practical and inspiring guide to minimalist living.

• Core Concept: Simplify life by decluttering and focusing on what truly matters.

• STREAMLINE Method: A 10-step process for decluttering and organizing.

• Structure: Covers philosophy, room-by-room strategies, and family involvement.

• Benefits: Reduces stress, fosters mindfulness, and creates a serene living space.

22. Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums by Travis Barker

"Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums" by Travis Barker is a raw and candid memoir detailing his life as the drummer of Blink-182.

• Key Themes: Overcoming addiction, surviving a plane crash, and personal reinvention through music and fatherhood.

• Content: Explores his childhood, career, relationships, and struggles with fame.

• Writing Style: Honest and energetic, with contributions from friends and family.

• Reception: Praised for its authenticity but noted for its graphic and intense details.

21. The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of California's First Drive-Through and How It Became a Beloved Cultural Icon by Lynsi Snyder 

"The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of California's First Drive-Through and How It Became a Beloved Cultural Icon" is a book written by Lynsi Snyder, the current president of In-N-Out Burger. This USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal bestseller offers an official, comprehensive look at the history and success of the iconic fast-food chain.

20. A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

"A City on Mars" by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of the challenges and realities of space colonization.

• Core Focus: Examines the feasibility, ethics, and practicality of settling Mars and other celestial bodies.

• Key Topics: Human biology in space, space law, ecological challenges, and societal implications.

• Tone: Informative yet lighthearted, with illustrations adding humor and accessibility.

• Recognition: Winner of the 2024 Royal Society Science Book Prize.

19. It’s OK To Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders

"It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism" by Bernie Sanders is a progressive critique of the capitalist system, advocating for economic and political reform.

• Main Argument: Unfettered capitalism fuels inequality, undermines democracy, and harms the planet.

• Key Topics: Wealth disparity, corporate greed, healthcare, education, and climate crisis.

• Vision: Proposes recognizing economic rights as human rights and creating a fairer society.

• Tone: Direct and passionate, blending analysis with a call to action.

18. Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law by Neil Gorsuch

"Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law" by Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze critiques the overreach of modern laws and administrative regulations, highlighting their impact on ordinary Americans.

• Core Focus: Explores how excessive and complex laws, often created by unelected agencies, can undermine freedoms and disproportionately affect those without wealth or power.

• Structure: Features real-life stories of individuals caught in legal and bureaucratic traps, from fishermen to monks.

• Themes: Balances the necessity of law with its potential to erode rights and respect for governance when overextended.

• Tone: Accessible and human-centered, blending legal analysis with compelling narratives.

17. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

"Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant explores how individuals can exceed expectations by focusing on learning, character development, and creating supportive systems.

• Core Idea: Success is less about innate talent and more about how well you learn and grow.

• Key Themes: Overcoming privilege gaps, building character skills, and fostering motivation.

• Approach: Blends research with compelling real-life stories from diverse fields.

• Audience: Ideal for educators, leaders, and anyone seeking personal or professional growth.

16. Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charles T. Munger

"Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger" is a collection of speeches, essays, and insights from Charlie Munger, vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.

• Core Themes: Rational decision-making, multidisciplinary thinking, and avoiding cognitive biases.

• Content: Features Munger's speeches, investment philosophy, and life lessons, emphasizing the "latticework of mental models."

• Format: Includes illustrations and anecdotes, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.

• Audience: Ideal for investors, business leaders, and those seeking practical wisdom for personal and professional growth.

15. The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

"The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter explores how modern comforts contribute to physical and mental health issues, advocating for embracing discomfort to unlock human potential.

• Core Idea: Discomfort fosters growth, resilience, and better health.

• Key Topics: Overcoming sedentary lifestyles, technology reliance, and mental stagnation.

• Unique Elements: Features the author's 33-day Arctic hunting expedition as a "misogi" challenge.

• Takeaway: Push beyond comfort zones to reclaim creativity, happiness, and purpose.

14. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

"The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World" by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a reflective exploration of the gift economy, inspired by the serviceberry tree's role in nature.

• Core Themes: Reciprocity, interconnectedness, and reimagining wealth through relationships rather than material accumulation.

• Content: Draws on Indigenous wisdom, ecology, and philosophy to challenge consumerism and promote sustainable living.

• Key Insights: Advocates for "enoughness" and the practice of gratitude, respect, and responsible consumption.

• Style: A concise, beautifully written essay blending science, storytelling, and hope.

13. It's Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO" by Felix Gillette

"It's Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO" by Felix Gillette and John Koblin provides a detailed account of HBO's transformation of television and its cultural impact.

• Core Focus: Chronicles HBO's rise as a pioneer in serialized dramas, its influence on American culture, and its challenges in the streaming era.

• Key Themes: Creative freedom, bold storytelling, and the evolution of TV through shows like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insight: Explores executive decisions, internal power struggles, and the network's unique approach to content.

• Audience: Perfect for TV enthusiasts and those interested in media history.

12. On the Edge by Nate Silver

"On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything" by Nate Silver investigates the world of professional risk-takers, exploring how their mastery of risk shapes modern life.

• Core Concept: Contrasts "The River" (risk-tolerant disruptors like gamblers, investors, and tech innovators) with "The Village" (risk-averse establishment figures).

• Key Themes: Risk management, decision-making, and its implications for finance, AI, and global challenges.

• Approach: Combines profiles of influential figures with personal reflections and analysis.

• Audience: Ideal for readers interested in risk, innovation, and societal dynamics.

11. Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism by Yanis Varoufakis

"Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism" by Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism has been replaced by a new system dominated by Big Tech, which operates like modern-day feudal lords.

• Core Idea: Platforms and rents have replaced markets and profits, creating "cloud fiefdoms" where users labor like serfs.

• Key Themes: Economic transformation, monopolization of the internet, and the loss of democracy and individual freedom.

• Style: Combines economic analysis with storytelling, drawing on history, myths, and contemporary examples.

• Takeaway: Calls for understanding and resisting this exploitative system to reclaim democratic and economic agency.

10. Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

"Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout" by Cal Newport proposes a sustainable approach to work that prioritizes quality over quantity.

• Core Principles: Do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and focus on quality.

• Key Insights: Critiques "pseudo-productivity" and offers strategies to reduce overload and achieve meaningful results.

• Inspiration: Draws from historical figures like Galileo and Jane Austen to illustrate effective work habits.

• Audience: Ideal for knowledge workers seeking balance and deeper fulfillment in their professional lives.

9. Four Futures: Life After Capitalism by Peter Frase

"Four Futures: Life After Capitalism" by Peter Frase explores potential post-capitalist societies shaped by automation and climate change, blending social science with speculative fiction.

• Core Framework: Four scenarios—communism (egalitarian abundance), socialism (egalitarian scarcity), rentism (hierarchical abundance), and exterminism (hierarchical scarcity).

• Themes: Automation, environmental limits, inequality, and political systems.

• Approach: Uses speculative fiction and real-world analysis to illustrate possible futures.

• Audience: Ideal for readers interested in futurism, economics, and political theory.

8. The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power by Max Chafkin

"The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power" by Max Chafkin is a biography that delves into the life and influence of Peter Thiel, a controversial tech billionaire and political figure.

• Focus: Chronicles Thiel's rise from PayPal co-founder to a key player in Silicon Valley and politics.

• Themes: Explores his investments, ideological battles, and the impact of his contrarian worldview on tech and society.

• Style: Investigative and critical, with insights into Thiel's role in shaping modern capitalism and political landscapes.

• Reception: Praised for its detailed reporting but noted for its polarizing portrayal of Thiel.

7. Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier

"Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up" by Abigail Shrier critiques the mental health industry, arguing that it often exacerbates rather than alleviates issues among today's youth.

• Core Argument: The problem lies not with children but with over-diagnosis, over-therapizing, and ineffective therapeutic practices.

• Key Themes: Challenges of modern parenting, the unintended harms of talk therapy, and the impact of social-emotional learning in schools.

• Insights: Explores "iatrogenesis" (harm caused by treatment) and advocates for fostering resilience and independence in children.

• Style: Investigative and provocative, drawing on interviews and case studies to question prevailing mental health approaches.

6. The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America by Coleman Hughes

"The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America" by Coleman Hughes critiques contemporary race-focused ideologies and advocates for a return to colorblind principles.

• Core Argument: Hughes contends that modern "anti-racism" fosters division and resentment, proposing a colorblind approach inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.

• Key Themes: Critiques of race-based policies, the pitfalls of anti-racist narratives, and the case for treating race as a neutral characteristic.

• Style: Thought-provoking and polemical, blending personal insights with philosophical and historical analysis.

• Audience: Aimed at readers questioning current race orthodoxies or seeking alternative perspectives on racial equity.

5. The Moms Are Not Alright: Inside America's New Parenting Crisis by Anne Helen

"The Moms Are Not Alright: Inside America's New Parenting Crisis" by Anne Helen Petersen is a collection of stories and essays that explores the challenges of parenting, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Format: The book consists of short stories and essays submitted by parents, primarily mothers, sharing their experiences

• Core Theme: Examines the struggles and pressures faced by parents, especially mothers, during the pandemic and beyond

• Content: Includes personal accounts of pandemic parenting, highlighting the difficulties and changes in family dynamics

• Purpose: Aims to make parents feel seen and understood while encouraging readers to reconsider societal approaches to parenting

• Audience: Primarily targeted at parents seeking validation of their experiences, as well as those interested in understanding the modern parenting landscape.

4. Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

"Nuclear War: A Scenario" by Annie Jacobsen is a gripping exploration of the potential consequences of a nuclear conflict, blending investigative journalism with a chilling hypothetical scenario.

• Core Focus: Depicts a minute-by-minute account of a nuclear war beginning with a North Korean missile strike on the U.S., escalating to global devastation.

• Key Themes: Examines military protocols, decision-making under pressure, and the catastrophic effects of nuclear warfare, including nuclear winter and mass extinction.

• Unique Elements: Based on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, offering realistic insights into the risks and mechanisms of nuclear conflict.

• Takeaway: Highlights the fragility of global peace and the devastating, irreversible consequences of nuclear war.

3. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

"The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt examines the mental health crisis among youth, linking it to smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting.

• Core Argument: The shift from "play-based childhood" to "phone-based childhood" has disrupted children's social and neurological development.

• Key Issues: Explores factors like sleep deprivation, social comparison, addiction, and loneliness.

• Proposed Reforms: Advocates for no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and more unsupervised play.

• Purpose: Offers actionable solutions for parents, educators, and policymakers to foster healthier childhoods.

2. Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet by Chris Dixon

"Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet" by Chris Dixon explores how blockchain technology can reshape the internet into a decentralized, user-empowered platform.

• Core Concept: Traces the evolution of the internet through three eras—Read, Read-Write, and now Read-Write-Own (Web3)—emphasizing blockchain's role in redistributing power from corporations to users.

• Key Themes: Decentralization, ownership, and the potential of blockchain networks beyond cryptocurrency speculation.

• Style: Combines technical insights with accessible prose, drawing from Dixon's 25-year career in tech.

• Audience: Ideal for internet users, business leaders, and creators interested in understanding and shaping the future of the internet.

1. Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Dr. Casey Means

"Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" by Dr. Casey Means is a groundbreaking book that links metabolic function to overall health and well-being.

• Core Idea: Nearly every chronic health issue can be traced back to metabolic dysfunction, and optimizing cellular energy can prevent and reverse these conditions.

• Key Topics: Explores connections between metabolism, mental and physical health, and longevity.

• Practical Guidance: Offers actionable strategies for improving metabolic health, including lifestyle changes and monitoring tools.

• Audience: Ideal for anyone seeking to enhance their health through a holistic, science-based approach.