“We lose ourselves in books, we find ourselves there too” - Kristin Martz, Author.
About a year and a half ago, I found myself at a crossroads in which it seemed like modern media had nothing good to offer (shows and movies were either remakes or unwatchable and social media was manipulative and only led to spiraling).
That’s when I came across this quote, and it changed it all for me:
“Read What You Love, Until You Love To Read” - Naval Ravikant, Entrepreneur and Investor.
I got addicted quickly and have not looked back since. I had been missing the fireside feeling that reading a good book provides. The insight, new ways of thinking, and characters you can not help but fall in love with.
Looking in anticipation and with hope toward 2025, here are my personal “Top 7” recommendations and their biggest takeaways in the form of my favorite quote from the work:
1. Ego Is The Enemy, by Ryan Holiday
“I hope you will be less invested in the story you tell about your own specialness, and as a result, you will be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you’ve set out to achieve.”
- Ryan Holiday.
2. The Diary Of A CEO, by Steven Bartlett
“...there is no reason to have a Plan B, because it distracts from Plan A.” - Steven Bartlett.
3. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer
“The solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.” - John Mark Comer.
4. Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
“It’s not just that there’s no finish line; it’s that you define the finish line … You tell yourself that you’re running toward some goal, chasing some rush, but really you run because the alternative, stopping, scares you to death.” - Phil Knight.
5. Greenlights, by Matthew McConaughey
“I have a lot of proof that the world is conspiring to make me happy.” - Matthew McConaughey.
6. The Art and Business of Online Business Writing, by Nicolas Cole
“If you can’t clearly communicate what it is you want to say in a twelve-word headline, chances are, you won’t clearly communicate what it is you want to say in an 800-word post (or a 60,000-word book).” - Nicolas Cole.
7. The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” … "Kind," said the boy.” ― Charlie Mackesy.
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I hope these books are as much of a joy unto your life as they have been unto mine. I pray they not only enlighten and fulfill but also guide and direct.
That said, of all the books I could recommend, there is one that wins out overall, and that is the Bible. There has been no other text that had a more significant impact on society and culture at large nor stood the test of time as well as it has.
When all is said and done, any and all works trace their wisdom in one way or another to a Biblical principle. I firmly believe in its ability to instruct whether it's read from a religious perspective or not. A heart willing to learn is all that is needed.
A great place to start in the Gospel of John, located in the New Testament, or if you really want to squeeze out the most wisdom, reading a section of Proverbs a day for each day of the month will prove to be life-changing.
If you have any incredible recommendations for this coming year, feel free to reach out and share!
Happy Reading.
(If you are interested in reading more great books with great people, join the DC online book club at the link below!)
DC Book Club: https://www.danielcuesta007.com/about-1
- Making The Most Of Being Curious
Daniel J. Cuesta
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