Reflecting on a Year of Reading: My 2024 Bookshelf
As 2024 has come to a close, I’m continuing my annual tradition of reflecting on the books that shaped my year. This year’s reading journey was a mix of philosophy, history, self-improvement, fitness, and adventure. Some books challenged my worldview, while others reinforced key lessons about life, success, and relationships.
Instead of simply listing my reads, I’ve grouped them into categories for a more structured approach. Plus, I’ve included superlatives for the most impactful books, takeaways for each title, and a few personal reflections.
Let’s dive in! 📚
Best Books of 2024 - Superlatives 🏆
Best Overall Read: Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real
Most Thought-Provoking: Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
Biggest Surprise: The Giant Looks in the Mirror and Sees Nothing by Riley Robbins
Most Useful in Real Life: Bodybuilding Specialist by ISSA
Best History Book: The Fourth Turning Is Here by Neil Howe
Best Science/Neuroscience Book: The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael E. Long
Best Adventure Read: First Train Out of Denver by Leo Jenkins
Best for Personal Growth: Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real
Best for Expanding Perspective: The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley
Best Motivational Read: Staying Sane by Greg Harden
📖 Personal Development & Relationships
Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real – A+ (Best Relationship Book of the Year)
🔹 Quick Takeaway: The best book I’ve ever read on relationships.
🔹 What Stood Out: Terry Real’s insights into ‘Core Negative Images’ and the struggle between the ‘Adaptive Child’ and the ‘Functional Adult’ were mind-blowing. This book is essential for anyone serious about personal growth in relationships.
🔹 Recommendation: A must-read for partners, parents, or anyone who wants to improve emotional intelligence.
The Giant Looks in the Mirror and Sees Nothing by Riley Robbins – A-
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A unique blend of life advice and personal reflections from a talented filmmaker.
🔹 What Stood Out: The book reads like advice to a younger self, with golden nuggets on patience and perseverance in creative careers.
🔹 Favorite Quote: “When you plant a seed in the soul, you don’t dig it up every day looking for progress. You know it takes time to unfold and sprout.”
🔹 Recommendation: A must-read for young creatives and anyone starting their career in entertainment.
Staying Sane by Greg Harden – A
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A motivation-packed read that blends emotional intelligence with peak performance advice.
🔹 What Stood Out: Unlike typical “work harder” books, this one emphasizes mental resilience and emotional awareness—something often lacking in sports and business motivation books.
🔹 Recommendation: A must-read for athletes, professionals, and anyone striving for excellence with balance.
📚 History, Society & Philosophy
The Fourth Turning Is Here by Neil Howe – A
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A deep dive into how history repeats itself through generational cycles.
🔹 What Stood Out: The idea that history isn’t random but follows predictable patterns. This book provides insight into where society might be headed.
🔹 Recommendation: Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, sociology, and future trends.
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche – B
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A challenging yet thought-provoking book that questions morality and truth. 🔹 What Stood Out: It left me with more questions than answers—perhaps that’s the point.
🔹 Recommendation: Only for those ready to dive into deep philosophy and existential thought.
The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley – A-
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A thought-provoking take on human progress, innovation, and the power of optimism.
🔹 What Stood Out: While some critics argue that Ridley underestimates environmental and social issues, the book’s main strength lies in its encouragement of critical thinking and curiosity.
🔹 Favorite Quote: “Just because something is common knowledge doesn’t make it accurate.”
🔹 Recommendation: A great read for anyone who wants a broader perspective on history, economics, and innovation.
🔬 Science, Fitness & Health
The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael E. Long – A-
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A fascinating look at how dopamine drives our desires and behaviors.
🔹 What Stood Out: The book challenges the common belief that dopamine is about pleasure; it’s actually about the pursuit of more.
🔹 Favorite Quote: “Dopamine makes promises that it is in no position to keep.”
🔹 Recommendation: A great read for anyone interested in neuroscience, psychology, or personal growth.
Bodybuilding Specialist by ISSA – B
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A structured approach to understanding bodybuilding, even for non-bodybuilders.
🔹 What Stood Out: I have no plans to become a bodybuilding coach, but reading a certification book rather than relying on social media “bro-science” was a smart way to learn.
🔹 Recommendation: Worth reading if you’re into fitness and want to understand the principles behind muscle growth and training.
🌍 Adventure & Travel Reads
First Train Out of Denver by Leo Jenkins – A+ (Best Adventure Read of the Year)
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A mix of travel, philosophy, and raw self-discovery.
🔹 What Stood Out: The book’s journal-like intimacy resonated deeply, especially as someone who travels often.
🔹 Recommendation: If you love adventure, self-reflection, and deep storytelling, this is a must-read.
Emperors of the Deep by William McKeever – A
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A deep dive into ocean conservation, sharks, and our impact on marine life.
🔹 What Stood Out: Eye-opening stats on the threats to ocean ecosystems.
🔹 Recommendation: A great read for anyone passionate about marine conservation and wildlife.
📖 Other Notable Reads
Jesus: A 21st Century Biography by Paul Johnson – B
🔹 Quick Takeaway: A historical look at Jesus beyond religious narratives.
🔹 What Stood Out: Johnson presents Jesus as an enigma while emphasizing his undeniable historical impact.
🔹 Recommendation: Good for history lovers, but not a deeply religious perspective.
The Kybalion by The Three Initiates – B-
🔹 Quick Takeaway: An introduction to Hermetic philosophy.
🔹 What Stood Out: It blurred the lines between Christianity, Buddhism, and Stoicism, leaving me wondering how it truly stands apart.
🔹 Recommendation: A niche read—only for those interested in esoteric traditions.
📢 Final Thoughts & What’s Next?
2024 was a year of expansion—in ideas, perspectives, and personal growth. From history to neuroscience to relationships, each book offered something valuable, even if some left me with more questions than answers.
As I look ahead to 2025, I want to continue reading widely—from philosophy to history to adventure stories. If you’ve got any great recommendations, drop them in the comments!
What was the best book YOU read this year? Let’s discuss. 📚✨
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