Books in Brief: 114 Reviews in 1 Paragraph
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I consume a considerable number of books, and my audience is well aware of my reading habits. As a result, I frequently receive inquiries about my book recommendations. For a curated list of top books categorized by genre, check out my recommendations [here](#) and my all-time favorites alongside my current reads [here](#).
In this article, instead of presenting a conventional "Best Of" list, I want to share brief reviews of 114 books I've explored in recent years, allowing you to judge which ones resonate with you.
Dive in—you might discover your next favorite read!
EXHALATION: STORIES BY TED CHIANG
Sci-fi enthusiasts often fixate on the science behind the fiction. They ponder the feasibility of warp drives and their potential impact on interplanetary relations. However, Chiang flips this narrative. His tales are deeply rooted in character development, with quirky science serving merely as a backdrop. One standout story follows devoted AI pet owners whose technology becomes obsolete, while another explores the ethical dilemmas of conversing with alternate versions of oneself. The titular story, “Exhalation,” is a breathtaking piece of writing.
STILLNESS IS THE KEY BY RYAN HOLIDAY
Among Ryan's three self-help titles, I consider this his finest work. Initially, I was skeptical when he mentioned he was writing about “stillness,” assuming it was a sign of dwindling ideas. Yet, this book emerged as a profound exploration of stoicism, showcasing a depth that surpasses his earlier writings. If you've enjoyed his previous works, this one is a must-read.
INDISTRACTABLE BY NIR EYAL
This book stands out for two reasons: first, Nir and I collaborated on it in New York, where much of it was conceived while I was drafting my own book. Second, it delves into topics I've been contemplating extensively this year, particularly concerning our relationship with technology. Our discussions undoubtedly shaped my perspective, emphasizing the importance of managing our engagement with media.
AN ENQUIRY CONCERNING HUMAN UNDERSTANDING BY DAVID HUME
Hume's insights from the 1730s on topics like evolution and moral psychology are astonishing. Reading it today elicits numerous moments of, “Well, we already know that…” yet it must have been revolutionary at the time. His cautious critiques of religion, couched in hypotheticals about a “friend,” are telling.
THE UNWOMANLY FACE OF WAR BY SVETLANA ALEXIEVICH
This oral history chronicles the experiences of female Soviet soldiers during WWII. Books on the Eastern Front are typically harrowing, and this one is no exception.
THE UNDOING PROJECT BY MICHAEL LEWIS
Michael Lewis, perhaps the most engaging nonfiction writer since Malcolm Gladwell, presents a biography of the groundbreaking psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Their revolutionary ideas reshaped psychology and economics, and as always, Lewis’s narrative prowess shines through.
FIRE AND FURY: INSIDE THE TRUMP WHITE HOUSE BY MICHAEL WOLFF
Everyone seemed to have a Trump-related book in 2018; this was mine. While the revelations were alarming, they weren't shocking. We always knew who he was.
THE TIME OF CONTEMPT, BAPTISM OF FIRE, THE TOWER OF SWALLOWS, AND THE LADY OF THE LAKE (WITCHER SERIES BOOKS 4–7) BY ANDRZEJ SAPKOWSKI
After enjoying the Witcher video game series, I delved into the books last year and finished them early this year. The fourth and fifth installments felt slow at times, but the final two, especially The Lady of the Lake, were exceptional.
THE RIGHTEOUS MIND BY JONATHAN HAIDT
I revisited all of Haidt's works this year, but this one didn't resonate with me. Some arguments felt unconvincing, and emerging measurements in moral psychology seem more robust. While I admire his other writings, I wouldn’t take this data at face value.
LYING BY SAM HARRIS
I can't recall what prompted me to read this, but it was a brief and somewhat intriguing read.
PAYBACK BY MARGARET ATWOOD
An insightful exploration of the role of debt in human relationships, society, and economics. While brilliant in parts, it occasionally meanders and feels uneven. Yet, its standout moments make it worthwhile.
OBLIQUITY BY JOHN KAY
A business book where the main idea can be grasped within the first 20 pages. I skimmed through much of it. Clever branding, though.
TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS/THE ANTI-CHRIST BY FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
Late Nietzsche, marked by frustration and a bit of madness, offers some gems, along with lengthy rants about German culture and Wagner that I struggled to fully comprehend until reading his biographies.
ENLIGHTENMENT NOW BY STEVEN PINKER
Optimism at its finest. As a devoted Pinker admirer, I found this book lacking in certain areas. His data is solid but feels incomplete. Critics have long accused him of cherry-picking data, and I began to see their point, especially in the "Happiness" chapter.
DESCARTES’ ERROR BY ANTONIO DAMASIO
A neuroscience text that I barely grasped. Yet, the parts I did understand were captivating, particularly regarding the necessity of emotions in reasoning.
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE BY ERIC BARKER
A delightful exploration of counterintuitive studies on success, happiness, and relationships, filled with intriguing tidbits.
ISAAC NEWTON BY JAMES GLEICK
An exceptionally well-crafted biography of arguably the most significant figure in history—a true page-turner.
LOST CONNECTIONS BY JOHANN HARI
I hoped to appreciate this book, especially after enjoying his work on addiction. However, I noticed considerable bias in the research presented. Depression is complex and personal, requiring diverse treatments. While his critiques of the pharmaceutical industry are valid, they sometimes overreach. An interesting read nonetheless, but I’d recommend The Noonday Demon instead.
SKIN IN THE GAME BY NASSIM NICHOLAS TALEB
Surprisingly, I found this to be one of Taleb's more tolerable works. His usual mind-blowing style was absent, and he avoided being overly condescending, which was refreshing.
THE WISDOM OF INSECURITY BY ALAN WATTS
I revisited this for research, but I find Watts less compelling as I age. Nonetheless, his writing remains beautiful, and the book is still valuable.
WHY LIBERALISM FAILED BY PATRICK DENEEN
Brilliant yet flawed, Deneen argues that Western Enlightenment ideals are ultimately self-defeating. While I believe he’s onto something, his logic can be inconsistent, and his definition of "liberalism" wavers throughout the text. This book has inspired me to tackle similar themes in my upcoming work.
THINKING FAST AND SLOW BY DANIEL KAHNEMAN
After a long hiatus, I reread this for my own research. It remains the definitive text on cognitive biases and behavioral economics, though it begins to feel like a “laundry list” the further you delve in, leading me to skim many sections.
THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM (TRILOGY) BY CIXIN LIU
Describing this trilogy without revealing spoilers is challenging. It tackles Chinese scientists and the ramifications of extraterrestrial contact, encompassing themes of psychology, political movements, and galactic warfare. This is one of the most remarkable fiction experiences I've had, a true milestone for sci-fi enthusiasts.
THE REPUBLIC BY PLATO
Having skimmed parts in college, I fully engaged with it this year and found it enlightening. Like Hume, it’s striking to see how many contemporary issues were already debated 2,400 years ago, especially given today's political challenges. If there’s ever a time to revisit this text, it’s now.
THE RISE OF VICTIMHOOD CULTURE BY BRADLEY CAMPBELL AND JASON MANNING
This self-published academic work analyzes the emergence of radical politics through a sociological lens. Victimhood culture values and rewards perceived victimhood, and the authors explore its implications. While The Coddling of the American Mind covers similar ground more accessibly, this is still an intriguing read for those concerned about the topic.
THE SQUARE AND THE TOWER BY NIALL FERGUSON
This book had immense potential but seemed unsure of its direction. Ferguson argues that social networks’ hierarchical structures influence historical outcomes, positing that social media's impact isn't unprecedented. Unfortunately, he becomes lost in network theory, diluting his larger points with excessive historical anecdotes.
AVERAGE IS OVER BY TYLER COWEN
A book I intended to read for years, much of it felt obvious in 2018, though it likely wasn’t back in 2013. If you’re new to the effects of technology and automation on society, it serves as a solid introduction.
STALINGRAD BY ANTHONY BEEVOR
One of the finest narrative history books I've encountered. I read it in Russia and couldn’t put it down. A must-read for WWII enthusiasts.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT BY FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY
My ongoing struggle to appreciate Dostoevsky continues. I revisit his works every few years, but something always falls short. Fun fact: I read this for about an hour in Dostoevsky's home in St. Petersburg.
STALIN BY OLEG KHLEVNIUK
A recent biography utilizing previously inaccessible Soviet archives. While intriguing, it occasionally feels dry and overwhelming with information. Still, it sheds light on a deeply troubled figure and a messed-up political system.
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOOD BY IRIS MURDOCH
I picked up this brief book while searching for contemporary arguments for virtue ethics. Written by a notable female philosopher in a time when few existed, I found it challenging to fully grasp her premise. Ultimately, she posits that love is at the core of virtue, a notion that, while appealing, I couldn't wholly endorse.
THE COMING STORM BY MICHAEL LEWIS
A short audiobook exploring the history of weather forecasting, also serving as a critique of the Trump administration. It’s mildly interesting but can be skipped unless you have a lengthy commute ahead.
THE 48 LAWS OF POWER BY ROBERT GREENE
Another acclaimed author I revisit periodically, yet I never quite connect with his work. I respect Greene but find little enjoyment or takeaway from his writings.
ATOMIC HABITS BY JAMES CLEAR
James has a knack for distilling complex research into practical, actionable advice. Atomic Habits is his crowning achievement and an exceptional resource for behavior change.
THE TRUE BELIEVER BY ERIC HOFFER
A reread for research purposes—still outstanding.
THE CROWD: A STUDY OF THE POPULAR MIND BY GUSTAVE LE BON
The original group psychology text on crowd behavior, penned by a notably racist Frenchman in the late 1800s. While somewhat interesting, many ideas are better articulated in later works without the racist undertones.
THE POWER OF MEANING BY EMILY ESFAHANI SMITH
I picked this up for insights into meaning, a central theme of my upcoming book. It turned out to be well-researched and easily digestible. It echoes arguments I've made over the years, revealing useful studies I hadn't encountered before. Definitely worth a read if you align with the "meaning over happiness" philosophy.
THE THREE LANGUAGES OF POLITICS BY ARNOLD KLING
A brief read that several smart individuals deemed essential. While I may be jaded by political discourse, much felt self-evident—merely differing moral values expressed through language.
IDENTITY BY FRANCIS FUKUYAMA
As a fan of Fukuyama, I was slightly let down by this book. Much of it felt like common knowledge, founded on a rather flimsy argument about human identity and dignity. My disappointment stemmed from high expectations.
ESSAYS AND APHORISMS BY ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER
A mixed bag, but the impactful sections are striking. This inspired me to tackle his more extensive work, The World as Will and Representation, one day.
21 LESSONS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY BY YUVAL NOAH HARARI
Another title for the "disappointed" collection. I loved Harari's first two works, but this felt like a cash grab, recycling previously covered material. I found myself skimming through much of it.
FEAR AND TREMBLING BY SOREN KIERKEGAARD
Philosophy as literary art, my introduction to Kierkegaard. While often challenging, it left me curious for more.
STUBBORN ATTACHMENTS BY TYLER COWEN
A curious and brief book that felt elongated despite its length. Cowen argues that all good stems from economic growth, urging consciousness in decision-making. While I agree, I found myself resisting many points, particularly where he was vague (e.g., human rights) and overly analytical elsewhere.
THE DEATH OF EXPERTISE BY TOM NICHOLS
A direct critique of anti-intellectualism and its causes. Nichols, a seasoned professor, holds nothing back, addressing everyone from media to universities. This book complements The Coddling of the American Mind, focusing on intellectual rather than emotional development.
10 ARGUMENTS FOR DELETING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS RIGHT NOW BY JARON LANIER
A bit dramatic, yet his arguments are valid. It’s a more accessible version of his work, Who Owns the Future?.
A NATURAL HISTORY OF MORALITY BY MICHAEL TOMASELLO
Research-heavy and somewhat dry but informative for those interested in evolutionary psychology and game theory.
ALMOST EVERYTHING: NOTES ON HOPE BY ANNE LAMOTT
Beautifully crafted, though not quite to my taste.
WHO OWNS THE FUTURE? BY JARON LANIER
Profound ideas from one of the internet's original architects, critiquing its current state. However, it could have benefitted from tighter editing, as it often feels repetitive. I found myself frustrated as a fellow author.
WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION BY CATHY O’NEIL
While I grasped the main point, I found it lacking in persuasiveness. The political angle felt unnecessary. Lanier's Who Owns the Future? tackles similar themes more effectively.
BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL BY FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
An excellent entry point into Nietzsche's work, as many of his other texts require prior knowledge to fully appreciate.
PLATO AT THE GOOGLEPLEX BY REBECCA NEWBERGER GOLDSTEIN
A clever and imaginative exploration of philosophy’s relevance today, envisioning Plato's visit to Google.
CIRCE BY MADELINE MILLER
My top fiction pick of 2019, offering a fresh take on Greek mythology. It’s a tale of self-discovery—albeit one featuring a goddess over centuries.
BORN A CRIME BY TREVOR NOAH
A gripping and entertaining memoir about Noah's life growing up in apartheid South Africa, filled with humor and intensity. This book has something for everyone.
WAVE BY SONALI DERANIYAGALA
A heart-wrenching account of loss, as Sonali recounts surviving the 2004 tsunami that claimed her family. A powerful story of recovery from unimaginable trauma.
SHOE DOG BY PHIL KNIGHT
Essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs, detailing the journey of Nike's creation. It’s a candid look at the ups and downs of building a successful company.
THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY BY JEAN-DOMINIQUE BAUBY
A remarkable memoir from Bauby, who, after suffering a stroke, communicated through a system developed with his daughter while trapped in his own body. The prose is stunning.
WHY WE SLEEP BY MATTHEW WALKER
A valuable yet flawed exploration of sleep. Some data feels exaggerated, but it has led me to prioritize my sleep habits significantly.
THE MOSQUITO BY TIMOTHY C. WINEGARD
A flawed nonfiction piece that nonetheless captivated me. It outlines the historical impact of mosquitoes and diseases like malaria, shaping events from wars to colonization.
THE SECOND SEX BY SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR
A foundational text in feminism. Though lengthy and at times outdated, I found her insights compelling. Interestingly, much of today’s gender theory would likely seem radical to her.
TALKING TO STRANGERS BY MALCOLM GLADWELL
Although controversial, I believe this is Gladwell's best work. He tackles sensitive issues respectfully, imparting essential lessons in a compelling narrative.
TRANSCEND BY SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN
A tribute to Abraham Maslow, this book revitalizes his theories with contemporary research on happiness and well-being. It serves as both an excellent overview of Maslow’s work and a summary of current knowledge on human flourishing.
SEEING LIKE A STATE BY JAMES C. SCOTT
This book has garnered a following among libertarian circles for its analysis of government intervention and the concept of “legibility.” Scott argues that no matter how advanced our technology, reality remains partially obscured, leading to misguided policies.
HOW EMOTIONS ARE MADE BY LISA FELDMAN BARRETT
Recommended by many, this book challenges the notion that emotions are universal and innate, presenting them instead as culturally constructed. It has prompted me to reevaluate my understanding of emotions.
BREATH BY JAMES NESTOR
Following my revelations about sleep, this book taught me about breathing techniques that could enhance my health, emphasizing the importance of proper respiratory habits.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND BY MICHAEL POLLAN
My complex history with psychedelics led me to approach this with skepticism. Pollan’s examination of their potential psychiatric benefits is enlightening and suggests that they could play a significant role in enhancing human well-being.
RITES OF SPRING BY MODRIS EKSTEINS
A unique historical perspective that traces the evolution of art during World War I, revealing the birth of modernity and its associated horrors.
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW BY AMOR TOWLES
A recent literary sensation, this novel chronicles a count confined to a hotel in post-revolutionary Russia. A delightful read for lovers of Russian culture.
GREENLIGHTS BY MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY
A surprisingly insightful memoir that offers a unique perspective on Hollywood and personal growth. McConaughey's authenticity shines through.
WHY NATIONS FAIL BY DARON ACEMOGLU AND JAMES A. ROBINSON
An engaging exploration of historical events tied to governmental stability, uncovering why some nations thrive while others struggle.
BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA
A well-crafted memoir from the former First Lady, featuring both intriguing and less captivating segments.
CAN’T HURT ME BY DAVID GOGGINS
Goggins' story is remarkable, illustrating that our perceived limits are often much further than we realize.
LIVING WITH A SEAL BY JESSE ITZLER
A humorous account featuring David Goggins that emphasizes our capacity for more than we think.
THE CONSCIOUS MIND BY DAVID J. CHALMERS
A classic philosophical exploration of consciousness that presents the “hard problem” theory, though I struggled with its complexity.
I WILL TEACH YOU TO BE RICH (2ND EDITION) BY RAMIT SETHI
An excellent personal finance guide that still holds up a decade later.
DREYER’S ENGLISH BY BENJAMIN DREYER
A definitive guide on grammar and writing, though I found the author's tone somewhat condescending.
BAD BLOOD BY JON CARREYROU
A gripping account of the Theranos scandal, compelling enough to overlook its less-than-stellar writing.
ON FREEDOM BY CASS SUNSTEIN
An insightful discussion on the interplay between personal freedom and the “nudge” theory, presenting a rebuttal to critics.
BEING MORTAL BY ATUL GAWANDE
While I appreciated its primary thesis on the quality of life versus longevity, I found it somewhat repetitive.
THE ART OF MEMOIR BY MARY KARR
This book serves as a guide for memoir writing but felt self-indulgent at times, lacking the straightforward narrative I prefer.
UPHEAVAL BY JARED DIAMOND
Somewhat disjointed theories but contains intriguing historical summaries that held my interest.
EDUCATED BY TARA WESTOVER
A widely praised memoir that I found engaging, though I questioned the hype surrounding it, given my own background.
WHY ARE PRICES SO DAMN HIGH? BY ALEX TABARROK AND ERIC HELLAND
An academic eBook exploring rising education and healthcare costs through the Baumol Effect, with an interesting, albeit limited, argument.
THE GREAT SUCCESSOR BY ANNA FIFIELD
A captivating biography of Kim Jong Un, shedding light on his enigmatic life.
CONSCIOUS BY ANNAKA HARRIS
A concise introduction to the philosophical discourse on consciousness, well-articulated and informative.
CITY OF GIRLS BY ELIZABETH GILBERT
While I usually enjoy Gilbert’s work, this one felt tedious at times, relying heavily on its narrator's sass.
EICHMANN IN JERUSALEM BY HANNAH ARENDT
Arendt’s analysis of Eichmann and her concept of the "banality of evil" is a compelling read.
THE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY BY A. C. GRAYLING
A comprehensive overview of significant philosophers that I thoroughly enjoyed.
RANGE BY DAVID EPSTEIN
An acclaimed book that offers well-structured insights but diverges from its thesis.
HOLD ME TIGHT BY DR. SUE JOHNSON
A solid exploration of relationship therapy from the founder of EFT.
TRACTATUS LOGICO-PHILOSOPHICUS BY LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN
A foundational text that presents intriguing ideas, albeit complex and sometimes naive.
EXISTENTIALISM IS A HUMANISM BY JEAN-PAUL SARTRE
An excellent introduction to existentialist philosophy, ideal for beginners.
A VERY EASY DEATH BY SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR
A poignant memoir about her mother's passing, beautifully written.
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING BY DELIA OWENS
Despite its popularity, I found the story hard to believe, and the portrayal of southern accents felt off to me.
OPTION B BY SHERYL SANDBERG AND ADAM GRANT
A mix of memoir and professional advice that could benefit from being two separate books.
A WILD SHEEP CHASE BY HARUKI MURAKAMI
A quirky Japanese fiction piece that provided an enjoyable reading experience.
LIFE 3.0 BY MAX TEGMARK
While some concepts felt familiar, the author occasionally overexplained. However, it serves as a good introduction to AI ethics.
THE ETHICS OF AMBIGUITY BY SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR
I struggled to follow the argument, which was disappointing given my enthusiasm for her other works.
SWING TIME BY ZADIE SMITH
Not her best, but still features impressive prose and remains one of my favorite authors.
FEEDING YOUR DEMONS BY TSULTRIM ALLIONE
A fun self-help book grounded in a lesser-known Buddhist practice, leaning towards the "Negative Self Help" genre.
CONSCIENCE BY PATRICIA CHURCHLAND
A well-organized exploration of the science behind morality, a good starting point for interested readers.
- I REMEMBER NOTHING BY NORA EPHRON
A humorous reflection on aging, Hollywood, and her experiences as a female journalist.
- BIG BUSINESS BY TYLER COWEN
A contrarian defense of corporations and their wealth, softening my political stance slightly.
- PERMANENT RECORD BY EDWARD SNOWDEN
A letdown, with the first half dragging and the second half rehashing familiar material.
- THE GREATEST EMPIRE: A LIFE OF SENECA BY EMILY WILSON
An intriguing biography that lays out Seneca's life without resolving the paradox of his philosophical beliefs.
- THINKING IN BETS BY ANNIE DUKE
Though not well-written, the concepts presented are significant and worth attention.
- THE BURNOUT GENERATION BY ANNE HELEN PETERSON
An audiobook response to the viral Buzzfeed article; I remain skeptical about the "Burnout Generation" label.
- WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS BY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
A straightforward read presenting the case for women's rights, blending personal anecdotes with broader arguments.
- MAN’S SEARCH FOR HIMSELF BY ROLLO MAY
A thoughtful exploration that resonates with my own beliefs.
- PRIESTDADDY BY PATRICIA LOCKWOOD
A brilliant writer whose work sometimes feels overly ambitious, leaving me wanting more substance.
- THE UPSIDE OF STRESS BY KELLY MCGONIGAL
A research-rich text that I found insightful; expect to see some of its findings on my site in the future.
- THE MAN WHO SOLVED THE MARKET BY GREGORY ZUCKERMAN
A fascinating biography of Jim Simons and Renaissance Technologies, a captivating read for finance enthusiasts.
- BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE BY HANNAH ARENDT
I struggled with this one, skipping portions due to its dense content.
- THE LIFE OF THE MIND BY HANNAH ARENDT
While I appreciate her political writings, her philosophical works felt convoluted and difficult to follow.
- THE WILL TO MEANING BY VIKTOR E. FRANKL
A powerful reflection that resonated deeply with my explorations around meaning in my own work.
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