The Best Books I've Read in the Past Year

If you're unsure of what to read next, hopefully I can spark some interest

Some of the days I enjoy most are days that I set aside time to read outside. I have found it to be a way to learn about various subjects and stories that I’m interested in and would not otherwise be exposed to.

Here is a small collection of my favorite books I have read over the past 12 months. There is a wide variety of genres so I hope you find something of interest.

(All of the book titles are linked to ways to purchase)

Endurance by Alfred Lansing

Endurance covers Sir Ernest Shackleton’s voyage across the continent of Antarctica in the year 1917 and 1918. This is my favorite book of the list, simply due to Lansing’s ability to tell an outstanding (true) story. If you enjoy trials and triumphs and want to learn a basic understanding of what a sailing voyage was like back then, I highly recommend you try this one out.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

Another amazing true story, this one following the life of 17 year old Pino as he navigates surviving WWII in Milan and various parts of Italy. This story covers it all: action, love, family, and independence. Pino is a brave young man and Sullivan does a great job of describing some of the amazing things he did to contribute to stopping the war and helping the Jews. This is a great way to learn the details of how a certain town/group of people were impacted by the war.

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Suggested to me by one of my close friends¹, this book flipped my perspective of travelling upside down. Vagabonding means to wander from place to place without a settled home. It means to be absolutely present in your stays, wherever you end up, and not to reduce your travel experience to a strict schedule.

Rolf describes how to make long-term travel a cornerstone in your life. There are many tip sheets and anecdotes on how to be satisfied with a simplified lifestyle on the road. If travelling is one of your hobbies, read this next.

A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough

The narrator of “Our Planet” on Netflix describes his life experience learning about the natural world. He talks about the aggressive growth of climate change over time and offers his thoughts for the what the future can look like, depending on the course of action that humans decide to take. There is also a plethora of information on the science behind climate change and plenty to learn throughout the book.

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko

Everyone has likely heard of this classic, but this is the first opportunity I had to read it cover to cover. While many examples are now extremely outdated, the principles are there and the principles are timeless. This book should be read by anyone and everyone as it provides a way to not only reduce unnecessary consumption (which is good on so many levels), but also plan out your financial future in a simple and effortless way.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

A necessary read for people that want to gain a better understanding of the mass incarceration of African Americans. Alexander has clearly dedicated her life to these studies and writes this book in a way to inform and provide perspective. Ronald Reagan’s war on drugs policy and police reform were two topics that I enjoyed learning about in detail.

Let me know what your favorites are so I can continue to build up my personal library.

Thanks as always for reading, hope you’re having a great week!

1. Noah Cracknell is a trainer in San Luis Obispo and one of the most inspiring people I know. Check out his blog here: https://www.noahcracknell.com/blogs/news