2020 Year to Date Book Reviews
The past couple years I've written an annual review of all the books I read the previous year. I wanted to compile my 2020 reads thus far, as I frequently get asked, "What have you read recently?"
I have bolded which books I really enjoyed below. (One day I'll have to put together my Top 10 or 20 books of all time.) I rarely feel that someone's hard work isn't valuable, but not every book is my favorite. This year I've already read more non-business books than in years past, and I've enjoyed weaving those in.
2020 Audiobooks
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday: Very interesting and thought-provoking.
The Humans by Matt Haig: The reviews were great, but it isn't something I would recommend.
The Terminal List by Jack Carr: I rarely read nonfiction, but I'm think of mixing in more novels. This book was super entertaining.
It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Moawad: This book is in my Top 10 of the year for sure.
What It Takes by Stephen Schwarzman: Really enjoyed it. (I wrote more about Schwarzman's 25 Rules for Work and Life it in a previous post.)
The Four by Scott Galloway: Very interesting listen.
That Will NEVER Work by Marc Randolph: Really great story about Netflix.
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell: Very thought provoking. In my opinion, Gladwell is one the great writers of the last few decades.
Living with a Seal by Jesse Itzler: Likely one of the most entertaining audiobooks of all time.
Relentless by Tim Grover: One of the best I've read this year.
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson: For me, this would have been better as a physical read.
Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt
Tribes by Seth Godin: Interesting read.
2020 Physical Books
Personality Isn't Permanent by Ben Hardy: Such a great read. Highly recommend.
Limitless by Jim Kwik: Really great book.
Unstoppable by Ben Angel: A lot of really interesting information about biohacking.
Fire of the Covenant by Gerald Lund: Really great read about Martin and Willie pioneer handcart companies.
The One Thing by Gary Keller: We read this book as a team at Menlo Group. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend.
The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: Read about 3/4 and then lent it to a friend. I haven't finished it yet, but it feels like a must-read for a leadership team. Brings all of Lencioni's stuff into one place.
The Lonesome Gods by Louis L'Amour: Read alongside my 14 year-old son to discuss on our runs. Really enjoyed it.
Adapt by Blaine Strickland: Read two times in two months. Quick read but very thought provoking. We read as a Menlo team and had incredible discussion.
Flip the Script by Oren Klaff: Really great book on improving sales.
Evidence-Based Recruiting by Atta Tarki: Currently reading.
The Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni: He really is one of my favorite writers on leadership. I feel I am able to apply his principles in my personal and professional lives equally.
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: Menlo team read that was very applicable and valuable.
Saints Volume 1: A religious history book that I really enjoyed.
Chasing My Cure by David Fajenbaum: Nonbusiness book.
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack: A must-read for any business owner.
Average Joe's Marketing Book by Joe Polish
Life Gives to the Giver by Joe Polish: Great book.
Miracle Morning for Addiction Recovery by Joe Polish: In my Top 10 for the year so far.