5 Amazing books I’ve Read In 2020 (so far)
It seems 2020 is flying by, the year is already 33% over.
I’ve managed to read 23 books so far this year and wanted to share some of the fantastic books I’ve come across (you can follow my reading journey on Goodreads).
Without further ado, here are my 5 favorite books:
5) Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
This book is a memoir that captures Frederick Douglass’s time as a slave and how he escaped. It’s an eye-opening book about the inhumanity of slavery. The book also teaches readers the importance of reading.
At the time, it was illegal for anyone to teach a slave how to read. However, that didn’t stop Douglass. Here’s how he did it:
His master’s wife taught him the alphabet but once his master found out, he prohibited her from teaching anything else because he said if you teach a slave “how to read, there would be no keeping him.”
Once Douglass realized how much his master disapproved of him learning how to read, Douglass understood reading would be his path to freedom.
Douglass made friends with young white boys and would ask them to give him reading lessons and would often give them bread in exchange. Douglass then got his hands on a book and read it over and over again until he could read with ease.
Learning how to read would alter Douglass’s life forever. He read about how cruel the system of slavery was and was determined to change it. “The silver trump of freedom had roused my soul to eternal wakefulness,” he said.
Douglass would go on to teach other slaves how to read, teach himself how to write by practicing spelling exercises in his master’s son’s notebooks, and escape to the North where he would be free.
If you’re looking for an inspiring read, this book is for you.
Get the book here.
4) The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch by Jonathan Gottschall
Have you ever been curious as to why men fight or like to watch fights?
I was, and so was Jonathan Gottschall–an English professor who decided to join an MMA club and research the history and science behind violence.
Here are a few interesting takeaways from the book:
Men fight to protect their honor, respect, and climb the social hierarchy (which helps them increase their chances of getting a mate).
Men fight physically while women fight verbally (usually about spreading rumors that a woman is promiscuous).
In many cultures, fighting is a rite of passage or a chance to prove that you’re a man.
Humans have always loved violence: from public executions to horror films and graphic video games, violence is everywhere.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of duels, why people enjoy watching violence, and the reasons why men and women fight, this book is for you.
Get the book here.
3) The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book doesn’t really teach anything new, but it does teach you four simple lessons, that if followed, will significantly improve your life.
Here are the four agreements from Ruiz’s book:
1) Be impeccable with your word
Say what you mean and tell the truth. As cliche as it may sound, the truth will, for the most part, set you free.
2) Don’t take anything personally
Don’t let the opinions or words of others affect you. When you’re immune to words, you’ll be free of needless suffering.
3) Don’t make assumptions
Making assumptions often lead to misunderstandings and drama. Communicate as clearly as you can with others.
4) Always do your best
You can’t always do the best, but you can always do your best. When you do your best, you avoid any self-judgment, self-criticism, or regret.
If you’re looking for a light, self-development book with simple but deep lessons that will improve your life, grab this book.
Get the book here.
2) How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be by Josh Kaufman
Pursuing a creative project can feel like fighting a hydra, you cut one head off and two more grow in its place. It can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. That’s where this book comes in to help.
Productivity expert Josh Kaufman uses the tale of a knight on a mission to defeat a hydra as an analogy to conquering a creative project. The book shares implicit and explicit lessons of courage, determination, perseverance; planning and practice; the value of showing up; and knowing when not to embark on a journey.
If you enjoyed The War of Art or need some motivation to pursue a new project, this book is for you.
Get the book here.
Honorable Mentions
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
This book teaches you how to develop an alter ego to reach a new level of performance in business, entertainment, or sports. Many successful individuals have alter egos. For example, Kobe Bryant had the Black Mamba and Beyonce had Sasha Fierce. If you’re into psychology or high-performance, this is for you.
The Reading Life by C.S. Lewis
This book is a collection of Lewis’s thoughts on books and reading. He shares lessons about what makes a good reader and provides helpful reading advice such as, it’s okay to skip boring parts of a book and that you don’t have to love a book just because it’s popular. If you’re a fan of Lewis or have a strong love for books, pick up a copy.
Write Your Book On The Side by Hassan Osman
If you plan on writing a nonfiction book, you should get this book ASAP. Osman has written several books while working a full-time job and shares how he did it. He also shares a ton of helpful advice on how to write a great book. It’s a short read and incredibly practical.
1) Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
This book is an inspiring guide to creativity that helps readers discover and free their artistic side. Stealing can have a negative connotation, but Kleon teaches readers that there is an ethical way to steal (study the work of the greats, remix their work, and build what they didn’t).
There’s a lot of pressure to be original, but this book will show you that originality is overrated. The greatest of the greats all “stole” work. It’s okay to do the same, as long as it’s done properly.
In total, Kleon provides 10 short lessons that each present a different principle for developing creativity. The book is both artistic and pragmatic, which makes it an enjoyable read.
Here are a few key lessons from the book:
Steal like an artist.
Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.
Write the book you want to read.
The secret: do good work and share it with people.
Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done.)
If you’re facing a creative block or are afraid to start your creative journey, grab a copy of this book.
Get the book here.