I don’t actually know how many books I average a year.

I’m guessing it’s less than 40.  So, for 2024, I’m shooting for 40 books.  I’ll be moving back and forth between fun books (sci-fi, biographies, fantasy) and self-helpie (business, investment, discipline, web geekery.) Again, this is more for me than anyone else.  So if you want some book reviews, follow along as I share a little about each book I read in 2024.

January

1 – To The Last Breath – Francis Slakey

I’ve had this book forever.  It was a gift, and I was hesitant to read it because I’m always hesitant to read a book with surfing as a primary focus. A lot of the time they’re terrible.  As it turns out, it was good.  Mostly about climbing the world’s highest and most treacherous peaks and little about surfing, but the real power behind the book is from his transformation during these world travels.  I liked it and would recommend it.  I’m glad he’s more a climber than a surfer, because I could tell he was fairly new to surfing.

“To the Last Breath” by Francis Slakey is a gripping memoir that narrates the transformative journey of the author, a physicist who sets out to conquer the highest peak on every continent and surf every ocean. In this quest, Slakey confronts not only the physical challenges of extreme environments but also a profound personal transformation. As he navigates diverse cultures and landscapes, he evolves from a detached observer of the world to someone deeply engaged with the people and issues he encounters. This story is a blend of adventure, science, and self-discovery, revealing how a relentless pursuit of physical extremes leads to an unexpected path of emotional and spiritual growth.

2 – Your Website Sucks – Brian David Hall

A colleague wrote this recently, and I blew through it in a night.  It’s full of great tips for those building or rebuilding their website.  Most of it I had a firm grasp on, but I did make 1/2 a page of notes for things I need to add to my sites and marketing.  Some of those include more prominent newsletter sign-ups on all sites, and more selling of my own info products. Mahalo Brian!  Great read!

“Your Website Sucks” by Brian David Hall is a candid and insightful guide for anyone looking to enhance their online presence. The book delves into the common pitfalls that many businesses and individuals encounter when creating their websites. Hall offers practical advice, drawing from his extensive experience in digital marketing and website optimization, to help readers understand how to make their websites more effective and engaging. He emphasizes the importance of user experience, clear messaging, and the strategic use of design and content to convert visitors into customers. This book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to turn their website from a digital liability into a powerful asset.

3 – The Narrow Road Between Desires – Patrick Rothfuss

I’m obsessed and will read anything Patrick Rothfuss puts out while I wait for his King Killer Chronicles to finally come to an end with book 3.  I don’t think it’d be worth reading this one without reading the other books.  I think it’d feel a bit strange.  Much like The Slow Regard of Silent Things (which I might have loved even more.) I think Rothfuss is my favorite author.  I just wish he were more prolific.  I need him to write, like, 100 books as of yesterday…  This is what I think Bast looks like as fae.

“The Narrow Road Between Desires” delves into Bast’s tale, exploring the ancient practices of creation and destruction. He pursues his desires, often against his own better judgment, guided by his heart. Spanning from the break of dawn to the stroke of midnight, this narrative unfolds over a single day. It takes you on a journey with the most charismatic fae from the Kingkiller Chronicle. Watch as Bast weaves his way through precarious situations with his inherent charm and finesse, continuously finding himself in and out of mischief. For Bast, a life led with excessive caution is not worth living if it means missing out on the thrills and joys that come with a touch of risk and excitement.

4 – Dune – Frank Herbert

I’ve had this one on my list for decades.  As I finally get around to it, my only regret is having watched the recent new movie.  I really enjoyed the movie, but I wish I had read the book first.  I’ll be waiting to watch the other movies until I read the other 2 books.  The reason I took so long to read it is because the first movie, made decades ago, was weak.  I had no interest.  I’ve really enjoyed this book!

“Dune” by Frank Herbert is a monumental science fiction epic set in a distant future amidst a vast interstellar empire. The story centers on young Paul Atreides, heir to the noble House Atreides, as his family is thrust into the treacherous political landscape of Arrakis, a desert planet and the only source of the universe’s most valuable substance, the spice melange. This spice extends life, enhances mental abilities, and is vital for space travel. As Paul grapples with a new, harsh environment, he also encounters the native Fremen, a people shaped by the desert. The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, and prophecy, with Paul’s journey intertwining with the larger destiny of Arrakis, known to its inhabitants as Dune. His evolution from a young noble to a prophesied leader unfolds against a backdrop of ecological and political intrigue, making “Dune” not just a story of adventure, but a profound exploration of human nature and potential. UPDATE: So, I thought I was flying through this challenge, but Dune is a big one. Took me 1/2 of February too to get through this one.  I tend to read slower on books that I enjoy.

February

5 – Money: Master the Game – Tony Robbins

This one is next.  I’ve always enjoyed what Tony puts out.  I was turned on to Les Brown as a kid by my dad, and I think I’m a much better person because of that.  I’m sure I can learn a few things in this book.  So far, the first 1/4 of the book is not impressing me though. A lot of fluff. More to come.  I don’t think it’s available as a book anymore, only an audiobook.  A quick note on Audiobooks:  Anyone who says they read but only uses audiobooks doesn’t read. You can’t use that verb.  You listen to books.  And that’s ok!  But don’t say you read.  They’re very different things.  I’m reading an old version of this book.  I think I’ll read Unshakeable next, since this is probably his updated version of this bloated book.

“Money: Master the Game” by Tony Robbins is an insightful guide into the complex world of personal finance and investment. Robbins, a renowned life coach and motivational speaker, compiles wisdom from some of the world’s most successful financial experts and distills it into accessible strategies for the average person. The book aims to demystify the investment process and offers practical advice on how to achieve financial freedom and security. It covers a wide range of topics, from saving and investing to managing risk and maximizing returns. Robbins emphasizes the importance of financial intelligence and proactive planning, urging readers to take control of their financial destiny. Through this book, he provides a roadmap for navigating the financial landscape, making it an essential read for anyone looking to understand and master the art of making money work for them.

March-June

6 – DUNE – Messiah

The Tony Robbins book is really slowing me down on my goal. 664 pages of financial talk forced me to skip ahead to a fun book, the sequel to the first DUNE.  I enjoyed it, yet predictably not as much as the 1st.  A lot of politics and no real big win, though a bit of a climax.

“Dune: Messiah,” the second novel in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune series, continues the saga of Paul Atreides, now Emperor of the Known Universe, grappling with the burdens of leadership and the complexities of prescience. Set twelve years after the events of “Dune,” Paul has achieved the monumental status of a religious messiah among the Fremen, leading to an empire built on the desert planet Arrakis. However, his reign is fraught with challenges, including internal dissent, external threats, and a series of conspiracies aimed at undermining his power and vision for the universe. As Paul struggles with the moral implications of his prescient abilities, he is haunted by visions of a dark future and the potential downfall of his dynasty. His attempts to navigate the political intricacies and avoid the traps set by his adversaries reveal the depth of his character and the weight of the destiny he carries. The narrative delves into themes of power, religion, and free will, examining the consequences of absolute authority and the inescapable nature of prophecy. “Dune: Messiah” is a story of tragic heroism, exploring the paradox of a leader who can foresee multiple pathways yet remains powerless to alter his fated course. Through complex characters and a richly developed universe, Herbert constructs a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is captivating, setting the stage for further exploration of the Dune universe.

7 – Twelve and a Half

I wanted to hate this book. I’ve been a fan and agree with most of what GaryVee has said over the years, so I was excited to read it initially.  The reason my thoughts changed is because he promised a special NFT to anyone who proved they bought 12 of them.  I did this, as VeeFriends was really successful, accomplished the necessary steps, then never got anything.  That being said, I enjoyed the book and got a little something out of it.  It was a quick read, and I especially liked his personal experiences and scenarios.  I have to imagine he doesn’t have kids, cause some of the scenario answers were a little off.  All in all, it was good.  I choose kind candor in my review.

“Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success” is a thought-provoking exploration into the soft skills and emotional intelligence that fuel personal and professional growth. Authored by Gary Vaynerchuk, this book delves into the twelve emotional skills that are critical for success in the business world, with a half skill that serves as the linchpin connecting them all. Vaynerchuk combines his extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur with real-world examples to illustrate how these skills have impacted his own journey and how they can be cultivated and leveraged by anyone looking to advance their career or business. Rather than focusing solely on hard skills like technical expertise and financial acumen, “Twelve and a Half” emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-awareness, gratitude, and other emotional qualities in creating meaningful connections and driving sustainable success. Vaynerchuk challenges readers to look inward, recognize their emotional strengths and weaknesses, and consciously develop the skills that are often undervalued in the traditional business environment. Through engaging narratives and actionable advice, this book offers a roadmap for personal development that transcends industry boundaries, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to elevate their emotional intelligence for better outcomes in business and life.

8 – Children of Dune

I had no intention of continuing the Dune Saga so soon, but they’re just so much fun to read!  I like this one as much as the last, but I was so busy, reading only took place at bedtime.  So, it took me forever, as I kept falling asleep and needing to reread.  Bedtime is my usual reading time, but I’ve been up too late…

“Children of Dune,” a science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, continues the saga of his renowned “Dune” series. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, the story unfolds after Paul Atreides’ rule, focusing on his twin children, Leto II and Ghanima. Gifted with extraordinary prescient abilities, they must navigate the intricate political landscape inherited from their father. The narrative explores themes of power dynamics, religious influence, and human evolution, presenting a complex tale of leadership and legacy in a harsh, futuristic universe. Herbert’s adept storytelling and detailed world-building make “Children of Dune” a captivating exploration of political intrigue and philosophical introspection.

July

9 – Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids

I’d started this one years ago and made it only 1/2 way. Often with books like this, I find 200+ pages could easily be distilled down to 50 with the same efficacy.  Nonetheless, I reinforced some parenting skills and picked up a few ways to deescalate conflicts with the kiddos.

“Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids” by Hart and Kindle Hodson is a practical guide for cultivating positive parent-child relationships through mutual respect and understanding. Drawing from their extensive experience in education and parenting, the authors emphasize empathetic communication and non-punitive discipline strategies to foster cooperation and emotional growth in children. The book offers insightful techniques for resolving conflicts peacefully, nurturing self-esteem, and promoting independence while maintaining a supportive family environment. With a focus on empathy and respect as foundational values, Hart and Kindle Hodson present a holistic approach to parenting that empowers both children and parents to thrive together.

10 – Red Rising

My Sister-in-law bought me the 3 book series for Christmas.  She started listening to them, and ended up not loving it because of the Mars/Space stuff.  I think she likes fantasy more than Sci-Fi, though I’d argue this is more fantasy than Sci-Fi.  If you began this book 1/2 way through, you wouldn’t even know it’s on Mars.  Anyway, I absolutely loved it, and blew through it.  Looking forward to the other 2 books in the series!

“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown is an exhilarating dive into a dystopian future where society is strictly divided into color-coded castes. The protagonist, Darrow, is a Red miner who toils beneath the surface of Mars, believing his labor is paving the way for future generations. This illusion is shattered when he discovers that Mars has been habitable for centuries and that his people are enslaved by the elite Golds. Driven by the memory of his martyred wife, Eo, Darrow joins a revolutionary group called the Sons of Ares. Undergoing a harrowing transformation to infiltrate the Golds’ society, Darrow’s mission is to dismantle their oppressive regime from within.

The story’s core unfolds at the Institute, a brutal training ground for Gold youth, where Darrow must outmaneuver and outfight his peers to secure his place and further the rebellion. The trials at the Institute are a savage microcosm of the broader societal conflicts, highlighting the ruthlessness of the Golds’ world. Pierce Brown’s narrative is both fast-paced and thought-provoking, blending intense action with deep reflections on power, sacrifice, and identity. “Red Rising” is a gripping tale of revolution and resilience, setting the stage for an epic series that explores the complexities of fighting for freedom.

August/September

11 – Golden Son

I loved this one as much as the last!  Any book that I can blow through quickly, is hard to put down, and actually makes me smile is a win.  I know I should go back to the self-helpie books, but it’s just too much fun.

“Golden Son,” the sequel to Pierce Brown’s “Red Rising,” continues the epic tale of Darrow, a rebel forged from the lowest caste who infiltrates the highest echelons of society. Having conquered the Institute, Darrow now faces the treacherous political landscape of the Golds. He must navigate a web of intrigue, deceit, and power struggles to dismantle the oppressive system from within. As he ascends in rank and influence, Darrow grapples with the loyalty of friends and the deceit of enemies, all while keeping his true identity hidden.

The stakes in “Golden Son” are higher, and the battles more intense as Darrow’s mission expands from personal vengeance to a broader revolution. Brown masterfully weaves together thrilling space battles, intricate political maneuvering, and deep character development. Darrow’s journey is fraught with peril as he attempts to unify disparate factions against a common enemy. “Golden Son” is a captivating continuation of the saga, rich in action and strategy, that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of revolution.

12 – Fair Play

My wife and I both began reading this one in order to help us declutter and organize our lives.  It was recommended because it was supposed to delve into breaking all the tasks we do daily into categories of values, then listing them specifically in order to give value to the things we do and don’t get paid for.  Basically, accounting for the different “businesses” of life that we work on but don’t appreciate because they’re not rewarded monetarily.  It turns out the book is really just focused on evening out non-work related family tasks, and it’s pretty harsh towards heterosexual male husbands.  Painful even.  I tried to take the good out of it, and even though I’m not the stereotypical husband and do my fair share of non-work related tasks, it was anger-inducing. I did take away a few things from the book, but I was offended in almost every chapter by the author’s assumptions about all husbands. It seems like she has some unresolved issues and could benefit from therapy to address her prejudiced thinking.

“Fair Play” by Eve Rodsky offers an approach to balancing household responsibilities in modern partnerships, advocating for fairness and equity. Through the lens of her personal experiences and extensive one-track biased research, Rodsky introduces a system designed to reduce the overwhelming mental load often shouldered by women. The book presents a customizable deck of cards, each representing a specific household task, and encourages couples to engage in honest, collaborative discussions about the distribution of these tasks. Rodsky’s framework attempts to empower women to reclaim their time, reduce resentment on her part, and foster a more harmonious and respectful relationship.

October/November

13 – In Defense of Food – An Eater’s Manifesto

I’ve heard about Pollan’s amazing books for many years, and I’m finally digging in.  My wife and I are obsessed with eating clean and are equally disgusted by how broken and corrupt our American food system is.  It’s hard to eat well in this country, which is why we often consider moving to Europe.  She could eat everything there, including gluten, wine, and all the things that make her sick here.  It’s infuriating how Big Tabacco and Big Pharma moved into food and have perverted the system.

In In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, Michael Pollan challenges the modern Western diet by exploring how processed foods and industrial agriculture have distanced us from the simple act of eating real food. Pollan advocates for a return to traditional ways of eating, emphasizing whole, natural ingredients over scientifically-engineered products. He explains how the food industry and nutritional science have complicated our relationship with food, leading to unhealthy habits and widespread confusion. His straightforward advice—”Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”—serves as a guide for healthier living, encouraging readers to embrace simplicity, culture, and mindful eating.

What’s next?

Since this is a year-long challenge, I’ll be doing other challenges along the way.  More to come!