Half a Year's Reading
And another half left to go
As shared in previous posts, I was not strong reader growing up. I struggled, I strived, I tried. But I moved on to easier things like rollerskating and biking, exploring the woods. A seed began to sprout when I successfully read 3 books one summer during college. The following summer concluded with 7 books read. Perhaps I wasn’t as dumb as I initially believed. I could read difficult things.
As I’ve grown and deepened my reading over the years, I’ve seen the power compound interest firsthand. I probably average at least 50 books each year, depending on the length. While there is a sense of accomplishment in my reading, there is also a humbling recognition of my own ignorance. There is so much that I don’t know. There is so much that I still want to know.
Is vanity motivating this pursuit of wisdom? Is it my own vainglory? Or is it seeing myself humbly through the lens of so many wise souls before me.
What good does it do you to be able to give a learned discourse on the Trinity, while you are without humility and, thus, are displeasing to the Trinity? Esoteric words neither make us holy nor righteous; only a virtuous life makes us beloved of God. I would rather experience repentance in my soul than know how to define it. - The Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis
I want to be holy. I want to be wise. I am not holy. I am not wise.
But reading books is like surrounding yourself with mentors in a society where mentors are few and the cultural noise is loud. In reading the printed page, I enter into the waters that so many souls before encountered. Things quiet down.
How many countless men and women across the centuries heard the Odyssey recited from memory by fireside, or at least read it by candlelight? How many countless souls have been impacted by this epic poem? How many wives did it help to remain faithful in tough times? How many husbands did it remind to come home and live out the most bold and sacred mission, that of husband and father? How many fatherless sons were inspired by the Odyssey to embark on their own quest toward manhood? And lastly, how many dogs are named Argos as a result of this epic poem? I definitely want a faithful hound at my feet and when I finally get one, I will name him Argos.
The point is that reading cultivates my soul. It calls me into deeper waters. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “In reading great literature, I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.”
With these things in mind, I’d like to share what I’ve been reading so far this year. I’m a little at a crossroads between proud and ashamed with my reading. Proud because it is such a larger accomplishment than me ten years ago. But ashamed because I’m so aware of the wasted time on menial things like screen time when I could’ve been reading more books, or even spending time outside on walks.
Reading centers my being in a way that reading newsletters on a screen does not. It brings peace whereas digital momentum through videos leave me with a sense of dread; feeling ill at ease with the world. But I look outside my peaceful home and the birds are about their business. The bunnies hop by and crinkle their noses whilst chewing blades from my uncut lawn. Reading recenters my being in a similar way to prayer. Forcing me to slow down, look inward, and gaze upward.
If anything, I’m inspired by this list and want to keep going. I want to end 2025 with a lovely stack of books read, characters lived with and learned from. It’d be far easier to reach for the popcorn comfort of the phone, but the printed page brings me more connection than technology ever could.
Another cool aspect of keeping track of the chronological order of my reads is that I have begun to measure time and events from life based the books I read at that time. Scenes from both fiction and non-fiction take on a rooted quality based on the physically of my being tied into the emotional and spiritual events of those days. It’s pretty fantastic to measure time through the glorious spines of your books.
Therefore, it leads me to reflect and consider just what, exactly, is going on in my life. Why is it that some books are picked up to be read and others are put back down? What is the Spirit leading me to read and why? My precious time could be spent in so many ways, and here it is spent reading; rather odd for the kid who skated around town and nearly made himself deaf playing rock and roll. But here I am, on a quest toward an unknown destination.
Here’s what I’ve been reading these days. It’s a mix of physical books, e-books, and audiobooks. Audiobooks are particularly helpful for long car rides trips, chores around the home, or mowing the lawn. Perhaps there are a few on this list that you picked up recently too.
January:
Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami: Perpetual procrastinators that aspire to be true artists know that the next best thing besides pursuing your craft is learning about your craft. Murakami’s book is an excellent look at an unconventional way toward becoming a master. He wrote a lot. He edited a lot. He kept writing a lot. As someone who enjoyed 1Q84, getting this glimpse into the life of the writer was a delight.
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard: What a fun Catholic Sci-Fi book to read! I wrote another post about this book earlier in the year, and in hindsight, still recommend you read it.
Nobody Wants to Read your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield: In a similar vein to reading books about writing as you delay in the actual practice of writing, this book is great for over thinkers who want to grow in their craft. It’s short, and its bitter bite helps one to start getting words on the page. You have the let the Muse work. You gotta sort through a lot of coal to find the diamond. The key takeaway I have here is that you’re more invested in your art than anyone else. You need to edit, fine tune, and make your darlings the best that they possibly could be. That’s going to take a lot of hard work. Easy reading is damn hard writing.
Terminal List by Jack Carr: Definitely a guilty pleasure read about a man who seeks to avenge his fallen comrades and beloved family from twisted moneymakers. Not for the faint of heart, this first book in the James Reece series will open your eyes to the darker aspects of human nature.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman: This is one of those books and topics that everyone loves to talk about with authority, but fewer and fewer folks have actually read it. Granted, unless you have a particular interest in it, you can simply study the topic and “languages” to better love your loved one. Definitely read some interesting stories in here!
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: Similar to the read above, this is a book that takes a simple concept and stretches it out like bubblegum to cover every surface possible. Ironically enough, while I found the social media critique of the youth relevant, I would have loved to see further studies on adults, who are the de facto examples leading their children. Overall though, this paints a stark portrait of our current situation regarding the stupefying of our youth - it almost seems intentional, but to what purpose? However, there is hope if we change direction and make concrete changes in our families.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport: I read this a number of years ago and was pleased to find its insights still fresh and relevant today. The key take away is that skills trump passion in a quest for work you love. Like most rereads, you come across aspects you previously forgot. The example of the organic farmer really stood out to me this read and tilled the soil for other literary pursuits this year.
February:
The Outside Man by Don Bentley: Spy Thriller’s are quick and easy guilty pleasures for me. During particularly busy seasons of life, I want what I call a “beach book.” Something fun to read that is simple at night, demanding very little cognitive load. This book definitely fit the bill. I first came across Don Bentley through a podcast interview and was impressed with his humility and approach to writing. If you like the genre, this Matt Drake thriller is sure to please.
Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love by Dietrich von Hildebrand: This is a staple work to have in your personal library. Reading it in college left a strong and healthy impression about how to best love and cultivate a beautiful marriage. I highly recommend it for everyone, regardless of vocation.
Good Energy by Casey Means: This is one of those books that got me thinking about physical health and well-being with fresh eyes. The take aways are overwhelming from a first read because, quite frankly, it’d be your full-time job if you followed every prescriptive. However, it’s helpful to read a health book and only take away a few good and easy to implement lessons. For me, getting a better understanding of the relationship between food, sugar, alcohol, and sleep has helped me become more intentional. Further, exercise is no longer a choice of luxury but necessary if I want to be active for my family in old age instead of cautiously ambulating around.
Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield: The cold hard truth of Pressfield’s words are good to hear. This work is all about taking your craft seriously and treating it less like some easy-going hobby. Consistency leads to compound interest. If you only write when inspired, then the Muse won’t show up. Let your yes mean yes and no mean no.
March:
The Iliad by Homer: On my list of books to read this year from this my other post (link), I was delighted by the beauty of Homer’s words. I appreciate the depth and nuance of each character. I paid particular attention to Odysseus, which was fun to consider given his role in the sequel The Odyssey.
Caliban’s War by James S.A. Corey: Book two of the Expanse Series which is basically a quasi sci-fi opera. The alien Protomolecule which is a complete mystery is building itself on the planet Venus. Further, political tensions rise between planets as necessary supply chains are cut short from something unexpected. How does one motley crew handle the situation? Read on to find out.
New York Sketches by E.B. White: Some of the most beautiful English prose is written by E.B. White. Although I haven’t been to New York in a long time, he perfectly captures the atmosphere and spirit of city life. One of my favorite vignette’s is when he talks about the residencies of local doves throughout the city. White has the eyes of poet to see things as they are.
Two-Step Devil by Jamie Quatro: A dear friend recommended this read and I was immediately hooked by the southern style that reminded me of Flannery O’Connor. The book’s about a man called the Prophet who paints his visions on canvas. He meets a young woman in a rough spot and it explores what transpires. It handles difficult subjects that I’d only recommend for a mature reader, but it is hauntingly beautiful and makes you think about the moral complexities of life.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: After successfully avoiding this book for over a decade, I finally dipped my toes in the water. While the dark topic is again only recommended for mature readers, I found this book to be a hauntingly beautiful story about lust and anger. Thankfully, it’s less graphic than expected, but leaves plenty implied. Nabokov captured the sin of lust perfectly, and despite the beauty of his words, he portrayed the darkness perfectly and I did not see the end coming.
Sandbag Hypertrophy by Cody Janko: Taking a wise step away from the heavy subjects, I dove into heavy sandbags. Despite the abundance of workout informative videos and articles about exercise, it’s helpful to detox from the screen and dive into a book to really understand the capabilities of the human body.
Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke: I was pleasantly surprised by this book’s call toward courage and virtue. I can’t wait for my children to read it in their teenage years.
Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics are making you fat, sick, and infertile by Anthony Jay: After hearing a compelling podcast interview, I was intrigued by Dr. Jay’s insights into how estrogens have been slowing seeping their way into every possible crevice of modern societies conveniences. It honestly explains a lot about what’s going on just from looking at the data and evidence of estrogens, particularly the high levels of chemical birth controls in our water supply. TLDR; use water filters, lots of them, and then filter out that water.
The Last Kind Words Saloon by Larry McMurtry: Sometimes, a good ‘ole western about simpler times soothes the soul from the contemporary worries of the world that are our daily crosses. However, reading this book made me wish that I was in the world of Lonesome Dove instead. Why is it that prolific authors have their golden goose and all else seems to pale in comparison?
April:
The Crisis of Modernity by Augusto del Noce: This Italian Catholic Political Philosopher called me out from my slumber to carefully consider the modern world around us. Rather scholarly, del Noce has incredibly prophetic insights about our society. From the back cover, “Displaying Del Noce's rare ability to reconstruct intellectual genealogies and to expose the deep metaphysical premises of social and political movements, The Crisis of Modernity presents an original reading of secularization, scientism, the sexual revolution, and the history of modern Western culture.”
Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: When I need a good reflection on how to work more effectively, Lencioni’s works are a great go to. Further, many of his insights can be applied to personal relationships too.
Liturgy of the Land by Thomas Craig and Thomas Van Horn: I do not own a ranch, farm, or a homestead, but this book tilled the soil of my heart to desire that life all the more. In an age of constant connection and computer work, I long for the slower pace and sweat of working the land with my hands. Although, rather than run from the city, this work cultivates a healthy disposition to do what one can with what one has. Virtue grows in little moments over time.
May:
De Anima by Aristotle: Philosophy always stretches the capacities of my understanding. People often talk about the soul, but seldom know what it actually is. I enjoy how Aristotle sets a strong foundation here that the Christian tradition picks up, corrects, and deepens.
Three to get Married by Fulton Sheen: Although this was finished in May, I’ve been working on this read for about a year with our marriage group. I cannot recommend this work enough; however, it is helpful to persevere through it and discuss chapters with your spouse or friends. A wise prophet in his own right, I doubt that Sheen would be shocked or surprised by the state of marriage in the 21st century, but he’d point us all the more back the cross of Christ to lovingly embrace and draw wisdom our Savior.
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman: What you remember and focus on with rereads astounds me. The history of both the clock and electronic communication really hit home for me with this read.
The Man with the Golden Gun by Ian Fleming: Published after Fleming’s death, this final and twelfth novel in the Bond series was fun. Obviously, it wasn’t as polished as Fleming’s other thrillers, but that can be forgiven. You encounter a Bond that’s been brainwashed by the Russians and sent on a new quest toward danger to redeem himself as a valuable member worthy of the name 007.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel: While a quick audiobook to listen do while doing the dishes, Thiel’s experienced insight provides a lot of food for thought about tech startups. A lot of those business principles can be applied to other areas. I’d probably listen to it again in the future. The quote “Most of a tech company’s value will come at least 10 to 15 years in the future,” reminds me that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time to plant a tree was yesterday.*
P.S. I used to get Peter Thiel, the tech giant, mixed up with Chris Thile, the talented musician and know little of each personally. But while one is changing the world through the beauty of the mandolin, the other seems to be changing the world through the bureaucratic techno-leviathan. What brave new world (pun intended) will this bring forth?
Millionaire Milestones by Sam Dogen: I’m grateful that I can read because it means that I can teach myself topics that I’m rather deficient in; in particular, money. Sam’s work from the Financial Samurai has taught me a lot over the last few years and his long-term perspective gives me hope as I seek to provide a financially solid foundation for my family.
Life of the Mind by James V. Schall: Another re-read for me, I really appreciate Schall’s approach and invitation to unlearned neophytes like me to pursue an intellectual life. He’s delightful to read and I appreciate his optimistic spirit.
The Story of Aston Martin by Peter Tomalin: I surprised myself with a random interest in this topic. If it wasn’t for both the James Bond books and films, I probably wouldn’t know much about Aston Martin besides the rare occasions that I see these exquisite automobiles on the road or parked at fancy restaurants. One of the most fascinating aspects of this book was learning about the history of British hill-climbing, where race cars speed uphill on windy backcountry roads. What an absolute thrill!
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein: While this is nothing like the satirical film which should be in its own category, this legendary sci-fi novel is such a good read. Filled with unique military insights, hard truths about life and warfare, and technological prophecies, Heinlein rarely disappoints and always delivers. I don’t know what’s more impressive, the delightful weaving of a good story or the technological insights from 1959 which still surpass what occurs in known modern warfare.
June:
Savage Gods by Paul Kingsnorth: A lovely conversation with a stranger led to me getting a copy of this book about which I had zero expectations. What came forth was a moving portrait of an honest writer wrestling with existentialism and the call of the divine. May I have the courage to one day write such an honest book.
Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII: In light of our newest Pope Leo XIV, a few friends and I decided to look back to another Leo who once sat in the papal chair. This incredibly fresh work from 1891 on capital and labor provides such a balanced vision for human flourishing. And if you don’t think that a 134 year old text could be fresh, one my friends mistook it for an encyclical from the current Pope Leo XIV! I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in politics, the economy, and a sustainable path toward human flourishing.
What’s not included here are the number of books I started and didn’t finish or put back on the shelf. Rather than follow a strict plan, I’m really trying to pursue my interests as I navigate from one read to another. It’s wonderful to reflect back on the last sixth months of reading and consider what the next six will bring forth.
What books have you enjoyed this year? What’s your next read on the horizon and why?
As always, making my TBR list longer. I love it, and I love this reflection on why we read.
Wallace Stegner's "Angle of Repose" is the best book I've read this year. My reliable "beach reads" are anything by Elin Hildebrandt or re-reading old John D. McDonald novels.