Books Read in 2021
Happy 2022 everyone! One of the ways I enjoy celebrating the new year is reflecting on what I've learned, which, as it so happens, for me is usually facilitated by reading books.
Generally speaking, the books listed below are older and current in the genres of psychology, history, business, and fiction (with several outliers). As stated in the previous year's list, while I don't agree with all of the ideas expressed in their pages, I seek to be challenged by new and existing ideas to further inform my practice and personal life. Enjoy!
Nonfiction
A Promised Land (2020) by Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama recounts his decision to run for president, life on the campaign trail, and the first half of his tenure in office in this initial volume of a planned series of two memoirs. You don't have to have been a supporter of the former president in order to take away larger lessons surrounding adaptability, diplomacy, high values, and responsibility.
The Great Influenza: The Story Of The Deadliest Pandemic In History (2004) by John M. Barry
Barry discusses the history of the 1918 flu and the heroes who worked tirelessly to serve the public. This history lesson offers lots of insight surrounding the process of developing a vaccine, how many lessons of the past were not learned (given the response to COVID-19), and how the media and public circulated mass hysteria through alarmism.
Naked (1997) by David Sedaris
Essayist and humorist David Sedaris offers up darkly comedic insights into his childhood and years as a young adult. While certain events that are covered are undoubtedly tragic, Sedaris recounts them with a smirk and dry wit.
My Struggle: Volume Two (2009) by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Karl Ove is an unapologetically serious and confessional person. Volume two of the autobiographical Norwegian author's My Struggle series covers falling in love with his second wife, his friendship with a Nietzschean intellectual, the beginnings of fatherhood, and his many insecurities. The 'My Struggle' series is especially controversial due to its candid nature and the mostly unchanged names of those connected with him.
Alone On The Wall (2015) by Alex Honnold with David Roberts
I've found Alex Honnold incredibly fascinating ever since I saw the documentary 'Free Solo,' of which Alex is the subject. Honnold is a bit of an extremist, rock climbing massive peaks without any harnesses or support. Honnold discusses some of his most significant accomplishments, how he has used his platform to help others, and the ethics of free solo climbing.
Leonardo Da Vinci (2017) by Walter Isaacson
The great polymath of the Italian Renaissance period receives the Isaacson "genius" biographical treatment (also the author of biographies on Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and Benjamin Franklin). Leonard is perhaps known the most for his masterpiece paintings such as the Mona Lisa or the Last Supper; however, he was a man whose intelligence exceeded his time as many of his thoughtful sketches for inventions saw further into the future than what he was given credit for during his lifespan. Indeed a fascinating read with great life lessons about what it means to be continuously moving forward.
Psychology/Philosophy/Self-Help
Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior (2009) by Geoffrey Miller
Evolutionary psychologist and associate professor at the University of New Mexico, Geoffry Miller, examines how consumer culture came to be by looking at it through the lens of mate selection. If you have troubling spending habits, perhaps this book may give you some unique insights.
The Will To Meaning: Foundations and Applications of Logotherapy (1969) by Viktor E. Frankl
More famously known for his memoir 'Man's Search for Meaning,' Dr. Frankl further explains his exploration of existential psychology applied to clinical settings.
The Hero With A Thousand Faces (1949) by Joseph Campbell
What do Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Matrix series all have in common? They follow the narrative archetype of the hero, also referred to as the monomyth. In this seminal work, mythologist Joseph Campbell breaks down all of the tropes, plot devices, and folkloric structures of "the hero's adventure." Not only does this book provide great insight into many cultural norms, but it also gives us insight into our individual psychologies.
Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011) by Daniel Kahneman
Nobel Prize laureate for Economic Sciences, Daniel Kahneman, explores what makes humans rational and irrational. Kahneman proposes two systems of thinking, system 1 (thinking fast) system 2 (thinking slow), to conceptualize how we make decisions. This is a great book that can assist with understanding various errors and biases we frequently rely upon in order to get through our days.
The Velvet Rage (2005) by Alan Downs
This book addresses the common feelings of fear, guilt, and shame in the gay community. Dr. Downs provides clinical examples of difficulties that his clients have faced and provides pathways forward for living a more meaningful and purposeful life.
Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life (2021) by Jordan B. Peterson
Dr. Peterson continues (and perhaps concludes) his '12 Rules' series, this time offering solutions to combat the pitfalls of rigidity in life. If the first volume of the series was a representation of yang, then 'Beyond Order' gives way to balance through the perspective of yin. While Dr. Peterson has been somewhat of a controversial figure during his tenure in the limelight, I would certainly consider giving these books a chance as they offer practical wisdom, provided with philosophical, mythological, and clinical examples.
Rationality (2021) by Steven Pinker
Similar to another book on this list, 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' (of which is referenced), Harvard psychologist Dr. Steven Pinker looks at errors in logic that deter us from rationality. In addition, Pinker provides insight into a question that has been on many people's minds, "why does rationality seem scarce."
A History Of Western Philosophy (1945) by Bertrand Russell
British philosopher, Bertrand Russell, provides a detailed history of, you guessed it, Western philosophy. He covers everyone from the times of the pre-socratics to more modern philosophers like John Dewey and Russell's own work in the field surrounding logical analysis.
Mating In Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence (2006) by Esther Perel
Taking a very anthropological perspective, Perel dives deep into what helps as far as creating and sustaining desire in romantic partnerships. Not all romantic partnerships are the same; however, the ways in which we navigate and negotiate our individual and joint sense of eroticism have many similarities that cross cultural barriers.
The Confidence Gap (2010) by Russ Harris
Looking for a new approach toward fear? Acceptance of fear is the first step toward increasing one's confidence. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques, Harris describes a variety of valuable tools that can assist in helping you take giant leaps in your life.
Understanding Human Nature (1927) by Alfred Adler
Freud claims sex motivates humans, Frankl states it's meaning, and Adler believes it's striving for more power. Why not all 3? In this seminal work, Adler discusses his theories and provides an analytical framework for conceptualizing the motivation for power starting in childhood and how it manifests in adults.
Fiction
The Martian Chronicles (1950) by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury takes a different narrative approach compared to his other works, author of some of the sci-fi genre's most beloved classics (Farenheight 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Illustrated Man) utilizing an anthology story-arc discussing a mysterious history of humans arriving to Mars. Each chapter explores different themes common to the genre and piques the imagination with regard to the future of space exploration and settlement.
Blankets (2003) by Craig Thompson
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of a lonely teenager named Craig who escapes the trappings of his humdrum reality through engaging in creative storytelling and drawing. While depressing at times, this book does a great job of exploring shame and existential dread when it comes to the fear associated with leaving a religion.
Siddhartha (1922) by Herman Hesse
This classic spiritual short novel explores the concepts of enlightenment, self-discovery, and experience.
The Old Man and the Sea (1952) by Ernest Hemingway
Another short novel on this list, Hemingway, tells a classic survival story with a strong sense of realism in its depiction of manhood.
The Grapes Of Wrath (1939) by John Steinbeck
Set during the Great Depression, the Joad family sets out West with a caravan of other "Okies" to avoid the Dust Bowl and in hopes of prosperity. Steinbeck, with great empathy, depicts the predicaments of the impoverished in the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Death's End (2010) by Cixin Liu
The conclusion to Chinese science-fiction author's 'Remembrance of Earth's Past' trilogy, Cixin Liu navigates the reader through multiple periods, past and future, while telling a thrilling story of humanity's encounter with aliens.
Ham On Rye (1982) by Charles Bukowski
Another story set during the Great Depression, Bukowski's alter ego, Henry Chinaski, tells the story of his upbringing. This book is not for the faint of heart as it is undoubtedly an anti-hero story whose subject is a socially ostracized provocateur.
The Shining (1977) by Stephen King
Stephen King's classic horror (and Colorado-based) novel was a fun read for the month of October (the month I've designated toward reading at least one horror novel). There are many dissimilarities between this and the film version. The novel focuses intensely on backstory to emphasize the terror of fatherhood.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2021) by Quentin Tarantino
A beach read for anyone who's a fan of Tarantino's work. This novelization of the film, written by the creator himself, provides additional backstory, sub-plots, and alternative narrative to the original film. It is written in a matter-of-fact way that emulates some of Elmore Leonard's classic crime novels.
Find Me (2019) by André Aciman
Sequel to 'Call Me By Your Name,' 'Find Me' takes multiple perspectives through various periods to continue the stories of Elio and Oliver, as well as Elio's father, Samuel.
Business
The Compound Effect (2010) by Darren Hardy
Taking a popular finance term derived from the concept of compound interest, Hardy discussed the difficulty of starting to invest (beyond money) into any new life venture. In addition, he explains how, at times, mundane habits and behaviors can help you build the life you want, as sticking with a vision can allow you to slowly develop and grow momentum, realizing your dreams.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the Future (2014) by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
Peter Thiel, one of the many members of the PayPal mafia, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist provides his account, albeit disjointed, of ideas, concepts, and tidbits of wisdom with building a new company.
The Lean Startup (2011) by Eric Ries
Another classic with regard to what to keep in mind when building a new company. Ries offers a step-by-step account of what any new entrepreneur needs to consider when offering a new service of building a product.
The Way of the Wolf (2017) by Jordan Belfort
Disgraced businessman and criminal mastermind Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's 'The Wolf of Wall Street', discusses his straight line selling system as a way to persuade others to buy your product. Belfort claims that he's learned from his past and cautions readers of the book to utilize the skills he teaches ethically and responsibly.
Reference/Other
Take More Vacations: How to Search Better, Book Cheaper, and Travel the World (2021) by Scott Keyes
It's all in the subtitle. I encourage my clients to engage in positive dissociative experiences, which is viewing ourselves outside of the narrative that we all engage in about who we are, what we do, and how the world functions around us. On the daily, this looks like meditation, going for walks, or engaging in reflective processes such as journaling. I consider a vacation to be a positive dissociative experience as it allows you to escape your life and the world you know to do something that will enable you to reflect, recover, and repurpose your abilities in ways that are more conducive to your wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of those around you.