6+ Favorite Ryan Holiday Books (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite Ryan Holiday books (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts by Ryan Holiday

   

   $20.18

   Ryan Holiday's Perennial Seller is all about creating work that stands the test of time. As a longtime fan, I found this book to be both engaging and practical, filled with straightforward ideas and timeless examples. It emphasizes that there's no shortcut to success—if you want to create something meaningful, you have to put in the effort. I appreciated the focus on the importance of promotion in connecting great work with the right audience. Overall, if you're in the business of making or marketing anything, this book is a must-read.

   Pros:

   • Highly readable and concise with clear ideas
   • Uses timeless case studies and actionable steps
   • Valuable for anyone creating or promoting work

   Cons:

   • No cons.

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   09/10/2025 07:01 pm GMT
2. Growth Hacking by Ryan Holiday

   

   $12.27

   In Growth Hacker Marketing, Ryan Holiday focuses on the rise of growth hacking and its impact on companies like Airbnb and Facebook. He highlights how traditional marketing is losing its edge, making way for a more efficient and cost-effective approach. I appreciated his emphasis on integrating marketing into the product itself and leveraging data for growth. The book offers practical insights, like making your product shareable and prioritizing data-driven strategies. Overall, I found it to be a solid and engaging read, with only minor critiques since I'm generally a fan of Holiday's work.

   Pros:

   • The book is well-paced and practical.
   • It outlines the rise of growth hacking and its success stories.
   • It emphasizes the importance of data-driven marketing.

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot to dislike.

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   09/10/2025 10:04 pm GMT
3. Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

   

   $16.29

   The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday is a daily devotional that breaks down the ancient philosophy of Stoicism into practical lessons. I found it well-paced and easy to digest, focusing on perception, action, and will. Each day offers a meditation from Stoic thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, along with reflections and exercises to apply these ideas in real life. Honestly, I didn’t have many complaints; I’m a fan of Holiday’s work, and this book didn't disappoint. If you're curious about Stoicism, this is a great way to explore it day by day.

   Pros:

   • Well-paced and practical content
   • Offers actionable insights on Stoicism
   • Includes reflections and exercises for daily practice

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot to dislike

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/10/2025 04:03 pm GMT
4. Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday

   

   $10.00

   In Trust Me, I'm Lying, Ryan Holiday shares his experiences as a media strategist, unpacking how online publishing shapes our politics and society. The book shines a light on the dark side of media manipulation, clickbait journalism, and the need for responsible reporting. I found his insights on the impact of social media and the importance of fact-checking particularly eye-opening. Overall, it’s an engaging read that I highly recommend, especially for anyone in online publishing. I didn’t find much to criticize—Holiday’s perspective really resonates with me.

   Pros:

   • Insightful exploration of media manipulation
   • Highlights the dangers of clickbait journalism
   • Emphasizes the importance of fact-checking and transparency

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot to dislike

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/10/2025 06:03 pm GMT
5. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

   

   $23.58

   In The Obstacle Is The Way, Ryan Holiday taps into stoicism to show us how to turn challenges into chances for growth. He breaks it down into three key areas: Perception, Action, and Will. I love how the book reminds us that while we can't control when tough times hit, we can control our reactions. It's all about patience, courage, and creativity. The pacing is solid, and the practical advice really resonates with me. Honestly, I’m a fan of Holiday's work, and this one definitely lives up to my expectations.

   Pros:

   • Provides a practical framework for turning obstacles into opportunities
   • Emphasizes personal control over responses to challenges
   • Well-paced and engaging writing style

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot to dislike

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/10/2025 06:04 pm GMT
6. Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday

   

   $13.23

   In Courage is Calling, Ryan Holiday explores courage as the essential virtue that ties together all the Stoic principles. I found it fascinating how he describes courage not as loud heroics, but as a quiet strength that often involves patience and understanding. The book dives into the complexities of human life, showing that true courage can thrive in messy situations. Holiday’s stories, especially from the Civil Rights Movement, are impactful and resonate deeply. Overall, like his other book in the series, I borrowed this one from the library but definitely plan to buy it—it's that good!

   Pros:

   • Courage is presented as the linchpin of all Stoic virtues.
   • The book emphasizes the quietness of courage, challenging common perceptions.
   • It explores the messiness of courage and human life, with impactful stories.

   Cons:

   • No cons.

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/10/2025 10:01 pm GMT
7. Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday

   

   $15.99

   In Discipline is Destiny, Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of discipline, which he presents as essential for a fulfilling life. Initially skeptical about a whole book on this topic, I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging stories and practical insights that kept me hooked. Each chapter offers a fresh perspective on discipline, highlighting its nuances and the balance needed for true self-control. I particularly appreciated the author's honest reflections in the Afterword about his own struggles with discipline. Overall, I loved this book and plan to buy it for future re-reading—it's a worthwhile addition to anyone's library.

   Pros:

   • Engaging stories that enhance understanding of discipline
   • Well-structured with short, impactful chapters
   • Addresses the nuances and balance of discipline

   Cons:

   • Nothing - I plan to buy it and re-read it.

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/10/2025 10:03 pm GMT