Books Read in 2013
From 2007 to 2012, I read 263+ books. But I did not stop there. I haven’t kept up the same pace – but have kept on tracking every book I’ve read since. Ideally, I’ve also written a short lessons learned or review of each. Here’s the books I’ve read this past year.
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
$11.44
In Vagabonding, Rolf Potts redefines what it means to be a traveler, shifting away from the negative stereotypes associated with the term vagabond. I was skeptical at first, expecting just another cliché travel guide, but this book is refreshingly practical and philosophical. Potts offers insightful tips and profiles of adventurous individuals, encouraging readers to actively choose how they want to explore the world. While it can be challenging to confront the idea of committing to long-term travel, Vagabonding invites you to think deeply about your choices. If you're considering a travel lifestyle, this book is definitely worth a read.
Pros:
- Practical advice throughout the book
- Interesting profiles of historical and contemporary travelers
- Encourages active choice and personal reflection about travel
Cons:
- The book can be irksome by forcing readers to confront their travel choices
- Lacks discussion on the impact of long-term travel on others
- No cons noted.
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07/28/2025 05:01 am GMT
Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
$9.30
In The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, the story unfolds at a small college in Wisconsin, centered around baseball and its deeper life themes. I was captivated by the beautiful prose and vivid imagery that captures classic Americana. While the characters sometimes felt a bit flat, the author does a good job exploring their inner thoughts, especially regarding the rare Steve Blass disease. However, I was a tad disappointed by the limited baseball action. Overall, it’s a solid, engaging read—not life-changing, but a good pick for a long summer escape. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Amazing prose with memorable lines
- Strong character exploration of the main characters
- Keeps attention despite being a long, non-plot driven novel
Cons:
- Not enough actual baseball in a book centered around baseball
- Characters didn't fully connect
- Plot felt slightly overwrought
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07/28/2025 05:01 am GMT
Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
$9.30
In The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, the story unfolds at a small college in Wisconsin, centered around baseball and its deeper life themes. I was captivated by the beautiful prose and vivid imagery that captures classic Americana. While the characters sometimes felt a bit flat, the author does a good job exploring their inner thoughts, especially regarding the rare Steve Blass disease. However, I was a tad disappointed by the limited baseball action. Overall, it’s a solid, engaging read—not life-changing, but a good pick for a long summer escape. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Amazing prose with memorable lines
- Strong character exploration of the main characters
- Keeps attention despite being a long, non-plot driven novel
Cons:
- Not enough actual baseball in a book centered around baseball
- Characters didn't fully connect
- Plot felt slightly overwrought
I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!
07/28/2025 05:01 am GMT
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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07/28/2025 05:01 am GMT
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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07/28/2025 01:01 am GMT
The Last Train to Zona Verde by Paul Theroux
$8.72
In The Last Train to Zona Verde, Paul Theroux takes us on a journey along Africa's west coast, exploring places like Namibia and Angola. I found his writing engaging, filled with rich conversations and historical insights that really brought the region to life. Theroux tackles big topics like colonialism and public health, which add depth to his travels. However, I was a bit let down that he didn't complete his journey as planned, leaving me wondering about his choices. If you’re a fan of his more curmudgeonly takes, this book will resonate, but it might feel heavy for others. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that highlights the contrast between hope and despair in these countries.
Pros:
- Paul Theroux is a skilled and thoughtful travel writer.
- The book covers new and neglected territories in Africa.
- It provides rich historical context and interviews with interesting locals.
- The prose is beautiful and reflective of Theroux's talent.
- It honestly grapples with difficult social issues.
Cons:
- The journey was not completed as originally planned.
- The political commentary may be too heavy for some readers.
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07/28/2025 02:01 am GMT
Phantom by Jo Nesbo
$13.04
In Phantom by Jo Nesbo, we follow detective Harry Hole as he confronts a drug cartel in Oslo, which pulls him out of retirement. I went in with high hopes after loving The Snowman and The Leopard, but I found myself disappointed. The story felt slow and lost, lacking the unique flair of Nesbo's earlier works. While there were interesting glimpses into Oslo's heroin scene, it felt more like a generic crime story than something distinctly Scandinavian. If you’re curious about Nesbo, skip Phantom and start with The Snowman or The Leopard instead.
Pros:
- Engaging writing style with interesting social commentary
- Unique and gripping previous works by Jo Nesbo
- Insight into the Oslo heroin community
Cons:
- Plot and pacing felt derivative and uninteresting
- Slow build-up before anything significant happens
- Confusing plot focus and character attention
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07/27/2025 10:03 pm GMT
Linchpin by Seth Godin
$9.48
In Linchpin, Seth Godin encourages us to rethink our role in our careers and see ourselves as artists, not just cogs in a machine. He argues that in today's world, just following systems makes you replaceable, while adding your unique touch can set you apart. I found Godin's passionate writing engaging and relatable, making his ideas resonate deeply. Although the concepts might seem basic on the surface, they hold significant weight in our evolving economy. If you're curious about how to stand out in your work, this book is definitely worth your time!
Pros:
- Offers a fresh perspective on career and work.
- Encourages readers to become artists in their jobs.
- Passionate and engaging writing style that connects with the reader.
Cons:
- The book might sound banal and too basic.
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07/28/2025 01:01 am GMT
Blood River by Tim Butcher
$13.18
In Blood River, Tim Butcher recounts his daring journey through the Congo, retracing the steps of Henry Stanley. I found this book captivating because it goes beyond just travel; it sheds light on the Congo's grim history and current struggles, making it a thought-provoking read. Butcher's storytelling is engaging, yet I wished for more depth during his rapid travels, as he often rushed through areas without fully connecting with the local culture. Still, if you're into gripping adventures or want to understand Africa's complexities, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Pros:
- Tim Butcher is a skilled author who combines research with engaging writing.
- The book provides a unique perspective on the Congo's historical and current issues.
- It is a page-turner that captures the intensity of adventure travel.
Cons:
- The author moves quickly, limiting exploration of the people and places in the Congo.
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07/28/2025 12:00 am GMT
80-20 Principle by Steven Koch
$11.19
In The 80-20 Principle, Steven Koch explores the idea that a small fraction of causes often leads to the bulk of results in our lives. This book is a game-changer, showing how focusing on that vital 20% can significantly boost our happiness and success. I loved how practical and applicable the principles are, whether for work or personal life. The takeaway? Spend more time on what truly matters to unlock your potential. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to criticize—it's a fantastic read for anyone wanting to maximize their efforts and outcomes.
Pros:
- The Pareto Principle is incredibly useful.
- The book provides practical applications for business and everyday life.
- It helps identify the vital 20% that leads to significant results.
Cons:
- Nothing - great book.
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07/27/2025 10:05 pm GMT
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
$11.26
In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explores how habits shape our daily lives and decision-making. I found his argument compelling, especially when he highlights that our brains can’t handle constant conscious thought. The book presents a simple but powerful framework: cues, routines, and rewards drive our habits. While I didn’t finish the book, I appreciated the practical insights on how habits impact individuals and organizations. However, it felt a bit repetitive at times, and some sections could have used trimming. Overall, it’s a solid read, especially for those new to pop psychology.
Pros:
- Engaging and well-structured argument about the importance of habits
- Provides insightful examples that illustrate the impact of habits on decision-making
- Offers practical strategies for changing habits and improving daily life
Cons:
- Basic thesis feels simple and could be shortened by about 30 pages
- Ending case studies rehash material from other books in the genre
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07/28/2025 12:01 am GMT
Do The Work by Steven Pressfield
$4.99
In Do The Work, Steven Pressfield focuses on the importance of actually taking action, especially for creatives facing resistance. Unlike typical motivational reads, this book skips the fluff of positive thinking and zeroes in on doing the work. I found it refreshingly straightforward and engaging, providing a much-needed emotional push against procrastination. The writing resonated with me, and I finished my review in record time! If you're not into the usual cheerleading style of self-help, this book could be a perfect match for you, especially when paired with something like The Procrastination Equation.
Pros:
- The book is a useful read.
- It provides an emotional boost to combat procrastination.
- It's well-written and engaging.
Cons:
- There are no cons.
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07/28/2025 03:01 am GMT
Shakespeare by Bill Bryson
$9.13
In Shakespeare: The World as Stage, Bill Bryson takes a fresh look at the Bard, focusing more on the context of his life than on a traditional biography. I appreciated how Bryson navigates through Shakespeare's world, considering the limited facts we have about him, which makes the book feel accessible and fun. It’s packed with intriguing insights, like the bizarre nature of English monarchs and Shakespeare's juggling act of writing and managing his plays. If you're curious about Shakespeare but want something light and engaging, this book is definitely worth your time.
Pros:
- Engaging and informed prose
- Approachable for those unfamiliar with Shakespeare
- Covers Shakespeare's world rather than just his biography
Cons:
- No significant cons.
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07/27/2025 10:02 pm GMT
An Empire of Wealth: The Epic History of American Economic Power by John Steele Gordon
$10.99
Empire of Wealth by John Steele Gordon dives into the intertwined history of American economics and society. I found the book engaging, blending anecdotes and clear statistics to paint a picture of how America evolved. While it gets a bit dense at times, especially during the 1820s and 1870s, the insights are eye-opening. I learned that many political and economic issues we face today have deep historical roots, and surprisingly, immigration remains the key to America's success. Overall, it’s a solid read if you're curious about American history and its economic backdrop.
Pros:
- John Steele Gordon does a great job covering complex topics.
- Good mix of anecdotes, statistics, and narrative.
- Well-written and engaging throughout.
Cons:
- The book gets dense in parts.
- It fast-forwards after World War II, missing important history.
- Figures are not adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity.
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07/27/2025 10:02 pm GMT
