2024 Best Books According to Me

2024 Best Books According to Me

For the first time ever, I’m going to try a new year-end theme and that is the top books I read this year.  A few disclaimers: for starters, this is the first year I’m doing it because it is also the first year I’ve actually consumed a considerable amount of books.  I’m embarrassed to say that before the past 18 months, I mostly read articles with the occasional business books mixed in. 

I don’t know what happened to me over the past year and a half, call it a midlife crisis, but I’ve been on a reading bonanza ever since.  I must chuckle as if you asked high school Andrew if I’d ever write a blog and read books for fun I’d laugh in your face.  That said, here I am, and as long as this lasts I’ll try to make this an annual thing, although knowing me it may be an only thing ha. 

A few notes before you see my list.  They are not in any specific order, they are not all new books, and they are all nonfiction.  Also, I am only going to list the books I thought were truly awesome.  I’ve probably narrowed down the number of people who will read this to about 3, but heck better to be honest. 

Wish me luck here goes nothing:

Open by Andre Agassi–

I don’t care if you love tennis like I do or not this book was awesome.  Recommended by one of my closest friends, who said the audible version is even better, this book rocked my socks off.  Andre’s recall of his life is astounding and the details of his nontraditional life I found fascinating.  I’m so glad I read this and spoiler alert Andre hates tennis!

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara–

If you like business and food, basically my two passions, you’ll freaking love this book.  Will was one of two halves that made Eleven Madison Park the number-one restaurant in the world.  His role wasn’t the back of the house but rather how to make the front of the house, or experience, the best the industry has ever seen.  This is a must-read if you or someone you know is in that field, and man did I love this book.  It speaks to the heart of what we are trying to build at Diversified, so if you start seeing gourmet hot dogs at your next review meeting you’ll know why.

Killing the SS by Bill O’Reilly–

I was hooked from the beginning of this book by Bill O’Reilly in his killing series (runner-up is killing the killers).  I’m only two into the series but was obsessed with this book that goes inside post WWII hunt for top Nazis that escaped.  From the trials of Nuremberg to the details of the worldwide search for some of the most despicable humans ever you’ll love this one.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius–

Told you all the books wouldn’t be new.  Well, books don’t get much older than this one and since I’ve been working on my stoicism I loved this book.  You’ll read it in a day, or simply read passages when you feel like it.  It’s amazing to me how much has changed in the world, yet so much has stayed the same.  This is one I plan to frequent on a regular basis.

April 1865 by Jay Winik–

If you asked me in school my least favorite subject hands down was history.  That said who knew it was that interesting and I’m embarrassed as to how little I actually know about it.  If you want a fantastic book recounting the end days of the Civil War and all that transpired in those final months this one is riveting. 

American Kingpin by Nick Bilton-

This might be my favorite over the past year, as it was a great read.  If you know anything about Silk Road and the dark web this is a must-read.  If you were like me and knew nothing about Silk Road and the dark web this is a must-read.  I was so entertained and interested in this book it isn’t even funny.  Read it now!

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson-

Owe this gem to one of my clients who recommended it, thanks MM.  In any event, this book was so good I can’t describe it, but I’ll sure try.  Bryan was a pioneer lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, which strives to represent the underserved, wrongly convicted, and the poor.  His life’s mission is to represent those convicted and sentenced to death.  I’ve never felt so much compassion reading a book and truly envy Bryan.

At Home by Bill Bryson-

Since I read his book One Summer America 1927 over a year ago I couldn’t include it (see what I did there).  Bill writes so eloquently and with so much dry humor I love it.  Who knew I’d be fascinated by the home like I did reading this book?  Little hint be careful of that first and last step in your house!

The Gap and Gain by Dan Sullivan-

I’d venture to say Dan Sullivan is my favorite business writer.  I think his principles are cutting-edge and brilliant at the same time.  I love all his books, 10x is easier than 2x, Who not how, and the list goes on.  Quick reads and if you take a few things away from each you will transform the business version of yourself. 

Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman-

To be clear these are two different books by the same author.  I couldn’t decide and had them both rated 5 stars in my Goodreads app.  So, you get double duty here as I love reading about Roman/Greek conquers.  These are my two favorites by a fantastic author who goes into such detail from so long ago it is astonishing to me. 

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown-

Read this before seeing the movie that is my recommendation.  Loved this book as an athlete.  Loved this book as an American.  Loved this book as a newfound reader.  Takes you into one of the most improbable Olympic stories of a collegiate rowing team from out west.  I’ll say no more as to not ruin a thing.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain-

Classic and now I know why.  Again, one of my favorite things is to go out to eat and Anthony’s story of growing up in the restaurant industry is truly awesome.  Plus, he is a badass, so much so I’ve dared to write badass in my blog, and he writes beautifully.  RIP Anthony. 

Good to Great by Jim Collins-

Another great business writer and a classic for a reason.  He tackles how to take good companies and make them great.  This is again a huge passion of mine and something I want Diversified to be.  Needless to say, I loved the book and the principles throughout.

The Storyteller by Dave Grohl-

This dude rocks, although been a tough year for him to say the least.  Did I mention one of my passions is music?  Guess not but I found this book so interesting and felt so cool after reading it.  From Nirvana to Foo Fighters this guy’s story is unreal.

Red Notice by Bill Browder-

OK so I had to put this one on here even though I read it in 2023 as I believe it is my favorite book I’ve read.  A page-turner, a quick read, and a fascinating story.  Bill started a Russian hedge fund in the early days and things take a turn quickly.  Don’t mess with the Russians unless you are Bill Browder!  In all fairness, I read his follow-up book this year, Freezing Order, which was almost as good. 

Stop!

OK I got carried away and have plenty of others I can add, but here are my top 15 from this year.  I’ll put my reputation on just about any of them and love to hear if you have any must-read nonfiction as would love to add them to my Goodreads app, which if you don’t have, download now.  Also, feel free to follow me on there to see what I read and share what you are reading yourself.

Stay wealthy, healthy, and happy!