If You Only Read 5 Books This Year, Read These

There are so many amazing books out there and choosing 5 must read books has proven to be difficult. But after much contemplation, I have decided on the 5 must read books you should read this year.

So, here are 5 books which, in my opinion, are must reads:

Meditations — Marcus Aurelius

Ok, so this one was an easy choice to make!

Meditations is a series of personal writings by former Roman Emperor and the most powerful man in the world, Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor between AD 161 to 180. Marcus his personal thoughts on living a good life and offers invaluable wisdom based on his own experience.

It’s probably one of the most influential books ever written and even today, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations is immensely popular. Please don’t be put off by the age of the book, I guarantee you’ll benefit enormously from reading it, just like I have. I’d even go as far as saying it’s the best book I have ever read (so far).

P.S. the best translation I have read so far is by Gregory Hays.

Atomic Habits — James Clear

Atomic Habits is probably the most comprehensive and practical guide on how to build long lasting good habits and break the bad ones (which I’ve come across so far). Developing a habit isn’t about taking dramatic measures, it’s about getting 1 percent better every single day. Packed with real life examples and stories of habit change, from Olympic Athletes to some of the worlds most renowned business leaders, the book is inspiring in how little tiny changes can lead to life changing results. The book has changed the way I think of progress and habit building. It’s the only habits book you’ll ever need to read.

The 48 Laws of Power — Robert Greene

Power is an integral part of our lives. In The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene details how we can attain power and how we can avoid being manipulated by others. Power isn’t about being aggressive or being the biggest and strongest person, it’s a mental game. Power is, as Robert Greene describes it: ‘the measure of the degree of control you have over circumstances in your life and the actions of the people around you.’.

The book has come under criticism before because some of the laws could be seen as manipulative, which is true (the book is even banned in some prisons as a result). However, I would say that the book is brutally applicable to todays society. Some of my favourite laws in the book are: Law 1 (Never outshine the master), Law 4 (Always say less than necessary) and Law 46 (Never appear too perfect)

Let’s be honest, nobody likes feeling powerless, so it’s essential that you give it a read. The 48 Laws of Power will remain a classic for a long time, no question about it.

The Body Keeps The Score — Bessel Van De Kolk

The Body Keeps The Score is written by Bessel Van Der Kolk, one of the world’s leading experts on trauma, who has spent well over 30 years studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences. Kolk exposes how trauma physically affects changes in the brain and body causing anxiety, rage, depression, the inability to concentrate, problems remembering, flashbacks, trusting, and forming relationships.

At times, I’m not going to lie, the book is quite disturbing, but very eye-opening at the same time. Trauma is shockingly very common, and the book reiterated to me, that you never know who you’re talking to because you have no idea what the other person has been through.

Trauma isn’t something which you can get rid of, it’ll always be there, but there are different ways in which you can potentially deal with your dark, past experiences. Please don’t let the word ‘Trauma’ in the title put you off reading the book, because I guarantee you’ll be able to take something away from it, whether you have suffered any past traumas or not. The Body Keeps The Score is a must read for everyone. I couldn’t recommend it any more.

Essentialism — Greg McKeown

In Essentialism, Greg McKeown outlines how you can construct your life to work for you, rather than against you. The book demonstrates how we can eliminate the things which aren’t essential us, and how we can prioritise the things which are, to help us live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you feel like you’re always busy, struggling to progress towards your long term goals and feel like you’re not really getting anywhere, then this is an absolute must read.

Go and grab yourself a couple of these books, I can only hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Happy Reading!

Tom