This year, I immersed myself deeply into the pages 57 books, covering everything from self-improvement and leadership to storytelling, faith, and psychology. While each book provided a unique perspective or actionable insight, the cumulative impact of these lessons has genuinely shaped my growth.
For the first time, I would like to give you a quick rundown of each of them and a conclusion about everything I have learnt and taken away from 2024 into 2025 through the pages of others. To make this reflection more accessible, I’ve condensed each book into a powerful takeaway—something small enough to digest but significant enough to inspire.
The real value, though, isn’t in the individual sentences; it’s in the overarching narrative of transformation that emerges when you step back and see the bigger picture. That’s the beauty of reading: it’s not just the knowledge you gain but how it all shifts your mindset and elevates your life over time.
Each book added a unique perspective, and together, they painted a picture of growth, challenge, and discovery. Here’s a quick takeaway from each in the order I read them:
- Everyone You Hate is Going to Die by Daniel Sloss
A brutally honest and darkly funny look at relationships, self-awareness, and the absurdity of life. - Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
Timeless truths about human behaviour remain constant, no matter how the world changes. - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
It is a powerful reminder to live fully and chase your dreams, even in the face of mortality. - LeBron by Jeff Benedict
It is an inspiring story of perseverance and greatness through LeBron James’ rise in basketball and life. - Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David
Strategic insights on navigating relationships and challenges to achieve success. - The Status Game by Will Storr
An exploration of how status drives human behaviour and influences our social interactions. - The Truth by Neil Strauss
A raw and personal journey through relationships, vulnerability, and self-discovery. - Legacy by James Kerr
Lessons on leadership, teamwork, and humility from the legendary All Blacks rugby team. - Indistractable by Nir Eyal
A guide to regaining focus and mastering your attention in a world full of distractions. - I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart
A humorous and inspiring account of resilience and chasing dreams despite the odds. - The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
Practical strategies to understand buyers’ minds and close sales effectively. - Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Transformative insights on rewiring your brain to break free from limiting patterns. - Get Married by Brad Wilcox
A heartfelt case for the enduring value of commitment and marriage. - The Illusion of Choice by Richard Shotton
How behavioural science shapes decisions and what that means for marketing. - Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
A manifesto for achieving meaningful work by embracing deliberate and sustainable progress. - How to Succeed Where Strong Men Fail by Mark Johnson
Lessons on grit and leadership through historical and modern examples. - Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar
A call to men to finish life well, staying true to their values and purpose. - Solving Modern Problems with a Stone-Age Brain by Douglas Kendrick & David Lundberg-Kendrick
Understanding how our evolutionary past influences modern challenges and solutions. - Winning by Tim Grover
A no-excuses playbook for achieving greatness and staying ahead of the competition. - The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
How to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the human psyche. - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
As you can see, it’s not a typical read for me, but a classic tale that intertwines art, religion, and conspiracy with edge-of-your-seat suspense. - Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
Building a meaningful business culture that prioritizes purpose and joy. - The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury
A creative and emotional retelling of the lives closest to Jesus. - I Could Be Wrong But I Doubt It by Phil Robertson
A candid take on faith, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself. - Gospel by J.D. Greear
Rediscovering the transformative power of the Gospel in everyday life. - The Heart is the Strongest Muscle by Tia-Clair Toomey
A champion’s resilience, strength, and passion journey in competitive fitness. - Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
Exposing fear and procrastination as tools to overcome for ultimate success. - Showboat by Roland Lazenby
A deep dive into Kobe Bryant’s legacy and the sacrifices made for excellence. - This is Marketing by Seth Godin
A revolutionary look at connecting with customers through meaningful work. - Finding God by Dr. Larry Crabb
Exploring the deep questions of faith and spirituality in the modern world. - The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Identifying and resolving the key challenges that undermine teamwork. - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Changing perspectives on wealth and building financial literacy. - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Four guiding principles for living a life of freedom and clarity. - Man Up by Bedros Keuilian
A powerful guide to taking responsibility and creating success in all areas of life. - Sell Like Crazy by Sabri Suby
An aggressive approach to scaling businesses through direct, effective marketing. - The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel
Evidence-based arguments for the existence of a divine Creator. - Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
A raw, provocative critique of modern consumer culture and masculinity. - Anchor Man by Steve Farrar
Encouragement for men to lead with faith and integrity in their families. - Never Finished by David Goggins
A relentless call to embrace discomfort and push past perceived limits. - The Setup by Dan Bilzerian
An unconventional perspective on success, risk-taking, and living life boldly. - 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Timeless principles of leadership that stand the test of time. - High-Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
The key habits of extraordinary achievers and how to adopt them. - Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
A practical roadmap for cultivating spiritual strength and discipline. - High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Choosing integrity and character in leadership decisions. - How to Live on 24 Hours a Day by Arnold Bennett
Making the most of the limited time we all share daily. - Hard Times Create Hard Men by Stefan Aarnio
A bold exploration of how challenges forge resilience and greatness. - Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
Mastering the art of storytelling to build influence and success. - Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
Practical Stoic wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. - Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper
A deeply personal story of leaving a radical belief system and embracing empathy. - How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson
Practical lessons from ancient philosophy on critical thinking and self-reflection. - Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Embracing creativity with courage and curiosity. - How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald J. Robertson
Applying Stoic philosophy to modern leadership and personal growth. - The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
Timeless advice on wealth, happiness, and decision-making. - And throughout the year, Lots and Lots of Bible
A foundation of timeless wisdom, guidance, and spiritual growth.
Audible Reads:
- Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander
A fascinating account of a near-death experience and its spiritual implications. - Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
A profound reminder of our limited time and how to use it meaningfully. - Why I Believe by Dr. Henry Cloud
A thoughtful exploration of faith, reason, and spirituality.
This year’s reading journey has been transformative. Each book has shaped my perspective and added depth to how I approach life, work, and relationships. Through exploring the writings of others—mentors, the famous, and the thought leaders of our time and of a time long before us—I’ve learned what resonates with me in how others live their lives and what does not.
By stepping into how others see the world, I’ve discovered new expectations for myself as a man, husband, father, and son. These books have taught me how to tell better stories, delve into the psychology of people, and ultimately cultivate a happier, healthier, wealthier, and wiser life. 2024 has felt like a year of unparalleled growth, where every page added value to my journey. The time, money, and commitment invested in this process have not only been worthwhile but have made this path of growth deeply enjoyable.
The one thing I want you to take away from this is that life is better with books. Life is better when you fill it with books, exercise, vegetables, and water and steer clear of the toxicity of modern society. Don’t pressure yourself or obsess over vanity metrics like how many books you’ve read. Just start—and let everything else fall into place. Read what excites you and makes you curious, and keep reading this year, next year, and every year after that.
Over time, it all clicks. And don’t worry about remembering it all—because the real magic is how these ideas sink into your subconscious. I’ve re-read some books this year and realised that my conscience remembers even though I don’t recall every detail. The knowledge, perspectives, and insights have become part of who I am, surfacing naturally when I need them most. So start reading—it’s the simplest way, and let’s make 2025 unforgettable.