Twelve Books You Must Read in 2024
As we start the New Year, I wanted to share some of the best books I read in 2023. This time, I will sharemore genres and also more books than last year. Twelve books, one per month.
1. The Go-Giver — Authors: Bob Burg and John D. Mann — Self-Help
I absolutely loved the simplicity of this book and the numerous lessons I gathered. The self-help book is just over 100 pages long and takes you through the journey of a young salesman trying to break through in his career. He will learn that success often comes from simple gestures he had not even factored into the equation of the business world.
2. I’m Glad My Mom Died — Author: Jennette McCurdy — Memoire
I liked this book from the beginning! Jennette shares her emotions and experiences in such a vulnerable and raw way. She is one of those authors who manages to really immerse you in their stories.
It’s a memoir but more than anything it’s an account that shines a light on the reality of the entertainment industry. We often think about stars and everything they have without realizing how hard emotionally it is to maintain standards and to live up to people’s expectations.
Jennette describes the darker side of her industry, her family, and her community without fear or judgment.
About the title: Catchy! I don’t blame her given what she went through.
3. The World For Sale — Authors: Javier Blas and Jack Farchy — World Economics & Politics
If you are into finances, history, world economics, and politics, this is the book for you.
The publication is about commodity businesses, traders, power, and how certain companies we barely know rule the world. It’s interesting to see how private companies, far from the public eye, generate impossible amounts of money often based on obscure businesses and partnerships.
It provides insights on how companies in the West have taken advantage of Latin America, Africa, and Asia over decades. Insights that are invaluable in understanding world politics. The authors skillfully present facts and manage to infuse humor throughout the book.
Food For Thought: How will the world be ruled when information or renewable resources replace fossil fuels as the main world currency?
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4. American Dirt — Author: Jeanine Cummins — Fiction
I could not put this book down! If you are looking for an easy and engaging book to read, this is a good option.
The story is about a woman and her kid who run for their life after their whole family is killed by a cartel. Although Jeanine introduces many characters to the story, it’s easy to relate to them and get immersed in their lives. It’s a reminder of the hardships many in the world face just to be alive.
Alert: I was a bit skeptical when I found out the author wasn’t Mexican. It touches on so many important topics such as immigration and narco-trafficking. I wonder how Mexicans related to some of the events described in the book.
5. The 5 am Club — Author: Robin Sharma — Self-Help
That’s right, waking up at 5 am! I will not preach the idea that waking up at 5 am is the only solution for success. However, I do admit that I feel more productive, energized, and alert when I wake up early.
This book and these ideas have been around for many years. But only a few months ago, I started implementing the 20/20/20 formula — exercise, reflect, and grow — more consistently. Already, I have seen so many good results.
Spoiler alert: If you are not an early-morning person, it’s OK. The GOLDMINE in this book is the 20/20/20 formula practice. Check it out!
6. The Worlds I See — Author: Fei-Fei Li — Autobiography
Fei-Fei is a scientist in the AI space. Thankfully, the author is not only the godmother of AI but also an incredible writer.
It is amazing how she shaped her story and weaved many complex topics into a book for the general public. A physician major from Princeton, Fei-Fei constantly jumps between her humble family beginnings and the cutting-edge AI world she explored in the early 2000s.
If you are curious about AI, are interested in the data science field, AND if you happen to be a woman, this is the book for YOU.
Insight: It is truly heartbreaking to read about the level of endurance and suffering her family went through in pursuit for a better life in the US.
7. The Dutch House — Author: Ann Patchett — Fiction
Just read it, though I warn you it’s a sad story! The author begins with a mysterious Dutch house in Philadelphia. The narrative delves into family relationships, health, and wealth. It sheds light on the imperfections of families and describes the very hurtful moments many endure due to poor communication among family members. A truly impactful piece! And I must mention, I adored the cover.
Food for thought: It’s interesting how money can wield a significant part in life, yet how little it represents when health and good relationships are lacking.
For more content about Career & Books, follow me on Medium at @danielamatinho. Don’t forget to comment, like, and share.
8. Somebody’s Daughter — Author: Ashley C Ford — Memoir
Ashley’s writing is so accessible and beautiful. Another memoir for my collection, I loved the book’s cover and the pages beyond it didn’t disappoint either.
The way the author describes her story is both heartbreaking and powerful, encapsulating poverty to physical and sexual abuse. Ashely had a brighter future for her deep thoughts and most scary moments she was often afraid to share. It’s funny how often our biggest power relies on the things we fear to do the most.
Attention: I highly recommend it. It might make you tear up.
9. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century — Author: Yuval Noah Noah Harari — History/ Social Politics
Yuval never disappoints. This book is from 2019. And while many events have happened since (e.g.COVID), it’s impressive how accurate and timeless this work continues to be.
From the inundation of fake news to the complexities of information flow, and warfare, the author touches on every topic. If you are still uncertain about the power of data, this book will convince you.
To Keep in Mind: I always learn from the author’s provocative mind and way of seeing the world.
10. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter — Author: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson — Autobiography
SO GOOD. I still can’t believe 50 Cent, the rapper I listened to when I was a teenager, has become a businessman, a producer, and an actor. I enjoyed many of the lessons he shared about business, including
- How to negotiate
- How to seal a good business deal
- How to set yourself up by understanding the contract’s language
- How to shape your life to avail of the opportunities of a lifetime
I particularly enjoyed the insights about his career and how adaptation is vital in the entertainment business. In particular, his water brand investment was phenomenal.
What I Learned: Curtis’s insights might be a bit manipulative at times but I truly enjoyed the overall book and the author’s honesty.
11. 8 Rules of Love — Author: Jay Shetty — Self-help
I listened to this book instead of reading but I advise you to read it. There are several exercises throughout the book and having a physical copy would be better. Written by a famous content creator who was a monk in the past, Jay Shetty has an incredible way to break down complex emotions and simplify them.
The first chapter stood out as my favorite where the author explained the difference between loneliness and solitude. Here, the importance of self-love in fostering successful relationships becomes really apparent.
Good To Know: The book is not just about relationships of love. It touches on every type of relationship.
12. Do Hard Things — Author: Steve Magness — Self-Help
If you like sports, you will like this book. The author, Steve, a former Olympics coach, explains how experiencing discomfort, leaning in, paying attention, and taking action can be the real indication of inner strength.
I truly enjoyed his constant references to running and training throughout the book.
Ready: Are you ready for a change of a lifetime? If so, this is your book.
