Become a Bookworm

“I cannot live without books” – Thomas Jefferson

I believe the most underrated and under-appreciated way to improve your life is through books.  I have been an avid reader my entire life. Both of my parents were readers and instilled that value in me.

However, far too many men do not read at all.  They say they don’t have time, or they don’t have the attention span, or books are too expensive.   Yet they binge watch Netflix, stayed glued to a sports game for three hours, and spend tons of money on cable or streaming services.   They choose the instant gratification of digital media over the time tested method of learning from books.  

Besides, how many times have you heard someone say, “The book was better” when they adapt a book into a film?   You know why that is? Because a book is so much more personal. You form the characters in your mind’s eye and infuse the story with your own imagination.  

The best way to learn is through books.  If you’re looking for 2020 to be “your year”,  start reading books.  

In 2019, I read or listened to 43 books. Many were historical. (I’m a huge history buff).  Some were self help or financial. Others were religious. Some were rereads and some were just for fun. A few were classics, others are brand new.  One was over 800 pages. Another was only 80. The books I read on men’s issues and pornography were essential to helping me stay pure in my fight with sexual addiction. I also listened to the entire Old Testament on the Bible app during my commute to and from work.

I know my life is better in 2020 because I applied what I learned in the books I read in 2019.  

My brothers, I challenge you to read more books in 2020.  You don’t need to read as many I do. I know I read A LOT, but take the time to maybe just read one book a month. I enjoy using audible as well and listen on my drive to work or while at the gym. The best time I’ve found to read is right before bed.  Instead of scrolling through your phone and consuming all that blue light that will wreck your sleep, read a chapter in a book.  You’ll relax, your mind will be clearer, and you’ll sleep better.  

So here is my list in order that I read them.  If you’d like any recommendations for books on a specific topic, drop me a line.  

1. Lost Moon – Jim Lovell

2. Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales

3. First Man – James R. Hanson

4. The Case for Christ – Lee Stroebel

5. Furnishing Eternity – David Giffels

6. Man on the Moon – Andrew Chaikin

7. The Pastor’s Kid – Barnabas Piper

8. Failure Is Not An Option – Gene Krantz

9. Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins

10. Catch Me If You Can – Frank Abagnale

11. No Easy Day – Matt Bissonette

12. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

13. Talking With Catholics About The Gospel – Chris Castaldo

14. Walk in the woods – Bill Bryson

16. Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey

18. Pandora’s Box – Jörn Leonhard

19. History of France – John Julius Norwich

20. The Preacher and the Presidents – Michael Duffy 

21. Indestructible – John R. Bruning

22. A World Undone – G.J. Meyer

23. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

24. Sons of Freedom – Geoffrey Waro 

25. Destiny of the Republic – Candice Millard

26. Surfing For God – Michael John Cusick

27. 31 Days to Masculinity – Hunter Drew

28. I Will Teach You To Be Rich – Rahit Sethi

30. Crucial Conversations – Joseph Grenny

31. Wild At Heart – John Eldridge

32. Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes

33. King David – Jonathan Kirsch

34. The Abolition of Man – C.S. Lewis

35. Reclaim Your Manhood – Ryan Felman

36. Devil in the White City – Erik Larson

37. Iron John – Robert Bly

38. Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan

39. At Home – Bill Bryson

40. Walden – Henry David Thoreau

41. A Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren

42. 1984 – George Orwell

43. Lincoln’s Last Trial – Dan Abrams

44. Draw Away The Drizzle – Ashley Reigle (shameless plug for my wife’s children’s book)

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