How to Read 100 Books This Year

Jan 21, 2025

Learn how to tackle the impressive goal of reading 100 books in just one year! Discover practical tips for managing book lists and effectively using audiobooks. The host shares entertaining stories that highlight the joy of reading. Plus, get inspired with strategies that make reading a fun and achievable challenge.

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ADVICE

Listen to Audiobooks

Listen to audiobooks to consume books more efficiently, especially if you read slowly.
This allows you to read in more situations, like while driving or exercising.

ADVICE

Start with Short Books

Start the year by reading many short books to build momentum.
This helps avoid the end-of-year rush and maintain a consistent reading pace.

ADVICE

Have an Excuse Ready

Prepare excuses if caught reading something embarrassing in public.
This humorous advice offers pre-written lines to deflect unwanted attention.

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If This Isn't Nice, What Is?

Dan Wakefield

Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut's "If This Isn't Nice, What Is?" is a collection of essays and short stories that showcase his signature blend of dark humor, satire, and philosophical reflections. The pieces explore themes of war, death, and the human condition, often with a poignant and surprisingly optimistic undertone. Vonnegut's simple yet powerful prose style is on full display, making even the most complex ideas accessible and thought-provoking. The collection offers a glimpse into Vonnegut's unique worldview and his enduring fascination with the absurdities of life. It's a testament to his ability to find beauty and meaning in the face of chaos and despair.

The Bad Beginning

Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket's "The Bad Beginning" is the first book in the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" series. The story follows the Baudelaire orphans as they navigate a world of misfortune and mystery. Snicket's darkly humorous writing style and suspenseful plot make the book engaging for both children and adults. The book explores themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of family. The series is known for its clever wordplay, intricate plotlines, and memorable characters.

Lyndon Johnson Biographies

None

Robert A. Caro

Robert Caro's multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson is a monumental work of historical scholarship. The series delves into the life and career of the 36th president of the United States, providing a detailed and nuanced portrait of a complex and controversial figure. Caro's meticulous research and engaging writing style have made the series a critical and popular success. The biographies explore Johnson's political maneuvering, his legislative achievements, and his personal life, offering a comprehensive understanding of his impact on American history. The series is considered a landmark achievement in presidential biography.

Creativity, a Short and Cheerful Guide

A Short and Cheerful Guide

John Cleese

John Cleese's "Creativity, a Short and Cheerful Guide" offers practical advice and humorous insights into fostering creativity. Cleese blends personal anecdotes with psychological principles, emphasizing the importance of play and experimentation. He challenges conventional notions of creativity, arguing that it's not a mystical gift but a skill that can be developed. The book encourages readers to embrace their inner child and overcome self-doubt. Cleese's witty style makes the complex topic of creativity accessible and engaging, inspiring readers to unlock their creative potential.

Stephanie Meyer

None

Stephenie Meyer

While the transcript mentions "Stephanie Meyer," it doesn't specify a particular title. Stephenie Meyer is an American author best known for her "Twilight" series of paranormal romance novels. The series follows the relationship between a human girl and a vampire, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Meyer's books have been widely popular, particularly among young adults, and have been adapted into successful film franchises. The series has sparked significant discussion about its portrayal of relationships and its impact on young readers.

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

The Way of Kings is an epic fantasy novel that introduces the world of Roshar, where powerful magical forces known as Surgebinding and Shardwielding shape the destiny of its inhabitants. The story primarily follows three characters: Kaladin, a former surgeon turned soldier who is now a slave; Shallan, a young woman seeking to apprentice under the scholar Jasnah Kholin; and Dalinar Kholin, a highprince troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant. The novel explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for power in a world torn apart by war and the looming threat of the Desolation and the Voidbringers. The book is known for its detailed worldbuilding, complex characters, and the slow but intense build-up to a dramatic climax[3][4][5].

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Freakonomics

A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Andrea Montero Cusset

Steven D. Levitt

Stephen J. Dubner

Freakonomics is a collaboration between economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner that delves into the riddles of everyday life, from cheating and crime to parenting and sports. The book argues that economics is fundamentally the study of incentives and how people get what they want or need, especially when others want or need the same thing. It covers various topics such as the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, and the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, using forceful storytelling and wry insight to challenge conventional wisdom.

The 4 Hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.

The Brain That Changes Itself

Norman Doidge

This book challenges the traditional view that the brain is fixed and unchangeable. Norman Doidge presents case studies and scientific research that demonstrate the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to injury, learning, and experience. The book covers various aspects of neuroplasticity, including recovery from brain damage, treatment of mental disorders, and the impact of culture and education on brain development. Doidge's work highlights the potential for brain change and its implications for human nature and potential.

Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships[1][3][5].

The Old Man and the Sea

Ernest Hemingway

The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin. Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish. Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore. The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.

The Checklist Manifesto

How To Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

In 'The Checklist Manifesto', Atul Gawande explores the power of checklists in overcoming the complexities of modern professional work. He argues that despite advanced training and technology, professionals often fail due to the sheer volume and complexity of knowledge. Gawande illustrates how checklists, first introduced by the U.S. Air Force, have been successfully adopted in various fields, including medicine, to reduce errors and improve outcomes. He provides compelling examples, such as the reduction of fatalities in surgical procedures and the elimination of hospital infections, to demonstrate the effectiveness of checklists. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing autonomy and control, empowering frontline workers, and continuously improving checklists based on feedback and experience[1][3][5].

Agatha Christie

Permission to Feel

Sandra Fazio

4,000 Weeks

Time Management for Mortals

Oliver Burkeman

Call of Cthulhu

Howard Philip Lovecraft

No description available.

And Then There Were None

Agatha Christie

In this classic murder mystery, ten strangers are lured to Indian Island, off the coast of Devon, by an unknown host. Each guest has a dark secret and is accused of a past crime by a recorded voice. As the guests are murdered one by one, following the pattern of the nursery rhyme 'Ten Little Indians,' the remaining survivors must uncover the killer's identity before they become the next victims. The novel is known for its intricate plot, surprising twists, and its exploration of themes such as justice, guilt, and class distinctions.

I will teach you to be rich

Ramit Sethi

This book, updated for a new era, provides a simple and powerful 6-week program to manage finances. Ramit Sethi focuses on behavioral psychology to help readers save more, earn more, and automate their finances. Key lessons include focusing on big wins rather than small savings, automating financial tasks, and spending guilt-free on things you love while cutting back on unnecessary expenses. The book also covers topics like crushing debt, setting up high-interest bank accounts, and long-term investing in index funds.

The Inner Game of Tennis

Timothy Gallwey

This book, first published in 1974, focuses on the 'Inner Game' played within the mind of the player, against obstacles such as self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses in concentration. Gallwey introduces the concept of two selves: Self 1, the thinking brain that analyzes and judges, and Self 2, the 'feeling and doing' brain that can master skills naturally if not interfered with by Self 1. The book provides strategies for achieving 'relaxed concentration' and overcoming internal mental and emotional obstacles, making it relevant not only to tennis but also to other areas of life such as music, writing, work, and personal relationships.

Jane Austen

A Life

Claire Tomalin

Claire Tomalin's "Jane Austen: A Life" is a highly regarded biography that offers a detailed and insightful portrait of the celebrated novelist's life. Tomalin's meticulous research and engaging writing style bring Austen's world to life, exploring her family relationships, social context, and creative process. The biography challenges some long-held assumptions about Austen's life and work, offering a nuanced and complex perspective on the author. Tomalin's work provides valuable context for understanding Austen's novels and their enduring appeal. The biography is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the life and times of Jane Austen.

The Art of War

Sun Tzu

Goosebumps

R.L. Stine

The Goosebumps series, launched in July 1992 with the first book 'Welcome to Dead House', consists of 62 original books and numerous spin-off series. The stories are known for their blend of horror and humor, with protagonists often finding themselves in remote or isolated locations facing supernatural or paranormal threats. The series has spawned television series, video games, a comic series, and feature films, and has sold over 400 million copies worldwide, making it the second-best-selling book series in history after Harry Potter.

Behemoth

Franz Neumann

Gert. Schäfer

Neumann

Behemoth examines the transformation of capitalist states under the influence of monopolistic and oligopolistic structures, exploring the resulting political and economic consequences.