All It Takes Is A Goal ATG 209: The 7 Best Books I Read in 2024
Discover the secrets behind reading over 100 books in just one year! Tips for prioritizing reading over TV will inspire you to enhance your habits. Explore a delightful mix of classics and transformative self-help reads. Learn why relationships matter in personal success and get insights from powerful books like 'The Writing Life' and 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.' Plus, find your next great read with a curated list of seven influential picks, complete with timeless wisdom.
18:53
Read More: Less TV
- To read more, reduce TV time.
- John Acuff suggests TV is too time-consuming.
Free Reading Guide
- Download John Acuff's free guide for practical steps to read more in 2025.
- It's available at johnacuff.com/read.
No Public Criticism
- John Acuff avoids publicly criticizing authors, even if he dislikes their books.
- He understands the difficulty of writing and publishing.
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Intro
00:00 • 6min
Celebrating Literature and Nashville's Bachelorette Culture
05:43 • 2min
2024's Influential Reads
07:35 • 6min
Transformative Literature: Inspiring Reads for Writers and Fear Conquerors
13:56 • 2min
Exploring the Impactful Reads of 2024
15:53 • 3min
The writing life
Annie Dillard
In 'The Writing Life', Annie Dillard offers a candid and insightful look into the life of a writer.
The book is a series of essays that delve into the struggles, triumphs, and philosophical dilemmas faced by writers.
Dillard shares her own experiences, from the isolation and discipline required for writing to the emotional and intellectual challenges of capturing the world in words.
She discusses the importance of courage in the editing process, the need for writers to follow their ideas to their limits, and the inevitable gap between the writer's vision and the finished product.
The book is both a personal memoir and a guide for aspiring writers, filled with metaphors, anecdotes, and reflections on the nature of writing and creativity.
The Choice
Edith Eager
Never Eat Alone
And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
Keith Ferrazzi
In 'Never Eat Alone,' Keith Ferrazzi shares his insights on networking and relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and mutual success.
The book outlines specific steps and an inner mindset for connecting with others, highlighting principles such as generosity, constant communication, and reciprocity without keeping score.
Ferrazzi draws from his own experiences and those of highly connected individuals to provide practical advice on handling rejection, attending events, and maintaining long-lasting connections in both personal and professional settings.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Dynamic Techniques for Turning Fear, Indecision, and Anger into Power, Action, and Love
Susan Jeffers
In this book, Susan Jeffers offers dynamic techniques to help readers overcome their fears and take action towards their goals.
The book emphasizes the importance of facing fears head-on, developing a stronger mindset, and taking small steps towards achieving goals despite fear.
Jeffers also discusses the root of all fears as the belief that one cannot handle what happens, and provides tools to build confidence and manage thoughts positively.
The book has been highly recommended by many therapists and business leaders for its practical and inspiring approach to managing fear and achieving personal growth.
Hell and Back
Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson's "Hell and Back" is a captivating mystery novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of justice.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming, the story features Walt Longmire, a sheriff grappling with personal and professional dilemmas.
Johnson's writing is both evocative and insightful, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events.
The novel explores themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of community.
It's a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
A long obedience in the same direction
discipleship in an instant society
Eugene Peterson
In 'A Long Obedience in the Same Direction', Eugene H. Peterson explores the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) to provide a framework for Christian discipleship.
The book emphasizes the need for patience, persistence, and faithfulness in a world that often seeks quick fixes and immediate results.
Peterson argues that true spiritual growth and maturity come from a long-term commitment to following God's path.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
Og Mandino
The book tells the story of Hafid, a young man living in ancient Jerusalem, who learns the secrets of success from a wealthy trader through 10 ancient scrolls.
These scrolls contain principles such as forming good habits, persisting until success, controlling emotions, and acting now.
The book emphasizes that becoming a better person is key to achieving success in sales and life.
It is known for its inspiring and motivating principles, which are relevant even today, and has been credited with changing the lives of many readers.
The big sleep
Raymond Chandler
Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" is a classic hard-boiled detective novel featuring Philip Marlowe.
The story is set in Los Angeles and involves a complex web of deceit, murder, and blackmail.
Chandler's distinctive writing style, characterized by sharp wit, cynical observations, and vivid descriptions, creates a compelling atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.
The novel explores themes of morality, corruption, and the dark side of human nature.
"The Big Sleep" is a cornerstone of the hard-boiled detective genre and has been adapted numerous times for film and television.
This year, I read more than 100 books. Why so many? Because I wanted to! And because I chose to make time for it. In this episode, I’ll share my favorite tips for reading more in 2025 (spoiler alert: it starts with saying no to mediocre TV). You’ll also get my 7 top picks, from classic detective novels to soul-nourishing wisdom and even a little “woo woo” that actually works. If you’re ready to find your next great read, this episode is for you.
My 2024 Book List:
1. "The Choice" by Og Mandino
2.Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe series
3."A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society" by Eugene Peterson
4."Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi
5."Hell and Back" by Craig Johnson
6."The Writing Life" by Annie Dillard
7. "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway" by Susan Jeffers PhD
Other Books From This Episode:
"The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino
"The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler
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