444: Our Top Books of 2025 LIVE Stream

In *Deep Nutrition*, Dr. Catherine Shanahan examines diets from around the world, such as the Mediterranean, Okinawa, and 'Blue Zone' diets, to identify four common nutritional habits that have been developed over millennia. These habits—fresh food, fermented and sprouted foods, meat cooked on the bone, and organ meats—form the basis of what Dr. Shanahan calls 'The Human Diet. ' The book explains how these traditional foods can improve mood, eliminate cravings, boost fertility, sharpen cognition, eliminate allergies and diseases, build stronger bones and joints, and improve skin health. It also delves into the connection between diet and gene health, showing how food can alter DNA and affect future generations.

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

The book discusses the benefits of prioritizing a single task and provides strategies for overcoming distractions, building productive habits, and maintaining focus. It challenges common productivity myths such as multitasking and the idea of a balanced life, and introduces the 'Focusing Question': 'What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary? ' The authors also discuss time blocking, habit-building, and aligning short-term actions with long-term goals to achieve success in various aspects of life.

Drawing on cutting-edge science and her own pioneering research, biochemist Jessie Inchauspé offers ten simple, surprising hacks to help balance glucose levels and reverse symptoms such as cravings, fatigue, and hormonal issues. The book provides tips on how to make small changes to meals, eat foods in the right order, and incorporate secret ingredients to manage blood sugar levels effectively. It aims to improve various aspects of health, including sleep, mood, energy, skin, weight, and even slow down aging, all while allowing readers to continue eating the foods they love.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.

The 'Kristin Lavransdatter' trilogy, consisting of 'The Bridal Wreath' (Kransen), 'The Mistress of Husaby' (Husfrue), and 'The Cross' (Korset), tells the story of Kristin Lavransdatter. The narrative begins with Kristin's childhood, her deep devotion to her father, and her eventual defiance of her parents to pursue her love for the charming but impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn. The trilogy follows their tumultuous marriage, their life together raising seven sons, and the challenges they face amidst the social, political, and religious backdrop of 14th-century Norway. The series is known for its richly detailed portrayal of the period and its exploration of themes such as love, morality, and faith.

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.

In 'Education of a Wandering Man,' Louis L'Amour recounts his life journey, from leaving school at fifteen to explore the world, to becoming one of the most popular writers of his time. The book highlights his passion for reading and learning, which he pursued through diverse experiences as a merchant seaman, boxer, and hobo. L'Amour's memoir is a testament to the power of self-education and the importance of embracing life's adventures.

'The Brothers Karamazov' is a complex novel that explores themes of faith, doubt, morality, and free will through the lives of the Karamazov family. The story centers around the murder of Fyodor Karamazov and the subsequent investigation, with each of his sons—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—representing different facets of human nature. Dmitri is driven by passion and sensual desires, Ivan embodies intellectual skepticism, and Alyosha represents spiritual purity and faith. The novel delves into philosophical debates about the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. Through its intricate plot and profound character studies, 'The Brothers Karamazov' examines the depths of the human soul and the complexities of moral choice.

The Killer Angels is a historical novel that focuses on the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The story is character-driven, following historical figures such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, John Buford, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The novel explores the thoughts, emotions, and actions of these characters as they engage in one of the bloodiest battles in American history. It is known for its vivid and accurate depiction of Civil War combat and has been widely praised for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.