Someone commented on my home library the other day and said “this is the best selection of books I’ve ever seen.”

I appreciated the compliment.

I’m very careful of what books I choose to read and quit reading one if it seems to be a waste of time.

This year I came across some great work which was not only enjoyable, but helped me understand myself, other people, and the workings of this confusing planet.

I’m an observer of people, Nature, and the underlying motives which drive us all, and these books were all great aides in helping me hone my vision to a greater degree.

Check them out, and enjoy!

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

I’ve enjoyed Robert Greene’s previous books, and this one is on the same level.

He is tapped in to the times, and this book seems like he wrote it for people who succumb to modern outrage culture. They rage at things out of their control because they don’t understand basic Human Nature.

I found this book a little easier to read than his others, but it is still extremely dry–he does not seek to entertain at all, but he packs tons of wisdom in each paragraph.

Read it slowly.

Story by Robert McKee

Even though this book is meant mostly for screenwriters and authors of fiction, it is incredibly helpful for any writer.

You can be the most talented natural writer in the world, but if you don’t understand the basic concepts of how captivating stories are told, you will never reach your full potential.

McKee breaks it down as only a true expert can.

Read this if you are interested in the craft of storytelling.

The Art Spirit by Robert Henri

The best book there is on what it means to be an artist and how to cultivate your talents.

There is a reason this is a classic and has been a bestseller for over 100 years–it breaks down and describes the creative life perfectly.

It is the opposite of what you hear in art schools today, Henri understood the importance of original thinking and risk taking, he also tells you how to design your way of living so you never want for inspiration.

The Nine Laws by Ivan Throne

A powerful book by my friend Ivan.

So much of it spoke directly to my soul, and the way he put innate drives and strategies into words really shined a light on the actions I’ve taken in my own life.

This book will help you find your own path, so read it, and read it well.

Who is Man? by Abraham Heschel

This was the first book that really hooked me on philosophy when I was 19 years old, and I revisited it again this year.

I love it because Heschel was a very influential theologian who called out the hypocrisies of religion.

He aims for the truth and nails it in this one.

It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, this book will help you understand your place in the Universe and what it means to be Human.

Creativity by Osho

“Creativity is the fragrance of individual freedom.”

I do believe that now, more than ever, creativity is vital to being successful.

When you can connect the dots, be in harmony with Nature, and allow yourself to become a channel, there is no greater joy in the world.

I’ve always enjoyed Osho’s abstract way of thinking, and this book captures it mightily.

Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli

This one was very different from what I usually read and not something I would have picked up on my own. It was sent to me from a reader of mine who said I would enjoy it. And I did.

It is a graphic novel, beautifully illustrated, very dark at times, and reading it is an experience in itself.

You have to get the paperback copy and hold it in your hands for the full effect.

Take a risk and let yourself become absorbed in this one, you won’t regret it.

Deadeye Dick by Kurt Vonnegut

I always make it an aim to re-read a Vonnegut novel each year. He has been the biggest influence on my worldview by far and I always like to revisit the worlds he creates in his books.

They are filled with interesting characters, perfectly told stories, and a brilliant glimpse into why people make the decisions they do.

Vonnegut had extreme amounts of empathy, and a wickedly sharp sense of humor, Deadeye Dick showcases it perfectly.

A More Complete Beast by Jack Donovan

The most important book of the year.

If you are upset at the way things are going, if you are disgusted by the modern media/entertainment/art scene, if you want to develop fully, penetrate your inner Universe and manifest a new reality, it will be reliant on your capability for creativity and creation.

I sensed it at the beginning of 2018–the future is going to be shaped by the true artists who must rise to the occasion.

Jack Donovan is one of them and this book is a magnificent manifesto on how to become a more realized man.

The Artists Journey by Stephan Pressfield

A quick and easy, but very insightful book by Pressfield.

He describes the Heroes Journey, and then, more importantly, he talks about what happens post-Heroes Journey, and calls it the Artists Journey.

A Hero has a responsibility to share the treasures and gifts he discovers after his adventures, he can’t rest on his laurels or selfishly keep them to himself.

This is a book for those who have gone down the path and are looking for ways to expand, or those who are on the path and are wondering what comes next.

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life by Roald Dahl

Hilarious.

Its not often I catch myself laughing while reading, but Dahl gets it out of me a lot.

Even though he is one of the most famous children’s authors of all time, he wrote a lot of stories for adults.

Don’t read these to your kids because they get pretty twisted.

Do read these with a lover because you’ll get a kick out of them together.

Travels with Charley by John Stienbeck

This isn’t just an entertaining description of what its like to travel through the entire United States in a truck, its a time capsule to one of the most interesting periods in American history.

You can tell Stienbeck put all his energy into each and every word he uses, and they come together perfectly here.

A great book to read if you want to expand your mind and understand the many differences in U.S. culture.

Here’s to another year of broadening your perspective and good reading.

Break free from the group-think and let these books foster an independent mind.

*If you want to send me a book, you can do so by accessing my Amazon list here.

**To read more book reviews, go here.