My 100 Favorite Books of All Time

Brian: I only have 94 books as of 2/1/25. Once I get 6 more, add this as a PDF for new subscribers?

Books have shaped my thinking, challenged my assumptions, and helped me become a better version of myself. This list is a compilation of my favorite books across a variety of topics—personal growth, health, psychology, parenting, and more. Every book on this list is well-written, insightful, and packed with practical takeaways.

Practical Learning

  • Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss A masterclass in negotiation from an ex-FBI hostage negotiator. This book is a must-read if you want to communicate more effectively and influence outcomes in work and life.

  • Think Again – Adam Grant Challenges you to question what you think you know and embrace the power of rethinking. A great book for developing intellectual humility and learning how to change your mind.

  • Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss
    A collection of wisdom from world-class performers across different fields. Packed with actionable strategies on health, wealth, and productivity.

  • Tribe of Mentors – Tim Ferriss
    Similar to Tools of Titans, this book is filled with short, powerful life advice from some of the most successful people in the world.

  • Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman
    A reality check on time management—this book redefines productivity and helps you focus on what truly matters in your limited time on earth.

  • Range – David Epstein
    Makes the case for being a generalist in a world that rewards specialists. Essential reading for those who thrive on learning across disciplines.

  • The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Eric Jorgenson
    A distilled collection of Naval Ravikant’s wisdom on wealth, happiness, and decision-making. Simple but profound.

  • Cues – Vanessa Van Edwards
    Body language, microexpressions, and nonverbal communication—this book teaches you how to be more charismatic and influential in any situation.

  • From Strength to Strength – Arthur C. Brooks
    A book about finding purpose and fulfillment as you age, emphasizing how to pivot your definition of success over time.

  • Excellent Advice for Living – Kevin Kelly
    A collection of short, wise, and practical life lessons from a brilliant thinker. You’ll find yourself revisiting this often.

  • The Coddling of the American Mind – Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt
    Explores how overprotection and changing cultural values have impacted resilience and mental health, especially among younger generations.

Health & Wellness

  • Breath – James Nestor
    Breathwork is an underrated pillar of health. This book dives into the science behind breathing techniques that optimize performance and longevity.

  • In Defense of Food – Michael Pollan
    A straightforward, no-nonsense guide to eating real food and avoiding the processed junk that dominates modern diets.

  • Boundless – Ben Greenfield
    If you’re into biohacking, this book is a goldmine of strategies for optimizing your body and mind.

  • The Comfort Crisis – Michael Easter
    A wake-up call to embrace discomfort for better mental and physical resilience.

  • Glucose Revolution – Jessie Inchauspe
    Practical strategies for balancing blood sugar and improving energy, mood, and overall health.

  • Outlive – Peter Attia
    One of the best books on longevity—full of evidence-based strategies to extend your healthspan.

  • Becoming a Supple Leopard – Kelly Starrett
    A movement and mobility bible for athletes and anyone who wants to move pain-free for life.

  • Fatal Conveniences – Darin Olien
    Exposes the hidden toxins in everyday life and offers simple swaps to reduce your exposure.

Psychology & Anthropology

  • The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
    A fascinating look at how human behavior impacts financial decisions more than intelligence does.

  • Dopamine Nation – Dr. Anna Lembke
    Explores the modern addiction to pleasure and the science of finding balance in a dopamine-flooded world.

  • Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
    A deep dive into cognitive biases and how our brains make decisions, for better or worse.

  • Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari
    A sweeping history of humankind, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to modern society.

  • Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers – Robert Sapolsky
    A fascinating book on stress and its impact on health, written by one of the leading experts in the field.

Inspiring

  • Grit – Angela Duckworth
    The science of perseverance—why effort and passion matter more than talent.

  • The Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan Holiday
    A modern take on Stoicism that teaches you how to turn adversity into strength.

  • Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
    A powerful book on finding purpose in suffering, based on Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps.

Parenting

  • Hunt, Gather, Parent – Michaeleen Doucleff
    A fascinating look at parenting through the lens of traditional cultures. Challenges many modern parenting norms.

  • The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
    Neuroscience-backed strategies to help your child develop emotional intelligence.

  • Simplicity Parenting – Kim John Payne
    Less is more when it comes to raising calmer, happier kids.

Miscellaneous

  • A Short History of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson
    Science, history, and humor all rolled into one brilliant book.

  • The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah
    A gripping historical fiction novel about two sisters during World War II.

  • A Very Punchable Face – Colin Jost
    A hilarious and surprisingly insightful memoir from the SNL writer.

  • Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – Samin Nosrat
    One of the best books on cooking and understanding flavors.

This is my ever-growing list of books that have made an impact on my life. Whether you’re looking for personal growth, health insights, parenting wisdom, or just an engaging read, there’s something here for everyone. Got a recommendation? Let me know!