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2021 has been my biggest reading year by far. Given that I’ve clocked in nearly one book per week (see what I’ve read here), I’d like to share the reads which were most moving for me.
Below are six books that made me look like a dork by verbally saying “oh” or “woah” while reading – the books that friends couldn’t get me to shut up about:
1. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
“Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”
― Greg Mckeown, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
This book’s core message is that to live a fulfilling life, you need to brutally eliminate anything that isn’t essential. We’re inundated with things to do, stuff to buy, and values to adopt, so if we don’t choose carefully, we’ll end up doing things we don’t want, owning items that bring no value, and holding onto beliefs which aren’t in line with who we are.
Essentialism hit at the right time in my life and caused me to take immediate action: getting rid of Instagram, doubling down on a new career, paying attention to my health, and diving into a minimalist journey.
Who is this for?
Anyone willing to change their life drastically (and for the better).
2. Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism
“Why do we own so many things when we don’t need them? What is their purpose? I think the answer is quite clear: We’re desperate to convey our own worth, our own value to others. We use objects to tell people just how valuable we are.”
― Fumio Sasaki, Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism
Instead of glamorizing minimalism, Sasaki takes a humble, personal approach to the topic. Tips for decluttering and adjusting buying habits are included, but the book is about so much more. It’s about learning the why behind our relationship with things.
Whereas some authors take a formulaic approach to minimalism, goodbye, things feels more like a memoir with helpful suggestions strewn throughout the book. It’s a quiet, unassuming, and beautiful picture of the minimalist journey.
Who is this for?
“On-the-fence” and “full-blown” minimalists alike – they will both find encouragement and motivation toward their next step in the process.
3. The Glass Hotel
“There is exquisite lightness in waking each morning with the knowledge that the worst has already happened.”
There’s a short list of modern fiction writers whom I read – Emily St. John Mandel being one of them. Her books are so intriguing that putting one down mid-read feels like foggily waking up from a long afternoon nap. Part of this effect comes from Mandel’s ability to create characters that are easy to empathize with. Her books make you feel.
The Glass Hotel was right at home in that sense. It’s mysterious, sad, angering at times, and it makes you experience what it’s like to be human.
Who is this for?*
Anyone looking for a story to envelop them and who doesn’t mind experiencing a darker strain of emotions.
*If you’re new to Mandel’s writing, I’d recommend reading Station Eleven first.
4. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
The manifesto is this: Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use—do the work you want to see done.
― Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
What’s beautiful about Kleon’s writing is its simplicity. You don’t need to love self-development books or even reading to receive value from his work – it’s genuine and to the point while maintaining its playfulness.
Steal Like an Artist is the first in a trilogy which is meant to inspire, encourage, and motivate anyone who has creative endeavors.
Who is this for?
The individual who is tired of reading 300 page books with only one golden idea to show. This book is 160 pages packed with killer ideas!
5. Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human
“Calling isn’t something you choose, like who you marry or what house you buy or what car you buy; it’s something you unearth. You excavate. You dig out. And you discover.”
John Mark Comer, Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human
This book was so refreshing to read. Instead of the typical look at career as a way to amass wealth and fame, Comer takes the perspective of calling – a deeper, God-given purpose for your life, which is meant to bring joy, build up others, and honor the Lord.
He also advocates heavily for a weekly sabbath – a day for silence, solitude, mediation, community, fun with family, etc. – basically everything except for work.
Who is this for?
The religious individual who’s seeking their purpose/calling. Even if you’re not religious, you may find this Garden City to be encouraging and a nice break from the traditional book about life’s meaning.
6. Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
Don’t make excuses. Just shut the hell up and get on with it. Time waits for no one.
Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
If Steal Like an Artist and The War of Art had a baby, I think it would look something like this. Macleod packs each mini-chapter full of brutal truth about the creative process. He isn’t afraid to call out the bullshit and show a different way of doing art – your own way.
Additionally, each chapter is punctuated by business card comic strips which provide comedic relief and illustrate MacLeod’s own artistic journey.
Who is this for?
The creative who needs a kick in the ass.
What’s next?
What’s beautiful about books is that they affect us all in different ways. Maybe you wouldn’t touch my top six with a ten-foot pole – that’s okay – we’re all on a unique life journey, and I’d love to hear about the reads that impacted you the most. Comment with them below or let me know on social media – either way, happy reading!