I read over 30 books in 2024; these are my favorites. [2024 post]
#1 – A+++ Strongly Recommend
The Power Broker – Robert Caro
There’s a reason most people don’t even try to read this book – it’s over 1100 pages, and the paperback version weighs over 4 pounds. But MY GOD is it a fantastic read!
Robert Caro began his career as an investigative reporter, and his writing style is really engaging like the best investigative pieces. Yes, he goes into incredible detail in certain parts of the book that feels… unnecessary sometimes, but each chapter is juicy.
I learned so much about political power, organizational power, how cities get built, the history of New York City/State, and about how BIG things get built. It’s all about Robert Moses, who built so much of the physical infrastructure in/around New York City and Long Island (parks, highways, bridges, tunnels) — all from unelected positions of power that he held for 40+ years. (!)
If you’re interested in this book, I’d also recommend the 99 percent invisible podcast which did a Power Broker audio book club.
Non-Fiction
Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service – Michael Lewis
I love Michael Lewis’ writing, and really appreciate him diving into government employees, highlighting people that are doing outstanding work. (And often doing work that only the government can do.)
Apple in China – Patrick McGee
This was a really fascinating book. I knew that Apple really relies on manufacturing in China, but the history of how that developed, and the consequences of it were new to me. I’ve heard from friends at Apple that argue with some of the details in the book, but the overall themes are consistent and important.
The Endurance Artist: Lazarus Lake, the Barkley & a Race with No End – Jared Beasley
This book features Laz, the creator of the most insanely difficult running races that have ever existed: the Barkley Marathons and the Backyard Ultramarathon. Laz’s races push every person to the absolute limit of the pain and suffering they’re willing and able to endure.
Check out an amazing documentary of the Barkley Marathons here:
Injustice: How Politics and Fear Vanquished America’s Justice Department – Carol Leonnig
If there’s one branch of government that can counter the worst impulses of the Trump administration, it’s the judicial branch. And if there’s one part of the executive branch that has professional ethics and standards, it’s the Justice Department. This book deals with what happened in the Justice Department during Trump’s first administration, and then Biden’s administration, and then the start of Trump’s second administration. It’s a wild tale, with tales of true heroism but also decisions in hindsight that look very unwise. I learned a lot.
Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier – Kevin Kelly
This was originally a blog post, but makes an excellent little book with nuggets of wisdom. I ended up highlighting and consolidating the parts that really spoke to me.
Fiction
After watching the first two series on Apple TV, I decided to read the book series. (The first two series of the TV match up to book #1 in the series; the next two series match up to book #2 and #3, apparently.) If you like the series, you’ll definitely like the books.
Dungeon Crawler Carl series – Matt Dinniman
This is another fun series – it’s a RPG (Role Playing Game) come to life as a series of novels – aka “LitRPG”. It’s not particularly thought-provoking, but it’s a hell of a fun read.
Jed Christiansen 