My Reading List for 2022
I read less in 2022, and I'm ok with that.
I received an email from a subscriber of my letters, Rob, who read 52 books last year!
I asked him to share his favorites, which I'll link below.
He inspired me to share some of my reading from the year.
Here are a few that stood out:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
One of the best of year. The storytelling is magnificent, and the stories themselves are even better. It made me think of the long line of people and land I come from. I read this book while in my ancestral home of Italy, which was apropos.
Native Son by Richard Wright
I don't read much fiction, so when I do, I go for classics or phenom bestsellers like The Overstory. This time, I chose the former. It's a graphic portrayal of a young black man's experience in 1930s Southside Chicago, and the systematic issues that cause his crime. Although the story was challenging to swallow, the writing is so good that it took me along for the ride. I also watched the modern adaptation on HBO. They did a good job at making the story fit for mainstream, but felt they didn't portray the main character the way he is in the book.
Buddhist on Death Row by David Sheff
My friend gifted me this. If you think it's hard to practice mindfulness with the difficulties you face, Imagine being sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn't do? It's a whole other level of letting go! Look into Jay Jarvis Masters story and his unique relationship with Pema Chodron. If you think you're in a bad situation, read this book. It's inspiring and, at the same time, heartbreaking.
Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
Ryan has been an inspiration to me for nearly 10 years. (I modeled this email after the monthly reading list he shares.) Because of that, I read (or in this case listen) to every book he publishes. (And he publishes a lot!) Even though I'm a long time fan, I don't align with some of the points he tries to make in the book. Like using Lou Gehrig as an example of "mastering the body" playing through serious injuries, completely disassociating from the signs his body is giving him to slow down. Once I got past that, I found some nuggets and motivation for my work. I love Ryan because I love learning about creative process. I enjoyed his video that shows what goes into 2 years of writing a book in 30 minutes.
Living Presence by Kabir Helminski
This is a re-read. I took twice as many notes as last time. It is top 3 best books on Spirituality I've read. Everything you need to walk the Path is on these pages. I will be continually revisiting.
The Will To Do Nothing by Charles Freligh
A meditation in book form. I've talked about this book multiple times here already and interviewed Charles about it. I hope you have picked it up by now! Also if you've already read it, leave Charles a review on Amazon!
From a man who read 52 books last year: Meet fellow Lou's Letter reader Rob—Rob is a retired medical doctor and established jokester, who now spends his time learning to play guitar, leaving the best reviews on my courses, and voraciously reading.
Here are Rob's best books out of the 52 he read last year.
(I already picked up East of Eden.)
We are different every time we pick up a book, which is why I plan to make an intention for 2023 to re-read books that made a mark on my life.
What books have impacted you this year? Shoot me an email and let me know. :)