I’ve never considered myself a “book worm”. It’s not that I dislike reading, but it’s a significant time commitment whereas watching a TV show or even a movie can be done in 1-3 hours. You can’t really multitask while reading a book either (which is a good thing). That said, I do find immense value in reading.
The truth is that once you’ve completed your education (high school, college, etc.) you have little exposure to “passively” learning new things. At the very least, a “variety” of new things. No one is making you learn anymore. Yes, you may learn things for your job or a hobby, but you don’t get the wide exposure to ideas or concepts that you once did.
It took me many years to realize that I really wasn’t learning much any more and, therefore, not growing as a person. To combat this issue, I turned to audio books as I would always have time for them while traveling to/from work. I exhausted the interesting CD-based audio books at my library and stumbled on the app called “OverDrive.” OverDrive provides an extensive, free catalog of ebooks and audiobooks. Go check it out.
In contemplating my top 5 books, I felt a little biased towards books that I have read (or listened to) within the last few years. Probably because they are fresh in my memory. Here’s my list:
(1) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. If you ever feel that life has got you down, read this book. So much more amazing than the movie.
(2) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. There is a reason why this book is so prevalent in schools. It is a classic.
(3) The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. I can honestly say that this book changed my outlook on a number of things like work, money and retirement. I wish I read this book 10 years ago when it was first published.
(4) Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. Like nothing you’ve ever read, trust me.
(5) Anything about Abraham Lincoln. I’m a sucker for Abe Lincoln books such as Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.