Chapter 1: A Year of Remarkable Reading

This year has undoubtedly been my most fruitful reading experience to date. I've immersed myself in a greater number of books than ever before, gaining insights into diverse perspectives that have contributed to my personal growth. I feel fortunate to have a plethora of titles still waiting for me!

Selecting my top five books of 2023 proved to be quite the challenge! However, here’s the list I ultimately compiled:

Quiet by Susan Cain

In a society that predominantly celebrates extroverted traits, Quiet offers a refreshing viewpoint on the significance of introversion. This book helps readers appreciate that being introverted is not a flaw but rather a unique trait with its own advantages. It provides an insightful exploration of how introverted individuals operate, and highlights society's tendency to promote extroversion.

If you identify as an introvert, you’ll likely find this book to be relatable and insightful. Here are a few impactful quotes from Quiet:

• “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
• “Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.”
• “We have two ears and one mouth and we should use them proportionally.”

Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green

Richer, Wiser, Happier transcends the typical investing manual. Rather than merely instructing readers on investment strategies, William Green synthesizes insights from over 25 years of interviews with some of the world's foremost investors into a concise 296-page book.

This book reveals that the greatest investors possess wisdom and decision-making skills that extend far beyond mere financial acumen. It’s filled with valuable lessons on leading a fulfilling life, alongside essential advice for becoming a more confident investor.

Here are some thought-provoking quotes from Richer, Wiser, Happier:

• “Who you spend your time with is probably the most important thing in life.”
• “It’s frightening to think that you might not know something, but more frightening to think that, by and large, the world is run by people who have faith that they know exactly what’s going on.”
• “In a world where nothing is stable or dependable, the first rule of the road is to be honest with ourselves about our limitations and vulnerabilities.”

The Austin Kleon Trilogy: Show Your Work, Steal Like An Artist, and Keep Going

I couldn’t narrow it down to just one book from Austin Kleon, so I included all three! These titles (Show Your Work, Steal Like An Artist, and Keep Going) have profoundly changed my approach to creativity and significantly enhanced my writing.

These works have:

• Empowered me to share my creations online.
• Motivated me to discuss topics that intrigue me.
• Helped me understand the importance of drawing inspiration from others as part of the creative process.
• Provided a much-needed push to continue writing, even during challenging times.

For anyone new to creative endeavors, I wholeheartedly recommend Austin Kleon’s trilogy. Here are a few memorable quotes:

• “Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple.”
• “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.”
• “We have so little control over our lives. The only thing we can really control is what we spend our days on.”

The Choice by Edith Eger

The Choice is a memoir penned by renowned psychologist and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger. In this powerful narrative, she recounts her harrowing experiences during her eight-month ordeal in Auschwitz. The unimaginable suffering she endured offers profound lessons about resilience.

Despite the tragic loss of her family and the physical and emotional scars left by her experiences, Dr. Eger emphasizes that the one thing no one can take from us is our ability to choose. This book is a testament to the power of choice in shaping our lives, regardless of the circumstances we face.

Here are some poignant quotes from The Choice:

• “Our painful experiences aren’t a liability — they’re a gift. They give us perspective and meaning.”
• “Time doesn’t heal. It’s what you do with the time. Healing is possible when we choose to take responsibility.”
• “We don’t know where we’re going, but no one can take away from you what you put in your own mind.”

Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday, a best-selling author known for titles such as The Obstacle Is the Way and The Daily Stoic, brings us Discipline is Destiny. This book addresses the challenges we face in maintaining discipline in an increasingly chaotic world.

Through historical examples, Holiday illustrates the essence of discipline and offers guidance on how to cultivate it in our lives. After reading this impactful book, you will likely emerge as a more productive and disciplined individual.

Here are a few thought-provoking quotes from Discipline is Destiny:

• “To procrastinate is to be entitled. It assumes you’ll have the discipline to get to it later.”
• “Most people don’t even show up. To show up and be disciplined about daily improvement? You are the rarest of the rare.”
• “In a world of distraction, focusing is a superpower.”

Video Recommendations

To complement my reading experience, I’d like to share some YouTube videos that delve into the books I've discussed.

The first video titled "My 5 Favorite Books I Read in 2023" showcases a selection of impactful reads from the year.

The second video, "The Best Books I Read in 2023 (And You Should Read Them Too)," highlights additional recommendations for those looking to expand their reading list.

Happy reading! I look forward to sharing more insights with you next time.

Sincerely, Tom