2024 was a good reading year. I tackled 23 books throughout the year. The journey was filled with big ideas, surprising gems, and more than a few times when I tried to sneak “just one more chapter”. Let’s dive into my favorites, the surprises, and a complete rundown of everything I read (because who doesn’t love a good book list?).

The Favorites: MVPs of 2024

Some books don’t just entertain—they leave a lasting mark. These three did exactly that:

1. Going Infinite by Michael Lewis
This dive into the crypto drama surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried was a wild ride. Michael Lewis has a knack for turning chaos into page-turning magic, and this one doesn’t disappoint. If you ever thought, “What’s the deal with FTX?”—this book has the answer, and then some.

2. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Part biography, part “How does this guy sleep?” guide. Isaacson’s deep dive into Musk’s life showcases the genius, ambition, and chaos of one of the most polarizing figures of our time. Love him or hate him, Musk is undeniably fascinating.

3. The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday’s stoic wisdom is timeless, and this book is the ultimate guide to turning life’s challenges into opportunities. It’s like a pep talk from Marcus Aurelius—without the toga.

The Surprise Favorites: Unexpected Delights

A couple of books snuck up on me and turned into absolute gems:

1. George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones
Who knew the man behind Star Wars had such an epic journey? This biography dives into Lucas’s creativity, perseverance, and ability to revolutionize Hollywood. It’s a must-read for dreamers and innovators.

2. Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze
Who knew customer service philosophy could be so riveting? Horst Schulze, a co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton, shares his take on leadership, excellence, and creating a standout business culture. Bonus: It’ll make you think twice about how you treat others.

By the Numbers

• Total Books Read: 23
• Genres Explored
  • Biography: 4 books
  • Self-Development: 6 books
  • Business: 7 books
  • Technology/AI: 2 books
  • Creativity: 2 books
  • Philosophy: 2 books

What I Learned

Reading 23 books this year was like taking a crash course in life, business, and creativity. Here are the biggest lessons that stuck with me:

• Visionaries bet big and persevere relentlessly
(Elon Musk and George Lucas: A Life showed that audacity and persistence can rewrite entire industries—or galaxies.)

• Obstacles are opportunities in disguise
(The Obstacle is the Way reinforced that challenges are where growth and innovation happen.)

• Culture eats strategy for breakfast
(No Rules Rules proved that building a culture of trust and accountability can make or break a business.)

• Excellence begins with obsession
(Excellence Wins taught me that paying attention to the tiniest details can elevate an experience from good to unforgettable.)

• Creativity thrives on imperfection
(The Creative Act reminded me to embrace the messiness of the creative process—it’s where the magic happens.)

• AI isn’t just the future; it’s now
(Superintelligence and Atlas of AI offered both inspiration and a reality check about the profound changes AI is bringing to our world.)

• Every story is a chance to learn
Whether it’s about junk removal (Excellence Wins), space travel (Elon Musk), or stoic philosophy (Stillness is the Key), every book carries insights that reshape how we see the world.

This year’s reading reminded me that growth comes from curiosity, deliberate practice, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone—on the page and beyond.

The Full 2024 Reading List

Here’s everything I read this year, complete with links so you can explore them for yourself:

1. Going Infinite by Michael Lewis (November 2023)
2. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson (November 2023)
3. The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday (December 2023)
4. Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday (January 2024)
5. Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday (January 2024)
6. Tao of Charlie Munger by David Clark (January 2024)
7. The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt (February 2024)
8. Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford (February 2024)
9. Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet by Chris Dixon (February 2024)
10. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (February 2024)
11. Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom (March 2024)
12. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller (March 2024)
13. George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones (April 2024)
14. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer (April 2024)
15. BYOB: Build Your Own Business, Be Your Own Boss by by Brian Scudamore (May 2024)
16. Disney’s Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World by Richard Snow (May 2024)
17. Amp It Up by Frank Slootman (May 2024)
18. Insanely Simple by Ken Segall (May 2024)
19. Atomic Habits by James Clear (Reread in June 2024)
20. WTF?! (Willing to Fail): How Failure Can Be Your Key to Success by Brian Scudamore (June 2024)
21. Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze (August 2024)
22. Inspired by Marty Cagan (August 2024)
23. Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model by Remi Adeleke (October 2024)

2024 was packed with lessons, laughs, and the occasional existential crisis courtesy of a few AI books. Here’s to 2025 being just as thrilling—and maybe finding a few more surprises along the way. What’s on your reading list? Let’s swap recommendations (and maybe coffee suggestions for those late-night chapters). 📚