My 5 top books of 2019
Lots of amazing books this year that I enjoyed immensely, but I had to go with these five. Not all of them came out this year but I read them this year, so that counts for me. : )
(All of my favorite reads over the years are listed here.)
#5 Lost Connections
Johann Hari is one of my favorite writers and his book Chasing the Scream is in my top 10 of all time. He dives in deep and he tells stories that will make you weep. This time it’s all about depression, and how it’s often treated, and what some more efficient ways might look like, based on loads of evidence and investigation. Hint: drugs aren’t always the answer. Great read.
#4 The Madness of Crowds
I’m almost nervous to admit I like this book, which is exactly what this book is about in many senses. It’s not the book I would normally read (seeing myself as the progressive I do) but it’s a good reminder - with too many stories and statistics that sometimes overwhelm) that power is power and it will corrupt whomever has it and we better be aware. I don’t agree with everything in it and I’m surely not one to talk too much (as a white straight male) but it’s a book everyone on the Left should read.
#3 Born a Crime
I’ve always loved Trevor Noah and I loved him even more after reading about his growing up. It’s funny, it’s freaking out-of-this-world-unbelievable in parts, it’s heart-warming, and it is incredibly educational as well. It’s also an easy read. Get it. Now! You’ll love the man.
#2 Sapiens
I resisted this one for a long time, figuring it probably wasn’t as great as everyone was making it out to be. Wrong. I was so wrong. I’ve never read something as entertaining and vast as this book. It’s all of human history in a few hundred pages. It’s profound, educational, eye opening, and a book everyone should read. Don’t be like me. Start now if you haven’t.
#1 The Broken Ladder
This one was fairly easy because I’m a sucker for any book that talks about the poison of inequality and the power of equality, and this one does it well. America is messed up. If you don’t believe it, read this book. Socialism is not a dirty word. If you don’t believe it read this book. There are countries that are solving many of the problems we are not. If you don’t believe it read this book.
Just read this book.
Bonus! Insipid
Of course it’s on here. I wrote it! And I’d be honored for you to read it. Plus I think you’ll dig it.