I read 98 books in 2024 (34,621 pages), just shy of my goal of 100. The first book I read last year was The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman (4 stars) and the last I read in 2024 was Deep Freeze by Michael Grumley (4 stars). The oldest book I read was published in 1932 (Brave New World) and the newest will be published in August 2025 (The Understudy). Among the 38 books I rated 5/5, here are my top ten, presented in alphabetical order. Interestingly, they're evenly split between crime/thrillers and business/self-help titles.
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci (2024)
Set in the south in the 60s, this legal novel is more Grisham than Baldacci. But it retains the fine points of a Baldacci tale: strong characters, great plot, and plenty of twists. Set against the backdrop of the MLK and RFK assassinations, a young black man is found standing over the bodies of his wealthy white employers Immediately arrested, indicted and all but convicted, even before his trial, the story follows Jack Lee, a struggling white lawyer, and Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago, as they fight for justice. This book excited me, angered me, challenged me and made me think a lot about racism and its effects in society. I suppose that is the sign of good art, to provoke deep reflection. It is a great read!
Generative AI was a hot topic in 2024 and Mollick's book provides the essential playbook for navigating the age of artificial intelligence. He compellingly argues that we must embrace AI as a collaborative partner in work, education, and daily life. The book offers practical insights into harnessing AI's potential while emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to this transformative technology.
Abdaal, a physician turned productivity expert, challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that joy, not discipline, is the key to productivity. If you can make your work feel good, then productivity takes care of itself. He presents a well-researched framework built around three "energizers" for enjoyable productivity, three "blockers" to overcome procrastination, and three "sustainers" to prevent burnout. Combining inspiring stories and accessible science, this highly refreshing book is a must read if you want to be happier and more productive.
This fast-paced thriller follows Evie Porter, who appears to be a charming Southern girl with a perfect life and devoted boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. In reality, Evie is a fiction, a con artist working under the mysterious Mr. Smith, tasked with infiltrating Ryan's life for unknown purposes. With past failures haunting her, Evie can't afford mistakes in this high-stakes game of deception. The tension builds masterfully as secrets unravel, proving that in this dangerous web of lies, the first lie indeed wins.
Coming out in early 2025, this outstanding guide serves as an exceptional roadmap for managers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape. it's the best book I've read on Generative AI, demonstrating how it can reshape business practices and leadership approaches. Unlike many theoretical texts, it offers concrete, immediately applicable strategies for using AI as both a copilot and co-thinker. The authors make a compelling case: managers who develop generative AI capabilities will significantly outpace those who don't. The book stands out for its practical approach and clear guidance, making it essential reading for anyone looking to understand AI's impact on business leadership.
Outlive by Peter Attia (2023)
Dr. Peter Attia revolutionizes our approach to longevity by challenging traditional medical perspectives on aging. Rather than accepting a reactive approach to age-related diseases, he presents a scientifically-grounded, proactive strategy for extending both lifespan and healthspan. His comprehensive framework covers nutrition, exercise, sleep optimization, and emotional well-being. The book's impact was so profound that it inspired me to begin a twice-weekly workout regimen at my local gym—a testament to its persuasive, evidence-based approach. I'm trusting that it will be lifespan and healthspan-enhancing!
Garcia's debut psychological thriller is a gripping, page-turning adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It masterfully tracks the mysterious disappearance of two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, whose paths cross during a business trip. The narrative skillfully weaves multiple storylines across Madison, San Diego, Atlanta, and Mexico, creating an intricate tapestry of suspense. This impressive debut marks Garcia as a promising new voice in the thriller genre and one to watch in 2025.
Perhaps the most impactful self-help book I encountered in recent years, and certainly the best non-fiction book I read in 2024, Bloom's work challenges the traditional focus on financial wealth as life's primary measure of success. Your wealthy life may be enabled by money, but in the end, it will be defined by everything else. He presents a holistic framework encompassing five forms of wealth: Financial, Time, Social, Mental, and Physical. What sets this book apart is its practical approach, breaking down each wealth type into three pillars and providing a 25-question assessment tool for readers to establish their baseline. Set for release in February, this comprehensive guide offers a blueprint for building a truly rich life.
The eighth installment in the Eddie Flynn series, which will be published early this year, reaffirms Cavanagh's mastery of the legal thriller genre. Former con artist turned defense attorney Eddie Flynn faces multiple challenges: defending John Jackson against seemingly insurmountable murder charges, unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ruby Johnson (the enigmatic witness 8), and dealing with corrupt NYPD officers who've placed a hit on his life—all while coping with the shooting of his mentor, Harry. Cavanagh expertly juggles these plot threads, delivering another compelling entry in this consistently excellent series. If you've not read any Cavanagh, you should! I've yet to be disappointed by his books.
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman (2024)
Former flight attendant Newman's third thriller delivers a pulse-pounding tale of catastrophe and heroism. When a commercial airliner crashes into a Minnesota nuclear power plant, the story unfolds through three gripping perspectives: the engineers and firefighters battling to prevent global catastrophe, a small team attempting to rescue a trapped boy, and the president and advisors monitoring helplessly from a bunker. Newman crafts a terrifyingly plausible scenario that reads like tomorrow's headlines, making this an unforgettable thriller.
