My Year in Books 2024

My Year in Books 2024

Reading Journey

2024 was an amazing reading year for me—I finished over 20 books! My usual average is around 15, so I’m thrilled to have surpassed that this year. For 2025, I’m setting an ambitious goal of 25 books. Here are some of my favorite highlights from this year’s reading journey!

Non-Fiction

The Creative Act – A way of being by Rick Rubin

If you have never heard the name Rick Rubin, you most likely have heard music the man has been part of. Here are a few of his highlights: Co-founder of Def Jam Records, Former – co-president of Columbia Records: He produced and popularized such acts as: The Beastie Boys, Geto Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, LL Cool J. Kesha, Adele, Lady Gaga, The Cult, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Audioslave, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, The Strokes, Weezer, System of the Down, Slipknot, Johnny Cash and the Chicks.

Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being is a profound exploration of creativity as a practice and a mindset. Rubin offers a deeply philosophical perspective, encouraging readers to view creativity not just as an act of making but as a way of engaging with the world. Rick Rubin, is a true legend in the music industry, so he knows a thing or two about creativity and working with artistic minds. When his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, was released, I couldn’t wait to dive in. I initially expected it to be filled with behind-the-scenes stories about his experiences with various musical acts, but it turned out to be so much more.

Unlike other books on creativity, this one approaches the subject from a deeply spiritual perspective, exploring how creativity is accessible to everyone and how it can be found in unexpected places, like the natural world. It’s not a book to simply read cover to cover and move on. Instead, it invites you to linger over passages, reflect on Rubin’s insights, and connect them to your own creative journey.
This is a book I’ll return to again and again, finding new meaning and inspiration with each re-read. It’s a truly transformative guide to living a creative life.

Atomic Habits – By James Clear

James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a practical guide to building good habits, breaking bad ones, and transforming your life through small, consistent changes. Clear introduces the concept of “atomic habits”—tiny, incremental actions that compound over time to produce remarkable results. He explains the science behind habit formation and offers a four-step framework: Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward. Using real-world examples and actionable strategies, the book demonstrates how to design systems for success, overcome obstacles, and align habits with your goals and identity. It’s a powerful resource for creating lasting, positive change.

There is a reason this book has 4.8 Stars on Amazon reviews. It’s that good. Small changes have remarkable results. It’s a fantastic book if you are looking to improve your habits to increase creativity and production. The book is filled with a wealth of knowledge and gives you the tools you need to improve and create new habits. It’s been especially helpful for me to create new writing habits and increase my focus.

Steal Like an Artist – Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is a concise and inspiring guide to creativity, emphasizing that no idea is entirely original. Kleon encourages readers to embrace influence, remix existing ideas, and develop their unique creative voice. Through ten practical principles, he shares insights on learning from others, staying productive, embracing limitations, and viewing the world as a playground for inspiration. Packed with humor, anecdotes, and actionable advice, the book empowers readers to overcome creative blocks and pursue their passions with confidence and authenticity.

I have a confession, I have read this book every year for almost a decade. This is the handbook on finding your influences and using them in your creative work. The passages on using both digital and analog technologies are worth the price of admission alone. But the book offers such a unique way of looking at the creative process its a must read.

During Covid, Austin did a virtual book tour for his book Keep Going, and I got to meet him. It was a fantastic two hours. His incites on creativity and writing changed the way I approach my creative work. I highly recommend all of his books, Show Your Work and Keep Going. His newsletter is pretty fantastic as well.

Fiction

The Hail Mary Project – Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi novel about Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up aboard a spaceship with no memory of his mission. As his memory gradually returns, he discovers he’s humanity’s last hope, sent to save Earth. Tasked with saving humanity from a dying sun caused by an alien microorganism called Astrophage, Ryland must solve complex scientific challenges while encountering an unexpected ally, a spider-like creature from another star system. Together, they work to prevent extinction, blending science, ingenuity, and unexpected friendship, the novel explores themes of survival, cooperation, and the power of hope.

This was one of my favorite books from 2024, it’s a fantastic voyage as Ryland wakes up on a ship to find himself alone, has an alien encounter, and makes an unexpected friendship. While trying to save two planets. The book is filled with action, fun, and Weir’s signature hard science. It’s a great read! A movie is even in the works for this one!

Shift – Huey Howey

Hugh Howey’s Shift, the second installment in the Silo series, delves into the origins of the underground silo system and the dystopian society within it. The story alternates between two timelines: one in the near future, where a political decision leads to the construction of the silos as a means to preserve humanity, and another in the present day of the silo world. Through the eyes of key characters like Donald, a reluctant architect of the silos, and others grappling with their harsh realities, the novel explores themes of control, sacrifice, and the manipulation of history.

I read the first two books of the Silo series, after falling in love with the show on Apple TV. The first book Wool, is fantastic and I highly recommend it but I liked Shift even better because you learn the origins of the Silo. I can usually figure out plots of books but this one kept me guessing Shift was a fantastic voyage to the past and present in the Silo world. I am looking forward to reading Dust in 2025 the 3rd book in the series.

Old Man’s War – John Scalzi

John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War is a military science fiction novel set in a future where humanity is expanding into the galaxy but must fight for survival against alien species. At age 75, John Perry joins the Colonial Defense Forces, trading his old body for a genetically enhanced one. As he experiences the brutal realities of interstellar warfare, he grapples with questions of identity, humanity, and purpose. The novel combines action, humor, and poignant reflections on life and loss.

My friend Peter recommended this book, it’s a fun and exciting action-packed rip through space. Fighting aliens, landing on new worlds, and dealing with life and loss. I have also read the second book in the series The Ghost Brigades, which was also a lot of fun. What I love about Scalzi is his writing is light, there is science in there but you don’t need to be an Astrophysicist to understand it. The world-building isn’t overly imposing and his books seem to move quickly and keep you engaged.