You know, when I think about how I recently passed the 200-mark in the number of books I’ve read, I don’t really feel any sense of excitement over it.

It’s fascinating to read some of these studies that show a large number of Americans don’t even average reading one book every year, let alone 200 in their lifetime.

So I suppose it’s something to be ecstatic over, but in all reality, it’s more of a downer.

I could easily list out dozens of books I spent countless hours reading that I truly never needed.

Books that offered nothing of value.

Books that didn’t teach me anything.

Honestly, I’ve read more books that I’ve hated than those that I’ve loved.

But you know what they say: you can’t win them all.

However, that doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for the ones I have loved. It wasn’t until this year that I decided to sit down and write out my top-ten books of all time.

And boy was it hard.

I still find myself taking a peak at it every couple of days and wonder if I should move 5th place to 3rd or 8th place to 10th.

You know, nerd problems.

And as much as I’d love to share the entire top-ten list, I’m going to stick with the first five because I have to keep this under three minutes.

And yes, this is in order.

Taking the number five spot on this list is Endurance by Alfred Lansing. Written in 1959, this is the narration of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to cross the Antarctic continent in 1914.

After their ship got caught in ice, 27 men were stranded in the Antarctic and were left to fend for themselves for over a year while facing bouts of freezing temperatures, starvation, and no communication to the outside world.

But despite the odds, all 27 men survived with teamwork, resilience, and the desire to live to tell the tale that would go on to be one of the most exciting stories ever.

Moving up to number four we have How To Think Like A Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson.

This book isn’t only just a breakdown at Marcus Aurelius’ life and story behind his love of Stoicism, but it’s also a guide on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and modern strategies to overcoming anxiety, overthinking, and stress.

Just imagine a modern breakdown of the philosophy of Stoicism mixed with techniques on how to live a more mentally-calm life.

Coming up in third place is The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene. This is easily one of the longest books I’ve read, and it doesn’t help that the font is comparable to 8 point Times New Roman, but don’t let its size take away from the fact this is one of the best books on storytelling imaginable.

Filled with techniques and strategies on psychology and persuasion, Robert Greene teaches his readers by using stories of Kings from thousands of years ago to modern political figures.

If you have a free month to spare, I’d recommend this book over everything else.

Now in second place we have Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. And if you had the chance to read last week’s newsletter, you might remember this is the book I was talking about.

It’s not just a historical fiction on the most famous samurai to have ever lived, but it’s also a type of self-development book that I’d put on the same level as the Sound of Music.

Odd mixture, I know. But having sold over 120 million copies, this book is one of the best-selling novels of all time. Hence, why it’s in my number two spot.

And finally, my favorite book of all time is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. One of the Five Good Emperors of ancient Rome who ruled from 161 to 180 A.D.

As a lover of Stoicism, Marcus found time to write down his teachings and thoughts into a journal we now call Meditations. Filled with tools on the mental thinking it takes to overcome anxiety, anger, and fear, this book has become my guide to living life to the fullest.

Despite having read 200 books and already having my top-ten list already picked out, I still find myself picking up a new book every week because you never know when this next book might be your new favorite.

And if I had to give you one piece of advice after reading as much as I’ve had, it’s to not be afraid of putting down a book you don’t like.

Life is too short to read something you hate.

Besides, as the book community says: there’s plenty of other books in the sea.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m now reading Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton. A guide containing 23 techniques to relieve stress and the negative spiral of overthinking.

Quote Of The Week - “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” — John D. Rockefeller