Since 2017, I’ve made it a goal to read one book a week. For those challenged by a calendar, that would be 52 books a year.
I’ve yet to hit that goal, but I will always strive for that number. I read traditionally printed books, ebooks, and I listen to audiobooks.
What got me motivated to track my reading?.
A 2015 Pew Research poll did. It showed the following statistics:
- that 27% of Americans don’t read a single book in a year,
- that average number of books read in a year was twelve, but
- the median was four (half the respondents were above that number while the other half was below).
I’ve heard it said (but can’t find the documentation) that the most successful CEOs read 60 books a year. After seeing that Pew Research report, I decided to make it a goal to read one book a week. I didn’t want to be average; I wanted to be far beyond it!
I got close to my goal this year, but I still fell short. I read 40 books (the list is below).
I want to give myself a break and say I wrote a lot. All those hours of work should get me off the hook. However, I watched a lot of television and movies when I could have been reading. I put those programs above my goals. There was plenty of time for me to slip in some additional reading.
The goal for 2022 is 52 again. I’ll report in 365 days from now!
My five favorite books that I read in 2021 were:
1. The Network – Scott Woolley
2. Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins
3. Nomadland – Jessica Bruder
4. Disloyal – Michael Cohen
5. Junkie Love – Joe Clifford
2021 Reading List
Books are listed in no particular order.
* indicates a multiple reading. I like reread books that I’ve enjoyed in the past, much the same way as I rewatch movies.
Non-Fiction
The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone*
Sell or Be Sold – Grant Cardone*
The Network – Scott Woolley
Newsletter Ninja – Tammi Labrecque
Commodork: Sordid Tales from a BBS Junkie – Rob O’Hara*
Adventures in Opting Out – Cait Flanders
Nomadland – Jessica Bruder
A Very Punchable Face – Colin Jost
Primal Branding – Patrick Hanlon
Research Like a Librarian – Vikki Hanlon
Be Obsessed or Be Average – Grant Cardone*
Disloyal – Michael Cohen
Junkie Love – Joe Clifford
The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy*
Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins
Overstated – Colin Quinn
Fiction
The Widening Gyre – Robert B. Parker
Dead Men – Steve Oliver*
The Last Good Kiss – James Crumley*
In the Shadow of El Paso – Frank Zafiro*
Blacktop Wasteland – S.A. Cosby
The Last Horseman – Frank Zafiro*
Skunk Train – Joe Clifford
Land of the Blind – Jess Walter
The Getaway – Jim Thompson
Artifacts of Death – Rich Curtin
A Few Good Men – Tom Suddick
One for the Money – Stephanie Plum
There are No Spies – Bill Granger
Faceless Killers – Henning Mankell
The Bone Chamber – Robin Burcell
Now and at the Hour – Robert Cormier
Sugar Got Low – Frank Zafiro
Dirty Little Town – Frank Zafiro
Two for the Dough – Janet Evanovich
Running Loose – Chris Crutcher*
Athletic Shorts – Chris Crutcher*
The Mourner – Richard Stark
Flood - Andrew Vachss*
The Hot Rock - Donald Westlake