I barely met my monthly goal (3 books in July) after finishing Anthony Bourdain’s book yesterday. After traveling every week in July, I thought I’d have no problem hitting my July book list goal. That was not the case!
The books in this month’s list are all across the map in terms of category. From investing to self-help to biography/humor and entertainment books in July, I covered the gambit.
July Book List
Principles: Life and Work
I first found out about Ray after his interview with Tim Ferris, which is where many of my book recommendations come from. Dalio has been called the “Steve Jobs of Investing” so I knew this book would be interesting.
Ray founded Bridgewater Associates, a hedge fund, in the 70’s. According to Forbes, Dalio has grown the firm into the 5th most important private company in the U.S.
The book talks about how to use systems and first principles. I find his idea of meritocracy interesting as well as how Bridgewater uses systems to help its team make decisions.
Recommend: Yes
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck
I deviated from the Ryan Holiday reading list because I missed too many of his recommended books this year.
Mark, a blogger among many other things, started his blog not long after graduating college. He has since published two books, including this one, in addition to founding a media company.
The book is a type of self-guide that says we need to hear the world like it is. It reads in a conversational manner, which makes sense with the title, and I found his ideas refreshing. His points about what “we’re supposed to do” in life remind me a lot of what Gary Vaynerchuk says.
Recommend: Undecided
Kitchen Confidential
I came across Anthony Bourdain’s book after I started watching Parts Unknown, which is a great show. After realizing how incredibly talented and interesting Bourdain was, I figured I’d give this book a shot.
Bourdain was a chef turned TV personality who brought a breath of fresh air anytime you saw him on TV. I continue to find all of his shows, and now this book, as great ways to decompress from the day.
The book starts with how he started his culinary career in Massachusetts, went to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America, and worked at several high-profile restaurants in New York City.
What makes the book great is that he peels back the onion on the industry, an industry I know nothing about. I found it interesting to know how kitchens operate, how chefs order food, what nights and what dishes to not order on certain days of the week, and what the characters that make up the industry are like.
Recommend: Yes
What’s In My Cart?
After sharing in my June reading list that I trimmed down my Amazon cart, I have found that selecting a new book to read has been refreshing. Instead of having 30+ books waiting for me, I simply find a book that peaks my interests in the moment.
I am currently eyeing the following books, which are all across the map:
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feyman by Richard Feynman
- Think Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Conclusion
Reading has been a skill I’ve continued to work on by focusing on books that pique my interest at the time. Hopefully, this July book list is books that you can read on the road and find as much value as I have found.
