Just Keep Buying, Nick Maggiulli
Another kind of no-nonsense guide to personal finance. Broken into two parts to illustrate the importance of saving and investing. Maggiulli uses a lot of simple mathematical explanations to illustrate different methods for each, some conventional and some non-conventional. He shows how psychology can alter the math, all of which was interesting. It’s full of data, pulled apart, analyzed and presented in a very clear manner. There were some parts that his personal experiences seemed to influence. That made the book feel a bit more amateurish overall.
Leviathan, Darius Hinks
I really like Darius Hinks. He does a great job translating Warhammer lore into exciting, descriptive, and easy-to-understand novels. I also really like the books that tie into releases. Reading this while painting a box of tyranids made it very enjoyable. I got lost in the storyline once or twice, but it came back together. I also had some trouble connecting with the characters but that’s normal with Space Marines?-?they’re not meant to be very relatable. Lots of main characters died horribly throughout, and the setting of a tyranid invasion was refreshingly horrific.
Graveyard Shift, M.L. Rio
You know it’s good when you wish it was longer. It felt somewhere between a mystery and an atmospheric horror. I expected it to be a bit weirder and creepier, but it was kind of perfect for what it was. With well fleshed-out characters and great pacing, this is a fast, fun, and entertaining read. I’m glad I picked it up on a whim!
Retire Before Mom & Dad, Rob Berger
This was a good foundational refresher. Berger does a great job making each topic feel short, clear and concise. He really drives home the message that financial freedom is achievable and investing doesn’t have to be complicated. This is a fantastic read for anyone just getting started on the path towards financial freedom.
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, Heather Fawcett
The sequel to Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia Of Faeries, I was excited to get back into the world of Faerie. However, for me, this really didn’t land the same as the first book. It’s still a lovely and whimsical read, but it felt a bit forced, less cohesive and less enchanted. It felt less poetic than the first book and not as natural. The first book stood alone. This one felt more like a forced sequel to set up another unnecessary fantasy trilogy.
The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the Toddler Years, Armin A. Brott
I have enjoyed these books so much since we found out we were having a baby over three years ago. Reading the sections month by month gave me something to look forward to. However, I think this may be my last one. As you enter the toddler years, children become so different and unique. Much of the content in here was helpful but didn’t always apply at the right time. Each child will grow and develop differently and will have their own set of strengths. This is still a fantastic guide, and I think every new dad should pick up this series from day one!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, Lewis Carroll
Another classic that I hadn’t read. Or, maybe I read 30 some-odd years ago! What a pleasure it was to reconnect with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I think I’ll rewatch the Disney movie with my daughter next!
Da Gobbo’s Revenge, Mike Brooks
I was happy to get my hands on a hard copy of this, the original Red Gobbo story. So much fun to read, as always. These are still some of my favorites. And remember, Da Red Gobbo could be anyone… it could even be you!
Long Live Da Red Gobbo, Justin Woolley
Another great Red Gobbo story in this year’s edition! This one was extra gorey with some unexpected twists. The meaning of Da Red Gobbo is crystal clear and he lives one despite almost everyone dying!
The Happiness Year, Tara Ward
A cozy read which examines each season along with its unique pleasures. A guide to connect, to create, set intentions and reflect on the meaning of the season for you. The illustrations are a beautiful addition that helps bring each season to life. Easy to read, re-read, and reference. I’ll be pulling this one out again at the start of each season for some gentle reminders.
Outlive, Peter Attia
Enlightening and thought-provoking. You’ll peel away the layers of science behind longevity with deep dives into the most common factors that contribute to a longer and healthier life. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline pose the greatest risk and are usually not addressed until it is too late. Attia suggests a new approach to medicine which is more proactive than reactive, fighting against these diseases long before they rear their ugly heads. He offers practical tips, advice, and inspiring anecdotes to help you make positive changes in your own life and your relationships with your medical professionals. You’ll explore the art of living well and learn that the path to longevity lies mostly in your hands.
Darth Plagueis, James Luceno
The story is political, violent and sometimes disturbing. It perfectly sets up how Palpatine comes to power and bleeds so nicely into Episode I (You also get the backgrounds of Darth Maul and Count Dooku which were noticeably missing from the prequels.) Darth Plagueis pulls you into his story and doesn’t want to let go. He is cunning, secretive and ruthless. And the way Plaguesis’ story deteriorates into Palpatine’s story is amazing. Because in the end, isn’t Plagueis’ story just an extension of Palpatine’s story?
Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan
Sometimes it’s amazing how much can be said with so few words. The story is subtle but screams at you with such intensity. It feels very personal, like it was written just for you. This is a short read that will stay with you forever.
How I Invest My Money, Joshua Brown & Brian Portnoy
This is not a personal finance book, but rather a personal book about finances. It doesn’t offer practical advice, but rather a collection of personal views on money from various financial advisors and industry experts. It’s interesting to see how no two stories are alike and so much of finance really is personal. Some stories are relatable, and others feel distant; and I guarantee that my list of those stories will be different than yours. These are real people telling real stories and it’s a strong reminder that we are all humans.