The books I read in 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for one of my favorite traditions: sharing the books I read this year. Since I started doing this annual post (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), it’s become clear that many of you enjoy these lists, and I’m thrilled to hear that some of you even find inspiration for your own reading from them.
This year was no exception, and I read some remarkable books that challenged my thinking, broadened my perspective, and provided plenty of food for thought.
Here are my top book recommendations from 2024:
- Call Sign Chaos — Jim Mattis. This book is a masterclass in leadership written by one of the most respected military leaders of our time. General Mattis combines personal anecdotes with timeless decision-making, responsibility, and resilience lessons (and a deep appreciation from reading and learning from the past).
- As Causas do Atraso Português: Repensar o passado para reinventar o presente — Nuno Palma. This book is likely to resonate most with those interested in Portuguese history. It was one of the most intellectually challenging reads of the year. It fundamentally shook the foundations of what I thought I knew to be true. Nuno Palma dives deep into the historical factors that have shaped modern Portugal, offering a thought-provoking, data-driven and often surprising perspective. This book has also been my go-to gift for friends and family this year.
- Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect — Will Guidara. This is an inspiring exploration of how exceptional hospitality can transform businesses and lives. Drawing on his experiences in the restaurant industry, he demonstrates the power of going above and beyond for others. The lessons in this book are applicable far beyond hospitality, making it an excellent read for anyone looking to improve how they connect with others. (This book was part of TejoMed’s Company Book Club, where every week, we meet to discuss a few chapters of a book we are reading together.)
The full list of Books by Category
Personal Growth & Productivity
- Right Thing. Right Now: Justice in an Unjust World — Ryan Holiday
- Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout — Cal Newport
- Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention — Johann Hari
- Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable — Tim S. Grover
Health & Wellness
- Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health — Casey Means
- The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well — Mark Schatzker
- Sex Matters: How Male-Centric Medicine Endangers Women’s Health and What We Can Do About It — Alyson J. McGregor
- Her-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer — Robert Bazell
- Scarcity Brain: Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough — Michael Easter
Business & Leadership
- Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You — John Warrilow
- Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect — Will Guidara
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High — Kerry Patterson
- Call Sign Chaos — Jim Mattis
- Who Is Michael Ovitz?: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Most Powerful Man in Hollywood — Michael Ovitz
- Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX — Eric Berger
History & Social Analysis
I hope you find this year’s list inspiring and that some of these titles make it onto your own reading list. Whether you want to grow personally, tackle professional challenges, or dive into thought-provoking historical analysis, there’s something here for everyone.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Which of these books have you read, and what did you think? Are there any standout titles you’d recommend I add to my 2025 list? Let’s keep the conversation going!
To see what I’ve read in the past and what I’m reading now, follow me on Goodreads.
