I read a book a week in 2018 and here are the best ones

I decided to make a lofty reading goal this year of reading 52 books – one book per week. I read actual, physical books. I read Kindle books. And I listened to Audible books. More on how I did it.

When you read that many books, there are bound to be some duds and some studs. Feel free to check out the full list and their ratings if you like, otherwise, here are the best of the best:

Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, Changey White House Years (my write up) – great viewpoint into Obama’s presidency that most of us were unaware of.

Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics (my write up) – I’m mildly obsessed with Bobby Kennedy and what happened in 1968…and how our country was forever changed.

The Trap of Success (my write up) – Great book on entrepreneurship and pushing through struggle by my buddy Gene.

A River in Darkness: One Man’s Escape from North Korea (my write up) – Wow. Just, wow.

Great by Choice (my write up) – now one of my top five favorite business books. It had a fundamental impact on how I think about building companies.

1776 (my write up) – Brilliant, if you’re into history.

Still Hungry in America (my write up) – Powerful photos and writing that helped me remember how the most vulnerable among us are struggling.

My Year of Running Dangerously (my write up) – great book on running and the father-daughter relationship. My eyes got a little blurry at times :)

The Great Game of Business – for me, a classic book on how to run a business.

Fear – I didn’t want to read this book about the Trump White House…but I did. And I’m more scared now :(

A Selfish Plan to Change the World (my favorite passages) – helped me remember that I can do more to help.

The Gatekeepers – I really enjoyed this book. I’m definitely into a period of reading about presidents, so this might not be a five-star for everyone, but I couldn’t put it down. Read it in about five days.