I’m a guy who’s passionate about living my best life: chasing health and happiness with a good dose of curiosity and grit.
I’m no scholar, but I’ve learned one thing for sure: reading is the ultimate cheat code for leveling up in life. Books are like mentors you can carry in your pocket, offering wisdom from the greatest minds across history.
Over the years, I’ve built a ‘core’ library – a collection of books that shape my thinking, keep me grounded, and push me to grow. These aren’t just books; they’re tools I use for navigating the chaos of life with clarity and purpose. Today, I’m sharing why reading is non-negotiable and why having a core library is the foundation for a life well-lived, along with the current 12 books that make up mine.
Why Reading Matters
In a world of endless notifications and 30-second videos, reading is a rebellion. It’s you saying, “I’m taking back my attention and feeding my mind.”
Books force you to slow down, think deeply, and wrestle with big ideas.
They’re not just entertainment; they’re training for your brain. Reading exposes you to perspectives you’d never encounter otherwise, from ancient philosophers to modern economists. It’s how you learn to question the noise, cut through the fluff, and build a worldview that’s yours, not borrowed.
A core library takes this further. It’s not about having a bookshelf that looks pretty on Instagram. It’s about curating a set of books that speak to the pillars of your life—health, purpose, relationships, wealth, and wisdom. These are the books you return to, the ones that anchor you when life gets messy. My core library is my personal council of advisors, each book offering a unique lens on how to live better.
I’ll add that if there are negative comments online about any of these authors, I want to be clear that I’m not encouraging or endorsing anything divisive. This is about the message, not the person/author. It’s OK if you disagree but please keep negative comments out of any feedback. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Here’s why these 12 made the cut.
My Core Library
The Obesity Code by Jason Fung
This book cracked open the truth about nutrition for me. Fung, a nephrologist, dives into why obesity isn’t just about calories in, calories out—it’s about hormones, especially insulin. He breaks down complex science into practical advice, like how intermittent fasting can reset your body’s metabolism. I keep this in my library because it’s a no-nonsense guide to taking control of my health in a world obsessed with fad diets. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about understanding your body and making choices that last.
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
This slim classic is a powerhouse on the power of thought. Allen argues that your mind is like a garden—what you plant, grows. Positive, disciplined thinking shapes your character and destiny, while negative thoughts breed failure. I love its simplicity and timelessness. It’s in my library because it reminds me that my mindset is my greatest asset. When I’m stuck or stressed, this book is a quick reset to focus on what I can control: my thoughts.
The Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez
Stoicism isn’t about being emotionless; it’s about finding tranquility in a chaotic world. This book is a practical guide with 52 weekly exercises to apply Stoic principles like resilience and perspective. I keep it close because it’s like a workout for my soul, helping me stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at me. It’s a reminder that peace comes from within, not from external wins.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, shares his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and his discovery that meaning is the key to survival. His logotherapy framework argues that finding purpose, even in suffering, is what keeps us going. This book is in my library because it’s a gut punch and a beacon of hope. It reminds me to seek meaning in my struggles and to live with intention, no matter the circumstances.
The Art of Happiness by Epicurus
Epicurus gets a bad rap as a hedonist, but his philosophy is about sustainable pleasure—friendship, simplicity, and reflection over excess. This collection of his teachings shows how to find joy in the small stuff while avoiding pain. I include it because it balances my drive for achievement with a reminder to savor life’s simple pleasures, like a good meal or a sunset.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This heartwarming memoir chronicles Albom’s conversations with his dying professor, Morrie, who shares lessons on love, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s a masterclass in what really matters when time’s running out. I keep this book in my library because it softens my edges, reminding me to prioritize relationships and lead with empathy in a world that often feels cold.
Sinek’s book is a game-changer for motivation. He argues that great leaders and organizations start with a clear “why”—their purpose—before tackling the “how” or “what.” It’s not just for business; it’s for life. This book is in my library because it pushes me to align my actions with my deeper purpose, whether I’m building a side hustle or planning my day. It’s fuel for staying driven.
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
Peterson’s blend of psychology, mythology, and practical advice offers a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities. His rules, like “stand up straight with your shoulders back” or “tell the truth,” cut through modern confusion with timeless wisdom. I keep this in my library for its bold perspective—it challenges me to take responsibility for my life and find order in the chaos.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This personal finance classic contrasts the mindsets of Kiyosaki’s “rich dad” (an entrepreneur) and “poor dad” (a salaried academic). It’s a wake-up call about financial literacy, teaching you to make money work for you through assets, not just a paycheck. I include it because it shifted how I view money—it’s not about earning more; it’s about building wealth with smarts and discipline.
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Csikszentmihalyi explores the state of “flow”—that magical zone where you’re fully absorbed in what you’re doing. He breaks down how to achieve it through challenge, focus, and passion. This book is in my library because it’s my guide to staying engaged and productive without burning out. It’s a reminder to chase work and hobbies that light me up.
Thomas Sowell Reader by Thomas Sowell
Sowell’s collection of essays is a masterclass in clear thinking about economics, race, and culture. He cuts through dogma with data and logic, challenging assumptions with wit. I keep this in my library because it sharpens my understanding of how the world works—economically and socially. It’s a reality check for navigating today’s polarized debates.
Tolstoy’s epic novel follows Anna’s tragic pursuit of love and happiness against societal norms. It’s a raw exploration of desire, duty, and the cost of chasing what feels right. I include it because it’s a timeless reminder that happiness isn’t a straight path—it’s messy, and choices have consequences. It keeps me grounded when I’m tempted to chase fleeting desires.
Why You Need Your Own Core Library
My library reflects my values—health, purpose, compassion, wealth, and wisdom—but yours might look different. That’s the point. A core library is personal. It’s not about reading every book under the sun; it’s about finding the ones that resonate with your journey. Start small. Pick a few books that speak to your goals or struggles. Revisit them. Let them evolve as you do.
Reading isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about transformation. Each book in my library has shaped how I think, act, and live. They’ve helped me shed bad habits, build better ones, and stay true to my “why.”
In a world that’s always trying to pull you in a thousand directions, a core library is your compass.
So, grab a book, carve out some time, and start building yours.
Your future self will thank you.
Keep reading!
Brian