My ideas (and actions) were inspired by many great authors. I don’t intend to brag here, but I usually read 50+ books per year. As you might imagine, it was a difficult task to narrow this down to just 20.
These are some of the most influential books I’ve read to date.
The list doesn’t follow any particular order, which is why it doesn’t have any numbers.
I hope this list will help you on your journey as it has on mine.
The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy
I know Darren personally, so I can’t be entirely objective here, but I can be honest: By far the best business book I’ve read.
What do you care what other people think? – Richard Feynman
The autobiography of a genius. We’re lucky he was also a great writer. In his book, the reader gets to see the world through his unique and valuable perspective.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Frank Miller
By far, the best comic book of the caped crusader. I probably enjoyed this story so much because the aging Bruce Wayne proves that even though he’s not as strong or as fast as before, his will is ultimately what matters the most.
The Undercover Economist – Tim Harford
I bought an old edition of this book for mere cents, read a couple of pages and placed it on my bookshelf for months. I’m glad I finally read it. Once you read this book there’s no way back; you’ll see the world in a different way. It’s the older sibling of Freakonomics.
The Revolt of the Masses – José Ortega y Gasset
This book found me at the right moment. It boosted my self-esteem at a time when I needed it most. It is my favorite philosophy book.
Losing my virginity – Richard Branson
The first audiobook I ever listened to. The main takeaway from this book: Have Fun.
Read this book.
Probably screenwriting’s most polarizing book. You’ll understand the formula of how mainstream movies are written, and come to understand movies in a different way. Some writers hate it because they say this book is one of the main causes for movies becoming formulaic in the recent years (and they’re probably right). But as the Blake Snyder states: “Know the rules, then break the rules.”
I am Zlatan – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
I started reading this book as a joke, mainly because I thought Zlatan was a really funny guy. I was truly surprised by the great lessons this book has. By reading it, I got to understand a winner’s mindset. Relentlessness at its best.
The best management book I’ve read. Yes, management. Creativity is something most people understand as being imaginative or having ideas, but through this book, we understand how Ed Catmull (Physics major, Ph.D. in motion graphics) manages creativity to get outstanding results every time.
Bart Simpson’s Guide to Life – Matt Groening
My favorite book as a kid. I read it secretly since my parents didn’t like me watching the Simpsons.
The Courage to Create – Rollo May
I read this book because Neil Kellerhouse (the designer of the movie posters and artwork of Gone Girl, House of Cards, Social Network, Finding Nemo and many others, probably the best designer in the world in his area) recommended it. I was amazed of how much I could learn from Rollo May, a Ph.D. in psychology, as he explained how the process of creation work.
Steal Like An Artist – Austin Kleon
Short and great. I received this book as a gift, and I can tell you it was an enormous influence on my first book, Burn This Book.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces – Joseph Campbell
I was AMAZED by this book. Probably the hardest one to read on the list, but surely one of the best. The book shows the structure that myths (and even movies as Star Wars Ep. IV) follow, and demonstrates that our understanding of the hero figure is hardwired within us independent of our culture and time.
Made to Stick – Chip & Dan Heath
The term “sticky” was once trendy, think of it as the equivalent of “going viral” today. This book shows the elements of a sticky brand or message through the acronym SUCCESS (Simple. Unexpected. Concrete. Credible. Emotional. Story. It is the best marketing book I’ve read so far.
The autobiography of one of my favorite film directors. Kevin Smith. His book provides general life and he’s the narrator of the audiobook version, which I totally recommend.
I Can’t Accept Not Trying – Michael Jordan
Other of my favorites as a kid. A short book by the best basketball player of all time.
Probably my favorite audiobook (narrated by the Stephen King), and certainly the first one where I’ve both laughed out loud and cried. It’s a great, GREAT autobiography, and although there is some good writing advice, the value comes more from the random golden nuggets scattered through his stories than from a formula on how to write a book (if you’re looking for that kind of writing formula, read Save The Cat, even if you’re not into screenwriting).
A fable written by George Orwell. In very few pages, you’ll get a deep understanding of the Russian Revolution.
Rebel Without a Crew – Robert Rodriguez
I’m pretty sure I would’ve never even attempted to make films if I hadn’t read this book. It’s the story of a 23-years-old Robert Rodriguez and how he made his debut film, El Mariachi, with less than $7,000. The film ended up winning the audience award at Sundance Film Festival, arguably the most important film festival in the world.
Trust me, I’m Lying – Ryan Holiday
After reading this book, I never looked at the media the same way. By reading it, you’ll come to understand the twisted incentives (and become a skeptic of most media outlets, bloggers included. Even the book author included). Holiday may sound cocky at times, but believe me, his lessons are great.
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These books have shaped my way of thinking and acting.
My advice is to pick one of them, read it, write down three actions that you will implement in your own life (especially if you read the Batman comic), and act!