Books I Read
While I’m not the most voracious reader, reading books is one of my favorite activities.
Before diving into my reading list, a few things about what and how I read.
I gravitate toward fiction, historical fiction, biographies, journeys, western US imagery, rural life, and selective sci-fi.
I avoid business or self-help books. Too often I find myself thinking, “well no shit, how about providing a unique thought.” Instead give me a history or biography from which I can form my own thoughts, my own opinions versus having some “expert” repeatedly pontificate on theirs.
I’m unapologetically old school, I never use an e-reader. I appreciate the tactile experience of a physical book and the satisfaction of watching a bookmark make its way from front to back — gauging progress along the way. Since they are easier to travel with, I prefer paperback editions. And as my eyes get older I certainly appreciate larger font.
What follows isn't a list of the "best" books. It's simply a collection of books I've enjoyed, books I've found worth discussing.
Links to books on this page are affiliate links through Bookshop.org. If you purchase via the links, I may earn a small commission while supporting independent bookstores.
Currently Reading
People Who Eat Darkness | Richard Lloyd Parry
This is getting dark into some evil shit and one of a parent’s worst nightmares.
2026 Reads
Sins of the Assassin | Robert Ferrigno
The second book in the alternative-history Assassin trilogy.
The idea of America divided by politics, religion, and power no longer feels far fetched. This book is an entertaining thriller on the surface, but became more of a horror story as I thought about how easily freedom can disappear one compromise at a time. Be carful, kids.
Going Infinite | Michael Lewis
I have been a fan of Michael Lewis since Liars Poker. Still, I was hesitant to pick up another one of his books so soon after the disappointed of The Premonition.
This story is insanely fascinating. The most surprising part of this book wasn't the billions of dollars, the crypto mania, or my deepening distrust of any institution. It was how so many “smart people” looked at the same warning signs and convinced themselves they weren't seeing them.
Pines | Blake Crouch
When a buddy texts you “I just read the craziest book ever” you blindly order it and jump right in when it arrives.
I could not put it down. I was so intrigued and scratching my head over what could be happening. As the mystery deepened, I became just as confused, frustrated and anxious as the main character.
Wayward | Blake Crouch
I absolutely had to find out what is on the other side.
What happens next in the saga of suspense, science fiction, and horror took me deeper into the irresistible mysteries and horrors of a perfect little mountain town in which I could envision living. It also made me think about what it means to live with secrets and what price we’ll pay for the truth.
The Last Town | Blake Crouch
Of course I could not stop without finding out how it ends.
Sure, the trilogy could probably have been condensed into a single book, but that would not have been nearly as much fun.
The Trading Game | Gary Stevenson
The Liars Poker of the early 2000s.
I wanted to hate him. He is a young FX trader from London’s East End. What value has FX trading ever contributed to society other than make a few individuals extremely rich? Despite all my efforts I could not hate the guy.
Flesh | David Szalay
Rags-to-riches story of a guy roughly my age — growing up in communist Hungary to a luxurious adulthood in London. I rooted for the isolated, misunderstood teenager and found myself increasingly cringing at the man he became.
Wild by Nature | Sarah Marquis
Let’s get this out of the way first: Sarah Marquis is a badass.
Over three years, she walked solo from Siberia to Australia. I thought nature would be the greatest danger. It wasn’t. Humans were. I know she survived, yet I was anxious at many points.
The expedition is impressive, but the vulnerability is what is memorable.
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight | Alexandra Fuller
A memoir of an African childhood.
Our own little world can be so small. I couldn’t stop thinking about how uncomplicated my childhood was. I’m quite certain I never thought about kids my age in Rhodesia or even knew where Rhodesia was.
Ultimately, though, we were both shaped by routines, a country, a family, and a history. Hers just seemed a lot more intense.
Cry Havoc | Jack Carr
Let’s make this simple: I’m a fan of Jack Carr’s fiction and non-fiction. I’ve been waiting for this book since I heard him talk about it in an interview. When it arrived, I ripped through it. I couldn’t put it down.
It’s 1968 in Vietnam and beyond. We meet Tom Reece, a Navy SEAL and father of James Reece from Carr’s Terminal List series. The research and attention to detail made it feel as much historical fiction as thriller.
Tom Reece is a character with plenty of stories left to tell. Now I’m patiently waiting for the next one.