“Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world.” – Jeanette Winterson, English author
I’ve asked the Pure Portfolios team to provide a list of influential books they’ve read in 2024, along with a brief description or takeaway.
If you’re looking for your next book to read, this list could provide your next great journey (or maybe a gift idea for a friend or loved one!).
This is one of our most popular annual posts.
Erin Varghese
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: This novel follows Nora Seed as she discovers a magical library where each book allows her to live a different version of her life based on choices she could have made. Through these alternate lives, the story explores themes of regret, choice, and the transformative power of second chances in finding purpose and meaning.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel: Peter Thiel offers a challenging take on entrepreneurship, emphasizing that creating something entirely new (going from zero to one) is the key to lasting success. He encourages innovation through unconventional thinking, breaking away from competition, and building monopolistic advantages.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: In this poignant and darkly humorous memoir, Jennette McCurdy recounts her experiences as a child actor under her controlling mother’s influence. She reflects on her journey to self-discovery and healing from trauma after her mother’s death.
Reality Check by Mike Sorrentino: Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino shares his candid story of overcoming addiction, legal troubles, and public scrutiny after his reality TV fame. The book serves as an inspirational guide to self-improvement, resilience, and living a balanced life.
Nik Schuurmans
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson: This definitive biography dives deep into the life and mind of Elon Musk, chronicling his relentless pursuit of innovation across multiple industries. From Tesla to SpaceX and Neuralink, Isaacson provides an unfiltered account of Musk’s ambitions, triumphs, and personal struggles. The book highlights how Musk’s bold vision, combined with unyielding work ethic, has shaped him into one of the most influential figures in technology.
No Worries by Jared Dillian: Jared Dillian unpacks the money anxiety in our modern society, offering relatable anecdotes blended with practical advice. Covering themes like debt, relationships, and self-imposed pressure, Dillian provides a humorous yet grounded approach to reducing financial worries without compromising ambition.
A Man for All Markets by Edward O. Thorp : Edward O. Thorp details his life as a math professor turned Las Vegas blackjack master and Wall Street investor. By showcasing how he used quantitative analysis to beat the casino and later revolutionize the hedge fund industry, this memoir serves as both an inspiring personal narrative and an essential lesson in risk-taking and applied mathematics.
Troubled by Rob Henderson: This memoir unravels Rob Henderson’s complicated upbringing and illuminates the interplay of class, trauma, and ambition in shaping social mobility. Drawing from his life experiences as a child in foster care to becoming a scholar at elite institutions, Henderson provides insights into overcoming adversity and finding one’s place in an unforgiving world.
The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway: Scott Galloway breaks down the principles of building wealth into easily digestible equations, focusing on relationships, attitude, and strategy. With sharp wit and data-driven insights, Galloway offers valuable, actionable advice for achieving financial independence and maintaining balanced success. Both engaging and practical, it’s a must-read for anyone rethinking their approach to building wealth.
Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier: Abigail Shrier critiques various approaches to modern therapy, unpacking how certain trends in the profession can sometimes do more harm than good. Mixing research with interviews, Shrier builds a compelling argument for thoughtful, individualized therapy while also warning against unchecked practices that may miss the mark in addressing patient needs.
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga by Erik Larson: This historical saga weaves together a gripping tale of disruption and tension that preceded the Civil War. Erik Larson examines the individuals behind the standoff at Fort Sumter, offering insights into their motivations and the broader implications for the unification of the United States.
Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green: William Green’s Richer, Wiser, Happier explores the timeless principles of wealth, decision-making, and personal fulfillment by insights from some of the world’s most successful investors. Green weaves together stories from visionaries like Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett, and Howard Marks, highlighting how their strategies extend beyond money and into achieving a richer life in every sense—personally, intellectually, and emotionally.
Julie Johnsen
“It’s always fun to remember the books I have read over the past year, but it is incredibly difficult to narrow it down to a handful. Some of the historical fiction novels I read were my favorites.”
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Varghese: Spanning generations, this sweeping epic follows a family’s journey through love, tragedy, and the search for meaning in a coastal Indian village. The story intricately examines themes of water, faith, and identity, revealing the profound connection between the characters’ lives and the land they inhabit.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See: Set in 15th-century China, this novel follows a skilled female physician who navigates the challenges of a patriarchal society while practicing medicine. As she defies tradition to treat women’s ailments, she becomes involved in a powerful circle of women who seek to make a difference in their world.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: Follows eight generations of descendants of two half-sisters born in 18th-Century Ghana. It explores the impact of slavery and the civil rights movement on the African and African American experience.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: A historical mystery inspired by the real life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small Maine community.
Other books I enjoyed…
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Tim Metz
Defying the Dragon by Stephen Vines: Journalist Stephen Vines provides a tribute to Hong Kong’s spirit and also lays out a sobering account of the challenges ahead. This book is a detailed exploration of Hong Kong’s complex struggle to preserve its identity and freedoms under the tightening grip of Beijing. He chronicles the erosion of the “one country, two systems” framework promised during the 1997 handover, and examines the resilience of Hong Kongers in the face of growing authoritarianism while also reflecting on broader implications for global politics and China’s influence.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez: This book delves into the pervasive gender data gap that shapes the world, often to the detriment of women. Perez exposes how much of the world’s infrastructure and products are designed with men as the default, creating negative consequences for female users. From car design to urban planning, Perez draws on data, research, and real life experiences to call for change in addressing systemic inequalities through better and more inclusive data.
Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz: Seth reveals how big data and internet searches provide unprecedented insight into human behavior, often uncovering truths that traditional surveys and self-reporting fail to capture. The book combines storytelling with data analysis to explore what people truly think, feel, and desire when they believe no one else is watching. From surprising trends in prejudice, to hidden anxiety or motivations, the book demonstrates how digital footprints are reshaping fields like economics, public health, and advertising.
Toby Weber
Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia: A comprehensive approach to longevity, focusing on both extending lifespan and improving health span through the concept of Medicine 3.0, which emphasizes early intervention and prevention. The book covers key areas such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional health, offering science-backed strategies to optimize physical and mental well-being while challenging traditional medical approaches to aging and disease.
How to Retire by Christine Benz: A holistic approach to retirement planning, emphasizing that a successful retirement involves not just financial strategies but also personal fulfillment and relationship building. Through insights from 20 experts, the book covers essential topics such as budgeting, investment strategies, and the importance of social connections, ultimately guiding readers to create a meaningful and enjoyable retirement experience.
Little Avalanches by Becky Ellis: Memoir that intertwines the author’s life with her father’s World War II experiences, exploring the impact of trauma across generations.
No Worries by Jared Dillian: A refreshing perspective on personal finance, emphasizing that achieving financial freedom doesn’t require obsessing over small expenses but rather focusing on a few key principles that lead to long-term wealth and reduced stress. The book encourages readers to adopt a positive mindset towards money, tackle major sources of financial anxiety, like debt and risk, and provides practical advice for managing finances without sacrificing life’s pleasures.
Phil: The Rip-Roaring Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar by Alan Shipnuck: An unauthorized and candid exploration of Phil Mickelson’s life, detailing his remarkable career, personal controversies, and the vibrant personality that has captivated golf fans.
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins: Advocates for a radical shift in how we view wealth, emphasizing the importance of maximizing life experiences over accumulating money for the future. The book encourages readers to spend their resources intentionally throughout their lives, aiming to “die with zero” by prioritizing memorable moments and meaningful adventures rather than leaving behind an inheritance.
Conclave by Robert Harris: A political thriller centered around the election of a new pope, filled with intrigue and power struggles within the Catholic Church.
Colin Purcell
On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor: Explores the significance of trails in both the natural world and human society. Through a blend of memoir, history, and philosophy, Moor examines how trails—whether footpaths, animal tracks, or even digital networks—shape our experiences and perceptions of the world. The book delves into the intersection of nature and culture, exploring themes of movement, connection, and discovery. With deep insights and rich storytelling, Moor invites readers to reconsider the paths we take, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a thought-provoking reflection on how trails connect us to the landscape and to one another.
Great Speeches by Native Americans edited by Bob Blaisdell: Compelling anthology that highlights the powerful words and voices of Indigenous leaders throughout history. The collection includes speeches from prominent figures that offering insights into their struggles, wisdom, and resilience in the face of colonization. Each speech is carefully chosen to reflect the connections between Native Americans and their land, cultures, and rights.
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