Darius Foroux on the books that can alter your thinking!
Over the past three years, I’ve read more than 200 non-fiction books. I’ve dived into Philosophy, Marketing, Productivity, Evolution, History, Biographies, and many other books you read to learn something.
Because that’s the main reason most of us read non-fiction, right? You read a book to get something out of it. And after reading a lot of similar books, you start noticing patterns.
One thing I’ve noticed is that non-fiction books of the past ten years are not boring to read. I think Malcolm Gladwell played a huge part in that development. His book The Tipping Point, published in 2000, also seems like a tipping point for non-fiction books.
Non-fiction books of today are equally entertaining to read as fiction books. That’s also because they’re forced to be more interesting — books have a lot of competition these days.
We live in a world where we all expect to be entertained all the time. Entertainment is everywhere. Just look at the options you have: Movies, tv shows, funny cat videos, Snapchat Stories, articles, you name it.
But to me, reading a good book beats everything. Also, books can truly change the way you think. Especially fiction books because you don’t expect them to change your life or anything.
I’ve made a list of 7 fiction books that have inspired me. You won’t find the cliché books on this list. We all know The Catcher In The Rye, Lord Of The Flies (I really hate that book, it’s so obvious), To Kill A Mocking Bird, and so forth.
No, I’ve tried to create a list with less familiar books. I hope you pick up at least one of them.
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Simple
This book was recommended to me by a reader. It’s not something I would stumble upon myself. But I’m glad I read this book. Where’d You Go, Bernadette is an entertaining and creative novel about weirdoes in Seattle. Maria Semple wrote for Arrested Development (one of my favorite tv shows). And that’s something you can tell by her style. ‘Dudes’ probably call this chick lit. But grow up man, and read this shit.
2. Naïve. Super by Erlend Loe
Another funny and entertaining book. Loe is from Norway, and I like his minimal style. It’s a story about a young kid who’s searching for meaning in life. Way better than all the corny self-help parables like The Alchemist. This book is down to earth and fun to read.
3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Another funny and entertaining book. Loe is from Norway, and I like his minimal style. It’s a story about a young kid who’s searching for meaning in life. Way better than all the corny self-help parables like The Alchemist. This book is down to earth and fun to read.
4. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
The only very familiar book on this list. I’ve referred to this book more often and I still enjoy it after all these years. It never gets old. And if you’ve never read it, drop whatever you’re doing and get this book. You’ll change after reading it.
The only very familiar book on this list. I’ve referred to this book more often and I still enjoy it after all these years. It never gets old. And if you’ve never read it, drop whatever you’re doing and get this book. You’ll change after reading it.
6. Zarya: Cydnus Final Hope by Jackiem Joyner
This book pushes the boundaries of science and tech. An advanced desert planet on the verge of Annihilation. An unexpected teenage girl from a small town will become the only hope for a dying planet.
7. Cathedral by Raymond Carver
Because Raymond Carver wrote short stories, he’s never included in any ‘top novels’ lists. And that’s a shame. Most people have heard about his classic What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. But Cathedral makes you think more. My favorite Carver collection because it’s about exploring everyday moments in human life.
Maybe you’ve read some of these books. Maybe not. It doesn’t matter. And maybe they’ll change the way you think. Or maybe not.
Let us remind ourselves that it’s okay to ‘just’ read a book. Reading a good book is like having a conversation with a friend. J.D. Salinger said it best:
“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn’t happen much, though.”
Not every single book has to make you a millionaire, turn you into a life hacker, or the best version of yourself.
So, grab a book. Sit back. Turn off your phone. And READ. Not because it will improve your life. But because it’s food for your mind.
P.S. What’s your favorite fiction book? Feel free to share it in the comments