Interesting Books to Read in 2025
I spend a lot of time on the road. Much of that time, I spend listening to audiobooks. Here’s my list of interesting books I think you’d enjoy in 2025.
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Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
An incredibly useful set of tips for those trying to tell better Stories. Matthew Dicks is a professional “Story Teller” and explains how the art of telling a story can benefit anyone who’s trying to document events in their life, sell or promote something, or simply communicate better with other humans. I’ve found it relevant to my blog but also in so many ways of my life. The book is beneficial to anyone who is trying to tell a story… which is really everyone.
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Stephen King is known for horror stories and paranormal tales. As someone who’s read most of his works, this one struck me as different. It’s about a fictional hired assasin who wants to get out of the business. No clowns. No vampires. No telekinetic teenagers. But the story is really good!
Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly
This is the first of several in Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing” series. The whole series is great, but I recommend starting at the beginning. It’s a historically accurate account of the events preceding and following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It delves into details of John Wilkes Booth, Abe Lincoln, and the time they lived in. I doubt you’ll read (or listen to) the first one without exploring the rest.
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Some people love Tim Ferriss and some people seem to hate him. But this book is condensed highlights of his interviews with some of the world’s most interesting people. He focuses on actionable advice and life lessons. The backgrounds of those interviewed include athletes, tech entrepreneurs, doctors, and many personalities I can’t qualify in a single group. I found personal value in every minute of this book and it’s the only book I started re-reading immediately after finishing. There’s something in here for everyone.
Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke
Dr. Anna Lembke was featured in the 2020 Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma,” which warned of the dangers of social media’s impact on us as humans. Her book focuses more on how a wide array of addictions manifest, grow, and in some cases can be overcome. From the age-old problem of alcoholism to more modern obsessions, the author is highly authoritative on the subject of addition – in all of its forms.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry played the beloved Chandler Bings on the popular TV show, Friends. In 2023, he died at the age of 53 from an overdose in his hot tub. Just before his death, this memoir was published. It outlines his personal and professional life with a focus on his battle with addiction. Whether you’re a fan of Friends or someone who is, or is close to, someone battling with addiction, this is a good story. The timing of the book’s publishing is almost eerie.
Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
I’ve personally admired Arnold for his commitment and success in so many arenas (not necessarily for other personal qualities). I loved his autobiography and would have included it in this list, except it’s really long. Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a hybrid of his personal story and motivational advice that transcends sports, business, politics, and many other arenas you my find yourself in. Of the many motivational books I’ve read, this is a personal favorite.
$1,000 100 Ways by Nick Loper
This book is very specific to anyone trying to make a few extra buck as a “side hustle.” Nick Luper does 100 case studies on individuals who’ve found interesting ways to make $1,000 or more in their spare time. Some of the case studies have grown into serious businesses. Others have provided some passive income. All of them were interesting.
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
In a nutshell, our lives are shorter than we’d like to think and this book will, in the most positive way possible, help you realize that and make the best of what’s left of your 4,000 weeks. The full title of the book is “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.”
The Profession by Bill Bratton
This one’s specifically for those in law enforcement or those who want to give a book to someone who is. Bill Bratton was the chief of the NYPD, LAPD and other organizations over his 40+year career. His insights to both the current state of policing and its history are fascinating. No current cops understand what it felt like when the Miranda decision was made, but contrasting that to today’s scrutiny of law enforcement is enlightening.
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Electric cars, spaceships, robots, & neurolink. Elon Musk has his hands in everything scary about the future. Whether you love him or hate him, this is a fairly unbiased biography of possibly the most interesting man of our time.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Admittedly, I’d never heard of the Golden State Killer until he was arrested, but he terrorized our region for decades. The history (which is fairly local to us) of the Golden State Killer is tragic, terrifying, and fascinating. But, the author’s involvement in the events and police techniques which lead to his capture, and her relationship with a celebrity, make this a must-read in my opinion. Whether or not you know anything about the killer who terrorized northern California for decades, this book will keep your attention.
Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz & Dori Jones Yang
I had to go back pretty far in my Audible library to remind me of this one. Howard Schultz unknowingly started one of the world’s biggest businesses when he partnered and re-branded a small coffee shop in Seattle in 1981. The story of Starbucks and its founder fascinates me for more than a few reasons.
Conclusion
I plan on updating this list as I continue to “read.” I have an eclectic taste in reading and am open to any suggestions you think should be added. In the meantime, happy reading (or listening) and take care!