Dylan's Book Recommendations

Some advice from a self-declared non-expert on anything.

I don’t enjoy writing a post like this, but I will say that when I see someone else post their top books, I pay click on it to read through.

However, it’s a little different for me because I really haven’t read all that many books. I don’t feel qualified in any way to share books. Regardless, some people may be interested. So, we’ll call this my recommended books as of right now, because hopefully it’ll change as I read more books.

7. Mastery by Robert Greene

A wonderful book for anyone who is desiring to become better in their field. This book is full of valuable insights, practical advice, and tons of stories of masters. Greene examines the lives of a number of masters, from fighter pilots to fashion designers to find what they all have in common.

6. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

There’s a reason this book won a Newberry Honor Medal. It’s an incredible story with valuable lessons that cross from wilderness survival into life.

5. The Hobbit

No listicle is complete without Tolkien, especially if I’m the one writing it. Tolkien changed the landscape of fiction forever when he published this beautiful children’s story.

4. A Conflict of Visions by Thomas Sowell

I know, I’m all over the place with my favorite books. But Sowell’s book on ideological paradigms is when I released myself from trying to prove everyone wrong. Sowell examines the origins of political struggle by extrapolating various philosophers’ writing and creates two visions: The “Constrained” and the “Unconstrained” visions of humanity. It’s an incredible work.

3. A Tale of Three Kings

I’ll admit I didn’t like this book at first. But after the second time I read it, I realized that it’s full of powerful lessons for any Christian, especially ones who have been hurt by other Christians. One of my favorite lines comes from King David: “I seek God’s will, not His power” - and that is a perspective we should all try to have.

2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

I can’t say that I struggled with depression, but what I call, “Dysthymia”. It’s the old term for “persistent depression”, but I would describe more like I was always a little sad for a long time. Kind of a like a gray rain cloud followed me around all day. And then I read Man’s Search for Meaning. And it felt like the first layer of the gray rain curtain of my mind rolled back, and I could see clearly again for the first time in awhile.

I was a smiling, happy boy. My mom can show you my baby pictures. It’s incredible how big my smile was when I was younger. But at some point, I stopped smiling so much. I wish I would be that kid again, but I can’t. Too much bad has happened. Instead, I’ve embraced what Frankl calls a “tragic optimism”, which is to accept that this world is a tragedy, but we ought to have hope in spite of it. I highly recommend everyone read this book for themselves.

1. The Bible - DUH!

It had to come to this, the typical church answer. “Jesus”, “the Bible”, “God”, etc.

The Bible has been a source of hope, strength, and wisdom in so many ways. I grew up reading the Bible, but I firmly believe that the Holy Words can help anyone, anywhere. My personal favorites are Ecclesiastes: “For the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear the Lord and keep His commands.” and John, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Now it’s your turn. Tell me what your favorite books are in the comments down below.