Books I’ve Read in 2022
#books 3 min.
For the last 5 years I try to read at least 1 book per month. I don’t take this goal too seriously, but it still provides some motivation.
I kicked last year off well, finishing the third book by February.
Then February 24th happened. Every Lithuanian understood we were facing a genuine prospect of total war. Daily routines and habits went out the window, replaced with a steady flow of news coverage. All day, every day.
By April I started noticing mental fatigue and began limiting my exposure to the news. During the following months, I came back to books looking for an escape from upsetting reality.
Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton
The main idea of the book is hard to argue against: tell the truth as you experience it. The controversial part is how far the author takes this concept. I don’t fully agree with his views, but it’s still an entertaining take on the self-help genre.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
I almost gave up on it half-way, but I’m glad I did not. The writing style is cute at first, then annoying, then you’re too invested into characters to care.
Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber
Gave up halfway through the book. The thesis is interesting and well reasoned, but the book is just too dry and repetitive. Similar complaint to the one I had with Thinking, Fast and Slow.
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman (audiobook)
Production quality is crazy good. Enjoyed it much more than Netflix’s adaptation.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Didn’t think much of it, but it was surprisingly informative and entertaining read. Also, at 228 pages it didn’t take long. Can easily recommend to anyone in a leadership position.
Labai blogai, arba Liuks by Felix Ackermann, Nerijus Šepetys (Translator)
Translated and adapted version from original. It’s always interesting to hear about your home country from a foreigner. Some observations were entertaining, some illuminating, others just missed the point completely. Author is a historian, so learned some new things about my country too. Realized I should know my history better and read more books in Lithuanian.
The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow
The longest book I’ve read last year, yet it went by the quickest. You know that feeling when you stay up longer just to finish one more chapter? Yeah. Haven’t encountered such a page turner since The Dark Tower.
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor (audiobook)
Fun! If you liked anything by Andy Weir, you would probably enjoy this too.
Diaspora by Greg Egan
I thought I liked hard sci-fi until I read this book. Almost gave up on it, but ultimately there was just enough story to keep me invested and push through elaborate world-building.
Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Good primer on motivation fundamentals for anyone in the leadership position. Might not be much in it for you if you’ve read about the topic already.