BONUS | Charles Duhigg's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)

The Son is a meticulously researched novel that follows the lives of three main characters from the McCullough family: Eli McCullough, the first child born in the Republic of Texas who is taken captive by the Comanche and later becomes a Texas Ranger; his son Peter, haunted by the family's history of violence; and his great-granddaughter Jeannie, the inheritor of the family fortune. The novel delves into themes of violence, cultural identity, and the complexities of American history, particularly the interactions between white settlers and Native American tribes in Texas. Meyer's detailed and nuanced portrayal of historical events and characters makes the book a compelling exploration of the American creation myth.

Ghost Town Living tells the story of Brent Underwood, who moved to the desolate ghost town of Cerro Gordo in March 2020, determined to bring it back to life. The town, once the largest silver mine in California, had a rich history involving figures like Butch Cassidy and Mark Twain. Underwood's journey involves learning new self-sufficiency and problem-solving skills, facing fires, floods, earthquakes, and unexpected fame. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to seek adventure, redefine work, and embrace the unknown.

In 'The Big Goodbye', Sam Wasson delves into the creation of Roman Polanski's 'Chinatown', exploring its cultural significance and the tumultuous period in Hollywood's history. The book offers a detailed look at the film's production and its lasting influence on the film industry.

In this book, David Epstein examines the success of generalists in various fields, including sports, arts, music, invention, forecasting, and science. He argues that generalists, who often find their path late and juggle multiple interests, are more creative, agile, and able to make connections that specialists cannot. Epstein uses stories and research studies to show that wide sampling and late specialization can be more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex and unpredictable environments. He also discusses the distinction between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments and the importance of balancing specialization with range for long-term success.

This collection is a day-by-day guide that illuminates the path of a life worth living. It features gems of inspiration and wisdom from various historical figures including Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Pascal, Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius, Emerson, Kant, Ruskin, Seneca, Socrates, and Thoreau. Tolstoy considered this work his most important contribution to humanity, and it was widely read in pre-revolutionary Russia before being banned and forgotten under Communism. Recently rediscovered, it has been praised for its timeless wisdom and inspiration.

Set during the Great Depression, 'Ask the Dust' is a gritty and poignant tale of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in Los Angeles. The novel, told through Bandini's first-person narrative, explores themes of poverty, ambition, love, and despair. Bandini's struggles with writer's block, financial hardship, and his complex relationship with Camilla Lopez are vividly depicted against the backdrop of the era's harsh realities. The book is known for its spare, well-crafted prose and its influence on later writers, including Charles Bukowski.