Bert Kreischer's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)

This deluxe annotated edition features running commentary by James L. W. West III on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, glossing contexts, language, literary allusions, and contemporary references. It includes dozens of illustrations and photographs recreating the Jazz Age, a new introduction by Amor Towles, a corrected text based on Fitzgerald’s manuscripts and personal copies, restored American spellings, 13 annotated letters with editor Maxwell Perkins, and a detailed chronology of Fitzgerald’s life. Drawn from the authoritative Library of America edition, it offers fascinating insights into the novel's composition, editing, and publication.

Pappyland is a story that intertwines the history of the Van Winkle family with the art of bourbon-making. It explores themes of tradition, family, and the challenges of maintaining a legacy in a changing world. Through Wright Thompson's storytelling, the book delves into Julian Van Winkle III's struggles and triumphs in preserving his family's iconic bourbon brand.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo as they travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race. Their journey descends into a drug-fueled exploration of the American Dream, marked by bizarre encounters and hallucinatory experiences. Thompson's use of 'gonzo journalism,' a subjective and immersive style, captures the frenetic energy and moral ambiguity of the era. The book critiques consumerism, the failures of the 1960s counterculture, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Through its chaotic narrative and dark humor, it remains a cult classic that challenges conventional storytelling.

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.

This book details the almost two-year struggle for survival of the 28-man crew of the Endurance, which was beset and eventually crushed by ice floes in the Weddell Sea during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917. The crew drifted on ice floes, salvaged lifeboats, and eventually reached Elephant Island. Shackleton then led a perilous journey to South Georgia Island to secure rescue, culminating in one of the most remarkable survival stories in history. Lansing's narrative is based on extensive research, including interviews with surviving crew members and access to their diaries and personal accounts.

James A. Michener's 'Hawaii' is a classic saga that vividly portrays the history of the Hawaiian Islands, from their volcanic formation to the arrival of Polynesian seafarers, American missionaries, and immigrants from various cultures. The novel delves into the complex interactions and cultural transformations that shaped Hawaii's identity and its path to statehood. Through exhaustive research and engaging storytelling, Michener brings to life the struggles and harmonies of diverse peoples in this tropical paradise.

In 'Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga', Hunter S. Thompson provides an immersive account of his time with the Hells Angels, detailing their lifestyle and challenging the myths surrounding them. The book offers a sociological commentary on the media's portrayal of the gang and their place in American culture.

The Firm follows Mitch McDeere, a top Harvard Law graduate, who is aggressively recruited by Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a small but highly lucrative law firm in Memphis. The firm offers him an irresistible package of benefits, including a high salary, a new BMW, payment of his law school loans, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, Mitch soon discovers that the firm is involved in illegal activities, particularly money laundering for the Mafia. As an FBI investigation unfolds, Mitch is pressured to cooperate while navigating a treacherous moral landscape, trying to protect his family and his own life. The novel is a gripping tale of ambition, morality, and the high-stakes world of legal and criminal intrigue.

This leatherbound journal offers a daily thoughtful question about fatherhood and family, with five entry slots per question—one for each year—to record growth, change, and continuity over five years. It draws inspiration from historical parental journaling practices, encouraging fathers to actively shape their lives through reflection, recalibration, and recommitment to ideals. Start any day, create a virtuous cycle of writing and action, and end up with a personal map of the parenting journey filled with intention, patience, and wisdom.

Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of alienation, meaning, and the search for authenticity in modern society. The story follows Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, as he grapples with existential questions and the search for meaning in his life. Percy's writing is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and insightful exploration of human nature. The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic and existentialism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. It's a story about finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living a meaningful life.

This novel by Frederick Turner vividly captures the Jazz Age, weaving a story around Leon 'Bix' Beiderbecke, a jazz legend known for his brilliant yet troubled life. The narrative is framed by the memories of Henry Wise, who reflects on the era's excesses and the tragic figures that defined it. The book features cameos by notable figures like Louis Armstrong and Clara Bow, offering a rich tapestry of the period's music, culture, and societal upheaval.

The Cost of These Dreams is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Pat Riley, exploring the personal costs of their achievements. Thompson's work is celebrated for its vivid detail and insight into the human side of sports.

Written by Kahlil Gibran, 'The Prophet' is a book of prose poetry that explores themes such as love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, and more. The story follows the prophet Almustafa, who, before departing from the city of Orphalese, shares his wisdom with the people on a range of subjects. The book emphasizes the importance of freedom, self-knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all life. It has been widely acclaimed for its profound insights and has been translated into over 100 languages, making it one of the most translated books in history.

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel that tells the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight, unemployed, and intellectually arrogant man living with his mother in New Orleans. The novel is a rich satire that critiques modern society through Ignatius's interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including his mother Irene, his girlfriend Myrna Minkoff, and various eccentric figures from New Orleans. Written in the early 1960s while Toole was in the army, the book was published posthumously in 1980 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. It is celebrated for its witty and absurd portrayal of life in New Orleans and its memorable protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly.

The Crack-Up is a posthumous collection of essays by F. Scott Fitzgerald, compiled and edited by Edmund Wilson. It includes three essays originally published in Esquire magazine in 1936, along with letters and notes. The book provides a candid look at Fitzgerald's life, exploring themes of personal struggle, fame, and the disillusionment of the Jazz Age.

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.