In 2023, I have managed to read 101 books, although I have to admit there were a lot of short children ones. Average book length was 114 pages, so it is still about 52 average books a year, which is my goal. Here is my pick of top 10.
The Big Picture by Sean Carroll
So far the best book talking about secularist and humanist worldview based in science I have read. You do not have to agree, but if you want to understand secular humanism and nonreligious people, you should read this. 10/10
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
This book has probably a lot of oversimplifications and too strong statements, but it is sticking to the science as close as possible and explains a lot about sleep. On top of that, it is a fun read. 10/10
Kôň na poschodí, slepec vo Vrábľoch by Pavel Vilikovský
Another masterpiece by Vilikovský. Definitely my favorite Slovak author so far. Again, not much of a story, more of a feeling being transferred through beautiful sentences. 10/10
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
I am perfecting my productivity and routines since my university years, and this book very clearly and practically summarizes what sciences can tell us about habit-forming and bad habit breaking. Apply to improve your life. 9/10
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
As far as Weir goes, it is really science based fiction. You will learn a lot about physics, relativity and space travel and be entertained and moved at the same time. 9/10
Modrá knižka / Roky Fica II. / Roky Fica III. by Shooty
Shooty is one of the best caricaturists in the world, and his compilations (based on the government years) are the best summary of what happened in Slovakia you can find. 9/10
In Order To Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park
There are clear holes in the story of miss Park, but overall it is a fascinating book about North Korea and escaping from it. Reading this, keep in mind that she was from one of the well of families in North Korea. 9/10
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger and Joel Lovell
Up to the point where he started talking about thinking running for president of the USA, it was quite interesting. Then my point of view on Mr. Iger changed a bit. But, still interesting insight into running Disney and companies in general. 8/10
Drei Kameraden by Erich Maria Remarque
A book about nothing and everything. Book about a lost generation. A book about friendship. A book about love. I recommend reading it in German as there are beautiful sentences which would be hard to translate and convey in other languages. 8/10
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian
If you are scared of AI or want to know what it is, how it works, how it is trained, what it can do and what not, read this. Real studies, applications and stories, nicely set into historical context. 8/10
You can see the complete list of my 2023 books here (my 2022 summary is here).