Great article Jared. Every now and then you knock it out of the park and this article falls into that category!
Couple of suggestions for books (novels) to check out if you are looking for some:
1. Nelson DeMille - every single of his novels I think is just excellent. Sadly he passed away last year but his son (who he cowrote his last couple of novels with) is stepping in. We shall see.
2. Robert Sawyer - writes Science Fiction with a modern slant. Quantum Night (relevant for today’s cultural/political environment) & Calculating God I can highly recommend checking out.
3. Greg Isles - since you were just down in Mississippi, he writes based out of Natchez. Some good, some just OK, but mostly good with a Southern USA type perspective.
4. Jared Dillian - up and coming young writer.
Last thought - I am finding that as I have aged I have become more and more interested in historical type writing (Paris 1919 for example) type literature than I ever was. Was just in Vienna and became quite intrigued with finding out more about the Habsburg’s. Struggling to find the reason behind the change in my interest from more novels, less non-fiction, to more non-fiction!
" I used to know a guy in high school who thought that the more he whacked off, the bigger his dick would get. Unsurprisingly, he masturbated constantly."
Nonfiction books are my predominant reading choice but I make a point to intersperse fiction books into the rotation. Night Moves is on my shelf and I looked at it when you mentioned it in the piece. I like having hard copies of books I enjoy displayed in my house because I can be reminded of something in the book when I glance at it. The short story about the drunk guy with the winning lottery ticket popped into my head when I looked at Night Moves. My girlfriend reads mostly fiction so I get some recommendations from her and recently enjoyed the Midnight Library. I just finished the audio book Animal Farm and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing but I guess those don’t count. I’ll be ready to read your next fiction book in print when it’s released. Unfortunately I won’t be reading it in a $4000 sheepskin chaise but I’m sure I’ll still enjoy it.
100% agree with you about audio books are not reading books. Too many people tell me they read books when they are just listening to books in their car - not the same. As for reading books, I find non-fiction books much more interesting than fiction in general. Three of my favorite fictional books across the years have been Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett, The Charm School -Nelson Demille, and All the evil of this world - Jared Dillian (by far your best and just so interesting in the way the stories/perspectives were woven together).
No matter how TV watch, you never get better at it.
We have an epidemic of aliteracy, the ability to read, but not the inclination. I read almost 100 % fiction until I was about 18 maybe 20. Now I am almost 100% non-fiction.
If you haven't read any of Tom Wolfe's fiction books read them. Except "Back to Blood" it's only so-so. He was a great writer he just didn't know how to end a book.
If you want to go back in time for great Novels read anything by Thomas Wolfe.
Make sure you have some time on your hands. His books are huge.
Faulkner never did anything for me. I think you may be disappointed. I don't understand stream of consciousness stuff. Pages with no punctuation doesn't do it for me. My English teacher said it builds character. I disagree and I've read a lot more than her. I'm not going to live long enough to read all the books I have, but I keep buying them
Jared, I hear your premise and agree in general. I do disagree about audiobooks not being reading. I am dyslexic, and didn’t read a book until college for pleasure. I also didn’t realize I was dyslexic until I was close to 40. My audio library is like over 800 titles but it would take me forever to read that many titles. You would probably love that it was a young adult lit class in college that ignited my love of reading. It took me forever to read the Dark Tower series and Lord of the Rings. Here’s a recommendation for you if you haven’t read them, the Harry Dresden series seems like something that you would enjoy. Flawed character full of personality. Glad you have kept this series going.
Okay, Jared. Just finished reading "The Fund - Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, And The Unraveling of A Wall Street Legend. Circle back after the treadmill episode.
Hey Jared... I answer your challenge back that I am male (but also 56 years old), and read 1-2 books a month minimum, usually 1 non-fiction and 1 fiction. Including everything you have written. Of course, many are via Kindle for convenience but it's still reading - I dislike audio books except for getting through some of the business/leadership topics - can't imagine doing F. Scott Fitzgerald or Ayn Rand via audio. So how many laps on the treadmill is that worth? :)
I am trying to bribe my kids into reading (ages 13 and 15) and haven't found anything that works. Absolute zero interest even when offering cash incentive. I am still amazed in today's age how quickly I get lost in a novel as soon as I start reading - not one who can read 1 chapter a day. Concept lost on our youth - rapidly becoming illiterate - but hey that's what chatGPT is for isn't it.
Just finished my 7th reading of Atlas Shrugged - not the best literature in the world, but one of my all time favorite novels. Was introduced to Ayn Rand in 11th grade English class where We the Living and Fountainhead were required reading. Read Atlas Shrugged first time in 1987..
Awaiting my Kindle automatic delivery of Rule 62 on June 24....
Ayn Rand was forbidden reading in my high school. It seems some kid read them and dropped out lol.
I discouraged my kids from reading. By the time they were on to me, it was too late and they were readers. I also had no TV or other electronics except Friday afternoon for a few hours. We homeschooled and had a house full of books. I have yet to meet a homeschooler who was not a reader.
Yesterday I was visiting our house under construction to make decisions with the finish carpenters. The owner and boss is just 25 and super sharp. I found out he was homeschooled. How do we get some of that drive into our school systems?
Same boat Marcus. I still read quite a bit (although probably half as much as I used to). Have watched a dozen or so friends that were readers winnow to 2 of us after 30 years. And no joke my 2 sons in college or about to head there have not read a single book in their entire lives (have trouble fathoming how you graduate HS without reading a book). Tried cash, prizes, food etc. Nothing worked.
I finished a Spanish degree two summers ago. They no longer require much reading because the kids don't read. The in-person program had very little reading, but the ECampus classes had tons of it, although we never read an entire book in Spanish. Fortunately, Spanish has some of the best short stories and Borges is an incredible writer. I have read one book in Spanish recreationally, but an usually too lazy, it is very hard for me. News articles in Spanish are easy to read.
Ayn Rand audiobooks are actually awesome- several are narrated by Christopher Hurt who is perfect for her writing style. I did skip Galts speech on the audio version of Atlas though. (I have read it the "real" way before)
Marcus, I'm in a similar situation with the kids. I read a fair amount, maybe 12 books a year. But I also consume a fair amount of online work from writers that I like....like Jared. But I fall into the trap of sticking with reading (books and online) of content that I think will directly help me with investing and life. I need to read more that would encourage more indirect improvement by improving my thinking. Example, you mentioned Atlas Shrugged. Just this week a friend made a comment and reference John Galt. I've never read it so I didn't understand his comment. I'm thinking I need to read that next. I've probably read enough personal finance books for awhile.
Back to the kids, I'm trying to move a little to meet them where they are. They're never going to read personal finance books or trade stocks like me or listen to company quarterly conference calls. I've had a little success (and only a little) getting them to sign up for some online newsletters. For example, there are some women out there who write newsletters tailored for women. The advice seems shallow to me. But if I can get my girls to listen to them (in addition to what I've tried to teach) about money basics, it'll turn out well for them in 20years.
Richest Man in Babylon is short and effective for understanding finance.
My dad was a brilliant investor and I got nuggets from dinner table conversation, but I have wished for years that I learned more from him when he was alive. It is really hard to care about investing when very young. It kicked in hard for me when my first child was born. Even so, I got a solid foundation in basic concepts and your children may be picking up more than it appears.
Same boat as you. And coincidentally also started with Atlas Shrugged, I'm 1/4 of the way in and it's understandably controversial. I love it, and can see why non-entrepreneurial types dislike it so much.
An interesting fact is that it took her 13 years to write it, and never wrote a book ever since. It took her whole life energy to finish it. Makes it worth checking out imo.
I will take this opportunity to recommend Choke (I don't know how to underline in Substack's format) by Chuck Palahniuk, since it's fantastic and somebody probably already gave it to you. Sit in that nice reading chair with a neat drink in one hand and that book in the other and we'll see you on the other side.
Excellent essay, Jared -- I read almost 3 paragraphs! (Kidding) Just to prove that a guy can recommend a novel, can't lose with "The Last Tycoon". Fitzgerald's notes are a gift to writers (and to readers, but where do you find them?). Give a quick read of his five-page treatment re the children/plane, fascinating to think that he almost certainly wasn't planning to include that story in the final draft.
This was tremendous. I think I agree with every word. The bookstores (and pubs) in Oxford are brilliant. You should read basically every book in the Faulkner section, and the Oxford University Press editions of Joyce, with prefaces by Jeri Johnson. Sincerely, a dude recommending you fiction
Agree with a lot of what is written here. I am a reader (currently in the middle of The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton) and shoot for 20 books a year. This is on top of my voluminous Substack readings, a big chunk of which is focused on the energy industry. I have two sons, one who will occasionally read, if he finds the topic of interest, and one for whom trying to get him to read is like pulling teeth. As for fiction and men, there is so much good fiction going back 150 years that is out there and remains unread by large numbers of men. It's all available and very appealing. I know going back and reading Vonnegut or Bukowski or somesuch doesn't really do anything for your book sales but it is a place to perhaps create the spark of interest in reading to explore more recent fiction.
Great article Jared. Every now and then you knock it out of the park and this article falls into that category!
Couple of suggestions for books (novels) to check out if you are looking for some:
1. Nelson DeMille - every single of his novels I think is just excellent. Sadly he passed away last year but his son (who he cowrote his last couple of novels with) is stepping in. We shall see.
2. Robert Sawyer - writes Science Fiction with a modern slant. Quantum Night (relevant for today’s cultural/political environment) & Calculating God I can highly recommend checking out.
3. Greg Isles - since you were just down in Mississippi, he writes based out of Natchez. Some good, some just OK, but mostly good with a Southern USA type perspective.
4. Jared Dillian - up and coming young writer.
Last thought - I am finding that as I have aged I have become more and more interested in historical type writing (Paris 1919 for example) type literature than I ever was. Was just in Vienna and became quite intrigued with finding out more about the Habsburg’s. Struggling to find the reason behind the change in my interest from more novels, less non-fiction, to more non-fiction!
If you like Vienna, the Habsburg's and novels, you should read Radetzky March by Joseph Roth.
You buried the lead intro to your article!
" I used to know a guy in high school who thought that the more he whacked off, the bigger his dick would get. Unsurprisingly, he masturbated constantly."
Now THAT'S how you hook a reader!
Loved this. This one made me think a LOT about how I consume books. The writing retreat treated you well. Inspired to find some good fiction now.
Nonfiction books are my predominant reading choice but I make a point to intersperse fiction books into the rotation. Night Moves is on my shelf and I looked at it when you mentioned it in the piece. I like having hard copies of books I enjoy displayed in my house because I can be reminded of something in the book when I glance at it. The short story about the drunk guy with the winning lottery ticket popped into my head when I looked at Night Moves. My girlfriend reads mostly fiction so I get some recommendations from her and recently enjoyed the Midnight Library. I just finished the audio book Animal Farm and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing but I guess those don’t count. I’ll be ready to read your next fiction book in print when it’s released. Unfortunately I won’t be reading it in a $4000 sheepskin chaise but I’m sure I’ll still enjoy it.
100% agree with you about audio books are not reading books. Too many people tell me they read books when they are just listening to books in their car - not the same. As for reading books, I find non-fiction books much more interesting than fiction in general. Three of my favorite fictional books across the years have been Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett, The Charm School -Nelson Demille, and All the evil of this world - Jared Dillian (by far your best and just so interesting in the way the stories/perspectives were woven together).
No matter how TV watch, you never get better at it.
We have an epidemic of aliteracy, the ability to read, but not the inclination. I read almost 100 % fiction until I was about 18 maybe 20. Now I am almost 100% non-fiction.
If you haven't read any of Tom Wolfe's fiction books read them. Except "Back to Blood" it's only so-so. He was a great writer he just didn't know how to end a book.
If you want to go back in time for great Novels read anything by Thomas Wolfe.
Make sure you have some time on your hands. His books are huge.
Faulkner never did anything for me. I think you may be disappointed. I don't understand stream of consciousness stuff. Pages with no punctuation doesn't do it for me. My English teacher said it builds character. I disagree and I've read a lot more than her. I'm not going to live long enough to read all the books I have, but I keep buying them
Jared, I hear your premise and agree in general. I do disagree about audiobooks not being reading. I am dyslexic, and didn’t read a book until college for pleasure. I also didn’t realize I was dyslexic until I was close to 40. My audio library is like over 800 titles but it would take me forever to read that many titles. You would probably love that it was a young adult lit class in college that ignited my love of reading. It took me forever to read the Dark Tower series and Lord of the Rings. Here’s a recommendation for you if you haven’t read them, the Harry Dresden series seems like something that you would enjoy. Flawed character full of personality. Glad you have kept this series going.
Okay, Jared. Just finished reading "The Fund - Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, And The Unraveling of A Wall Street Legend. Circle back after the treadmill episode.
Hey Jared... I answer your challenge back that I am male (but also 56 years old), and read 1-2 books a month minimum, usually 1 non-fiction and 1 fiction. Including everything you have written. Of course, many are via Kindle for convenience but it's still reading - I dislike audio books except for getting through some of the business/leadership topics - can't imagine doing F. Scott Fitzgerald or Ayn Rand via audio. So how many laps on the treadmill is that worth? :)
I am trying to bribe my kids into reading (ages 13 and 15) and haven't found anything that works. Absolute zero interest even when offering cash incentive. I am still amazed in today's age how quickly I get lost in a novel as soon as I start reading - not one who can read 1 chapter a day. Concept lost on our youth - rapidly becoming illiterate - but hey that's what chatGPT is for isn't it.
Just finished my 7th reading of Atlas Shrugged - not the best literature in the world, but one of my all time favorite novels. Was introduced to Ayn Rand in 11th grade English class where We the Living and Fountainhead were required reading. Read Atlas Shrugged first time in 1987..
Awaiting my Kindle automatic delivery of Rule 62 on June 24....
Ayn Rand was forbidden reading in my high school. It seems some kid read them and dropped out lol.
I discouraged my kids from reading. By the time they were on to me, it was too late and they were readers. I also had no TV or other electronics except Friday afternoon for a few hours. We homeschooled and had a house full of books. I have yet to meet a homeschooler who was not a reader.
Yesterday I was visiting our house under construction to make decisions with the finish carpenters. The owner and boss is just 25 and super sharp. I found out he was homeschooled. How do we get some of that drive into our school systems?
Same boat Marcus. I still read quite a bit (although probably half as much as I used to). Have watched a dozen or so friends that were readers winnow to 2 of us after 30 years. And no joke my 2 sons in college or about to head there have not read a single book in their entire lives (have trouble fathoming how you graduate HS without reading a book). Tried cash, prizes, food etc. Nothing worked.
I finished a Spanish degree two summers ago. They no longer require much reading because the kids don't read. The in-person program had very little reading, but the ECampus classes had tons of it, although we never read an entire book in Spanish. Fortunately, Spanish has some of the best short stories and Borges is an incredible writer. I have read one book in Spanish recreationally, but an usually too lazy, it is very hard for me. News articles in Spanish are easy to read.
Ayn Rand audiobooks are actually awesome- several are narrated by Christopher Hurt who is perfect for her writing style. I did skip Galts speech on the audio version of Atlas though. (I have read it the "real" way before)
Have to add... I usually go science fiction to relax. Liu Cixin's Three Body Problem and Asimov Foundation Series at the top.
Marcus, I'm in a similar situation with the kids. I read a fair amount, maybe 12 books a year. But I also consume a fair amount of online work from writers that I like....like Jared. But I fall into the trap of sticking with reading (books and online) of content that I think will directly help me with investing and life. I need to read more that would encourage more indirect improvement by improving my thinking. Example, you mentioned Atlas Shrugged. Just this week a friend made a comment and reference John Galt. I've never read it so I didn't understand his comment. I'm thinking I need to read that next. I've probably read enough personal finance books for awhile.
Back to the kids, I'm trying to move a little to meet them where they are. They're never going to read personal finance books or trade stocks like me or listen to company quarterly conference calls. I've had a little success (and only a little) getting them to sign up for some online newsletters. For example, there are some women out there who write newsletters tailored for women. The advice seems shallow to me. But if I can get my girls to listen to them (in addition to what I've tried to teach) about money basics, it'll turn out well for them in 20years.
Richest Man in Babylon is short and effective for understanding finance.
My dad was a brilliant investor and I got nuggets from dinner table conversation, but I have wished for years that I learned more from him when he was alive. It is really hard to care about investing when very young. It kicked in hard for me when my first child was born. Even so, I got a solid foundation in basic concepts and your children may be picking up more than it appears.
Same boat as you. And coincidentally also started with Atlas Shrugged, I'm 1/4 of the way in and it's understandably controversial. I love it, and can see why non-entrepreneurial types dislike it so much.
An interesting fact is that it took her 13 years to write it, and never wrote a book ever since. It took her whole life energy to finish it. Makes it worth checking out imo.
My husband adored those books.
Man. https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2024/58027759
I will take this opportunity to recommend Choke (I don't know how to underline in Substack's format) by Chuck Palahniuk, since it's fantastic and somebody probably already gave it to you. Sit in that nice reading chair with a neat drink in one hand and that book in the other and we'll see you on the other side.
Found a copy at my local library. Look forward to reading. Been meaning to read some Palahniuk.
Excellent essay, Jared -- I read almost 3 paragraphs! (Kidding) Just to prove that a guy can recommend a novel, can't lose with "The Last Tycoon". Fitzgerald's notes are a gift to writers (and to readers, but where do you find them?). Give a quick read of his five-page treatment re the children/plane, fascinating to think that he almost certainly wasn't planning to include that story in the final draft.
Yes, I read mostly non-fiction. However since retiring I have made a commitment to read more of my favorite science fiction novels by Robert Heinlein.
I loved his juvenile fiction when I was young. He went a bit off the rails later with his adult fiction.
This was tremendous. I think I agree with every word. The bookstores (and pubs) in Oxford are brilliant. You should read basically every book in the Faulkner section, and the Oxford University Press editions of Joyce, with prefaces by Jeri Johnson. Sincerely, a dude recommending you fiction
Agree with a lot of what is written here. I am a reader (currently in the middle of The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton) and shoot for 20 books a year. This is on top of my voluminous Substack readings, a big chunk of which is focused on the energy industry. I have two sons, one who will occasionally read, if he finds the topic of interest, and one for whom trying to get him to read is like pulling teeth. As for fiction and men, there is so much good fiction going back 150 years that is out there and remains unread by large numbers of men. It's all available and very appealing. I know going back and reading Vonnegut or Bukowski or somesuch doesn't really do anything for your book sales but it is a place to perhaps create the spark of interest in reading to explore more recent fiction.
This article might read a little more comfortably without the interjections ("fucking): They don't add anything but noise.