May Reading List 2021
Hey friends,
The end of another month means another reading list. This month hasn’t been my most productive in regards to reading. I could have definitely read more than I have.
That said, I still managed to get through five books, so it’s not been as it sounds. I should stress it’s not important to read as many books as you can. But I read fairly quickly so that means I can get through books in a few days.
I need to get better at carving out more time in the day to dedicate to reading. If it’s just an hour here or there, it will make a big difference in the long run.
The Sixth Extinction - This is one of the most eye-opening and terrifying books I’ve read in a while. Elizabeth Kolbert looks at the ongoing extinction of a variety of species around the planet and concludes that we might be to blame. Not only are we polluting the planet, but we’re also condemning many species to extinction too. Not to mention the likes of the dodo, a species already driven to extinction by humanity. This is an essential book to read if you want to learn more about the Anthropocene and the impact we’re having on the planet.
Fear and Loathing La Liga - This is a look at modern Spain through the lens of football, specifically the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. I lived in Barcelona for two years and can attest to how vivid this rivalry is and how much it permeates throughout Spain. It’s a land where football matters a lot and you can’t understand the country without understanding its passion for the beautiful game. This is a great read for those looking to learn more about the topic and those like myself who want to know more.
The Assault on Truth - The rise of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump before he lost the presidency, was a rise that baffled many, myself included. How can people vote for two men who have a record of lying as long as my arm? It’s an important question and one Peter Oborne looks at in this book. It’s terrifying in its account of all the lies told and how important the truth is for those who hold public office. We can only hope that truth comes to be prized more highly in the future than it is right now.
Fragments - A short book of aphorisms from the famed philosopher of Ancient Greece, Heraclitus. This is all that remains of his work, most of which we’ve lost. This was a man who influenced many thinkers such as Socrates. You can read through this book in under an hour, but its value is in picking it up, again and again, to return the timeless advice inside.
The Barcelona Legacy - Another book on Spanish football, I make no apologies for my love of the sport! This one is a little different to the previous book. It looks at how one club has influenced modern football unlike any other. The tactics and coaches who’ve sprung up from Barcelona is incredible and their impact on the game has been striking. This is a book for football lovers. If you’re not interested in the sport, you’ll find it a tough read. But if you are, it’s an illuminating look at the legacy of a single football club.
I hope you get around to reading a few of these selections. Whether you read them in the next month or year, I’m not bothered. The idea of my reading lists is to encourage you, the reader, to read more.
If more of us read, and read books outside of our comfort zone, the world would be a better place. You don’t know what you don’t know. Reading is one of the best ways to fill in those gaps in your knowledge.
If you have any comments about the books, maybe you’ve read one before. Or if you have some recommendations for me, I’m all ears. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Tom