axelhodler
The years 2023-2025 in books
Books read between 2023 and 2025.
Again. Close to zero commute if we discard planes. And less of an interest in reading books in general. A trend I’ll reverse in 2026.
As previously I’ll rate the books from one to three stars. Three of three (3/3) stars being what I thoroughly have enjoyed and would recommend to others who are into the topic of the book or enjoy a good read in general. Giving a book one star neither states the book is bad or I do not agree with it, rather it is something I personally did not enjoy too much.
2023
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir (3/3)
Plain amazing. Made the flight from El Salvador back to Germany fly by like nothing.
When Money Dies - Adam Fergusson (2/3)
The inflationary spiral in Austria after WW2. Often recommended in Bitcoin circles.
Heat 2 - Michael Mann (2/3)
Had to read it as I’m a huge fan of the 1995 movie Heat. Lots of good parts. I’m waiting for the upcoming movie.
Elon Musk - Walter Isaacson (3/3)
Inspiring. And insane how much the contents would have to be expanded to contain what has happened in the years after the publish date.
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury (2/3)
Quick read on censorship.
2024
Wild - Cheryl Strayed (2/3)
Back in 2014 I watched the movie. Didn’t realize it was based on a book back then. Good read!
Seveneves - Neal Stephenson (2/3)
The whole story and idea is awesome. Would be a 3/3 but the beginning was quite slow and the end too boring for my taste.
The slow beginning led me to only finish the book on my third attempt. I tried to read it 2 times in the last 10 years.
2025
Only one. But a great one. One of the greatest I have read.
Musashi - Eiji Yoshikawa (3/3)
Life and deeds of swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
In 2021 I read about half of Taiko. Same author. Published 2 years after Musashi in 1937. Back then some suggested to do it before Musashi to be historically aligned. Taiko takes place before Musashi. I don’t think this is necessary. Musashi was the superior book.
Even if one doesn’t read Musashi it makes sense to look at his rules:
- Accept everything just the way it is
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake
- Do not depend on partial feelings
- Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world
- Be detached from desire throughout your life
- Do not regret what you have done
- Never be jealous
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation
- Resentment and complaint are inappropriate
- Do not let yourself be guided by lust or love
- In all things, have no preferences
- Be indifferent to where you live
- Do not pursue the taste of good food
- Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need
- Do not act following customary beliefs
- Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful
- Do not fear death
- Do not seek to possess goods or fiefs for old age
- Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help
- You may abandon your own body, but preserve your honor
- Never stray from the Way