Earlier this year, after working through more than 25 books together over several years, I officially “retired” the Fearless Journeys Book Club.
It wasn’t because we ran out of great books — far from it. In fact, the books we explored together form a kind of intellectual and philosophical backbone for the Fearless Journeys community. For those who are new to Fearless Journeys (or those who haven’t read them all), I keep a full listing of those titles — along with links to my reflections and reviews — on the Fearless Journeys website. They continue to serve as a recommended reading foundation for anyone who wants to grow, build, and pursue their own version of the American Dream.
But four years into Fearless Journeys, I sensed it was time to move the community more decisively from learning toward action.
Lifelong learning is essential — reading shapes our worldview, refines our thinking, and deepens our empathy — and that’s why you’ll see me consistently reading to gain new knowledge and perspectives. But reading alone can become its own activity if we never apply what we’ve learned. This year, more than ever, I’ve tried to connect my reading to my travels, my work, my relationships, and the journey I’m on — both personally and with this community.
With that spirit in mind, here’s a reflective look at the 19 books I read in 2025 — what drew me to them, what I learned from them, and how they shaped the year.
🚀 Books Especially Relevant to the Fearless Journeys Mindset
Several of this year’s books feel especially resonant for people in the Fearless Journeys community — builders, entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and lifelong learners trying to live intentionally.
Deep Work — Cal Newport
A powerful reminder of the value of deep focus in an age of distraction. Newport makes the case that meaningful work requires space, discipline, and intentional effort — something many of us struggle to protect in our hyper-connected world.
Can’t Hurt Me — David Goggins
A raw and relentless story of grit, suffering, and pushing past self-imposed limits. Goggins’ example isn’t about copying his extremes — it’s about confronting the stories we tell ourselves about what we think we can’t do.
The 5 Types of Wealth — Sahil Bloom
A refreshing reframing of success beyond financial metrics. Bloom challenges readers to think about time, relationships, health, growth, and freedom as forms of wealth we must intentionally build and protect. If I was starting the Fearless Journeys community today, this book would probably be my primer.
Strong Men Don’t Happen by Accident — François de Neuville
A call to discipline, purpose, physical strength, and moral grounding. It speaks directly to the idea that character is formed through choices, not circumstance.
Each of these books reinforces themes at the heart of Fearless Journeys: intentional living, resilience, purpose-driven work, and the courage to build a meaningful life.
🥾 Camino-Inspired Reading
Four of the books on this list were inspired by — and interwoven with — my solo walk on the Camino de Santiago in Spain this past summer.
The Pilgrimage — Paulo Coelho
Coelho’s early spiritual travel narrative captures the mystical, symbolic, and deeply personal nature of pilgrimage. Reading it alongside my own Camino experience added depth to the journey. He also wrote this book before he wrote one of my all-time favorite books, The Alchemist. He tells us in a later printed afterword that both of those books were inspired by his own experience on the Camino in the early 1980s.
The First Pilgrim — Terence Callery
A fascinating historical look at a medieval king who became the first notable pilgrim to Santiago. It provided a grounding sense of how this ancient route has shaped lives and cultures for centuries.
Off the Road — Jack Hitt
This is the book that largely inspired the film The Way, and it beautifully captures the quirky, human, and sometimes comedic side of pilgrimage.
Along the Way — Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez
Naturally, that led me to this father-son autobiography of the two men behind the film The Way. It is heartfelt reflection on life, faith, family, creativity, and their journey together, both on screen and off. I’ve never heard of a father/son autobiography. This was neat.
Together, these books formed a literary companion to my pilgrimage — past, present, and spiritual.
🌊 Classics, Literature & Spiritual Reflection
The Old Man and the Sea — Ernest Hemingway (re-read)
A simple story on the surface — yet layered with meaning about perseverance, dignity, and the quiet internal struggle of human endurance. Returning to it this year brought new appreciation.
The Brothers Karamazov — Fyodor Dostoevsky
An epic philosophical and emotional journey. Themes of faith, doubt, morality, suffering, and the human condition run deep — finishing this one felt like completing a mountain ascent.
The Problem of Pain — C. S. Lewis
One of my favorite authors — and always worth revisiting. Lewis explores how suffering fits into the story of human life and faith. Short but profound, and full of wisdom that lingers.
🇺🇸 Politics, Society & Culture
The Art of the Deal — Donald J. Trump
Beyond the public persona, this book offers insight into his worldview, negotiating style, and approach to business and brand-building. He wrote this book in the mid-1980s and well, not much has changed about Donald Trump and his approach to negotiation and strategy. Like him or not, once one reads this book, a new understanding to this larger than life figure of our time emerges more clearly.
Butler — Salena Zito
A deeply human look into a community like Butler — the same place where an assassin’s bullet nearly took Trump’s life — and why his message has resonated with so many working-class Americans.
Taken together, these two books helped me better understand Trump not only as a political figure, but as a symbol in America’s cultural and economic divide.
The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
A timely and important exploration of the impact of technology, smartphones, and social media on younger generations — and what it means for mental health, parenting, and society as a whole. Every parent needs to read this book!
How Soccer Explains the World — Franklin Foer
A fascinating lens on globalization, identity, nationalism, religion, and economics — all viewed through the world’s most popular sport. I also loved how chapter one is all about Serbia, a place I visited for the first time this year.
👤 Biography, Creativity & Storytelling
Mark Twain — Ron Chernow
A deep dive into one of America’s greatest literary voices. Chernow brings Twain to life in all his complexity — humor, restlessness, creativity, and contradiction. This was an over 40-hour listen on Audible. I feel like I have now learned everything about the man Chernow calls “the most unique character in American history.”
Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me — Matt Rife
A fun, energetic autobiography from a young comedian whose career has taken off. Lighthearted but insightful, especially on craft, hustle, and the winding road of modern entertainment. Matt Rife became an “overnight succes” but it took more than a decade of hustle and building his skills.
🎧 Fiction, Thrillers & Adventure
Cry Havoc — Jack Carr
I’ve read (or listened to) all of Jack Carr’s previous novels — and this one took a unique turn. A kind of prequel to The Terminal List series, it explores the origins of themes and characters longtime readers know well.
🏔️ A Final Book for the Journey Ahead
The Book of Patagonia — Juan Manuel Herrera Traybel
I closed the year listening to this one as I prepare to visit Patagonia in the opening days of 2026. It set the tone — not just geographically, but emotionally — for the adventure ahead.
✨ Closing Reflection
Looking back on this year’s reading, I’m reminded that books don’t just inform us — they accompany us.
They walk with us on pilgrim roads.
They challenge us when comfort feels easier.
They deepen our understanding of places, people, and ourselves.
And as Fearless Journeys continues to evolve, my hope is that our reading doesn’t end with ideas — but rather fuels action, courage, community, and purpose.
Here’s to another year of learning — and living — what we read.