My 12 Favorite Books of 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed every single book that I recommended in 2019—I sure as hell wouldn’t have recommended them otherwise! But for one reason or another, the twelve titles below managed to carve out a special spot in my brain.
Here, in the order that I read them, are my favorite books of 2019:
Body of Water: A Sage, A Seeker, and the World’s Most Elusive Fish by Chris Dombrowski – Dombrowski is a gifted poet and a highly skilled angler, giving him the perfect literary toolbox to tell the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a legendary Bahamian bonefishing guide. Body of Water has all the ingredients I love: honest memoir, outdoor adventure, fascinating history, captivating characters, and lyrical nature writing.
Return on Courage: A Business Playbook for Courageous Change by Ryan Berman – In today’s disorientingly fast-paced world, playing it safe or embracing the status quo will, more often than not, drive organizations into the ground. Taking lessons from everyone from Navy SEALs to CEOs, Berman lays out his case for embracing courage in all aspects of business and life.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller – An action-packed, sometimes-violent, always-thrilling tale of life along Colorado’s Front Range… post-apocalypse. If you love the landscapes of northern Colorado and also enjoy scaring the shit out of yourself, this is your book.
The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century by Clay Risen – I’ve read way too many TR books, and my standards are snobbishly high when it comes to any newcomers’ attempts to tell the 26th President’s story. But Risen nails it. Enough TR antidotes to placate a superfan like me, balanced with fascinating history of everything from the Spanish-American War to the individual character sketches of Rough Riders.
Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West by Heather Hansman – Most of my professional life revolves around water in the West, and this is my favorite book on the subject to date. A perfect blend of adventure narrative and educational lesson, this book is an ideal entry point for people looking to learn more about water issues facing the West, minus the Ambien-like side effects that accompany most water-related books.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King – This book had been recommended to me time and time again, and I’m so glad I finally read it. Part memoir, part writing mechanics, and part creative motivation, the book lays out the dedication and obsession required to be a successful author.
The River by Peter Heller – This is Heller’s most recent book and the one I identify with the most. Two college-age guys head out on a wilderness adventure (which I did many times), and the whole thing devolves into a murderous nightmare (which I thankfully never experienced!).
Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life by Chase Jarvis – A practical guide to pursuing creative endeavors, whether as a full-time job or a side passion project. This book ranks alongside The War of Art and all of Seth Godin’s books for the most useful books on producing creative work.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands by Mark Kenyon – Most citizens who love the outdoors are aware that our public lands are under attack. But I’d wager that few understand the rich history of these places, nor the specific threats to this uniquely American birthright. Kenyon educates and entertains, and the end product is a book that should be required reading for all public lands users.
Civilized to Death: The Price of Progress by Christopher Ryan – For millions of years, humans evolved to live in certain ways, eat certain foods, and maintain certain social structures, many of which are now impossible thanks to modern society. Yes, humans have made “progress,” but are we better off as a result? This book explores that question brilliantly.
Querencia by Stephen Bodio – I was lucky enough to receive this memoir as a gift, and I devoured it in just a few sittings. Beautifully written, deeply personal, and at times hilarious, I consider it a “must-read” for any native easterner who moves West of the 100th Meridian.
River of Traps: A New Mexico Mountain Life by William deBuys & Alex Harris – A book that combines stunning prose and striking photographs, this memoir masterfully describes the unique landscape, culture, and history of life in the northern New Mexico foothills. A moving tribute to immersion in new cultures and a way of life that has all but disappeared.
