My Ultimate Reading List (The Best of 260 Books)

The best books in the world organised by genre (updated weekly)

This is an evergreen asset that will be available on The Weekly Book Study homepage, and is updated weekly.

This publication is FREE, and always will be. Due to the interest of readers wanting to show support – and some sage advice from

Kyle Shepard

of Resilient Mental State – I’ve signed up to Amazon’s Associates Program.

Whenever I mention a book, I’ll provide a link to Amazon’s store page.

If you buy it within 24h, I’ll get a 3.5-4% commission.

If you wanted the book: win. I get some recurring revenue I didn’t expect anyway: win. There’s no pressure. I love reading, and am grateful for the opportunity to talk about it with so many brilliant people.

Let me know what you would add or change.

Happy reading,

Rowan.

My Ultimate Reading List

The following is broken down into 11 genres:

(navigate with the table of contents side bar 👈)

• 🧠 Jungian Psychology

  • Divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced (at least read 5 from beginner)

• 🧘‍♀️ Spirituality

• 🐉 Fiction & Legend

• 🏛️ Stoicism

• ✏️ Writing & Creativity

• 😎 Self-Help

• ⛵️ Real Life & Biographies

• 🏰 Mythology

• 𝜳 Psychology

• ✍️ Poetry

• 🧔🏼‍♂️ Philosophy

Books are ordered on 2 criteria:

1) How blown away I was

2) Optimal order of reading

The first book is the one I wish I read first, and would recommend first. There’s currently 110 books in this list. Find a genre you like, start with whatever catches your attention. Even if a title is last in its category, it’s still an amazing book.

I’ve included nothing I don’t 100% believe is capable of changing a life.

All are an exceptionally good investment of your time.

🧠 Jungian Psychology

Beginner

1. Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s autobiography

2. Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson

   1. Introduction to Jungian practice

3. Man and His Symbols by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s attempt at simplifying his work

4. Introducing Jung: A graphic Guide by Maggie Hyde

   1. A short introduction / reminder to Jung

5. She: Understanding Feminine Psychology by Robert A. Johnson

   1. Applicable to men: anima (Johnson features a lot on this list, it’s because he’s an exceptional writer)

6. He: Understanding Masculine Psychology by Robert A. Johnson

   1. Applicable to women: animus

7. Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson

   1. Shadow work 101

8. King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette

   1. How to progress though the masculine stages

9. Four Archetypes by C.G. Jung

   1. A short collection of Jung’s essential work

10. We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love by Robert A. Johnson

    1. How to navigate the trials and pitfalls of modern relationships

Intermediate

1. The Red Book by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s creative process. A collection of his fantasies of which his greatest ideas emerged

2. The Essential Jung by Anthony Storr

   1. A large collection of Jung’s most important writing

3. Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson

   1. How to escape complex thought and life and enter enlightenment

4. Alchemy by Marie-Louise von Franz

   1. Great introduction to medieval alchemy

5. Ecstasy: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson

   1. How pleasure and joy has been lost in our culture

6. Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson

   1. How we give away our power and also a lot about re-finding religion

7. The Interpretation of Fairy Tales by Marie-Louise von Franz

   1. Fairy tales are symbols of the unconscious in their rawest form and how to interpret them

Advanced

1. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology by C.G. Jung

   1. Great advanced introduction

2. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s 2 most crucial theories

3. Aion by C.G. Jung

   1. Explores the evolution of the self through the lens of Christian symbolism, alchemy, and astrology, focusing on its relation to time and individuation. (Jordan Peterson said this was “the scariest book he’s ever read”)

4. The Origins and History of Consciousness by Erich Neumann

   1. Explores how consciousness has evolved (Jung said “I wish I wrote this”)

5. Symbols of Transformation by C.G. Jung

   1. Examines how mythological and religious symbols reflect deep psychological processes within the collective unconscious, shaping individual and cultural development

6. Psychological Types by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s theory of personality: the 4 functions and intro and extroversion etc

🧘‍♀️ Spirituality

1. The Tao Te Ching (illustrated edition) by Lao Tzu translated by Steven Michell

   1. My desert island book – a philosophy so simple barely anyone understands it

2. The Four Agreements by Don Miquel Ruiz

   1. Take power back from bad agreements with yourself, and create better ones (I left the Army because of this book)

3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

   1. Presence 101 – essential

4. The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel & Jose Ruiz

   1. An expanded and better version of The Four Agreements

5. Still the Mind: an Introduction to Meditation by Alan Watts

   1. A collection of Watts’ most reassuring lectures

6. The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaren

   1. The most influential Hindu text with a breathtaking introduction. Eawaren was an Indian professor who moved to the US and is an expert in explaining the East to the Western mind

7. The Dhammapada translated by Eknath Easwaren

   1. The teachings of the Buddha in their rawest form. Easwaren will blow your mind before the translation even begins

8. The Upanishads translated by Eknath Easwaren

   1. The greatest literature of Vedic philosoophy. One of the earliest and most influential religious texts of all time

9. The Dark Night of the Soul by St John of the Cross

   1. An astonishing relevant and readable guide from a medieval monk about the life’s dark period

10. The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

    1. The best book dealing with the Ego problem (Watts wrote this for family and loved ones)

11. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

    1. A great philosophy for simple living in a complex world

12. Tao: The Watercourse Way by Alan Watts

    1. Fantastic explanation of Taoism from one of the best minds in history

13. The Kybalion (Hermetic Philosophy) by Three Initiates

    1. This isn’t Hermetic philosophy. It’s new age thought trying to sound old and wise – but with a pitch of salt, it’s very good

14. Power vs Force by David R. Hawkins

    1. The difference between trying, and aligning yourself with the universe. Skip the foreword, there’s a lot in here I don’t agree with, but the premise has been one of greatest influences of my life

15. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

    1. A spiritual guide for the modern world

🐉 Fiction & Legend

1. The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien

   1. My favourite fiction book. A lesser known Tolkien short tragedy that I think is (unpopular opinion alert) better than the LOTRs

2. The Aeneid by Virgil

   1. Roman propaganda. An odyssey exploring roman myth and origin.

3. The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

   1. The greatest modern myth of our time. If you haven’t read this drop everything and start now. Also if you have kids, and have not read them the Hobbit, you’re a bad person. (This special edition looks insane)

4. The Iliad by Homer translated by Robert Fagles

   1. [WARNING] Proceed at your own risk. Obvious a must read if you’re interested in literature, but it is a bit boring

5. The Odyssey by Homer translated by Robert Fagles

   1. The most important story from history. Like the Iliad, it can be a bit long-winded at times, but Fagles translation is a good remedy for that (p.s. Ian McKellen does the audiobook)

6. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll

   1. If you’re wondering why children’s books are on here it’s because this notion myths and fairy tales are for children is a new development. There’s plenty of symbolic meaning if you have the Jungian psychology to spot it

7. Harry Potter by K.J. Rowling

   1. Basilisks under castles. Shadow figures haunting heroes. Motifs of good vs evil. This is a modern myth on such a profound proportion it’s worth your time. 600 million copies sold (the best-selling series in history). Maybe there’s something your missing

8. The Epic of Gilgamesh by N.K. Sandars

   1. The oldest story on record. It’s about a hero, but not to our conventional understanding

9. Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

   1. If you want to read a Russian literature in less than a million pages, this is your go to

10. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

    1. If you find the English countryside as romantic as I do, this is a blissful experience

11. 1984 by George Orwell

    1. A classic. Story’s weird, but it’s message paints a picture of harrowing world we would do well to avoid

12. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

    1. Classic English ghost story. Great for cold winters around the fire

13. The Shinning by Stephen King

    1. I’m not really a novel guy. But this was amazing (100x better than the film)

14. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

    1. Lot’s interesting motifs and life-lessons told within a short and engaging story

15. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

    1. An attempt on my part to read more novels – may have teared up at the end (good book)

🏛️ Stoicism

1. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

   1. A collection of the most prominent stoic quotes with excellent commentary. This is the perfect introduction and overview to Stoicism

2. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

   1. The diary of a Roman emperor. You’ll be blown away at how relevant it is to modern life

3. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca

   1. A collection of letters written by a Roman playwright and advisor to the emperor Nero. Just as applicable as Meditations, a bit funner also

4. Discourses and Selected Writings by Epictetus

   1. Epictetus was a Greek slave. After securing his freedom, he taught Stoicism. This is a collection of notes a student took of his seminars. This isn’t as popular as the Meditations or Letters, but it should it be

✏️ Writing & Creativity

1. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

   1. This is the only book you need on discipline, creativity, and possibly spirituality. Pressfield is a master writer who’s earned his stripes. All other books of his on this list are equally as impressive and follow a similar theme – start here, read the rest if you want more

2. On Writing by Steven King

   1. A quick memoir of his early days, then an extensive masterclass on good writing (essential for writers)

3. The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole

   1. Where it all started. I began this publication because of this book. Cole is a master writer and digital marketer. If you’re writing in the 21st century, this is essential reading

4. The Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday

   1. Before becoming known as “the stoicism guy,” Holiday was a marketer with 2 best-selling books. If you struggle to find the balance between making money and creating authentic work that stands the test of time, this is for you

5. Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield

   1. All Pressfield’s books are amazing, they’re all on a similar theme of The War of Art (the titles are self-explanatory, start with the first)

6. Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

7. Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas & Tiago Forte

   1. A great introduction to the basics of marketing for online businesses

8. Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield

9. The Authentic Swing by Steven Pressfield

10. The Artist’s Journey by Steven Pressfield

11. Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be by Steven Pressfield

12. The Warrior Ethos by Steven Pressfield

13. The Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield

    1. A collection of all Pressfield’s best quote

😎 Self-Help

1. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

   1. The core of the American “positive thinking” genre (Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, and Bob Proctor’s work). The problem is a lot of these titles were written by suspected conmen. James Allen was an Englishman born in the 19 century whose father was murdered when he was 14, leaving him responsible to earn a living and support his mother and sisters. He used the power of thought to escape hard circumstances and achieve his dream of becoming a writer – not making money

2. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

   1. When you think of the lone samurai ronin, you’re thinking of Musashi. An undefeated swordsman, in the last remaining years of his life, he wrote down his philosophy and wisdom for prosperity. An amazing read

3. The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck M.D

   1. “Life is hard.” Peck was an American psychiatrists with a unique view on life and personal development. He talks to the core of things most are afraid to mention

4. How to Eat, Move, and be Healthy by Paul Chek

   1. A friend called this “the instruction manual your body didn’t come with.” A holistic approach to diet, sleep, and exercise

5. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson

   1. Ravikant is a great thinker who connects business and spirituality. But his thoughts are scattered across a convoluted social media platform. This is a collection of his greatest quotes organised into a cohesive narrative

6. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

   1. I think of this as the real-world ‘Defence against the Dark Arts.’ Greene wrote this book after facing the maniacal Machiavellian behaviour of people who felt a hidden jealousy of him at work. People are terrible, read this to learn their tricks

7. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr Joe Dispenza

   1. Using self-hypnosis to overcome limiting beliefs. Possibly the most important book you’ll ever read

8. Bushido by Inazo Nitobe

   1. A very short introduction to Japanese samurai philosophy.

9. The Road Less Traveled and Beyond by M. Scott Peck M.D

   1. Written 20 years after ‘The Road Less Travelled,’ Peck final thoughts on life and its meaning

10. 12 Rules for Life by Dr Jordan Peterson

    1. Read if you’re suffering from laziness

11. Models: Attracting Woman Through Honesty by Mark Manson

    1. A great introduction and motivator to dating in the modern age

12. The Easy Peasy Way to Quit Porn by Hackauthor2

    1. Porn is ruining your life. This book is based on Allen Car’s books for quitting smoking and drinking. There’s no tricks, commitments, or efforts, just a logical argument

⛵️ Incredible Real Stories & Biographies

1. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

   1. Just before WWI, an expedition set out to cross the Arctic circle. They shipwrecked, and fought for survival in the most inhospitable conditions on earth (great reminder of how easy you have it)

2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

   1. A psychiatrists experience in a concentration camp, crazy

3. Churchill: Walking with Destiny (biography) by Andrew Roberts

   1. Award winning telling of the life of who many people call “the greatest man to ever live”

4. Breath: a Life in Flow by Rickson Gracie

   1. The autobiography of one of the most respected names in martial arts. His life is more interesting than most Hollywood movies

5. Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung

   1. Jung’s autobiography

6. Govt Cheese: a Memoir by Steven Pressfield

   1. Pressfield’s years of struggle. Truly inspirational for any aspiring creative

7. Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

   1. What inspired the HBO show. Goes deeper, well written

8. Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab

   1. The story of the SAS patrol that was hunted down and captured during a special operation in Iraq. Almost too incredible to be true

9. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

   1. The memoir of the founder of Nike. A brilliant writer and inspiration for anyone trying to build something worthwhile

10. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

    1. A brilliant account of Steve Jobs’ life and accomplishments

🏰 Mythology

1. The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

   1. The most fascinating telling of the Norse legends I’ve come across (same for all following)

2. The Greek Myths by Robert Graves

3. The Egyptian Myths by Garry J. Shaw

4. The Japanese Myths by Joshua Frydman

5. The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

   1. Inspired by Jungian psychology, Campbell found the connections between all hero myths, and influenced George Lucas as he wrote Star Wars (warning: tricky read)

6. Grimm Tales by Philip Pullman

   1. The major oral fairytales the Grimm brothers collected from Germany

𝜳 Psychology

1. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker

   1. How to unlock the superpower of rest

2. Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown

   1. The greatest guide to effective learning I’ve found

3. The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne

   1. How to memorise like a memory athlete

✍️ Poetry

1. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

   1. Profound and loving

2. Selected Poems by Rumi

   1. Profound and enlightening

3. Select Poems by Rudyard Kipling

   1. Great English poetry spanning from jovial to heartbreaking

4. Pleasures of the Damned: Select Poems by Charles Bukowski

   1. Gritty and humorous

5. Paradise Lost by Paul Milton

   1. Beautiful and thought provoking

🧔🏼‍♂️ Philosophy

1. Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche

   1. Spectacular and weird

2. Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

   1. Very hard reading. But the exploration of virtuousness is really life-changing

3. The Republic by Plato

   1. A classic. Not easy reading, but its influence on Western thought is so important it’s worth it

4. The Art of Happiness by Epicurus

   1. Falsely portrayed as the anti-stoic, Epicurus’ philosophy is essentially the same thing, just less pompous.