In 2021, I set myself a goal to read 16 books. As with many goals in my life, I overachieved and finished my 17th book, so I was very satisfied with the result – first time in my life read this many books in a year!
How I Became a Reader
You must know this about me: I was never a big reader until recently. I grew up in a family where nobody read books, and at school we had long lists of compulsory reading. Most of those books given by our teachers felt very boring for a young boy — at least they certainly did during my childhood in the early 90s.
Eight out of ten books felt like a struggle to finish. Simply put, I had no interest in reading Greek or Russian literature back then.
Very quickly, reading became more of a “get-over-it” task rather than “time spent with joy.” After finishing school, I read only technical books or magazines related to my work.
My wife, however, is a real book lover. She reads more than 200 books a year! Her passion for books slowly influenced me. Over the years she often recommended titles that she thought I would enjoy. Eventually, after many years, I started reading again. I discovered that reading can be both a relaxing hobby and a powerful way to learn.
The Book That Brought Me Back
In the spring of 2014, I experienced a small burnout for a few weeks at work after a stressful period. I decided to stay home for a while and bought a book for the first time in years. That book was LATE FRAGMENTS: Everything I Want to Tell You (About This Magnificent Life).
I spent my days reading in my big armchair and going for long walks with the dog. It was a peaceful and restorative time. This was the first book I remember truly enjoying after many years.
Later, I began using my commuting time for reading as well. I discovered WWII survival books and enjoyed them a lot. I was fascinated by the strength of the human spirit and how hope can help people survive even in the most extreme environments.
How Self-Development Books Changed My Reading Life
At the end of 2017, I started my self-development journey. The first book I read on the topic was Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. This book changed my life.
I loved the story of a successful lawyer who became obese, unhealthy, and burnt out, and then transformed his life completely. After reading this book, I discovered a real passion for reading.
I became fascinated by learning how to become a better person and how to overcome the negative programs that often run quietly in our subconscious minds. Later, I read all Robin Sharma’s books and I can only recommend them.
Why Reading Became One of My Best Habits
Reading has become one of the most valuable habits in my life. Books allow us to learn directly from the experiences of others — sometimes from people who spent decades studying or mastering a subject.
Through reading, you can travel through time, learn new ideas, improve your thinking, and discover perspectives you may never encounter in everyday life. A good book can change the way you see the world, your career, your health, or even your relationships.
For me, reading became both a source of learning and a way to relax. It allows me to slow down, reflect, and step away from the constant noise of everyday life. My wife’s dream was to have a home library, which consists now over 2000 books – and it is keep growing. I enjoy sitting with her there, read those beautiful books.
If you are not a regular reader yet, my advice is simple: start with a topic that truly interests you. When you enjoy the subject, reading no longer feels like a task — it becomes something you actually look forward to.
My Reading Journey by Year
If you enjoy book recommendations, you can also explore the books I read in other years. I try to read consistently every year, and these posts summarize the books that influenced my thinking, mindset, and personal development the most. As you can see, I am behind of these Book reading journal posts but these are now on my to-do list and will publish them soon.
- Coming Soon – Books I Read in 2025
- Coming Soon – Books I Read in 2024
- Coming Soon – Books I Read in 2023
- Books I Read in 2022
- Books I Read in 2021
I usually read books about personal growth, psychology, health, entrepreneurship, and inspiring life stories. If you have a book recommendation I should read next, feel free to share it in the comments.
