These are the books I’d recommend if someone I care about asked what to read next.
I started this list in 2025. Anything I read before that is lost to time.
Not every book I read ends up here. Only the ones I'd recommend.
Order means nothing. Really, I double checked. Please don’t try to find meaning in it.
The Vegetarian
Han Kang
This one left me quiet for a while. It starts with a simple act, a woman deciding to stop eating meat, and unravels into something haunting, surreal, and deeply human (and uncomfortable even, depending on your stomach). It’s about control, autonomy, and what happens when someone refuses to play by society’s rules. Beautifully written, unsettling, and impossible to forget. Even more fascinating after reading interviews from the author and how it was first received in Korea.
Animal Farm
George Orwell
On the surface, it’s about talking animals overthrowing their farmer. But beneath the satire lies one of the sharpest critiques of power, corruption, and idealism gone wrong. What got me wasn’t just Orwell’s political commentary, but rather how timeless it feels. It probably hits different for everyone, depending on the world you live in (and maybe even your workplace).
Wabi Sabi: The Wisdom in Imperfection
Nobuo Suzuki
As a lifelong perfectionist, I often find myself stuck between never starting and never finishing — convinced nothing I make will ever be 'good enough.' This book was a breath of fresh air. It introduces the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, and it helped me shift how I see value, effort, and creativity. A quiet but powerful read.
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s an inspiring reminder to stay true to your purpose, trust the journey, and follow what matters most to you. I’d recommend it to absolutely anyone — it’s one of those rare books that hits something universal, no matter where you are in life.
Remote
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
A bold case for why work doesn’t have to happen at work — packed with actionable insights for thriving remotely. Especially relevant in today’s world. Fun fact: reading this (and its siblings 'Rework' and 'It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work') once helped me land a job. That’s impact.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It may look like a children’s book, but it’s anything but. The Little Prince is a beautifully simple yet profound reflection on human nature, love, and what truly matters. Can’t believe I put this one off for so long — it’s now one of the first books I recommend to anyone.
The Manager's Path
Camille Fournier
If you're stepping into Engineering Management, read this first. It’s a clear, practical guide that maps the path from developer to leader, with real-world insights that actually apply. Honestly, even if you're reporting to an EM, this book helps you understand what great leadership looks like from the inside.
Can't Hurt Me
David Goggins
This book promises to help you unlock your potential and break your limits. For me, it did something even more meaningful — it got me moving again after a serious injury, at a time I wasn’t sure I’d ever work out again. I’m back at it now, and this book played a big part in that.