The 10 Best Books I've Read Every Day Since 2020

The Joy of Reading and Its Many Benefits

Reading is a simple and inexpensive joy that offers countless benefits. However, in today's fast-paced world filled with work, family responsibilities, and the constant pull of streaming services and social media, finding time to read can be challenging. Despite this, there are compelling reasons to choose a book over a phone. Whether it's learning something new, exploring a topic in depth, or simply enjoying an exciting story for entertainment and escapism, reading provides a unique form of engagement.

Moreover, reading has hidden health benefits that many people may not realize. Research suggests that reading actively improves your health by activating more parts of your brain, strengthening it, and enhancing your ability to process information in the future. Another study found that reading significantly reduces stress levels, with blood pressure and heart rate decreasing after just a few minutes of reading. A 2021 online study conducted on social media asked 496 participants to read a book before sleeping and 496 others to avoid reading. After a week, 42% of the readers reported improved sleep, compared to only 28% of the non-readers. Additionally, another 2021 study suggested that reading for a short time before bed may help you stay asleep longer.

Recommended Books from the Last Five Years

If you're looking for great reads, here are some recommendations that I have enjoyed over the past five years. These include a mix of fiction and non-fiction, each offering a unique perspective and experience.

1. The Five by Hallie Rubenhold (2019)

This book sheds light on the lives of the five women murdered by Jack the Ripper. It’s a powerful account of their histories, identities, and personalities, giving them the recognition they deserve. The level of research involved is staggering, and the book is described as "urgent, eloquent, angry, and beautifully put together."

2. Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken (2023)

This life-changing book explores how much of our food today is barely recognizable as food. Dr. van Tulleken examines the chemical processes and industrial ingredients that go into our meals, linking them to the rise in obesity. It’s a thought-provoking look at the modern food system.

3. Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe (2021)

This meticulously researched book tells the story of the Sackler family and the opioid epidemic they helped create. It’s a gripping account of how a pharmaceutical company profited from the devastation caused by oxycontin.

4. In Memoriam by Alice Winn (2023)

Set during World War One, this emotional novel follows the love between two young men. Winn’s vivid storytelling and the use of school newspaper reports add depth to the narrative, making it a heartbreaking yet beautiful read.

5. Brooklyn and Long Island by Colm Toibin (2009 and 2024)

These novels follow Eilis Lacey as she leaves Ireland to build a new life in Brooklyn and later returns to Long Island. The story captures the experiences of millions of immigrants and explores themes of identity, loss, and belonging.

6. How to Win the Premier League by Ian Graham (2024)

This insider’s view of Liverpool Football Club’s success reveals the role of data and analysis in achieving victory. It highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in sports.

7. The Power of Geography by Tim Marshall (2021)

Marshall explores how geography influences global politics and international relations. He makes complex issues accessible, showing how factors like location and resources shape the world we live in.

8. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell (2019)

This suspenseful novel centers around an abandoned mansion and the dark secrets it holds. With its clever twists and engaging narrative, it’s a great introduction to Jewell’s work.

9. Putin’s People by Catherine Belton (2020)

Belton’s book delves into the rise of Vladimir Putin and the networks that support him. It’s a well-researched account of how power is maintained through various means, including disinformation and blackmail.

10. The Second Stranger by Martin Griffin (2023)

This gripping mystery follows a hotel worker who encounters two strangers claiming to be the same person. The tension builds as the story unfolds, keeping readers engaged until the end.