My Top 5 Books of 2018

Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 39 seconds.

  1.  “Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion by Dr. Marlene Winell

Psychologist Marlene Winell is known for coining the term Religious Trauma Syndrome. Leaving the Fold is a book that examines the effects of authoritarian religion (fundamentalist Christianity in particular) on individuals who leave the faith. It is the only self-help psychology book on the subject of religious recovery. The accessible, compassionate writing provides clear information and concrete help. It is one of the most powerful and healing books I have ever read, and that is why it is my #1 Book of 2018.

  1. (Tie) A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A Gentleman in Moscow is like an erudite and charming dinner companion that your heart hurts to depart when the meal draws to a close. It is a creative and perfectly written book of touching mock-epic digressions, good taste, and a cast of colorful characters, that add up to something undeniably mannered and undeniably pleasant. 

3) The Red Book: Liber Novus by C.G. Jung

A giant (literally 12.2″ x 2.3″ x 18″) masterpiece of philosophy. It contains drawings of Jung’s Mandala’s, explanations of his most profound dreams and all we have come to expect from this genius who has given us invaluable resources to become who we truly are.

4) American Philosophy: A Love Story by John Jacob Kaag

An accessible and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to American Philosophy told in part while exploring the old library at West Wind, a ruin of an estate in the hinterlands of New Hampshire that belonged to the eminent Harvard philosopher William Ernest Hocking.

It is the question “Is life worth living?” that guides this remarkable book.

5) Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward

Well-researched and meticulously sourced, this book written by one of America’s most respected and honest journalists is one part informative, one part entertaining, and in all parts chilling to those who have ears to hear the truth about the man who will undoubtedly go down in history as the most corrupt and inept American President.