183. Top 25 Must Read Books for 2021

Instead of another book review, I decided to make a reading list with 25 must read books for this year. Reading is a great way to learn and connect with the wisdom of the past, so I wanted to help people find some great books to read.

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Here Are 25 Must Read Books

1. Property Rights in the Digital Age by Nick Jamell

Yes, I actually published a book! Check it out here to buy on Kindle, or click here to grab it in paperback.

2. Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis

Basically, the Abolition of Man is a must read book in order to understand the current state of education and the scientism and naturalism of today.

3. Walden by Henry David Thoreau

In Walden, Thoreau not only discusses how he lived, but he also shows the merits of living a slower, isolated lifestyle.

4. Politics by Aristotle

Aristotle explains the differences between the forms of government, and goes further to show how they devolve into bad government.

5. The Republic by Plato

What starts as a discourse on morality turns into an extended allegory, which discusses the perfect form of government.

6. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein

In The Lord of the Rings, Tolkein shows the impact a single person, or small group, can have on the world. Furthermore, it shows you what it takes to push through tough situations.

7. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

If you want to learn how to get your life in order, then check out this book that pulls on tremendous amount of wisdom in order to offer a better way of living.

8. The Illiad by Homer

This is a classic, and if you haven’t read it, you really should. For a great story of victory and loss, triumph and tragedy, check out this must read book.

9. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

If you want to learn what happens without society in place, then you need to read this book.

10. Confessions by St. Augustine

This is a beautiful and edifying work for any Christian; however, anyone can learn a lot from this book as well.

11. A Shorter Summa by Peter Kreeft

Do you want to read St. Thomas Aquinas, but not have the time? Then, you should look at this, one of the must read books that serves as a summary of main points in the Summa Theologica.

12. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

If you are looking for a great summary of some of the religion of the East, then this is a great book to pick up. In it, you’ll learn all about the Tao, also known as the Way.

13. The Analects by Confucius

Confucius offers ethical guidance as the student of Lao Tzu. So, this pairs really well with a reading of the Tao Te Ching.

14. Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell

In our world that is focused on statistics, this is a must read to understand how disparities and discrimination differ, and why one does not imply the other.

15. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

We are individuals, but also parts of trends and movements, so how can you tell the difference? This book shows how individuals take advantage of trends and make a difference.

16. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Aurelius, an emperor and sage, shows us how to live the life of a stoic, which is something more people could use.

17. Two Treatises on Government by John Locke

John Locke is a foundational thinker in the American Republic, and his influence stems mainly from this work. So, if you want insight into the founding read this book.

18. What has Government Done To Our Money by Murray Rothbard

Money is incredibly misunderstood, but it really isn’t hard to understand. This must read book will show you how money has changed over time and how we ought to understand it.

19. The Soul of the World by Roger Scruton

Scruton shows that there is more to the world than a strict naturalism, and offers a look into how we experience a soul in our world.

20. A Nasty Story by Fyodor Dosteyevsky

This is a great story that shows how the elite view the common people, and how arrogance can go awry.

21. The Bible

Obviously, the Bible is quintessential reading. But, I really think this is something everyone, regardless of their faith, must read this book.

22. Empire of Lies by Andrew Klavan

If you think you’re crazy, this book will help you feel less alone in that by following the story of a man who comes across a plot too elaborate to be real.

23. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie explains how you can get people on your side, which is a talent we’ll need if we want to win back the culture.

24. The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway

This riveting tale of a stoic man battling nature will captivate and inspire you, and will show a perfect example of manhood. It is a must read book for any man or boy.

25. Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands by Roger Scruton

Communism and Socialism are way too popular, and I think it’s because people don’t know the ideas behind them. So, I recommend this book that traces the history of this mode of thought.