2025 Reading
This list will be dynamic and include non-fiction and fiction. I'll also add a personal rating out of 5 stars for each book I start and finish.
Be the Dad She Needs You to Be by Kevin LemanThe Indelible Imprint a Father Leaves on His Daughter's Life |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ book link |
January 2025
I came across this book randomly at my public library at the end of 2024 while checking out board books for my daughter. I rather enjoyed it as I am stepping into fatherhood to my firstborn daughter. My take aways are to make sure I am there for my daughter or any future children. Be present, encourage, affirm, allow her to fail and create experiences with her by giving my time (vs buying them lots of things). It made me realize a few things about me I want to "tune-up" as a person (cough-cough, my critical-eye). It helped me think about what I want to teach my daughter (e.g. responsibilities, compassion for others. respect for herself) and how I need to model those qualities and values in front of her.
The Molecule of More:How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ book link |
January 2025
I discovered this book via a recommendation on a recent Huberman Lab Podcast. Intrigued by the impact of dopamine on behavior, I was surprised by the fact that dopamine-producing cells make up only 0.0005% of the brain. We have two different dopamine (neurotransmitter) circuits, the future-oriented chemical: the desire circuit makes us want things, while the control circuit helps us to plan and strategize how to get them. Ultimately you want to find a balance, harmony, between dopamine and the Here and Now neurotransmitters, the present-oriented chemicals, they include serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and endocannabinoids.
Two takeaways I want to do more of:
- Minimize multitasking (professionally and personally): "Almost any experience is improved by paying full attention to it"
- Focus on the present moment: "Paying attention to reality, to what you are actually doing in the moment, maximizes the flow of information into your brain."