Compared to the average American, I read a massive number of books. I try to read around 10 books a month. I accomplish this because I don’t have TV in my house and I carry a book wherever I go. Whenever I have a few spare moments, I spend them reading. In 2023, the number of books I read was lower than some previous years, but I still managed to finish more than 100 books.
I won’t bore you with the details from all of them. The books listed below are the cream of the crop. They are the most informative and influential books I read last year. The books are ordered solely based on the date I read them. I think some of you will enjoy this reading list.
Criminal (In)Justice: What the Push for Decarceration and Depolicing Gets Wrong and Who It Hurts Most
Examining the consequences of “de-funding” the police and reducing jail sentences for those convicted of crimes.
The Bullet Garden: An Earl Swagger Novel
Stephen Hunter is one of my favorite fiction writers. I think this is very close to being his best book yet. It follows the protagonist (Earl Swagger, Bob Lee’s father) during his sniping exploits in WWII.
Walls, Wire, Bars and Souls: A Chaplain Looks At Prison Life
I have several recommendations for academic textbooks to teach my students how to better understand criminals. Many people don’t like dry scientific research and won’t read those books. This one is great for providing an understanding of the criminal mindset as described by stories experienced by a prison chaplain.
Carry the Fire
I really liked this book. As a full time firearms and tactics instructor, I appreciate the broad spectrum of survival skills the book presents. One of the best general “prepping’ books on the market.
Travel Fuc* Love: A True American Love Story
I found this one amazingly entertaining. The author and I have traveled a lot of the same territory and I truly resonated with his adventures. His exploits meeting women in foreign countries reminded me a lot about my travels over the years. My only regret is that I didn’t meet the billionaire heiresses he met in his travels.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History
My friend John Hearne recommended this book. It was excellent. The first half of the book is more of a history of the Texas Rangers and the early settlement of Central Texas than a biography of Quanah Parker. It’s a fascinating story and I was delighted to find that much of the action takes place north of modern-day Austin, Texas, where I now reside.
Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America’s Future
This one is dense with a massive amount of information in its 560 pages. Reading the characteristics of the “Gen Z” (born 1997-2013) does not make me hopeful for our country’s future.
The Way is in Training
A very solid book that most of you will enjoy.
The Gift of Violence: Practical Knowledge for Surviving and Thriving in a Dangerous World
One of the better books on the market with regards to the mental game of fighting and self protection. It is very thoroughly researched with almost 100 pages of additional footnotes and links to scientific studies.
On Violence and Varietals: Confessions of a Savage Somm
One of the most insightful and entertaining autobiographies I’ve ever read.
A hyper-realistic novel that reminds me of some of the psychotic children I dealt with in my police career. A true page turner that will keep you entertained throughout. Even better, the author has a connection to our community. She is firearms instructor Wayne Dobbs’ wife.
This one started out a bit slow, but after a few chapters, the plot twisted and it became an incredibly entertaining sequel in the “One Second After” series.
For more great books, check out my Recommended Reading page.
Some of the above links (from Amazon.com) are affiliate links. If you purchase these items, I get a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
