9 Months Into 2026, These Are The 5 Best Books I Have Read
There is a book for everybody
Finding the right book is worth more to you than you realize. But unfortunately, doing so is harder than it seems.
The right book can give you an idea that changes your business, advice that fixes your relationship, or a new outlook to improve your well-being.
Each small improvement compounds over time. This means the earlier you find a good book, the better.
I’ve been blessed to have read many incredible books.
So far in 2026, these 5 have been the best ones.
1. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
This book is the closest thing to The War of Art that I have read. I say this in the sense that it inspires creative endeavours in an almost poetic way.
Rick Rubin is, of course, the famous music producer who has gotten a lot more attention over the last few years because he’s been more outspoken about his process.
It’s really quite something to read about his approach and views on the creative process.
Even if you are not an artist, there is for sure something in your life that requires creativity.
This book is for that part of you.
Rating: 10/10
2. Joy by Osho
Osho explores misery, unhappiness, happiness, joy, and bliss. Throughout the book, he explains how to enter a joyful state and what the difference is between joy and the rest.
In order to help you understand joy, he also explains the complications the ego causes, the importance of meditation, and why it all matters in the first place.
I love how he explains that happiness is our natural state. The only reason we don’t stay there is because of man-made stresses.
We are too busy in the future or the past to reside in the natural state.
If you want to better understand happiness, this book is for you.
Rating: 9/10
3. The Happiness Files by Arthur C Brooks
A compilation of insights on happiness by Arthur Brooks, the man who many call “The Happiness Professor”.
These insights range from the things to focus on, whether happiness can actually buy you happiness, and the power of faith.
Each chapter of this book can be read on its own and in a random order if you like. This makes it a great coffee table book.
There is massive value in this book for anyone. We can always be happier.
You might not be able to make yourself happy, but you can make yourself happier.
Rating: 9.5/10
4. The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson
Eric compiles content from Elon’s interviews, podcast appearances, tweets, and more, to let the reader get advice from the greatest entrepreneur the world has ever known.
The way he structures the book categorizes Elon’s thoughts into “chapters” to help you understand how Elon thinks about specific topics.
It is also written to make it sound like Elon is answering your questions.
This book is ideal for anyone who wants to learn, build a business, or optimize for impact.
For mainly political or ideological reasons, a lot of people have started to dislike or even hate Elon. Go into this book with an open mind, and you will greatly benefit from it.
Rating: 9.5/10
5. Beyond Life and Death by Jet Li
This book is essentially an autobiography by Jet Li. I say essentially because it has a bit of a twist. Throughout the book, he approaches life’s dilemmas from either a Taoist or Buddhist perspective.
In this way, it also feels like a spiritual book.
I very much enjoyed seeing how Jet Li looked at issues that arose.
He understood the dualities of life because of Taoism, but was still constantly humbled. It showed that you never really know it all and must always remind a student.
If you love Jet Li like I do, you will enjoy this book. But if you are also curious about how to approach life with a Taoist or Buddhist lens, this book is incredible for that.
Rating: 9.5/10
Conclusion
My goal with this list was to give you a good variety to pick from, but also books that I believe would be of great value, no matter who you are.
These books will make you happy, creative, introspective, and inspired.
What are your favourite books so far this year?
Thanks for reading