I intend to keep updating this every now and then. Perhaps also add my favourites at some point? Where possible I will include links to public domain books.
November 2025 update
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
Set in a dystopian future, a bit 1984 like. Short chapters (good). Short sentences (sometimes hard to follow). Liked it, definitely a book that had me thinking about it a few times.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
A classic children's book, and for good reason. Although the boating content wasn't as central as hoped for (hah) I really enjoyed this, especially how much emphasis there is on the changing of the seasons and how this affects the lives of the characters.
The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
Classic Sherlock Holmes. This one has a couple of setbacks, boat chase. Good stuff.
October 2025 (and first post)
Almayer’s Folly by Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad's first book, and I guess it showed. Only got a third of the way through this one, didn't like the characters and the story didn't grip me (despite all the boats!).
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
No, not a Sherlock Holmes novel. This book was probably the inspiration for Jurassic Park. It popped up on a podcast about Michael Richton, and I'm glad I gave it a read. The language is a bit flowery, and the victorian approach to science a bit off-putting, but a really good read.
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
The first Sherlock Holmes book. Good, bit of a jarring transition to a western novel.
At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft
My first Lovecraft read. A gripping story, but sometimes too much explaining on why the character does implausible things, and the "horror" is really spelled out to you. Enjoyed it.
News from Nowhere by William Morris
This book was written over a 100 years ago, and imagines a future where everyone lives in a kind of communist utopia, where craftsmanship, community and freedom are central. Enjoyed.
How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey
Fascinating read. The self-told story of a technical mastermind. Some great insights into what goes into winning a Formula 1 title, as well as being a good engineer and manager. It was nice to learn that he considered the America's Cup as the other sporting endaevor worthy of his interest and participation. Unfortunately the book doesn't cover the period since I've been watching, including hime leaving Red Bull. Hopefully there will be a sequel some day!
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
A spiritual journey across a lifetime. Very good read. Only criticism is it feels like it could have been a longer book.
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
One of the first "self-help books". This is basically a relentless flood of short anecdotes which it tries to group into some common lessons. He reads like a bit of a grifter, but amongst so much humanity there is bound to be some truth, often it feels like in the more obvious suggestions.
Older
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
This one was a bit of a slog to be honest. I had seen this recommended so many times, and my mental image didn't really match the book. There is a lot of conflict in this book. I remember a couple of the thoughts on "quality" grabbed me, but overall it was a bit too deep for me.
Written on 13 October 2025