Bhrett McCabe

Books I Consumed in 2024 – and Why I Think They May Help You in 2025 

I am a huge fan of author Ryan Holiday and his books. I was originally introduced to his writings by a staff member in the Athletic Department at the University of Alabama who consumed his book word for word. The book was The Obstacle is the Way and I immediately read it, picked up his other books, and then anxiously waited for each book he released. A few years ago, I reached out to Ryan and had him on my podcast, which you can watch and listen here – that highlighted another one of his excellent books, Stillness is the Key. Read any of his books and you will be hooked.  

 

I bring up Ryan because, in this meeting, I recommended that he read a book – The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger. The book had been recommended to me by Coach Patrick Murphy, the Hall of Fame coach with Alabama Softball and it was IMPACTFUL, to say the least. Now, I see that Ryan lists it as one of his all-time favorite reads. To me, that is the power of books because if a book resonates, you immediately share it with friends. As Dr. Jonah Berger describes in his incredible book on the viral social media phenomena, Contagious: Why Things Catch On, the most important factor that drives success is when content becomes currency, when you share with friends and family. Ryan shares the books he reads and why he likes them, so I figured I would share some with you too!   


I read, listen, and scan/speed-read books. Sometimes, I read summary websites to get the point of the book and then go back to read it later. I love to listen to books while I am driving and while I love to read, I struggle with focus unless I am reading on an airplane, so most, I listen too. When it comes to content consumption, you do you and that is all that matters.  


I don’t read a lot of books in the sports psychology realm but rather read biographies or memoirs that highlight many of the same principles. I like to read what interests me versus reading “what I should read” so you will likely see that influence in my selections below. 


As you enter 2025, here are my favorite recommendations, outside of my books (I know, shameless plug but I do believe in them!): 

1. 10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People by Dr. David Yeager 

This book is an absolute game changer in understanding how to positively impact any player, employee, or team member. Dr. Yeager is a research psychologist and pulls in so many great studies and anecdotal examples to help understand why the emerging generation responds in the manner they do and how we can positively impact them. I have so many notes in this book and have recommended that athletic departments purchase a copy for every member of the organization. It is that powerful! 

2. Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier 

Just an incredible book exploring the influences that have led to the possible “over-protectionism” of our children and how our actions may be causing more anxiety than helping them. I want you to think back 30 years ago and ask if there is more reliance on “feeling right” now or back then, and if that is helpful or not. I am an avid voice for better mental health resources and support, but have we gone too far? Shrier makes an impressive argument that our efforts may be causing greater concerns.

3. Saving Bravo: The Greatest Rescue Mission in Navy SEAL History by Stephan Talty 

I am a sucker for great military stories that highlight the courage, resiliency, and grit of our bravest warriors. This book tells the story of a downed USAF aviator and the determination of his Navy SEAL rescuer who partnered with a Vietnamese guide to stage the remarkable rescue. Anything that Stephan Talty writes, I will read. This book is a great read to remind yourself why you push through the fear, doubts, and challenges of life. 

4. Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha

Clinton Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of valor in the conflict recounted in Red Platoon. If you have seen the Netflix movie – OUTPOST – this is a first-hand account of this conflict. Romesha details the insurmountable odds he and his colleagues faced during a 14-hour firefight at the doomed outpost Keating in the Afghanistan mountains. I have to be honest, I hope that I would have the guts to fight if faced with such pitiful hope like these soldiers did. I don’t know who made the decision to put an outpost there, but the actions of these soldiers are ones to emulate.  

5. American Prometheus: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture OPPENHEIMER by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin

 I loved the movie OPPENHEIMER but I love history. This book was the biography that inspired the book. To understand the influence of this book, it is important to reflect back on the fear and appreciation of the government’s motivation for a dangerous global threat that led to the building of the atomic bomb. Dr. Oppenheimer was a flawed but brilliant man who began to loathe his greatest impact on society, concerned that his invention would end humanity. There is concern for such fear and gives a great exposure to what drove that anxiety.  

These are just a sampling of the books from this year. A few others that I would recommend diving into: 

I have been diving into different fiction series as I love espionage, thrillers, and action, especially when I have a long drive ahead: 


There are many others but these are a great start. Please let me know what you are reading and I will add it to my list.