I debated the many ways I could break down my favorite reads from 2015, but for now I decided to simply write about my two favorite reads. One fiction, one non-fiction.

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Without question, this was my most impactful read in 2015. There are a handful of books I’ve encountered that change my world view and how I relate to the people around me and myself. This was certainly one of the greater ones.

The book is about vulnerability. The book is about the shame society teaches us all to feel about ourselves as children, as parents, as friends, as partners, as men and women, and as husbands and wives. Our natural inclination is to hide this shame from others, to pretend these feelings don’t exist. Instead, we need to open up to the loving people around us about our vulnerabilities and fears.

Reading this book helped me become more open and honest about who I am. Surprisingly, the people around me drew closer, not further away. Now I’ve reached some of the deepest connections of my life. All because of an unapologetic honesty of the failures I see within myself.

When we think of ourselves being vulnerable, we describe ourselves as weak and pathetic. We need to toughen up. When others are vulnerable with us, they’re being courageous. When others share their grief, their anxiety, and the despair of their lives we marvel at their strength in enduring these hardships. Their ability to be able to keep pressing on through it all.

Why are we not taught to love ourselves the way we’re taught to love others?

This is a book I’ve since recommended universally to everyone. We all have shame, we all deserve to be loved. Not just by others, but by ourselves.

The Name of the Wind (Book I of the King Killer Chronicles) by Patrick Rothfuss

This book is…pure story. The author himself described this book as “a subversion of the hero’s tale.” It reflects on what life truly is, in contrast to the clean tellings we hear of past deeds in legends and history.

Yes, the protagonist is an unusually exceptional individual, but he also has strong motivation to channel his talents into true mastery through hard work. He screws up frequently growing up, often relying on his wit to clean up the messes he’s created.

The story is both beautiful and tragic, for you find hints that all will end poorly before the conclusion of the tale.

There are currently two books out (and one companion story) of what will eventually be a completed trilogy.