Welcome to the first-ever ENJ Bestseller List — a monthly ranking of the ten books that deserve to be read the most, as determined by a rigorous, proprietary process. That process is: I pick them.
This book is on the top of every list, so I felt like it should lead here too, to establish legitimacy. It is a great book. Has sold approximately one copy for every person alive, and well deserved.
The optimistic AI book the world needed. Kass makes the case that artificial intelligence is not the end of human potential but the expansion of it. A bracing antidote to the doomsaying. Read it in two days. Will be gifting.
A collection of Naval's wisdom on wealth and happiness. Written by the curator of this very list, which is disclosed here because we believe in transparency.
The biography of Henry J. Kaiser — industrialist, builder of ships and dams and health systems. The curator has not technically finished reading this yet, but Casey Handmer recommended it, and that's good enough.
Earth is destroyed. Survivors are thrown into a deadly, reality-TV dungeon crawl. Carl and his talking cat must fight their way through. The most fun you will have reading a book this year.
A physicist makes the case that human progress is literally infinite. The kind of book that quietly rewires how you see everything. The curator would very much like to be David Deutsch's friend.
A radically respectful approach to parenting that treats children as autonomous people. Published by Scribe Media, where the curator works — disclosed because, again, transparency.
A kid is sent to Battle School to train for an alien war and ends up questioning everything about leadership and empathy. Published in 1985. On this list because the curator just really likes it.
Leadership strategies from a CEO who has actually run enormous global companies. Published by Scribe Media. The curator would like you to buy this book, and is not being coy about why.
ENJ BESTSELLER LIST
Our Methodology
How the Rankings Work
The ENJ Bestseller List is published monthly by Eric Jorgenson. It ranks the ten books that deserve to be read the most, as determined by a rigorous, proprietary process.
That process is: Eric picks them.
Selection Criteria
Rankings are determined by a weighted blend of the following factors, which the curator reserves the right to adjust at any time, for any reason, without notice:
Personal enthusiasm — how often the curator brings up the book unprompted, measured in mentions per dinner party.
Friendship proximity — authors who are personal friends receive a modest, undisclosed boost (labeled “Friend of the List” for transparency).
Shelf presence — books within arm’s reach outrank books in storage.
Vibe — an unquantifiable quality the curator can feel but not explain. Do not ask him to explain it.
What This List Is Not
This list is not based on sales data. It is not based on surveys, reviews, algorithms, or public opinion. It does not claim to reflect what books are popular.
It reflects what one guy in Kansas City thinks is worth reading this month. In this way, it is functionally identical to every other bestseller list — we’re just more upfront about it.
Reading the List
▲
Moved up from last month.
▼
Moved down from last month.
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No change. Consistent enthusiasm.
NEW
First month on the list.
†
Book written by the curator (or suspiciously enthusiastic sales activity by his mom).
FRIEND OF THE LIST
The author is a personal friend. We disclose it. Other lists do not.
The ENJ Bestseller List is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the New York Times. Published for entertainment and genuine recommendation purposes. All rankings are final and not subject to appeal (except via a compelling argument delivered in person, preferably over good coffee).