The reading list for April 2025

Book recommendations from David Pakman

This month I read some terrific books, both fiction and non-fiction. Check them out and if any look interesting, consider checking them out. Also MY BOOK is out and it instantly made the New York Times Bestseller list! If you haven't yet ordered it, please do. If you have already received it, please review it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads! The book is available here: http://www.davidpakman.com/echo

Here are this month's books:

Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon by Robert Kurson

This is the story of Apollo 8—the first mission to leave Earth’s orbit and orbit the moon—and it reads like a thriller. It’s about risk, vision, and the kind of leadership that does not involve misspelling “hamburger” in all-caps at 2 a.m. on Truth Social. Inspiring, especially if you need a break from the national political flameout.

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson

If you want a masterclass in narrative nonfiction, Dead Wake delivers. Larson tells the story of the Lusitania’s final voyage with the pacing of a novel but the detail of deep reporting. You end up learning a lot about WWI-era politics—and how clueless leadership can get innocent people killed.

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond

I read this book years ago and picked it back up recently, because after watching the fiasco of the second Trump administration, I needed a refresher on how societies fall apart. Diamond walks through how past civilizations failed: bad leadership, environmental destruction, short-sighted politics... Sound familiar? Not a light read, but it’s essential if you're wondering whether the US is in freefall.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

This month's fiction entry, I actually never read this in school, as did many people. One of the most haunting and essential American novels ever written. Morrison confronts slavery, not in the abstract, but through vividly written characters. This book really stays with you, as it should.

If you aren't in the habit of reading, it's very easy to get started: Get an interesting book and commit to reading just one page per day, which takes about one minute. Over time, just read a bit more.

You can also order my brand new book The Echo Machine anywhere that books, e-books, or audiobooks are sold, and at http://www.davidpakman.com/echo