One of my annual goals is to read 25 books a year, and despite all the challenges of 2020, I was able to achieve this goal again.
Some books are for self-education, others only for entertainment, but all have made a positive contribution to maintaining a healthy posture and expanding my mind.
So here are my top 10 favorites from 2020:
10. Boston Celtics: Where did you go? Robert Parish, Nate Archibald, Bill Sharman, and other Celtic greats 
By Michael McClellan. As a longtime Boston Celtics fan, I really enjoyed this review of previous players. Some were stars, others a lot less known, but their basketball careers are outlines followed by the impact they have had on their lives since then. Not for everyone, but a pleasant read for me.
9. Never Grow Up 
By Jackie Chan. As a fan of his films, I had heard that he had a remarkable background, and this entertaining autobiography was sure to tell that story well. Incredibly resilient, phenomenally hardworking, generous and possibly crazy, I loved this open and honest account of his great adventure through life.
8. The Jungle Book 
By Rudyard Kipling. When it looked like times were tough I found a free version of this classic to download on my Kindle and it didn't disappoint. If you haven't read this already, do yourself a favor.
7. The Runner's Way 
By Adharanand Finn. I started running in 2019 and I enjoy reading about those who are passionate about the sport. This review of Japanese Ekiden runners was very entertaining and inspired our family to have a go at trying a local Ekiden in mid-2021. I'd better start exercising. Maybe I should read that again.
6. The hard way 
By Konrad Marshall. Another year, another AFL premiere in Richmond. Due to the circumstances of the year, this book isn't as detailed as the previous two books from 2017 and 2019, but Konrad is a fantastic writer, and the insights he's getting from some of the most important makers and shakers of the tigers are brilliant. Read it in a week and devour every word.
5. The sports gene: In the science of exceptional athletic performance 
By David Epstein. Not just a boring science book, but a fantastic explanation for many of the extraordinary achievements in sports history. Couldn't take this one off.
4. The things that define us: life, loss and football 
By Nick Riewoldt. The autobiography of one of my mother's favorite soccer players that she has recommended to me for years. Nick had a great athletic career, but his life off the field is just as compelling. Good choice mom, loved it.
3. The Sale: A Novel 
By Paul Beatty. A 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this book manages to combine complex racial themes with outrageous comedy. Brilliant writing, extraordinary characters and wonderful reading that was perfect for this year.
2. Winning Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion 
By Pete Carroll. I just had to get my hands on one of the books that influenced Richmond coach Damien Hardwick. Some brilliant leadership principles here, and as Carroll himself says, “Winning Forever is not about the bottom line. It's about competing and striving to be the best. If you are in this pursuit, then you are already winning. "
1. The Captain's Class: A New Theory of Leadership 
By Sam Walker. Great storytelling and some wonderful examples of leadership that I learned a lot from. Not all of the lessons were conventional, but this was without a doubt my favorite book of the year.
Looking back, some books were unlucky, including a pair by Andy Andrews and Max Lucado, but these top 10 are the ones that got the most attention.
I'm always looking for great recommendations. What was your favorite book from 2020?
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