Recent Book Highlights Worth Reading
Over the past few months, I’ve enjoyed a mix of fiction and nonfiction books — some connected to TV shows, others focused on history, science, and personal growth. Below are the highlights that stood out and why they’re worth your time.
Fiction Series Inspired by TV Shows
Tony Hillerman’s Navajo Tribal Police Novels (Dark Winds)
These novels are the inspiration for the TV series Dark Winds.
Setting: Navajo Nation in the 1970s
Focus: Tribal police navigating crime, culture, and community
Great choice if you enjoy mystery series with cultural depth
Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Department Q Series
The Department Q novels inspired the Netflix series.
Books are set in Denmark (different from the Scotland TV setting)
Follow Detective Carl Mørck and his team on cold cases
Each novel runs around 500 pages, offering immersive crime storytelling
History and Nonfiction
This book isn’t about UFOs — it’s about the real history of Area 51.
Covers weapons testing, spy plane development, and Cold War innovation
Details the creation of the U-2 spy plane and the engineering challenges involved
A must-read for those interested in military history and technology
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks blends his diverse career background into insights on aging and happiness.
Theme: How life and purpose shift in the second half of life
Stronger in the first half, a bit self-focused in the second
Good for readers exploring personal growth and transitions
Science Fiction & Light Fiction
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian, this sci-fi novel is both fun and thought-provoking.
Plot: The sun is dying, and a middle school science teacher is sent to save humanity
Includes a surprising alien friendship
Soon-to-be a movie adaptation, making it perfect for fans of sci-fi thrillers
The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha
A light, practical book on happiness and life philosophy.
Chapters are short and easy to digest
Standout section: Rethinking retirement as a modern concept
Aligns with my own belief that retirement should be approached with caution
Final Thoughts
These books span crime, history, personal development, and science fiction — a mix of entertainment and thought-provoking ideas. Whether you want a series to binge, history to explore, or insights on happiness, this list has something to offer.