I’ve made a list of books I’ve read that have genuinely added value to my life – ironically enough…
Why is it ironic? …If you ask my dear mother, who throughout my school years tried to get me to read anything other than Bent Faurby’s football books and the GOAL! magazine, whether she ever thought I’d read something else, she’d probably answer: NO.
It took quite a few years before the bookworm in me surfaced.
Today, I love reading – especially books that truly inspire me. Maybe it’s because I now have the freedom to choose what I want to read. It was a different story back when we were forced to analyze a Tove Ditlevsen poem or go through the cubism period – again.
I think it was Jim Rohn’s quote that “got me hooked” just over five years ago:
The difference between where you are today and where you’ll be five years from now will be found in the quality of books you’ve read.
Since then, I’ve read many books, watched countless video talks, and more. Below, I’ve tried to collect the best of the bunch, along with a few lines about each – maybe you’ll find some inspiration here too.
Books
Every year, I spend January adding the books I read the previous year. I’ll include the year going forward. And I promise – especially after all your requests – to get better at updating the list.
2020 – Casper – Martin Kongstad
We all know the one and only Casper Christensen. I remember Tæskeholdet, and of course Klovn. A fantastic actor and intriguing personality with highs and lows, something the author Martin portrays brilliantly in this story. It’s about Casper being challenged on his journey through life, filled with madness and later a more peaceful chapter. Worth reading – not least to understand that the road to a wild life also comes with a price.
2020 – The black cat in Mosul – Puk Damsgård
After reading Puk’s book about Daniel Rye, I had to get more from her. That’s when I found The Black Cat in Mosul. A fantastic account of life in Iraq, showing what it’s like living on the front lines. Not just for Puk, but also for everyday Iraqis. You get immersed in the personal stories she tells throughout. It also gives a humble insight into the fear and trauma many refugees experience. Puk remains one of my favorite authors – and this wasn’t the last book I read by her.
2020 – I ran towards the Nile – Alaa al-Aswany
After my Puk Damsgård binge, this book came highly recommended. And what a book. I devoured it in under 10 days – and it’s 500 pages long. A stunning portrayal of the Egyptian revolution in Cairo. The people demand the president step down, but he clings to power. A powerful story of courage, grief, and helplessness. The way religion and prejudice intertwine, and how the author keeps a coherent thread across so many characters, is remarkable.
2020 – Supertrends – Lars Tvede
I’ve always been fascinated by Lars Tvede – and his daughter, who built a hair-tie empire. Supertrends is about future trends. Even though I’m deeply involved in tech and love digital innovation, I was surprised at how much humanity has accomplished. Our ability to innovate outpaces even our darkest fears. While doomsday predictions often claim we’ll run out of resources, we somehow keep adapting. Lars captures this paradox with excellent examples. A must-read if you want to understand where industries are headed.
2020 – Open – Andre Agassi
One of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read. An incredible story from one of the greatest tennis players of all time. A battle against a father who pushed him beyond the limit, a hatred for tennis, his hairstyle, and the pressure to perform. A raw story about celebrity life, ups and downs, choosing between friends and money. Truly honest and captivating – amazing to hear from a star like Andre.
2020 – Data strategy – Bernard Marr
A friend who works with geo-data recommended Bernard Marr’s approach to data. No regrets there. Sharp observations on where we’re heading with the information we constantly gather. How things around us change rapidly and how data optimizes daily life. His use of real cases and observations brings life to what could otherwise be dry content.
2019 – Rich dad poor dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
The title grabs attention, but this is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand personal finance. Some of it is very American, but the thinking is sound. Instead of buying things we don’t need, we should invest in assets. Buy stocks instead of the latest iPhone – then let those investments buy you the phone later. Or invest in knowledge that pays off tenfold. I’ve taken that mindset with me and always ask myself if a purchase brings me closer to my goals or is just noise.
2019 – Both sides – Nicklas Bendtner
As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a pro footballer. It always frustrated me to see players not using their chance 110%. With time, I’ve realized there can be many reasons for that. Nicklas’s book shows that we all wrestle with demons – just on different levels. It’s easy to judge from the outside. This is a raw, honest story about a talented boy who lacked discipline and the right people around him. He realized it too late – maybe.
2019 – Why we sleep – Matthew Walker
After my friend Armin, a neuroscientist, told me about the importance of sleep (and wrote a blog post about it), I got curious. Add to that, Bill Gates recommending Matthew’s book, and I couldn’t resist. What a read. I’ve read tons of self-help, but this one stands out. We know surprisingly little about sleep, which is why it’s been neglected for so long. It’s only recently that we’ve understood just how crucial sleep is. Struggling to sleep? Read this.
2019 – Do you see the moon, Daniel? – Puk Damsgård
My sister insisted I read this book. I finished it in five days. Wow. Just WOW. Beautifully written by Puk. You feel like you’re right there with Daniel, feeling his pain and thoughts. It shows how fleeting life is, how quickly it can end, and how lucky we are in Denmark. Thank you to Daniel and Puk for creating such a powerful read – my top book of 2019, just ahead of Unbroken.
2019 – Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins
David Goggins might be one of the most impressive people I’ve read about recently. From nothing, he transformed his life by running headfirst into the fire. From Navy SEAL to ultra-marathon runner. When I’m under pressure, I watch one of his videos. He restores my belief. His book is phenomenal – his emotions leap off the page. Easily one of the best autobiographies I read that year.
2019 – The price of freedom – Peter Lund Madsen
Peter Lund Madsen and his brother Anders have always inspired me. Their view of the world and understanding of the brain is remarkable. This book takes you through the mind, with examples of how our brain works. Why we don’t always say what we think, why childhood love is crucial, and why we know less about the brain than we think. I was hooked from chapter one – a great vacation read.
2019 – Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand
The best book I read in 2019, hands down. A true story about Louis Zamperini, an airman shot down in WWII, who survives on the ocean and then endures torture in a Japanese prison camp. A moving story that gave me chills and deep insight into human cruelty and resilience. Based on his diaries, this is a uniquely inspiring transformation.
2019 – Becoming – Michelle Obama
One of the best and most honest biographies I’ve read in years. Deeply emotional and gives real insight into her life with and without Barack. Her reflections on a tough childhood, doubts about her law career, and personal losses lead to dramatic life changes. Also, an intimate look into the profound love between her and Barack – no wonder they became one of the most admired couples in modern US history.
2018 – 12 rules for life – Jordan Peterson
If I had to read only one author in 2018, it was Jordan Peterson. I discovered his Harvard lectures on YouTube and got hooked. While I don’t always agree with his views, his ability to include everyone in his psychological insights is remarkable. The book presents 12 distilled rules from 60 original answers he posted on Quora. It’s an amazing reflection on how to keep life from turning tragic, no matter what we go through.
2018 – One life, one time, one human – Morten Albæk
I’ve followed Morten Albæk for years and admire his ability to captivate audiences at conferences. This book is timely in our performance-driven culture, where we’re more stressed than ever despite our wealth. With sharp insights grounded in evidence and personal stories, Morten explains why we must demand meaning in every part of our lives.
2018 – Under the beam
Under the Beam tells the story of Denmark’s Crown Prince. Through interviews with family members, author Jens Andersen paints a vivid picture of his upbringing. Life isn’t always easy when your mother is the Queen. Despite many opportunities, there are also sacrifices. The human side of the Crown Prince shows the importance of believing in yourself – even with a future unlike most.
2018 – The online evangelists
A collection of 100 top marketing minds in Denmark. I even got to contribute. I’m not sure if my tip is useful, but many of the others offer valuable ideas for anyone starting in online marketing. It’s an easy read and also helps you connect with the brightest minds in the field.
2018 – The mask of masculinity – Lewis Howes
Lewis Howes is one of my online heroes. He shares a tough childhood that left emotional scars. In a world of football and male toughness, he explores how we hide behind masks. As a man, many parts of the book had me nodding in agreement. Very readable and recommended for both men and women.
2018 – Principles – Ray Dalio
Ray is one of the most successful investors and hedge fund managers of our time. A billionaire, but honest about the principles and failures that shaped his success. He admits he once thought he knew everything, only to lose it all. The book is an amazing story of building from scratch with only knowledge and ideas. His principles can benefit anyone.
2018 – The subtle art of not giving a f**k – Mark Manson
Mark Manson has been one of my favorite bloggers for years. His writing gave me the courage to move forward, especially after a tough breakup. His post about “what I wish I’d known at 20” even inspired me to write more myself. He tackles life’s biggest questions with honesty and relatability.
2018 – No more Mr. Nice Guy – Robert Glover
I’ve been a people pleaser for years. I wanted everyone to like me – until I read this book. No More Mr. Nice Guy is fantastic. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t make you selfish. Quite the opposite. I’ve learned so much about setting boundaries. If you often say yes when you mean no, this book will sharpen your ability to choose yourself.
2018 – Brendon Buchard: High performance habits
One of the performance coaches I’ve followed the most over the past five years is Brendon Burchard. He’s an incredible communicator. You should always be skeptical of self-proclaimed experts in human psychology, which is why I appreciate that Brendon bases his work on years of testing and research. They’ve analyzed thousands of people and identified the habits that make successful people truly exceptional. His psychological approach to people is genuinely inspiring, and as someone who’s very interested in neuroscience, I’m fascinated by how people think in different situations. Read it!
2018 – Amy Morin: 13 things mentally strong people don’t do
At the beginning of 2018, I actually stepped away from reading a lot of self-help and personal development books—not because I didn’t find them useful, but because it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the life optimization tips and tricks. However, this book came highly recommended, and it’s truly sharp. Again: it focuses on the good habits that many high performers live by. Stop blaming others in your life—focus on what you can do instead. The world doesn’t owe you anything. You need an open mind to read it, but I feel I evolve when I try to implement these tips in my own life.
2018 – Jakob Scharf: Seven years for PET
I’ve always been fascinated by investigative work within the police and their methods. Their ability to stay calm when everyone else is panicking is admirable. That’s why, on a trip to Spain in 2017, I chose to read the controversial book Seven Years for PET by Jakob Scharf. He shares incredibly detailed stories from the Danish intelligence service, which is eye-opening—it shows that serious things can happen even in small Denmark. You also get a sense of how lucky we are to have such skilled people working behind the scenes, even if they rarely receive recognition because much of their work remains secret. A fantastic and thrilling book that leaders can learn a lot from.
Elon Musk: Shaping our future
Elon has always been a huge icon to me because he thinks differently and on a massive scale. It’s difficult to grasp the scope of his ideas because they’re so big. In his book, he vividly describes how close some of his billion-dollar ventures came to failing. He also talks about watching rockets explode, taking $100 million with them in flames. The book also reflects the life of a man who travels more than 200 days a year, making it hard to balance other values like family.
Walter Isaacson – Steve Jobs
I think everyone has some kind of opinion about Steve Jobs—and Apple for that matter. For me, this book was a major turning point when I was younger. He wasn’t perfect. His relationship with his first daughter wasn’t either—far from it. He also had a unique connection to LSD and strange eating habits. A powerful story about a genius who sought perfection at work but made many mistakes in life—just like many others. A genius who tested boundaries in search of himself.
Alex Ferguson – Leading
I’ve always been a Manchester United fan, so reading Alex Ferguson’s book on leadership felt very natural. I didn’t realize how much work and presence is required of a manager. His book talks about 16-20 hour workdays and traveling the world to scout players, keeping track of their drinking habits and gambling. An amazing journey into the crazy world of football with agents, rising stars, and millions of dollars. A truly educational book about leadership, in my opinion.
Christian Stadil – Personal karma
Christian Stadil—a big role model. That may sound silly, especially since I only recently got to know his work. Christian has a unique ability, which I first encountered at Tattoodo. He has a calming presence and is extremely good at getting others to perform together. His book Personal Karma reflects his belief that we must learn to love ourselves—including our challenges—and his belief that we shouldn’t stress to improve. We should live more in the present. I also recommend his interviews in Korridoren.
7 habits of highly effective people
One of the world’s most renowned business books. It’s about how the most successful people in the world plan their days to achieve success—how they think and follow a specific pattern to get the most out of life. You should start with the end in mind. It argues that you must align your actions with the life you want to create.
Jesper Buch – From basement to billion
One of the best stories I’ve read. Despite the bitterness of being rejected when I applied for a job at Just-Eat at 18 (customer service :)), I’ve always followed Jesper’s journey. His book is both educational and inspiring. It ignites your ambition if you’re a go-getter, but it will also knock the wind out of you if you think entrepreneurship is easy. A brilliant story of moving from a basement in Kolding to assembling IKEA furniture in London, and how family, friends, and belief in oneself can make a difference if you want something badly enough. I also recommend his interviews in Korridoren.
Anthony Robbins – Awaken the giant within
I’m a huge fan of Tony Robbins—his presence is impactful. At least on me. Awaken the Giant Within is about taking control of your life—and owning it. Most of us live in mental patterns and in a hamster wheel, not creating the life we truly want. Instead, we live a life shaped by circumstances. A heavy read in English, but it offers a wealth of techniques to help create the life you desire.
Paulo Coelho – The alchemist
A book recommended by Will Smith in a YouTube video. The story follows a shepherd who travels the world in pursuit of becoming something more. A tale about fear being our greatest obstacle. The key message is to always take action and be willing to change direction. The essence is that this is your journey, and you must not let fear stop you—even when it seems overwhelming.
David Schwartz – The magic of thinking big
One of the biggest challenges most entrepreneurs face is thinking big enough. To create something great, you must think big. David Schwartz writes about how we can break limiting thought patterns and how our environment shapes the way we think. A book that makes you feel like flying—suddenly you see how much more is possible.
Jonah Berger – Contagious
As the title suggests, the book is about how ideas spread—how small things can make a huge difference. It gives great examples of how to incorporate contagious elements into physical or digital products to make them spread naturally among people.
Jony Ive: The genius behind Apple’s greatest products
Jony—the real person behind Apple’s most iconic products. Born with a greater design intelligence than most, he rose through top studios and eventually landed at Apple under Steve Jobs, where he helped design the iPhone, iMac, and iPad. He also revolutionized Apple’s design team. A compelling story about product passion and the desire to create something that changes the world—forever. Some believe he succeeded.
Buddhism plain and simple
I’ve always been a fan of karma. That has led me to explore Buddhism in recent years. Plain and Simple is not a heavy read, but more of an illustration. With short, concise paragraphs, it shows how Buddhism can improve everyday life. Definitely offers practical advice you can use in your own life.
The dip – Seth Godin
Seth Godin is a marketing genius. The Dip isn’t only about marketing—it’s a story about how we all experience dips in life. When this happens, we can either quit or persist. Unlike many who say never to give up, Seth explains when quitting is the right choice—and when you should keep pushing.
From zero to one – Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel is an investment guru from the US. He’s invested in some of the hottest startups like Facebook, where he was the first major outside investor and now owns 10% of the platform. His book explains how to go from nothing to building a startup, and how to think if you want to create the next big tech rocket. The next Mark Zuckerberg won’t build another Facebook, but will instead study behavior trends and psychological shifts to build something that meets new human needs.
The growth hacker – Ryan Holiday
A must-read for anyone working in online marketing. Ryan Holiday explains how growth hacking has always existed, using powerful examples like Dropbox, Apple, McDonald’s, and Hotmail. It opened my eyes to creative strategies that outperform traditional marketing.
The obstacle is the way – Ryan Holiday
This book resembles Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. It’s about accepting the challenges life throws at us. They shape us, and overcoming obstacles is essential to experiencing true joy. Otherwise, we’ll always carry the burden of challenges we never faced.
Marcus Aurelius – Meditation
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and philosopher. His writings were originally personal notes, now compiled into a book about life and how to get through it. His philosophy, rooted in Stoicism, emphasizes reason and personal interpretation of the world. Don’t let the world control you—control your thoughts and shape your own reality.
Dale Carnegie – How to win friends and influence people
Warren Buffet calls this his favorite book, and I agree. It’s a fantastic read that explains why we were born with two ears and one mouth: we should listen more than we speak. We should listen to understand, not to respond. The title might sound manipulative, but the book is about creating deep, lasting relationships, both personally and professionally. Highly recommended—and worth re-reading. It’s a brilliant guide to how we should treat others.
Susan Jeffers – Feel the fear and do it anyway
As you can probably tell from the books above, I’ve read quite a few about confronting fear. That’s because it’s one of the hardest things to do—at least for me. We build defense mechanisms to avoid facing our fears. Susan Jeffers offers great examples of how to manage fear without inflating it. The book also includes concrete tips for handling specific situations.
Mark Williams – Mindfulness
Mindfulness—the buzzword we’ll likely hear even more in the years ahead. We all live stressful lives, constantly trying to meet others’ expectations. Many studies show we struggle to find meaning in life. In that search, mindfulness can be a great tool. Mark Williams provides practical examples and exercises for connecting with your core, understanding your breath, and handling stress. A book full of concrete practices that help you feel more present.
Rhonda Byrne – The secret
The Secret! A book I discovered at a young age when I followed the CULT journey. “Good energy always wins,” as Mike Radoor and Konrad once said. At first, I thought it was too mystical, but I eventually came to believe that what we think shapes our actions—and our reality. The book gives many examples of how positive thinking and the law of attraction can give you an edge. Not in the sense that you can just sit on a couch and win the lottery, but that focusing on your desires sets off a chain of actions that brings you closer to them. It’s a book worth reading multiple times to grasp its full meaning.
Viktor Frankl – Man’s search for meaning
A truly extraordinary story written by a man who spent part of his life in concentration camps during World War II. Viktor’s story shows how the mind can help us survive even the most extreme conditions. It’s not our environment, but how we perceive it, that defines our lives. A compelling account of everything from frostbite while working in freezing temperatures to watching friends be gassed. It puts life into perspective and is highly recommended if you’re seeking meaning.
Gary Vaynerchuk – Jab jab jab right hook
One of today’s online heroes is Gary Vee! He helped his parents grow their online wine business from $3 million to $60 million in revenue. He then began writing books and now runs a consultancy with 500 employees. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook explains how to craft your social media strategy—how small jabs build momentum, leading up to your “right hook.” The book is packed with concrete tips and case studies with commentary on what could have been done better.
Your turn!
Which books would you recommend?
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