Kash Patel’s book wasn’t Eric Adams’ first reading recommendation

Most of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ remarks following Judge Dale Ho’s April 2 decision to drop the federal criminal case with prejudice were exactly what you’d expect: “This case should have never been brought. And I did nothing wrong.” The exception: Adams pulled out a copy of FBI Director Kash Patel’s book, “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy.” Adams said: “I’m going to encourage every New Yorker to read it. Read it and understand how we can never allow this to happen to another innocent American.” Though a bit of a bizarre context, it’s not the first time the mayor has shared his reading recommendations.

“Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy”

By Kash Patel

Unlike most of the books on this list, Kash Patel didn’t write a self-help book – though maybe it has served as one for Adams.

“Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things”

By Adam Grant

It seems like “Get Stuff Done” is a motto that also inspires Adams’ reading choices. In a recent post on X, the mayor recommended a book that examines the skills and choices required to unlock your full potential.

“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness”

By Jonathan Haidt

Another recent X recommendation by the mayor, Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 book considers the impact of social media and technological innovations on mental health among young people. Sounds like someone’s been doing their research as Gov. Kathy Hochul pushes to pass her bell-to-bell cellphone ban.

“Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds”

By David Goggins

Dubbed “The Fittest (Real) Man in America,” former Navy SEAL David Goggins chronicles his childhood battle with obesity and depression, and his journey to the armed services. The mayor told former New York City schools Chancellor David Banks at the beginning of his 2023 State of Our Schools address he was reading two books, one of them (seemingly) was Goggins’. It’s pretty on-brand.

“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones”

By James Clear

To Adams, it’s the little things that count – like making sure your trash bin has a secure lid to keep out the rats. That’s the premise behind James Clear’s book, which gives readers a new approach to building better habits. The mayor recommended the title when he was running for Gracie Mansion in 2021 during an episode of “The Ezra Klein Show.” 

“Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses”

By Eric Adams

OK, we’re not just putting this on this list because the mayor wrote it – true to form, Adams actually recommended it himself!