INSPIRED
My top 24 books from the past year (or two)
After the success of last month’s INSPIRED (or, lack of backlash at least) I’m making another mid-month appearance in inboxes, to discuss perhaps my favourite topic of all…books.
While I can’t say this post was inspired by any one article in particular, in case you missed the memo, books are back in a big way. With book clubs the new club clubs - sure going out is cool - but have you ever been so enthralled in a fiction book that you literally can’t put it down?!
Despite the dangers of late-night binge-reading, I couldn’t be happier that books are getting the time and attention they deserve again. A bookworm from the beginning, I inherited the somewhat unhelpful habit of having at least three on the go at any one time from my Mum. There are the bedside table books that I dip into each morning or evening, the development books (because, well, it’s me) and the life stories - real or imagined.
But regardless of what you choose to read, it is the practice itself that is so valuable. Whether it’s wisdom from the ancient Stoics or those on their deathbed, life advice from Barack Obama, or business acumen from Steve Jobs, the easiest way to access the best minds is via books.
On that note, what better way to celebrate the end of 2024 than by sharing my top 24 book recommendations from the past year (or two*).
*While I may read multiple books at a time, not all are created equal and I have to leave some time for my day job.
Bedside table books
The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday
Your Best Year Yet, Jinny Ditzler
Phosphorescence, Julia Baird
A touching book on the importance of awe and wonder, written in part while Australian author Julia Baird was battling cancer. I’m currently reading her latest book Bright Shining on the equally important topic of grace and how it changes everything.
Somehow: Thoughts on Love, Anne Lamott
Highly addictive fiction / life stories (read on weeknights at your own risk)
Hanging By A Thread, Erin Deering
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
Enchanted Islands: A Mediterranean Odyssey, Laura Coffey
A treasure unearthed thanks to my book club at work, Laura’s story is brave and inspiring and will leave you wanting to book your next adventure to an island in the Mediterranean.
Wives Like Us, Plum Sykes
The comeback that confirms she’s still the queen of writing highly addictive high society fiction - this cost me half a night’s sleep in Switzerland and was absolutely worth the extra £7 coffee I needed the next day.
Lessons In Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
I did what you’re not supposed to do, and watched the series first. I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t see the point of reading the book. Oh what a mistake that would have been - read it, watch it, just don’t miss this special story.
Blue Sisters, Coco Mellors
A new firm favourite for fiction, Coco Mellor’s characters and their relationships are so captivating they stay with you long after you finish reading. I loved Blue Sisters so much I also read Cleopatra and Frankenstein - be warned both books cover heavy themes (addiction, suicide) and should really come with a trigger-warning.
Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld
There’s a reason this book is on multiple bestseller lists and recommended by Reese Witherspoon’s book club. Equal parts entertaining and clever, as the name suggests it has all the best bits of a romcom without the extra cheese.
Morning routine reads
Atomic Habits, James Clear
Energize, Simon Alexander Ong
The Creative Act, Rick Rubin
Wherever You Go, There You Are, Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditations for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman
With Four Thousand Weeks arguably the best book I’ve read in the past few years, Meditations for Mortals had big shoes to fill. A fantastic follow-on read, I love how Oliver Burkeman has designed it to be read over a month, breaking it down into easily digestible ideas to meditate on each day. It deserves a full review - stay tuned…
Every chance I get, all-rounders
Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman
Outrageous Openness, Tosha Silver
Sorry I’m Late, I didn’t want to come,
Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg
Currently reading
Bird By Bird, Anne Lamott
As much about life as it is about writing, Anne Lamott writes with such authenticity it’s impossible not to open your heart to her work. A practical and encouraging guide for writing, or life.
Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan Holiday
Work Backwards,
I had the pleasure of meeting Tim in London recently, for an inspiring hour during which we discussed the future of work over tea and coffee. As with Tim’s previous book Cult Status, it’s his level of curiosity and research that makes his work so valuable. A timely topic, I’m enjoying his insights on rethinking our relationship with work.
PONDER:
“Whatever is happening in your life, whatever you’re going through, reading can uniquely sustain and reassure you. It doesn’t matter who you are, what your status is, or how long it takes you to finish reading a book, let alone understand its story or ideas. Reading is always there to guide and repair you, giving you the bravery you need to face the world head on and improve the reality of your situation. And when you inevitably get beaten up by the world, when you inevitably stumble and fall short, reading is still there to welcome you with open arms, ready to build you back up once more. What practice other than reading can give you all that?” - Daily Stoic
In the spirit of the holiday season, I have also created a Bookshop.org list of my recommendations for all your (self) gifting needs*. The online bookshop on a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops, they have contributed almost £4 million so far.
I hope you enjoyed my reading recommendations and, if you know someone who loves books, please share this post with them:
What was the best book you read this year?
That's the second recommendation I've had for Four Thousand Weeks in the last couple of days. I guess I'm reading that one next.
Tuesdays with M was so impacting. fifteen years earlier, I went through Mitch and Morrie's exact journey with my mum - but I'd never thought about writing about it. If I'd been older, maybe.
Thank you for the list of addictive fiction! First stop will be our English reading library in Patzcuaro, Mexico. Always feel like I hit the jackpot when I find one there.