Now this could well be subject to change going forward because I love a book me. I’m averaging one a fortnight a minimum currently, & even just now I remembered another must read last-minute & have had to adapt this post to a slightly unusual Top 11. But here right now, as I stand/sit/slump, here at this desk 21/2/2020, & I’ve given the ol’ cerebellum as thorough sweep as I can muster for a Friday afternoon, HERE are my Top 10… sorry 11.
P.s Apologies if you are a fiction reader, I just can’t get into the stuff, so these are all non fiction, coming mostly under the self development category, though The Queens Code does blur this line a little so could start there if thats more your cuppa.
In no particular order…
ATOMIC HABITS
This is a great book to start with, because if you get your reading habits in check you are in with a good chance of getting through the rest of the list. This book really breaks down human behaviour & provides a practical framework that goes beyond the militant Nike Just do it mantra. I’ve used it to implement happy making changes in my life & I am very grateful to author James Clear who in keeping with his name presents a very concise, easy to understand guide that inspires from the get go.
THE DISCIPLINED TRADER
This book transformed my trading, alongside Mark Douglas’ other incredible book Trading in the Zone. The pages in mine are torn, highlighted & scribbled all over. An absolute must for any trader unless you are an algo then… well done you. Seriously though, these books are the best reading I could ever recommend for trading & I get asked a hella lot.
OUTLIERS
Malcolm Gladwell has written some amazing books but this stands out as my favourite & really serves as a fantastic reminder of the REAL elements required for outrageous success. Spoiler; much of it is out of our control which for me was a really interesting insight. Fascinating read. Really opened my eyes to some simple concepts which we too easily overlook.
THE 4 HOUR WORK WEEK
Tim Ferriss’ first smash hit, quickly followed by 4 hour body & 4 hour chef. SO many great pieces of advice & direction in these books that open up your thinking & spark creative direction in many a different direction. Read this book & rethink your life. This mans trailblazing attitude has made such a contribution & I just love all his work. Stay on top of his latest musings on his similarly brilliant podcast The Tim Ferriss Show too.
THE POWER OF NOW
Eckhart Tolle needs little introduction in my world. This man is a powerhouse of insight if there ever was such a thing. I’m also obsessed with his other book A New Earth & have read both multiple times & get so much out of each page on every read I can’t even. Tolle for king
QUEENS CODE
I bought this book thinking it was a straight talking women’s manual to love & was therefore a little confused when I opened the first chapter & was introduced to our protagonist Kimberlee. Even more so when her Grandmother Claudia brings the concept of frog farming to the fore but bear with. Despite some archaic references to the sexes there is actually a great deal of useful knowledge buried in Alison Armstrongs series of books & I actually enjoyed them, much to my utter shock. (Edit: a year on I find these stories are little too antiquated & would no longer recommend)
WHY WE SLEEP
This book will change your life. So many of us take sleep for granted & see it as an interference in our busy schedule BUT boy is it important. Mr Walker uses studies & statistics to scary effect to really show you how imperative those 8 hours a night are. Don’t skip this one. Could have dangerous impact.
THE CHINA STUDY
No other book in my long history of reading has had such an insane impact on me. I literally quit dairy & meat over night after reading this in May 2014 & bought 100 copies to give out to all my family & friends. Yes that is not a misprint. ONE HUNDRED. (A lot is the answer…. £££) Sure I haven’t always remained 100% devoted to its principles – currently hanging around a steady 93% – but there’s no denying the monumental influence on my life & those around me. It’s backed up to the hilt with studies & figures but more importantly it just makes sense. We are herbivores, with omni tendencies, people sorry to break to ya.
LOST CONNECTIONS
This book should be required reading for all humans & its principles integrated into society at the highest level. We got this whole living thing upside down currently & the way civilisation is developing is just plain scary when it comes to our mental health & well-being. More needs to be done before its too late so do your bit, for your own sake by reading this book.
UNTETHERED SOUL
This might not be for everyone I’m aware of that but something in there might just connect with something within. A beautiful book that breaks down concept of consciousness into something more accessible than a lot of other books on the subject.
SAPIENS
This book was such an eye opener for me & really helped shape my understanding of the world & our place in it. When you understand our real place in the food chain & how we came to be, thanks to some utter genuis rubbing some twigs together millenias ago, lots of other concepts start falling into place & opens up your heart & mind.
ATTACHED
This was a real gamechanger for me personally & I would recommend it to anyone having difficulties in their relationship who might identify with the concept of insecure attachment. If you are like most of the population this might not have any use, but for the 44% of us who identify as even a little insecure this is a must. At a minimum take the quiz & find out because I genuinely thought I was issue-less before I actually read my life on these pages. It opened my eyes & I am now secure-er than ever YAY FOR ME!
Okay for any of you pedantic types yes you have counted correctly that was 12. SORRY. There’s just too many good books out there I couldn’t help myself, couldn’t deny you could I. Now get your ass to Waterstones.
