Summary:
- Need some new books to read or gift? Check out these big ideas, business, and fun book recommendations for 2024!
- Looking for inspiration and insight? "Mastering Community" and "The Good Life" are great reads for leaders and those seeking more fulfillment
- Want to improve your bankable business skills? "Find Your Red Thread" and "Speak Your Way to Cash" are must-reads for anyone looking to up their game in presentations and professional speaking.
- For some fun, light-hearted reading, don't miss "The Upside Down Christmas" and "Unleash for Love," which are perfect for a rom-com escape or some laugh-out-loud entertainment.
Hey, I don't know about you, but I barely have time to read the amazing books that I find. Thank goodness for audiobooks, and my Audible Premium Plus membership. Here are some of my favorite reads from this year, broken down into a few categories with links to them on Audible and Amazon. Just a heads up, this post contains affiliate links, so I might get some paid if you decide to grab these books using my links.
Big Ideas That Shifted My Thinking
First up, we've got some big idea books. "Mastering Community" by Christine Porath is all about how leaders create a sense of community in complex situations. It's super helpful if you're in a leadership position and need some engagement tips. Then there's "48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene, which was a helpful re-read full of great tips and strategies to deal with power in so many forms. Years ago, this book helped me to navigate some pretty ruthless people without losing myself in the process. "The Good Life" by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz gives some fascinating and practical insights from the 80+-year-old Harvard Happiness Study about living a happy and meaningful life.
From 2022’s list and I’m sharing because the year end is a tough time for so many, “Good Anxiety” by Dr. Wendy Suzuki, who is currently a Dean at my alma mater NYU and an award winning neuroscho
If you need some business book recommendations, I have a few. Check out "Find Your Red Thread" by Tamsen Webster, if you’re looking to make your presentations, business branding or marketing campaigns more memorable. "Speak Your Way to Cash" by Ashley Kirkwood is my new go-to recommendation whenever someone asks me about how to become a paid professional speaker. Ashley’s book gives clear and powerful step-by-step instructions to get your speaking business positioned for success. Reading "Content Inc.: Second Edition" by Joe Pulizzi for building a profitable brand through your content. We’re all told that we have to build a brand, and in this book Pulizzi talks about how to build a profitable brand through your content (written, audio and/or video) using real world examples from his community and career as a content marketing pioneer.
Some fun reads I enjoyed were "The Upside Down Christmas" by Kate Forester, a cute rom-com novella based in Australia and "Unleash for Love" by Alesha Renee, et. al. features several comedy stories told in a funny audio play performed by many voices you’ll recognize from tv series and movies like Jasmin Guy, Kevin Hart, Porsha Williams, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God and so many others. Both of these are Audible Original, exclusive content for members only. For a limited time, you can get a no cost 30-day trial Audible Plus Membership (valued at $14.95/mo US) at https://amzn.to/3QV7iED
As for what's next on my reading list over the last month of the year, I'm looking forward to digging into two nonfiction books. "Seeing Others" by Michele Lamont for some thoughts on reimagining how we judge ourselves and others in an age of increasing inequality and changing career paths. "The Source" by Dr. Tara Swart for more ideas on using modern brain science to improve interactions with others. I enjoyed the facts Dr. Swart shared on the “Diary of a CEO” podcast, so I am looking forward to learning more.
Calling all go-getters! Ready to crush the remote work game and grow your leadership skills? Don't miss out on my books on Amazon:
“Pressure Makes Diamonds: Simple Habits for Busy Professionals to Break the Burnout Cycle” – A Quick Comprehensive guide that shares my story and strategies to stop burnout and its ill effects on mental health, relationships, and career success – without quitting my life or career.
“Unlock Productivity and Wellbeing at Work: Strategies to Maximize Business Success and Personal Wellbeing in the 21st Century” – Learn which Productivity Blocker is holding you back and how to break free so you can advance your career and wellbeing – at the same time.
“Remote Work Secrets: How to Avoid 10 Costly Remote Work Mistakes to Grow Your Leadership Skills and Advance Your Career Working From Anywhere” – Great for managers and team leaders who want clear strategies and tools to make sure they have an engaged, productive work team while working from anywhere.
Please drop a comment to let me know what you’re reading and what else I should check out.
Happy Holidays! Happy reading!