Best books of 2020 and your perfect holiday read
hello
Hi ,
Well, here we are. Hopefully you're already winding down for the year and filling up on naps. I'm not sure about you but my brain appears to have turned into tangled Christmas lights over the last couple of weeks. Apologies to anyone who has received jumbled voice messages, confused Whatsapps or out of context gifs.
Speaking of messiness, if you're one of the many who have had their Christmas plans suddenly thrown into disarray in the last week, I really hope you've found some good people, pets or books to spend the holidays with, even if it's in a different shape and style than you originally planned.
Just a short note from me this week to...
1) Say a big thank you for joining me by listening to the podcast or reading the bookmark over the year. It really means a lot. I've had several very generous messages from people over the last week who have shared how the podcast/newsletter/social media posts helped them read more, or saved them time by helping them NOT read certain books! If it's useful and time saving for one person, that's enough for me, and I can't wait to bring you more helpful book nuggets in 2021.
2) Share five books that are 'lighter' non-fiction reads. Still hugely useful and valuable books, but written in a way that won't melt your brain whilst you're learning. Perfect for a holiday read if you're also the kind of person who can't quite switch to total literary junk food when on a break. Keep scrolling to find those.
Personally I'll be diving into some classic fiction this month. I'm currently reading Machiavelli's The Prince (just casually picking up some new leadership methods for 2021...) and then I will finally read Joseph Heller's Catch 22.
Have a good break, look after yourself, read well and I'll see you in January.
Yours in restorative reading,
Steph
PS. I hopped on with the effervescent Suz Chadwick on her Brand Builders Lab podcast to talk about our favourite books of the year. You can hear that conversation here on Spotify or Apple.
PPS. Frankie Magazine invited me to contribute to their Strictly Business publication with an article called 'business books that don't suck'. Here it is.
five holiday books to read
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
The Nike founder describes how he accidentally started one of the most iconic brands in the world - and the highs and lows along the way.
Superfans by Pat Flynn
Relaunch your marketing efforts by thinking about how you can make the lives of your customers better by using Pat's signature, generosity-filled, playbook.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
I know, one day I'll stop recommending it. But in the meantime I highly encourage you to read, or re-read this book, and think about how you'll meaningfully bring people (back) together post-2020, in all aspects of work and life.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Whilst it's built around becoming a better writer, it's actually a thoroughly enjoyable and funny read about creativity and worrying less.
When by Daniel Pink
Still one of my favourite productivity books; a lesson on why 'when' is much more important than 'what' or 'how'.
** BONUS MENTION **
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
If you want to learn about consistency and building habits and hobbies into your identity, this book will take you on a colourful and descriptive journey of how to do so.
PS. don't forget, if you'd like a 15% discount on your copy of the Archley's Book of Books book journal to keep all your book notes and lessons in (perfect for your holiday reading) click here^.
meanwhile, on the bookshelf
Recent Steph's Business Bookshelf podcast episodes, in case you missed them...
2020 Wrapped Up; the best books and podcasts of the year
(Spotify / Apple)
This is Water by David Foster Wallace
(Spotify / Apple)
PPPPS. over the next two weeks I'll be re-running a couple of popular podcast episodes from the archives in case you missed them first time around, so keep your eyes peeled for those 👀