As the year comes to a close, everyone deserves an opportunity for rest and relaxation after all of the challenges faced in 2022. For those who are searching for books to pass their time over the Christmas and New Year break, try out my personal recommendations from the 60 books I have either read or listened to throughout 2022 – five fiction and five non-fiction selections that will provide hours of relaxation or rejuvenation to launch into a positive 2023.
Five to Tune Out with
- Love Stories by Trent Dalton captures the raw and honest stories of heartache and joy in everyday life. Following a collection of characters from different backgrounds, this book paints a vivid picture of relationships in a way never before seen.
- Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams tells the story of Esme’s journey to bring forgotten words from the margins into the mainstream dictionary. The novel cunningly uses words to illustrate symbols of gender inequality, as well as issues associated with loss and belonging.
- For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is a deserved classic. The gripping story follows an American protagonist, Robert Jordan, as he joins forces with local guerilla fighters to set up an explosive mission behind enemy lines. With vivid descriptions of a war-torn country, fascinating characters, and wonderfully written dialogue, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a hoot of a book. It follows the adventures of four elderly sleuths in a small English village retirement home who, determined not to be slowed down in their golden years, set out to solve murders.
- A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole – I have only just finished this. Another classic, but this one is comedic, though occasionally jolting. The main character is a lumbering old-minded misanthrope who is on a mission to align his world to his worldview and creates a hilarious, but also sad cycle of issues behind him.
Five for Tune Up with
- The Eye Test by Chris Jones – The Eye Test is a must-read for any business owner looking to stay competitive in today’s market. It provides valuable insight into how analytics can be used alongside intuition and creativity to make smart decisions that will propel your business forward in today’s ever-changing landscape. With its engaging writing style, thought-provoking ideas, and actionable advice, this book is sure to help you take your business strategy—and your success—to the next level!
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Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi provides invaluable insights into the concept of “flow” and how it can help people reach peak performance in any field – including business. This book offers clear advice on how one can enter into a state of flow as well as the benefits such an experience can offer both individuals and businesses alike. Full review here.
- Stolen Focus by Johan Hari is probably one of the most important books I have read in recent times. The book sets out 12 causes contributing to the demise of our ability to focus, or pay attention. It is becoming a chronic issue, and his study is broad. There were many lessons for me as a parent and a business owner working in technology and marketing, it is quite a wake-up call.
- Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes – I obsess a little over routine and for some time have been thinking about what is the perfect routine for productivity, how does it all fit in the time we have, and what is the perfect week? So I’m glad that I came across this book as it shows us how.
- The Catalyst – This book explores barriers to change and how to overcome them not only in business but sociologically and personally. Berger explores the science of persuasion and reveals how we can overcome the barriers to change. It offers many other useful insights and tips throughout the book, including how to use social proof, authority, and scarcity to influence people, and how to make your message more persuasive. Full review here.
As always, I hope you find something from this list to relax with, exercise your mind, develop some strategies for achievement and learn something new over the Christmas break. Happy reading.
