As with previous years, instead of a single book review for December, I reflect on my year in books. It was harder than ever to pick five fiction books as I read quite a few classics as well as some great new works. In non-fiction, I have included a book that is not strictly business-related, but I feel it will be more pertinent as 2025 takes shape.
So, I offer my top ten from what I read this year. Five Fiction Favourites that I recommend for escaping into another world during the summer break. Five Non-Fiction Must-Reads for those looking to level up in 2025.
Top Five Fiction
Don Quixote – Cervantes
This is truly a masterpiece of literature – both brilliantly written and genuinely funny. The characterisation is brilliant, and I couldn’t find a single fault. It’s an achievement not only in its writing but also in the undertaking of reading such a big book. I’m so grateful to have experienced this book. The relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza evolves into one of literature’s most memorable friendships, with their dialogues perfectly balancing philosophical depth and comic relief.
Cloudstreet – Tim Winton
It took me a while to get to this Australian classic, but I am glad I got there. One of the best Australian books I have read. It’s weird, but I found it quite Kerouac-like in a few parts, but also very Australian. Is this Australia’s On The Road, where the road is family? I think this is Australia’s and the World’s Cloudstreet. Set in post-war Perth, the Pickle and Lamb families find themselves sharing a sprawling, chaotic house and their lives entangled in a story that captures the spirit of the time against the backdrop of working-class struggles and dreams.
Butter – Asako Yuzuki
There was a lot going on, and upon finishing, I learned it was based on a true story! I have a thing for Japanese literature and a thing for food, so this was a great read. There was a tension that held but didn’t resolve for me, and the ending was possibly not a fit with the rest of the book. An enjoyable and thought-provoking book when it comes to gender and gender perception. It enhances one’s appetite, and just like I like my food, the book has lashings of butter.
Horse – Geraldine Brooks
It’s a brilliant piece of work. It is a work about love, a horse, horse racing, historical fiction and not-so-historical truth. It left me speechless. Brooks masterfully weaves together multiple timelines, connecting the antebellum South with contemporary America through the extraordinary story of the legendary racehorse Lexington. The way she highlights the persistent echoes of racism while celebrating the deep bonds between humans and horses creates a powerful story that lingers long after the end.
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
It is another Australian classic that I have only just finished reading. The story of a girl forced into adoption by the ravages that World War II Nazi Germany wrought upon itself. A story of survival and love seen through the unique narrative perspective of death. The narration is innovative and evocative at telling this story of survival, love as well as the senseless loss of war.
Top 5 Non-Fiction
Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
As I mentioned in my full review, this is not a typical negotiation or influence guide. It doesn’t contain any “scientific” rules or rigid formulas because Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator, and his exploration of emotional intelligence, empathy, and their impact on achieving successful outcomes is very bloody interesting! The book is a combination of fascinating examples, practical scenarios, and insightful psychological principles. It is a powerful framework for achieving success in any negotiation.
Anatomy of a Breakthrough – Adam Alter
A very good addition to performance psychology, this looks at getting out of ruts and breaking through self-imposed or even externally imposed barriers toward goal achievement. Alter combines real-world case studies and scientific research to reveal the hidden forces behind creative thinking, debunking myths about the “genius” mindset and showing that breakthroughs often stem from unexpected sources influenced by the environment, social interactions, and cognitive biases.
The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life – Steven Bartlett
I do like a book that offers a list, I find the simple structure appeals to me. I found it quite a solid book with a lot of energy without being over the top. I think that is because it is British, so it lacks the American aggressiveness for me. While Bartlett’s entrepreneurial insights draw from his personal journey, his measured approach to success principles feels refreshingly grounded in real-world experience rather than motivational hyperbole.
Pre-suasion – Robert Cialdini
Logical following to the famous Influence, though the famous Influence is hard to beat for importance. It offers a compelling exploration of the subtle techniques that can shape decisions before a pitch begins. The book provides actionable strategies that marketers can readily apply, making it an essential addition to their toolkit. Taken together, it is a powerful duo of knowledge and resources for understanding and leveraging human behaviour. Read my full review here.
Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything – Julia Baird
I listened to this recently and found it a very heartfelt and emotional study of grace. I think grace can have a slightly different meaning for many people, and this book does come at the concept from a few different angles. The most powerful are the personal. I am going to take this opportunity to recommend a sixth book, Faith, Hope, and Carnage, by Nick Cave and Sean O’Hagan, as they are similar in talking about how to deal with grief and loss, particularly in others. I think as we head into more uncertain times geo-politically in 2025, having a handle on grace and a desire to practice it, will hold us in good stead as we negotiate the impacts on business and the economy next year.
As always, I hope you find something of value from my top 10 list this year and enjoy some down time to recharge into a successful 2025.
Previous year’s lists:
