My Favourite Books
Reading is an important part of my life. I love nothing more than learning about new subjects, challenging my thoughts or getting lost in an exciting novel. Here are some books that I have enjoyed and would recommend reading.
Lost Connections – Johann Hari
One of the first books that helped me realise the importance of social connections and living to your values. Don’t be put off by the subtitle if you don’t suffer with any mental health issues. It’s still interesting. I don’t take any book as gospel though, he is quite anti-chemical interventions but I’ve learnt a lot about that since I first read this book.
GET IT NOWWhy We Sleep – Matthew Walker
In the past, I probably recommended this a bit too much to people who have problems sleeping, which could lead to sleep anxiety. It talks about the health implications of not getting enough sleep, so if you’re somebody who doesn’t prioritise sleep – I would recommend it. The author is on plenty of podcasts too if you would prefer a shorter listen!
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Awaken The Giant Within – Anthony Robbins
My first dip into NLP and finding values, setting goals etc. I have always recommended this one because it made me set some high goals and then I hit them, so I thought the book was brilliant. I wonder would I still rate it with everything I’ve learnt since. I haven’t read any of his other books besides “money”.
GET IT NOWThe Chimp Paradox – Prof Steve Peters
If you deal with people or have any relationships in your life, you need to read this. It helps you manage any conflict you have and more importantly, how to avoid it. Another great one for peace of mind.
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A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle
It’s a bit spiritual but this book actually put me on a new earth…it made me view everything differently. We see everyone recommending The Power of Now but I think this book is a better place to start, if you want to become more present, more mindful and less critical of others. Oprah and Eckhart have a podcast where they digest each chapter.
GET IT NOWAtomic Habits – James Clear
If you haven’t read this, stop what you’re doing and order it. Well, if you want to improve your life in any way. Life Changing.
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What I Know For Sure – Oprah Winfrey
I LOVE this book. From somebody who has all the fame and money in the world, Oprah helps you realise what is really important. It’s such a nice read, it’s broken into short chapters with nice messages. It’s a lovely gift for somebody too.
GET IT NOWThe Daily Stoic – Ryan Holiday
You’re probably sick of seeing this book, I’ve read a page of it every day for the last 3-4 years. Stoicism is a philosophy that makes you slow down and question what really matters and what you can do to be a better person (That’s completely my own interpretation!) You just read one page a day so it’s a good place to start if you want to start a daily reading habit.
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Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers – Robert M. Sapolsky
All about the effects of stress on the body and its role in illnesses. Quite scientific but it was an eye opener.
GET IT NOWShoe Dog – Phil Knight
A great business motivation book from the founder of Nike. It wasn’t an easy read but the determination was there.
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The 5 Second Rule – Mel Robbins
A great book for motivation. It’s based on the idea that, if you are avoiding starting something, you count backwards from 5 and just do it. But I remember being surprised that there was a lot more to the book than that.
GET IT NOWThe Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
The book that “woke” me. It’s very deep so I wouldn’t recommend listening on Audible. Get a hard copy and aim for a couple of pages a day.
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Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins
If you think you train hard, read this. I read it in Thailand when I was doing really intense training and it really motivated me, he is definitely an extremist (like running a marathon on broken ankles) but I thought it was an interesting read.
GET IT NOWDead Zone – Philip Lymbery
A book taking a very honest look at the current climate situation, the history of different species and why they’re going extinct.
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Feel Better Fast and Make It Last – Daniel G. Amen
Another one about the brain but this one is all about how you can look after your brain for your physical and mental health.
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Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari
I loved all of Yuval Noah Harrari’s books. I didn’t realise how little I knew about the past and how countries, cultures, our bodies etc. have evolved. There are some boring bits but if you stick with it you’ll learn a lot! Defo follow it up with Homo Deus 21 Lessons. So much food for thought.
GET IT NOWAltruism – Matthieu Ricard
I randomly picked this book up in Easons when I didn’t even know what the word “Altruism” meant but the buzzwords of science, psychology and kindness got me. Altruism means being sound for the sake of being sound and this book explores whether that is actually possible. It was really interesting!
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The Laws of Human Nature – Robert Greene
This book is huge but don’t be deterred – it will help you understand everyone around you. I found some of the author’s other books a little bit dark or manipulative but I really liked this one. There are analogous stories at the start of each chapter that you can skip and it will still make sense!
GET IT NOWI am Malala – Malala Yousafzai
The subtitle explains it all. I was so shocked that this was going on in my lifetime. Even the fact that they were living in mud houses. I thought it happened years ago. An inspirational young woman who stood up for what she believed in, despite the most horrendous circumstances.
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Recovery – Russell Brand
A poetic look at recovery from addiction to a very spiritual life. I enjoyed it but that was back when I liked Russell Brand.
GET IT NOWOpen – Andre Agassi
He didn’t even like tennis, but what do you do when you’re really good at something?! A long one so I would suggest listening to it.
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Elon Musk – Ashlee Vance
It blows my mind that there are people this intelligent in the world. This story shows his grit and determination to get his novel and crazy ideas off the ground. This was published in 2016 so I’d say an updated book is needed!
GET IT NOWThis is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay
Very entertaining but also kinda concerning. It’s almost like a collection of short stories so you can read a short bit at a time.
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Becoming – Michelle Obama
Another long one so I listened to it at a higher speed. If you think she was just the president’s wife, you’d want to read this to hear her story. An intelligent, compassionate person who did not want her husband to be president. A great book!
GET IT NOWThe Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama
I read this book last year and can’t remember the specifics of why I loved it but I highly recommend it. The Art of Happiness – You can’t say no to that!
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Not a Diet Book – James Smith
Myself and James have very similar views on health and fitness so I was excited to read this book. It did not disappoint! It equips you with the knowledge to avoid any crazy diets/training plans. And it helps you realise what to prioritise.
GET IT NOWNot a Life Coach – James Smith
Now, I could be recommending this because of confirmation bias with how I live my life, but James put into words what I couldn’t. Even if you don’t want a lifestyle like us, it can be interesting for a different perspective. and to help you nail down your own values.
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Chasing the Scream – Johann Hari
This was a really interesting book on the war on drugs. It looks at the history of why drugs are illegal and alcohol is not. From the author of Lost Connections.
GET IT NOWA Promised Land – Barack Obama
This really opened my eyes to how complicated politics is. It made me question my opinion that people make “stupid” decisions and consider that there are so many variables and considerations that I know nothing about. Another long one to listen to. I also wondered if there would be too much of an overlap with Michelle’s book but there wasn’t! (Although I probably read them 2 years apart).
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End of Mental Illness – Daniel G. Amen
I’m a big fan of Dr. Amen. It’s a good book in opposition of Lost Connections because it looks at the possible physical and environmental reasons for mental illness.
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Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing – Robert T. Kiyosaki
What I’ve learnt is there is no “correct” way to handle finances. There are so many variables, including your attitude to risk and values. Kiyosaki’s first book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” opened my eyes a bit about the advantages of not pursuing a career. This book puts forward some interesting arguments against getting a mortgage. It might be worth reading if you’re unsure (about finance) Knowledge is power.
GET IT NOWThe 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman
An interesting perspective on what different people could value in a relationship. E.g. some people think gifts might mean they are loved but others might consider washing the dishes as a sign of love.
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Just Eat It – Laura Thomas PhD
One of those books that really challenged my thoughts. It started well but I definitely don’t agree with it all (she really hates fitness instagrammers for example) It is an extremist view but it gave me a lot to consider and helped me find a bit more balance.
The Oxygen Advantage – Patrick Mckeown
I actually don’t think I finished this one at the time because I was on the piss in Croatia…but a really interesting look at how the breath can affect your health and fitness. I must start it again.
Incognito – David Eagleman
I’ve actually listened to/read this one twice. It’s all about the brain and the mad tricks it plays on us! Very interesting.
GET IT NOWTribe of Mentors – Timothy Ferriss
I learnt so much from this book. It’s hundreds of interviews with the most (subjectively) successful people in the world. My biggest lesson was, “you have time to meditate”.
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Me and White Supremacy – Layla F Saad
After the murder of george Floyd, I realised how ignorant I was to systemic racism and tried to learn and listen to as much as I could. This book opened my eyes right up and made me want to encourage others to recognise their privilege. Would definitely recommend reading. Especially if you think racism has nothing to do with you.
GET IT NOWWhy I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo Lodge
As before, the more perspectives to listen to, the better.
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White Fragility – Robin Diangelo
These helped me acknowledge my privilege and ignorance and made me try to be better.
GET IT NOWFinding My Virginity – Steve West
I haven’t read any of his previous autobiographies but this was still brilliant on its own.
I Can’t Make This Up – Kevin Hart
I can’t remember that much about this but I do remember that it was very funny and it’s read by himself on Audible.
GET IT NOWMichael O’Leary – Matt Cooper
I have huge respect for what O’Leary has created, I’m not saying I agree with everything he says or does but he’s a very intelligent business man.
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Jump Start – Daniella Moyles
I wouldn’t even call it a journal – it was more of an educational workbook on emotions and more. Highly recommend. And I’m not just saying that because Daniella Moyes is sound. So many people will benefit from working through this.
GET IT NOWThe Power of Vulnerability – Brene Brown
Oh my god, this was amazing. I think it’s only on Audible but definitely worth listening to. Brene Brown is brilliant.
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