My 5 Favourite Books of 2021

Reading is one of my favourite activities. This year I was able to read 45 books between fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy discovering new things, learning new ways, and enlarging my spirit with good stories. As a parting gift for 2021, I share with you 5 of my favourite reads of this year in the hopes you can find some ideas for your own reading.

1. The Stranger in the Lifeboat – Mitch Albom

I will start with a fiction book by one of my favourite contemporary authors, Mitch Albom: The Stranger in the Lifeboat.

This is a novel of hope where hope is both faith in a superior being but also in humanity and how we can all be better by seeing the best in others. Mitch Albom is the author of “Tuesdays with Morrie”, “The Timekeeper”, and many other novels that take you into a magical but very realistic world. He is an accomplished journalist and some of his books have been transposed into feature films. I found his latest book a refreshing read, especially in this time of challenges and trials. I recommend this book if you are looking to soothe your soul and are having questions about your life.

2. Essentialism – Greg McKeown

The second book I recommend is titled “Essentialism” and was written by Greg McKeown.

This is not your typical productivity book but an opportunity to reevaluate the way you think and make decisions based on a paradigm shifts: the courage to say NO to the non-essential. Greg is a Harvard professor and a thinker and his point in this book is that we lose ourselves into the busy-ness of life without really thinking if the things we are doing have true value for us. In an age of too much overwhelming noise, McKeown offers a powerful insight in why and how you should focus on what truly matters most.

3. 12 Rules for Life – Jordan Peterson

Jordan Peterson is a controversial figure but also a respected scholar and scientist. He is in the category of either you love him or hate him. I certainly like him even if I do not subscribe to all he says or states. I wrote a full article on this book. What he says – and he does it in a very interesting way – appeals to common sense but in a way that has tones imbued into experience and observation. I think this is one of the best books I read this year because it gives voice to those who are tired of political correctness for the sake of it. If you decided to read this book, take your time as Peterson’s writing style tends to be academic, therefore a bit dense with research and philosophical argumentations. But it is totally with it.

4. Daring Greatly – Brene’ Brown

Another one of my favourite authors is Brene’ Brown. I have also written a separate article on this particular book. This read is about shame and vulnerability. By reading this book, you will find out how shame engenders a feeling of unworthiness and how it is endemic in our culture. You will also discover that vulnerability is the cure for feelings of shame. Vulnerability means the willingness to openly admit failures and weaknesses, and it will help you build up resilience to feelings of shame, and be happier with what you have. Building a culture of vulnerability will result in more creativity, more engagement and healthier families. I also suggest you read her book “The Gifts of Imperfection”.

5. Start with Why – Simon Sinek

Last but not least I recommend “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. Simon Sinek is a young entrepreneur who has written a few books on business success. However, he does his reasoning based on both humanity and common sense. That is my type of leader. In this book, good leaders have something in common: they understand that people embrace an idea, project, or product only when they understand why it exists. Simon calls it a sense of purpose, which, in turn, means engaging in purposeful activity. For companies this often results in financial gain and for people this translates in a sense of accomplishment.

Now that you have read my quick list of 5 favourite books I have read in 2021, I will give a quick list of 5 bonus titles in addition to the ones I just mentioned:

• Show Your Work – Austin Kleon (if you are a creative who wants to be successful in the digital age – great book – it can be read in one hour)
• Life of the Stoics – Ryan Holiday (an insigth in the lives of the ancient stoics and the weight of this great phylosophy that lasts until today)
• Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman (a classic research book that needs to be reread once in a while)
• Strategy and the Fat Smoker – David Maister (great book full of advice for consultants big and small)
• The 80/20 Principle – Richard Koch (Again on the principle of focus in life and in business

That’s it for this time. I look forward to sharing more about leadership, productivity, business and human nature. In the meantime, have a great New Year and remember: you can make a difference.

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