It was another big year of reading for me, and also for book writing! With one book published, Olympus Bound, another almost out for pre-orders (Olympus Rising), and one in editing, Power Games, that makes three for the year. My ratio of books written to books read is improving from 1:150 to 3:150. I wonder if I read less and wrote more I could get more books out? But then I'd miss all that reading...
This year's best picks are across several genres. I hope you find something that piques your interest! And of course I'd love to hear about YOUR favourite reads of the year. Drop a note in the comments with your faves.
Strategy
This is Strategy by Seth Godin - an unusual, bite-sized insights to get your strategic thinking levelled up.
Non-Obvious Thinking by Rohit Barghava - step by step tips to think better and be future-ready.
Relevant by Louise Mowbray - a thorough documentation of advanced leadership thinking skills and approaches
The Empowerment Manual by Starhawk - such a good book with practical exercises to do with groups to explore sharing power and conflict resolution
Power
Power and Progress by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson - an extensive look at how technology does not always lead to prosperity and abundance and is mostly concentrated in the hands of the few.
Strongmen by
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- she is the definitive authority on authoritarianism. I read her Substack blog, Lucid, religiously too.
Teams
The Trust Factor by Paul Zak - an excellent read on the neuroscience and practices to create trust and high performance
The Right Kind of Wrong by
Amy Edmondson
- this book is loaded with case studies, with the best part about how to design workplace experiments (and fail better).
Management
Snakes in Suits by Paul Babiak - a very sobering look at the people who give us the most grief at work, without repentanceL psychopaths.
Historical Fiction
Caligula by Simon Turney - I love the Damned Emperor series by Turney! Caligula showed such promise, but after a tortured childhood, it's no wonder he turned into a a power-mongering villain.
Commodus by Simon Turney - another example of how power twists the brain.
Delicatus by S.P. Somtow - the incredible true story of a slave boy who captured the heart of a vicious Emperor. This is Book 1 of 4.
Imperatrix by S.P. Somtow - Sporus's story continues to where Nero has him castrated and made his Empress after the death of his beloved wife. Romans. Sheesh.
Neroby Conn Iggulden - first in the series by one of the best historical fiction writers. This was a gritty exploration of Nero's early years and his ambitious incredible mother, Agrippina. Can't wait for more!
Spy Thrillers
The Frenchman by Jack Beaumont - written by real life spy, it reeks of authenticity and day to day terror of being an operative.
Moscow Nights Return by Beth Macy - a retired female spy is brought back for 'one last mission'. It's gritty action from start to finish - loved it! Bought the second book immediately.
The Spy and the Traitorby Ben Macintyre - historical biography that reads like a thriller! This true story of the one of the highest level double agents in the KGB is remarkable. I'll be reading more by Macintyre.
Das Boot by Lothar Gunther Buckheim - ever wondered what i would be like to live and work on a submarine during the war? This visceral, gut wrenching book will have you feeling the terror, smelling the diesel fumes, and pitching in the swollen seas. An incredible book.
Literary Fiction
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - I don't often read the most popular books because I am often disappointed But this one knocked it out of the park! We go inside the mind of a second-rate writer who steals the manuscript of her famous, successful dead writer friend. It's incredibly compelling and creepy.
Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction
The Moon Children by Kim Catanzarite - this is book 4 in the series and completely absorbing! Kim writes fascinating characters and pushes the envelope even further in this book with multiverse adventures and unusual alien forms.
Shakedowners 4eva by Justin Woolley - book four in this entertaining, hilarious found family space romp. He leaves us a on a cliffhanger so I hope the ext book is coming soon.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson - oh my god, this book! A fantastic cyberpunk adventure with some of the best visual imagery. Case in point:
"The Deliverator’s car has enough potential energy packed into its batteries to fire a pound of bacon into the Asteroid Belt."
Hyperion by Dan Simmons - It's Canterbury Tales revisited as seven diverse passengers head on a fateful trip to see the sacred Shrike. Beautifully written with compelling imagery. One of the series I need to finish next year.
The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks - a friend recommended this series and my goodness, it's awesome! The books are set in the same universe but have different tales told at different eras. This book was about a 'gamer' who goes all the way to the top, pitting empire against the A.I.-run Culture. The metaphors and analogies are great leadership thinking.
Mars Nation by Brandon Q. Morris - it reads like a thriller. I loved it because of its vivid descriptions of living on Mars (subject of the next Gaia book I'm writing next year).
Just Press Play - The Scorching by Nick Snape - Nick has only just started writing and has produced some action-packed, unique scifi novels, This one features a mechanically augmented octopus as a side-kick. Fun!
The Future by Naomi Alderman - How does one deal with an ego-driven tech billionaire? An elaborate plot unfolds with plenty of twists.
What's been a favourite read for you this year? Leave a note in the comments!
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Ah, this is a wonderful list Zoe, thank you. I’ve met Paul Zak and he is super lovely in person (and his book, like his work, is brilliant).
I’m currently reading Hyperion (upon insistence from a friend) and I’m already seeing references in other places (like the farcaster protocol, for example).
Am I the friend who recommended Iain M. Bank’s Culture Series? I feel a bit bad because I recently attempted to read the first book—Consider Phlebas (I’ve been reading them in random order)—and... I couldn’t finish it 😅 I gave up 75% of the way through. It felt like recommending “The Simpsons” to a friend and then finding out they started at episode one haha. But anyways all the other books are brilliant. This one was just “very good” but I think it was before he found his stride with The Culture.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am so inspired by the way you show up and share. You’ve warmed me out of my dark forest; with luck I might share a bit more here now, too.
PS: I love your BOOKISH signup confirmation message.
keynote speaker-bard & leadership development “specialist” 🧙🏻♂️ metamodern fox-magic for a time betwixt worlds 🦊 venture—beyond the default ✨
1moAh, this is a wonderful list Zoe, thank you. I’ve met Paul Zak and he is super lovely in person (and his book, like his work, is brilliant). I’m currently reading Hyperion (upon insistence from a friend) and I’m already seeing references in other places (like the farcaster protocol, for example). Am I the friend who recommended Iain M. Bank’s Culture Series? I feel a bit bad because I recently attempted to read the first book—Consider Phlebas (I’ve been reading them in random order)—and... I couldn’t finish it 😅 I gave up 75% of the way through. It felt like recommending “The Simpsons” to a friend and then finding out they started at episode one haha. But anyways all the other books are brilliant. This one was just “very good” but I think it was before he found his stride with The Culture. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am so inspired by the way you show up and share. You’ve warmed me out of my dark forest; with luck I might share a bit more here now, too. PS: I love your BOOKISH signup confirmation message.
Entrepreneur Coaching
2moGreat list of difference makers Zoe.
Future-Focused Leadership | Executive advisor and coach, keynote speaker, futurist and facilitator | Author of 'Relevant: Future-Focused Leadership'
2moThank you for including my book Zoe 🙏 It’s a great list and you’ve prompted me to add a few more to mine!
Global Consultant, Strategic Advisory & Board Member (Dartmouth Club NYC)
2moStellar list, Zoe! Thank you