Five must read books for 2019

One of the things I like to do as we head toward the end of the year is make a list of the books that I plan to read in the year ahead. Some of these books will be about pure escapism, while others will capture the latest thinking about our changing world, and yet others will help me become the best possible version of myself. 

1. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

This historical novel is set on the Korean island of Jeju and captures the story of the fiercely independent, free-diving women who undertake dangerous physical work, while the men take care of the children. The novel explores the friendships between the women over the course of their lives, and is set during the tumultuous times of the 1930s and subsequent decades. Written by New York Times bestselling author, Lisa See, who also wrote The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, I’m looking forward to gaining a better understanding about this unique part of Korea’s history. 

2. Dirty Vegan by Matt Pritchard

I’m intrigued by the very edgy title and cover photograph – not something that people would normally associate with Veganism. In true British form, the book promotes itself as containing recipes for “proper, banging Vegan food”. Although I’ve not really eaten meat for the last 20 years, it’s only in the last six months or so that I’ve taken up a primarily plant-based diet. For me, I find it gives me energy and focus, and any book that looks to make Vegan food even tastier is worth a read. 

3. Becoming by Michelle Obama

I’m not sure that I even need to explain this one. Whatever your politics, there is little debate that Michelle Obama conducted herself with dignity and respect during her time as First Lady. She managed to raise two very grounded and intelligent young women, and championed childhood nutrition and support for the families of military veterans. An accomplished women in her own right, I’m certain her story will be uplifting and filled with positive energy. 

4. Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

In Japanese, the word Ikigai roughly translates to “the happiness of always being busy”. The book explores the theme of how staying actively engaged is central to leading a long and joyful life. The book is based on interviews with residents from the town of Ogimi on the Japanese Island of Okinawa. The town, nicknamed the Village of Longevity, is home to more people over 100 years of age than any other place on earth, and the residents share their secrets for living a long and happy life. 

5. Merchants of Truth: The business of news and the fight for facts by Jill Abramson

Jill Abramson was formerly the executive editor of the New York Times, and incredibly well placed to talk authoritatively about how the news media has been reshaped over the last decade. She follows the journey four media companies – two traditional media, and two new media – and looks at how digital disruption has shaped these companies, exploring the crisis in trust over who to trust when it comes to news today. This is likely to be fascinating read from someone who had a ringside view to these changes as they happened. 

Finally, I’d like to share an idea that I call comfort reading – which is re-reading a favourite book as a way to relax and de-stress. Reading familiar passages brings with it a sense of calm, and my go to book for comfort reading right now is Anna Karenina. This is a true classic, and my well-read version is always close by for times when I need to lose myself in something familiar and comfortable.

So, this is my 2019 reading list, but as many of you avid readers will know, it’s a list that always keeps growing. Feel free to share your ‘must read’ books below, and there’s every chance that I’ll add some of the really engaging books to my list. 

Wherever you are in the world, please accept my warmest regards of the season, and my best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.