The best business books and memoirs to read over Christmas 2022
As 2022 draws to a close, it’s wonderful to be able to look forward to the festive season without fear of lockdowns or separation from family this time around.
But that doesn’t mean giving up on the idea of using your time to read some amazing books! Reading, after all, is the perfect accompaniment to a log fire and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Accompanied, of course, by whatever festive treats happen to be lying around.
But what to read? If business books, self-help guides and memoirs are your bag, here’s a short list of the best ones I’ve read this year. As a ghostwriter and book coach, I get through a fair few, so I’ve selected my top favourites especially for you.
For each book, you’ll learn what makes it special, not only in terms of the content but also the way it’s written. If your aim in 2023 is to write your own book, this will be especially helpful.
Story or Die: How to use brain science to engage, persuade and change minds in business and in life by Lisa Cron
I’m a big fan of Lisa Cron’s previous book, Wired for Story, and this one seems to me to be even more relevant in today’s world of fake news. What’s fascinating about her take on storytelling is how she digs deep into what makes a story persuasive. This makes it required reading for anyone wanting to use storytelling to promote their business or to create change. Full of stories, examples and practical advice, it’s a clear and thought-provoking read.
Ahead of Her Time: How a one-woman startup became a global publishing brand by Judy Piatkus
This is Judy Piatkus’ tale of how she built a flourishing publishing business at a time when women weren’t expected to be entrepreneurs. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship before the arrival of angel investors or investment funds, and is an inspiring read for any woman who might be doubting her ability to be an entrepreneur herself. The book’s no-nonsense style gives a great flavour of the character of the woman herself – something to bear in mind if you’re thinking of writing your own memoir.
Alchemy: The magic of original thinking in a world of mind-numbing conformity by Rory Sutherland
I couldn’t put this down! The author, who is Vice Chairman of Ogilvy and a well-known speaker, proceeds – page by page – to blow apart any assumptions you may have about what makes a good decision and how it’s arrived at. Crammed with fascinating examples (Why are jeans so popular? Why do people drink Red Bull even though they dislike the taste?), he extols the value of creativity and instinct over reason and logic. He also makes good use of humour in his writing, in way that relaxes your mind enough to be open to new ideas.
No Rules rules: Netflix and the culture of reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
I love the structure of this book – it’s ultra-clear and takes the reader on a straightforward journey from the first steps of building a culture of freedom and responsibility in your business, to reinforcing them as time goes on. What’s also effective is the way the book is split between the views of its co-authors, with it being clear who’s talking when. They have different perspectives but also agree on the main message, a method which you could use as inspiration if you’re authoring a book with someone else.
Banking On It: How I disrupted an industry and changed the way we manage our money forever by Anne Boden
If you ever wanted a shining example of a woman who has succeeded against all odds in a man’s financial world, this is it. Anne Boden is the founder of Starling Bank, an organisation she set up with a mission to transform the way we handle our finances. It’s a page turner of a book. She manages to overcome setback after setback in a way that makes any of my own problems seem unworthy of the name. A gripping read.
Struggle: The surprising truth, beauty and opportunity hidden in life’s sh*ttier moments by Grace Marshall
A refreshing take on the difficulties we all experience in life: what if struggle isn’t something to fight or avoid, but something to celebrate? Or even where we do our most important work? What I most love about this book isn’t only the message but the way it’s written. Figuring that people who are struggling would appreciate bite-sized chapters, Grace Marshall makes it easily digestible. Each sentence can be read as a message in its own right, which makes the book a great option to dip into whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel
David Baddiel’s thesis is that anti-Semitism isn’t taken as seriously as other forms of racial prejudice, and in this book he expounds on why this is and how it manifests itself. As well as being massively thought-provoking, it’s also an entertaining read. Interestingly, rather than being split into chapters, it’s one continuous narrative, and – as you would expect from a comedian – its serious message is put across in a light-hearted way. I read almost all of it on one longish train journey, and the only reason I put it down was because I had reached my station.
Your Business Your Book: How to plan, write, and promote the book that puts you in the spotlight by Ginny Carter
Yes, it’s my book! Although it was published in 2019, I’ve been re-reading it this year as I’m the process of writing my next one (watch this space). I also launched the audio version this year. Although I say it myself, this is the only guide you need if you want to write a business book in 2023. You’ll learn what to write about, who for, how to ensure that your book supports your business, and ways of crafting it so that it’s easily and enjoyably read. One for Santa’s stocking?
So there you have it: eight books that will stimulate your mind, engage your spirit, and boost your business next year. Enjoy!
(The links for the books are affiliate links, so I earn a few pennies if you buy from them. If you prefer, you can search separately on Amazon or your favourite book store and purchase them that way).
