I read 20 books in 2024 and narrowed them down to my favorites. If you're into nonfiction, memoirs, personal development, psychology, or business, there's something here for you.
Here are a few of my top picks from the year—I hope one (or more!) resonates with you too.
Listed in no particular order:
Ambition Monster - By far my favorite book of the year. A candid memoir about the author, who opens up (in a funny, brutally honest way) about the pressures of workaholism and the unrealistic expectations of "making it." The importance of defining what success means to you/what you actually desire. Instead of conforming to societal/family pressure, comparison, fear, obligation, guilt (we all experience).
The Millionaire Next Door - The premise: most millionaires don't live lavish lifestyles but instead focus on frugality, smart investing, and long-term planning. Habits like living below your means and prioritizing financial independence over social status. It challenges some popular myths about wealth and explains its more about discipline and perseverance than luck or inheritance. I found it to be an insightful read.
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less - A helpful read to make all of our communication more effective (social media, emails, presentations, meetings, you name it). The book introduces a communication formula to help you “cut through the noise”, focus on what matters, and deliver information in a concise, impactful way.
The Mountain Is You - The book explores how conflicting needs within ourselves create resistance to change, leading to some self-destructive habits. The metaphor of the "mountain" is about how facing our biggest challenges is really about addressing our inner selves. This book was an insightful read for anyone looking to stop holding themselves back!
Drive - The premise: true motivation comes from having autonomy, mastering skills, and finding purpose in what we do. And why money and rewards don’t work long-term. It offers practical ways to boost performance and satisfaction in the workplace. An interesting read for anyone wanting to understand what really drives us (and others).
The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control - If you identify as a ‘perfectionist’ type, this book offers a refreshing take on perfectionism (the upsides and downsides). She helps you understand perfectionism and how to use it as your superpower. She breaks down different types of perfectionists and offers practical, empathetic advice on how to manage them.
Think Again - If you're a fan of psychology/science, this book is fascinating! It’s about the power of being wrong and how we can use uncertainty to grow, improve, and connect with others. It was a refreshing reminder that being open to new ideas and questioning what we think we know is actually very difficult (and why) but so important for personal and collective growth.
To Sell Is Human - It’s not just for salespeople, but for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively. It shows that we’re all selling something. He challenges the old-school sales tactics and gives us a more authentic, science-backed approach to influencing others. I found it to be interesting and easy to read. Perfect for anyone looking to boost their persuasion skills.
Burnout - An eye-opening read that explains why women experience burnout differently than men. The sisters dive into the societal pressures women face and how they lead to exhaustion and stress. They offer a science-based plan to be less stressed, and to find more self-understanding. A great-read for if you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for a healthier, more balanced life.