I love reading. I do. I’ll be first to admit that I’m not into fiction when I read. Perhaps it is because that need is quelled by the quantum of movies available to us at the click of a button. Instead it’s the books that challenge my beliefs and my way of thinking that I love. Those books that teach me something that I didn’t know; or put what I know it such beautifully simple words.
I’ve read and listened to more books this year than I’ve ever done before. I listen to audiobooks in the car on my daily commute, and I’ll be honest: I can’t wait to carry on listening. Sometimes I wish that my journey would go on a bit, so that I can continue listening. (Who wishes to be stuck in traffic?) I read books every evening. Yes, actual books. I love the feeling of a book in my hands. On weekends I’ll sneak in some afternoon reading time too. I read and listen to two books at a time, and I don’t find it confusing at all. I have a few books that I’ve listened to which I have gone out and bought so that I can reference specific sections with ease.
I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you, and I’ll tell you why they are my favourites, I’ll share my key insights and thoughts about them, what I agreed with and what I disagreed with. Not to discourage you from reading the book yourself. No. There is no substitute for the full experience of reading a book. However, perhaps my insights will nudge you toward reading some of these books – or others.
I hope that this will be of value to you.
London, summer 2015, picture taken by Alison.