Book Recommendations for Christmas or 2025

In 2024, I set myself a goal: to cut down on the endless scrolling through social media and news feeds and spend more time reading physical books. Call me old-fashioned, but I aimed to read at least 10 pages a day. While I didn’t always stick to that routine, looking back, I did get through a very diverse selection of books over the past year.

I’m not trying to channel Obama or Bill Gates with a formal reading list, but I’d like to share some of the titles that really made me think this year. Here are my top recommendations:

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI – Ethan Mollick

With all the buzz surrounding AI, this book offers a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the broader implications of artificial intelligence—both the opportunities and the risks. Mollick’s insights are both accessible and well thought through. It is a must-read if you want to go beyond surface-level chatter about AI. If books aren’t your thing, I recommend following the author's work on Substack, where he regularly shares his thoughts.

Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Life – Henry Oliver

This book is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone in midlife contemplating a career pivot or a fresh start. Through relevant stories of people who found success later in life, Oliver clearly lays out that reinvention is not only possible but can be incredibly fulfilling. Prefer podcasts? Check out his appearance on Jimmy’s Jobs for the Future, where he discusses the late-bloomer concept in depth: Listen here.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Slum – Katherine Boo

This book truly redefines the phrase “thought-provoking.” Boo weaves together heart-wrenching stories of individuals living in a Mumbai slum, offering a deeply human perspective on inequality, resilience, and hope. A powerful read that lingers with you long after the final page.

First Light – Geoffrey Wellum

A vivid, first-hand account of flying a Spitfire during World War II, this book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Wellum’s storytelling captures both the exhilaration and the profound hardships of wartime. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during one of history’s darkest chapters.

What Colour Is Your Parachute? – Richard Bolles

I was reminded of this book recently and have revisited. It remains as relevant as ever, particularly for anyone planning a career change in 2025. It’s packed with actionable advice for navigating today’s job market. Just be sure to grab the latest edition for the most up-to-date insights.

Biographies and Autobiographies That Stood Out

I delved into several biographies and autobiographies this year, and these three were my favourites:

• Robin – Dave Itzkoff - A meticulously researched and heartfelt account of Robin Williams’ life. This book captures both the brilliance and the struggles of a comedic genius who left us far too soon.
• Farewell but Not Goodbye – Bobby Robson - An inspiring and moving memoir from a football figure who was ever present as I grew up. His resilience and humanity shine through on every page.
• The Princess Diarist – Carrie Fisher - Her candid and funny diary entries from the time she filmed the original Star Wars trilogy, including stories about her affair with Harrison Ford!

A Disappointment

Not every book lived up to my expectations this year. Heavier Than Heaven, Charles R. Cross’s biography of Kurt Cobain, was meticulously detailed, but I found it somewhat disheartening. There’s a saying: “Never meet your heroes.” Perhaps there’s a reading equivalent, as this book left me with that same bittersweet feeling.

These were some of the books that shaped my year. I hope this list inspires your next read—whether it’s to close out 2024 or start fresh in 2025! Let me know if you pick any of these up, and as always, I’m always on the lookout for recommendations too.