SoundLegal's Summer Reading Recommendations
Gemma Nugent
Plain English Contract Advice for Contractors, Engineers, Consultants and Small Businesses | Lawyer | Facilitator | Trainer | FAIM
As many of us are still in "summer holiday" mode, I thought I would share some of the best books I’ve read in the last few months. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next summer read.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING?
I’m always on the lookout for my next book – comment and tell me what you think I should read!
My 3 FAVOURITE BUSINESS BOOKS OF 2023
A World Without Email by Cal Newport
I am a massive Cal Newport fan. His "lifestyle-centric" philosophies for designing a work and personal life focused on meaningful activities have changed my life. I’ve read everything Newport has written and religiously listen to his "Deep Questions" podcast. This book explores the history of email and how and why it messes with our ability to concentrate at work.
Value-Based Fees by Alan Weiss
Alan Weiss is far and away my favourite commentator on consulting services. I love his forthright manner and his pithy business truths. Or "Alanisms" as he calls them.
For those of us in professional services, Weiss breaks down his view that charging by time is unethical. I have long believed this, but Weiss has firmed it up for me and helped me better understand how to communicate the value of my advice to businesses.
Time Magic by Melissa Ambrosini and Nick Broadhurst
I received this book in a subscription; I probably would not have read it otherwise. But I’m so glad I did! Ambrosini and Broadhurst (whom I’d never heard of, even though I gather they’re pretty well known) take a planned, purposeful approach to time management. Even though some might view it as prescriptive, they believe it sets them free. I especially loved Broadhurst’s description of "retirement" from email by engaging an email manager. I’ve recently tried to implement this in my own business. I’ve found giving up my compulsive email behaviour annoyingly tricky, but I’m making this a major goal for 2024.
My 3 FAVOURITE PERSONAL BOOKS OF 2023
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Nevin
Given my lack of interest in video games, I wasn’t sure I’d like this book. It surprised me. It isn’t just about game design – it’s about creativity, storytelling, grief and the nature of human relationships. I loved that it wasn’t an entirely linear narrative. The characters were very human and not always likeable, but this drew me in even more.??
Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au
This book's restrained, elegant prose created an unexpected structure for exploring the evolution of a relationship between an adult daughter and her mother during a holiday in Japan. The main character grapples with some of her less desirable characteristics in an evocative physical setting. Reading this was almost meditative despite the sometimes heavy themes.??
领英推荐
The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner
In this book, science journalist Buettner explores some of the geographic regions in the world where people enjoy a meaningful and healthy life for much longer than in other places.
I found Buettner’s interview subjects fascinating. The common theme was about living a life of purpose, whatever "purpose" might mean for different individuals. Typically, this involved some structured contribution to family or community life, a dedication to spirituality in some form, plenty of physical work and a total absence of processed foods.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
I love reading, and narrowing my favourites down to six was tough. Here are some other books I’ve read and loved lately: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, No Excuses by Brian Tracy, The One Thing by Gary Keller and Dune by Frank Herbert.
SOUNDLEGAL'S NEXT STEPS
I’ve been doing my 2024 planning during January, and had a soft return to the office on 15 January 2024. This year, I’ll be releasing content in 3 themed "seasons":
I’m always looking for inspiration for subjects for blog posts and newsletters. Hit reply and tell me if you want to know more about a hot-button issue in one of those themes. If you need advice or want to chat about how SoundLegal can help your business in 2024, I’d love you to book a free 15-minute discovery call. My calendar reopens from 31 January 2024; but you can book now.
About Gemma
I help construction, engineering and consulting businesses create and negotiate clear contracts so they can make more profit and achieve great project outcomes.
I founded SoundLegal to help SMEs in the engineering, construction, consulting and light industrial sectors manage their risk to support business growth, by finding practical, common sense solutions to contractual and other legal challenges.
Subscribe to the SoundLegal newsletter “No Jargon” to hear monthly business insights from me.
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10 个月Thanks for the reading recommendations :) I enjoyed 'The Ferryman' by Justin Cronin, but other than that I've not read anything worth recommending for a few months now. Looking forward to trying some of your picks. All the best!
Growth and strategy in the legal sector.
10 个月Thanks Gemma. I love a good reading list, especially from you, since you lent me The Transit of Venus, which I loved. I really need to get into Cal Newport: it's a notable gap from my reading. I loved Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - a surprise for me, too. I've just finished Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. It's this year's Booker Prize winner and deservedly so. Raw, uncompromising, and exquisitely written. I highly recommend it (just don't finish it before going to bed as I did on Sunday night - sleep didn't come easily afterwards.....).