5 recommended books to read now

Now might be a better time than ever to catch up on your reading, and we have a few recommendations, covering topics from business to psychology, to enrich your mind.           

1. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant

A book that comes highly recommended by everyone from Richard Branson to Malcolm Gladwell, Originals delves into the field of original thinking and explores where great ideas come from. Using examples from across the business, sports, politics and entertainment worlds, Grant shows us how to identify our truly original ideas, know when to act on them and how to overcome our doubt and fear. In particular, he argues that business leaders can make things better by building cultures that embrace dissent. And by following unconventional rules, Grant gives us tips on how each of us can battle conformity by cultivating originality in every facet of our lives. 

2. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, by Phil Knight

Here’s one for business leaders who are also sports fans. Shoe Dog is a memoir by Nike founder Phil Knight, who chronicles his roller coaster of a journey building one of the most successful and iconic businesses in the world from a mere $50 loan from his father. Many books have been written about the footwear company, but here you’ll get to hear from the founder himself, as he bares his soul and tells his personal story. Shoe Dog has been on the shelves of many an entrepreneur lately, and it’s easy to see why. If you are looking for an inspiring founder’s tale, this might just be the book to read.

3. Principles: Life and Work, by Ray Dalio

In Principles, investor Ray Dalio shares insights he’s gained over decades heading up the world’s largest hedge fund firm, Bridgewater Associates. The hefty tome is essentially a guide on decision-making, as Dalio offers up guidelines that he has applied in his life and work. He argues that “good principles are effective ways of dealing with reality” and urges us to design the life we want to lead, according to the purpose we want it to have. Whether you’re a manager seeking to improve your team or if you’re simply curious about personal growth, Principles will arm you with tools that keep you from second-guessing yourself and help you make better decisions both in and outside the office.

4. Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein 

Folk wisdom has it that there is a harsh trade-off between being a generalist and being a specialist — we’re all probably familiar with the saying, “jack-of-all-trades, master of none”. And recent experts have even championed the 10,000-hour rule required to master any skill to a world-class standard. But Range challenges the belief that the world’s most successful people are specialists, arguing instead that it is, in fact, generalists who are primed to excel, and that achieving success doesn’t hinge on you finding your niche early in life. Epstein draws lessons from the world’s scientists, inventors, artists and athletes, and shows us that it is worth staying open-minded and curious and taking your time to discover your focus in life.

5. Educated, by Tara Westover

This astonishing memoir tells the story of how a young girl, who was brought up in isolation and kept out of school by her survivalist Mormon family, overcomes her circumstances to go to college. It depicts the struggles she faces in reconciling the world created by her religious father with that of the outside world, as she deals with familial claims of love, loyalty and guilt while striving for knowledge and education. Besides being an unforgettable read, Educated, which has spent over 100 weeks on The New York Times Non-Fiction Best Seller list since its 2018 release, is a heart-wrenching testament to the importance of education in shaping minds and changing lives.

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