Have I mentioned I’m quite partial to a book or two? This year, I’ve been on a mission to read 100 books (At the time of writing I was reading books number 89 and 90!) They have covered a whole host of topics and genres, partially influenced by the three books clubs I’m part of! At least one book a month is a personal development, which then turn up as a book review, plus LOTS of recommendations for clients!
Eleven of these are been specially chosen for my online book club; where we meet, virtually, monthly to chat about the book in my Facebook Group Creating Careers to Enjoy. Some have been a hit, with many members of the group reading along at the same time as me. Others, fallen flat with zero interaction and discussion! However, a read book is never a waste, in my opinion, so I’ve always made sure that each review has a few key learning points included. I am a coach after all!
However, there is no doubt that certain books this year have really stood out to me! Not only have they been an enjoyable and educational read, their messages and insights have lasted well past the point the book closed.
So, if you are after something new, or want to start reading more in 2020, then I recommend you start with these!
In no particular order, I present the Balance Collective 2019 Book Club Round-Up. (Here is 2018’s list)
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
“This book is the culmination of 12 years of innovative social research, applicable across every area of your life including home, relationship, work, and parenting. But don’t be put off by the fact that Brown is an academic; if you have watched her talks, she writes in the same open, humorous, relatable way. She is painfully honest; she admits she is a vulnerability researcher who doesn’t feel comfortable with the exercises and questions she put her subjects through! This very fact shows the importance of ALL of us to acknowledge this side of our psyche; for our own wellbeing and the ones around us.”
Becoming by Michelle Obama
“She writes as she speaks, eloquently, passionately and unapologetically; what you get in this book is HER story, not backstage gossip or scandal (however, much you may have hoped for that). Yes, you get an insight into life in the White House, her thoughts on the current Administration and her hopes for the future. But you also get an image of what life was like for her before she became Michelle Obama, when she was Michelle Robinson, growing up during the racial tensions and class divisions of the South Side of Chicago.”
Find Your Thing by Lucy Whittington
“So, first things first – what is a “Thing?” It’s the work you were born to do, that others need and want (and will pay for), but that you are probably not doing right now. It’s more than a job title, it’s the combination of your talents, your experiences and your interests that will help you feel purposeful and motivated at work.”
Have you read any from my top three this year? I’d love to know what you are looking forward to reading in 2020. Come and join the group Creating Careers to Enjoy to share your recommendations.
Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you had a career to enjoy, not endure? Talk to me NOW about how I can help.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
