Do you have some personal development book titles on your Christmas List? Maybe you are setting some time aside during twixmas (that often) quieter period between Christmas and New Year. Or are you after some recommendations for last-minute presents? Either way, I’ve got a list for you. Let me tell you about the must-reads from 2025’s Personal Development book club. This is the annual “round-up” list of the books that have educated, inspired and (sometimes) shocked me this year!
Good Girl Deprogramming: unleash the rebel within by Michelle Minnikin
This book feels like an awakening. As a teenager in the 1990s and an adult in the noughties, there seemed to be so many opportunities. Yet, in 2025, so many rights are being rolled back, violence against women and girls is a global public health threat, and the rise of the “manosphere” is a growing concern. Having a book that so clearly and persuasively links coercive control and violence to elements that, on the surface, wouldn’t be called controlling or violent, gives us the wake-up call that it’s time we change our approach. Read on here.
The Pocket Book of Deep Sleep: Maximise your most restorative sleep cycle
If you want a quick reference to help you feel better rested and to enable those around you to have better sleep habits, then “Deep Sleep” is the book for you. It shows you that it’s not just about what you do immediately before you go to bed, but small and achievable changes you can make in your day to help “maximise your most restorative sleep cycle.” Read on here.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
For anyone involved in planning, decision-making, or policy development, Invisible Women is must-read. From politicians and analysts to teachers to city planners, if you want to know more about women’s unpaid care burden, the female body or male violence against women, this needs to be on your bookshelf.
I’ve recently seen that Caroline Criado Perez is in the process of writing an updated version; I will be buying it, as nearly six years on from publication, the data (or lack thereof) has been accumulating. I’m intrigued to see what it uncovers. Read on here
Women who work too much: Break free from toxic productivity and find your joy by Tamu Thomas
“Women can have it all, but do we really want it?” This is a message that so many of my clients grapple with. It leads to burnout, overwhelm, and a personal and professional life that isn’t aligned with our values. Instead, we work against our nature and our needs for the benefit of others. After undergoing her own burnout journey, Tamu Thomas has taken her work, qualifications, insight and passion to create this book. A book that needs to belong on the shelf of every woman. As the back page quote confirms, “Women Who Work Too Much is a defiant act of sisterhood that reminds women that we can undo that which functions to undo us”. Kelechi Okafor Read on here.
There are many more books reviewed, not only this year, but in the previous years, that would be a welcome addition to your to-read list. If you want to have a look through, you can find ALL my reviews right here. I can’t wait to share some more titles with you in 2026; keep your eyes peeled on my socials for the titles (and you can get ahead of the crowd by giving me your email address!)
What are you looking forward to reading next? I’d love to know!
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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.
