Books that I enjoyed in 2024
Written by Hanrie Fridjhon, 28 November 2024
1. Finding Endurance – Darrel Bristow-Bovey
This book won my vote for Leadership book of the year. Strictly speaking, it’s more of an adventure saga – an epic voyage of the Endurance to Antarctic. The comparison of leadership styles between Shackleton and Scott stood out for me.
“Not all is lost, and what has been lost can be regained: the ocean has given us something back. What’s more, we are reminded that miracles still happen: human miracles, performed by flawed people in helpless situations.”
2. Hidden Potential – Adam Grant
I love the way Adam Grant shows that progress depends less on how hard you work but more on how well you learn. We need to rethink accomplishments.
“Growth is not about genius you possess – it is about the character you develop.”
“Personality is not your destiny – it is your tendency.”
3. Bittersweet – Susan Cain
I am a huge Susan Cain fan. I loved her book “Quiet”, about introverts. In “Bittersweet” she demonstrates how a bittersweet state of mind can be the quiet force that helps us transcend our personal and collective sorrow.
“If we don’t transform our sorrows and longings, we can end up inflicting them on others via abuse, domination, neglect. But if we realise that all humans know-or will know-loss and suffering, we can turn toward each other.
4. Radical Candor – Kim Scott
I believe we should all read this book. It is about saying what you think, however still caring about the person you are saying it to. Scott’s idea is that guidance is praise and criticism. “Caring personally, while challenging directly.”
5. First we make the beast beautiful – Sarah Wilson
I recommend this book to everyone who struggles with anxiety.
“The Chinese believe that before you can conquer a beast, you must first make it beautiful.”
Practical, realistic tips to help you cope with anxiety. She shares that meditation, exercise, and ‘sitting with her discomfort’ were her tools for healing.
6. When the body says no – Gabor Maté
Love the way Maté writes about the mind-body link and verify it with scientific research.
“A therapist once said to me, ‘if you face the choice between guilt and resentment, choose the guilt every time.’ Resent is social suicide.”
7. Zen in the age of anxiety – Tim Burkett
A wonderful book about being human – he teaches us how to turn fears into building blocks of living fully. His sense of humour and practical stories stood out for me.
“We often see others through our prior experiences and expectations”
8. Nudge – Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
I have always been fascinated by the psychology of words. The concept of the nudge theory implies how you can influence people’s behaviours, decisions, and opinions.
“A nudge is any factor that significantly alters the behaviour of humans.”
I loved the parenting tips of focussing on good behavior and ignoring the inappropriate behaviour.
9. Do nothing – Celeste Headlee
She summarised in this book what I have been struggling with this year. Why are so many people burnt-out? We measure our time in terms of efficiency instead of meaning. The epidemic of business needs to change.
“I realised it was not my circumstances that caused my stress but my habits.”
10. Horses and Oranges – Kirsten Garbini
Disclaimer: Kirsten is a good friend. Reading a friend’s work is challenging – one’s expectations are mixed. Kirsten blew me away with this poetry collection. I love poetry and was taken back by the wisdom and magic of her way with words. Kirsten’s spirit shines through her words.
“Until a taste of eternity
fills my mouth
and the crisp beauty
of being alive
runs its juice
down my throat.”