Human beings are lifelong learners by nature, constantly striving to grow and evolve. Whether it’s mastering new skills, adapting to change, or strengthening our connections with others, the drive for improvement is in our DNA. This past year, books have been at the heart of my own development – both as a reader, absorbing lessons from the greats, and for the first time, as an author, sharing my insights with others.
Amid the whirlwind of writing and publishing my own book and welcoming our second baby, I made time to dive into works that challenged my thinking, sparked action, and fuelled my creativity. These 10 books, in particular, stood out for their blend of practical wisdom, captivating storytelling, and profound insights – each offering something valuable, actionable, or simply enjoyable.
1. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This book came to me as a gift from my brother right before my trip to Japan last year. While I didn’t read it then, I’m glad I waited. Having experienced Japan’s unique culture – the hospitality, the charm, and the precision – I was able to fully appreciate the world of this novel. Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a time-travel story like no other. Set in a quirky Tokyo café, it introduces rules that don’t allow for cosmic do-overs but instead offer a chance to revisit the past under very specific terms.
The characters don’t change history, but they confront their pasts with profound insight. Each story is a journey of acceptance and reflection, reminding us that while we can’t alter what’s been, we can shift how we carry it forward. Kawaguchi’s writing offers a quiet, comforting space for these moments of clarity – perfect for anyone seeking a thoughtful, reflective read.
2. The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams
As part of my journey through the 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die list (a thoughtful gift from my wife), I recently dove into The Education of Henry Adams. This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir takes a unique approach, written in the third person, where Adams recounts his life with a mix of self-deprecation and introspection. His pursuit of knowledge feels endless, leaving readers to question whether the journey itself is more important than the destination. Along the way, he brushes shoulders with historical giants, offering rich perspectives on the 19th and 20th centuries. While it took me four months to finish, the book’s deep philosophical musings and historical encounters make it a rewarding read. If you’re drawn to self-reflection and the pursuit of knowledge, this book is a must-read.
3. Tokyo Noir by Jake Adelstein
After my family trip to Tokyo last November, Tokyo Noir caught my attention, especially after reading a recent The Australian Financial Review article that connected with the city’s contrasts of serenity and tension. This isn’t just a crime book – it’s a gripping, multi-layered narrative that explores Japan’s underbelly through three compelling stories. Adelstein, a seasoned journalist fluent in Japanese, offers an intimate look into the Yakuza, showing them as complex figures, sometimes villains, sometimes unexpected heroes. The book dives deep into the dark ties between organised crime and reputable businesses and how profit often trumps safety – most chillingly illustrated through the Fukushima disaster. Adelstein’s unflinching storytelling also shares his personal grief, making this a raw, multifaceted exploration of Japan’s hidden world. If you’re looking for a book that exposes the contradictions of a fascinating culture, Tokyo Noir is worth the read.
4. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a timeless guide to living a life grounded in virtue, wisdom, and inner peace, penned by the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Written as a personal journal, it offers profound lessons on self-control and resilience that resonate even today. Marcus’s teachings remind us that while we cannot control external events, we have full authority over our reactions. His Stoic mindset encourages us to focus on the present, turn adversity into opportunity, and live with purpose in every action. Meditations is not just for philosophers; it’s a survival manual for anyone navigating the chaos of daily life.
For me, it’s a constant reminder to focus on what I can control and embrace discomfort as a path to growth – both in work and in life. One of the most impactful lessons has been memento mori, which I often reflect on during my morning runs with Benji, our 23-month-old, through the cemetery. The reminder of life’s brevity has shaped how I approach everything, from business decisions to moments with my family. This book has become a personal ethos, urging me to live urgently and appreciate every precious moment.
5. Utopia by Sir Thomas More
In Utopia, Thomas More presents a vision of a perfect society that challenges our understanding of justice, governance, and human nature. More argues that crime is a failure of society, not the individual, emphasising the crucial role of education in shaping behaviour. Yet, as the book explores the pursuit of a flawless world, it raises an unsettling question: could the search for perfection itself be inherently flawed? This theme echoes throughout history, from Plato’s Republic to the ideas of Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, who believed that adversity is necessary for growth. More’s Utopia serves as a cautionary tale – suggesting that a society without hardship may breed complacency and that the line between utopia and dystopia is perilously thin.
For anyone on a journey of self-improvement (as I’ve been since my parents introduced me to Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn at a young age), Utopia is a thought-provoking read. It urges us to strive for betterment while accepting the imperfections that shape who we are, offering timeless reflections on the complexities of human nature and society’s role in shaping it.
6. Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
David Sedaris’ Happy-Go-Lucky is my first foray into his work, recommended by my business partner Aylin Unsal, and it did not disappoint. This collection of essays feels like a candid, humorous journal shared with the world. As someone who journals and writes letters to my sons, I connected with Sedaris’ ability to turn his own life’s challenges into sharp, comedic art. His dry wit, especially in moments of discomfort, is refreshing, and his reflections on family dynamics, like his father’s decline, are deeply poignant. Sedaris doesn’t shy away from the rawest parts of his life, including the devastating loss of his sister, offering readers both humour and truth. Happy-Go-Lucky is unfiltered, sardonic, and incredibly insightful. If you appreciate dark humour and life’s messier moments, this one’s worth picking up. I’ll definitely be exploring more of Sedaris’ work in the future.
7. Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician, has reinvented himself once again as a personal development author. In Be Useful, he delivers a surprisingly practical guide to self-enrichment, blending humour, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice. The book is framed around seven key tools that helped him navigate his extraordinary life, starting with finding your vision and ending with the importance of giving back.
Each of these tools offers a unique perspective on achieving success, and while some concepts may feel familiar – such as thinking big or learning from failure – Schwarzenegger’s candid, no-nonsense tone and willingness to embrace his imperfections make them stand out. He acknowledges his own limitations and the role of mentors, humorously calling out the “self-made” narrative, which makes the book feel more authentic. While the self-help genre can sometimes feel overly commercialised or preachy, Be Useful avoids that trap, providing solid advice with a relatable, humble voice. If you’re looking for a fresh take on personal development from an unlikely source, this book is a worthwhile read.
8. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a refreshing and candid guide for writers looking to hone their craft. The title comes from a personal anecdote where Lamott’s father (also a writer) advised her little brother, who was overwhelmed by a school report on birds, to take it “bird by bird” – focusing on one small step at a time. With humour and vulnerability, Lamott shares practical advice on navigating the writing process, from overcoming self-doubt to finding your unique voice. A key takeaway is her mantra, “Write shitty first drafts,” reminding us that you can’t edit a blank page. She encourages writers to embrace imperfection and write about what they know, making her insights deeply relatable. Whether you’re struggling with a first draft or dealing with writer’s block, this book offers timeless wisdom for staying focused, creative, and true to yourself in the journey of writing.
9. Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday’s Perennial Seller offers a roadmap for anyone looking to create work that withstands the test of time. For those of us in the final stages of crafting our own projects, like I was recently with my first book, The Laws of LinkedIn, the lessons within this book hit home with precision. Holiday emphasises that true creators must be in it for the long haul, not chasing instant success but building something of lasting value. His mantra of “obsession with craft” reminds us that quality work is born from a deep commitment to the process, not just the end result. From positioning and packaging to leveraging your tribe for support, Holiday’s strategic approach to success shows how patience and persistence are key. A solid read for anyone looking to create something that lasts beyond fleeting trends.
10. What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
A Christmas gift, What You Are Looking For is in the Library became one of my most memorable reads of the year. This deceptively simple yet profound book follows five characters at a crossroads in their lives. Each meets a quirky librarian who, instead of offering direct advice, recommends seemingly random books that provide the answers they need. Through these characters’ stories, Aoyama crafts a narrative full of subtle wisdom and reflection, inviting readers to discover that life’s answers are often hidden in unexpected places.
What I love most about Aoyama’s storytelling is its quiet elegance. The story unfolds slowly, giving space for each character’s personal journey and how their paths intertwine. This is a novel that doesn’t rush; it’s all about the little moments of revelation that happen when we least expect them. It’s a beautiful reminder that the wisdom we seek can often be found in life’s simplest corners, just waiting for the right book, or the right person, to lead us to it. If you’re looking for a read that offers comfort and reflection, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
Cullen P. Haynes is director of sales at Legal Home Loans and author of The Laws of LinkedIn.
This post was originally published on here
