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Top 10 Autobiographies And Biographies Of 2017

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We all love a good story, and a true-life story makes for a much better read. We have gathered the best autobiographies and biographies of 2017 for you. Be inspired by the journeys of ordinary people, achieving the extraordinary.

#1 THE BOOK OF FORGOTTEN AUTHORS BY CHRISTOPHER FOWLER

The mysterious title immediately draws you in. Learn about 99 writers, mostly English-speaking, who were famous about 50 years ago but now no one remembers them. Their stories will draw you in and make you want to hunt down their books. Learn about Pierre Boulle, an engineer turned author, writing Planet of the Apes and Bridge Over the River Kwai. Or Pamela Branch, writing her second novel in 1951, The Lion in the Cellar. She included an intriguing character – a drunken bartender, who has a phantom marmoset perched on his shoulder. It’s the perfect gift for bibliophiles! If you’re bored with all the popular authors, read this book to discover some hidden gems from yesteryear.

#2 FRAGILE LIVES: A HEART SURGEON’S STORIES OF LIFE AND DEATH ON THE OPERATING TABLE BY STEPHEN WESTABY

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the patients on the table, hovering between life and death. Stephen recalls 35 years of working with hearts needing mending at Oxford’s John Radcliffe hospital. When there were no suitable donor organs available, he challenged death by transplanting special artificial hearts to give desperate patients a second chance. He’s famous for saying “bugger protocol” and doing whatever it took to keep his patients alive. He also renamed medical directors “the Stasi”. Stephen’s memoir will give you a new appreciation for the behind the scenes of the medical world.

#3 I AM, I AM, I AM: SEVENTEEN BRUSHES WITH DEATH BY MAGGIE O’FARRELL

Having one brush with death is terrifying, having multiple ones throughout your life definitely changes your perspective on life. Maggie’s stories will sound almost made up, but this is her life story. Recounting her experiences will give you a bigger sense of the fragility of life. As a 45-year-old woman, in good health, she has an immense gratefulness for still being alive. Maggie battled encephalitis as an eight-year-old girl. Next, as teenager she had a close call with a creepy stranger on a hilltop, later discovering that he was in fact a murderer who preyed on another girl.  And as an adult she lived through the experience of a being stuck in an aeroplane plummeting to earth. Her stories will make you more aware of the fine balance between living oblivious of death around the corner and unexpectedly having your flame snuffed out.

#4 RAVILIOUS AND CO: THE PATTERN OF FRIENDSHIP BY ANDY FRIEND

Eric Ravilious was a British artist, living from 1903 to 1942. His forward-thinking artworks of England’s southern landscapes bought a modernist sensibility to the art world. Eric mainly created woodcuts and watercolours. His group of arty friends included Peggy Angus, Enid Marx, Percy Horton, and Edward Bawden. He gathered great artistic minds around him at the Royal Academy in the 1920’s. Under the watchful eye of Paul Nash, this group of talented young artists were tutored to challenge the gap between art and design. They created functional art including beautiful book jackets, patterned papers and fabrics, as well as illustrations. The book includes images of their stunning creations.

#5 MA’AM DARLING: 99 GLIMPSES OF PRINCESS MARGARET BY CRAIG BROWN

Princess Margaret is described as “a nightclub burlesque of her sister” by Craig. The two sisters had very different approaches to life. The princess enjoyed smoking and challenging the polite society she was surrounded by. The book includes tales of the princess acting rude at a royal dinner party, snapping at servants, and making a cruel comment to a stranger without first finding out why the man was walking a bit strangely. Craig is a satirist and his style breaks away from the typical biographical form. He adds little counterfactual sections such as the princess marrying Jeremy Thorpe, a Liberal party leader. Or the moment the princess sulked because she had to deliver the Christmas broadcast. The series of little cameo moments will show you a different side of living as a royal.

#6 HUNGER: A MEMOIR OF (MY) BODY BY ROXANE GAY

Reading an autobiography is a way of placing yourself in the shoes of someone else for a moment. It challenges you to think outside of your own world perspective, in turn examining your own life in the process as well. Roxane, a black American woman of Haitian descent, weighed 260kg at her heaviest. She describes what it feels like in such a body – constantly feeling breathlessness, uncomfortable, and dealing with chafing. She had to deal with people staring at her appalled and throwing jeering sneers in her direction. Why did she let herself become so excessively overweight? Roxane was gang-raped when she was 12 years old. Her reaction to the horrifying incident, was to make herself as unattractive as possible, almost creating an invisible and invulnerable shield against the male gaze. This brutally honest book talks about the Fat Acceptance Movement and describes other little incidents in the everyday life of an obese person, like waitresses assuming that she was longing for the clammy touch of strangers.

#7 THE UNWOMANLY FACE OF WAR BY SVETLANA ALEXIEVICH

This book originally dates back to being published in Russia in the 1980’s. But the authorities did not appreciate the explicit details it shared. It has been restored to its original glory, as well as expanded, translated into English by Richard Pevear. The republication comes a century after the Russian Revolution. Svetlana specifically deals with “The Great Patriotic War”, lasting from 1939 to 1945. Read testimonies of Soviet women who rushed to the battlefield to serve in various roles – from nurses, to snipers. The women rolled up their sleeves to assist against the fascists invasion. Svetlana is a Nobel literature prize-winner and this brilliantly insightful book showcases her writing talent in its full glory.

#8 IN AN ODYSSEY: A FATHER, A SON AND AN EPIC BY DANIEL MENDELSOHN

What happens when a classics professor and his elderly father participate in the same undergraduate class on Homer? Daniel, with his Bronx background, is highly opinionated on the so-called Greek heroes. According to him Telemachus was a sissy who constantly cried, while Odysseus was busy cheating on his wife. But the class sets the scene for another complicated story. It was the catalyst for Daniel to evaluate his own volatile relationship with his father. The two men undertake their own Mediterranean-themed journey, facing issues in their relationship.

#9 THE FEARLESS BENJAMIN LAY: THE QUAKER DWARF WHO BECAME THE FIRST REVOLUTIONARY ABOLITIONIST BY MARCUS REDIKER

This book is a great micro-history of one small (literally, he was only about four-foot tall) man’s actions against the majority. Marcus explores how this feisty little man challenged those around him to reassess their world perspective. Benjamin Lay was a 18th-century British-born Quaker living in Philadelphia. He pointed out to his fellow sect members that they were being hypocrites, preaching about the principle of brotherly equality, but then keeping slaves. Marcus recalls how he made his point, loud and clear, going so far as to throw a pig bladder filled with blood at his fellow religionists. According to Marcus, this man was most likely the most radical human being of the 18th century, challenging the American society to rethink their values.

#10 THE VANITY FAIR DIARIES: 1983-1992 BY TINA BROWN

It was the big-spending, no-taste Reagan years. And Tina offers you a glimpse at what it was really like on the inside of one of America’s most popular fashion magazines. As editor of Vanity Fair magazine, she had seen it all. The British journalist offers readers the inside scoop, recalling memorable moments and people she rubbed shoulders with in New York City. Quite a few of the people she talks about, have passed away. This gives her the opportunity to be brutally honest about who they were. A few she mentions, are still alive and well. Most likely a few feathers were ruffled with the publication of this book.

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Top 10 Self-Help And Business Books By Millennial Authors

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Millennials have gotten a bad reputation of being lazy. But if they set their minds to it, they can be extremely resourceful and successful. The following books share the success stories and lessons learned by a few millennials you should keep an eye on.

#1 HOW TO BE A BAWSE: A GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE BY LILLY SINGH

WARNING: How to Be a Bawse – A Guide to Conquering Life does not contain any wishful thinking, soppy quotes, or lucky charms. That’s because if you want happiness, success, or anything else meaningful in your life – you must work hard for it, not just wish for it. To quote Lilly: life doesn’t give you escalators, only stairs. Put on your climbing shoes.

She was voted the Favorite YouTube Star by the People’s Choice Award and now her book is a #1 New York Times bestseller. She’s captured her journey to the top by observing a few basic rules you can follow. Become a confident person, with a genuine smile, because you fought your way to the top. Her YouTube channel, called Superwoman, has reached over a billion people. But she didn’t become successful and famous by pure luck – she worked hard for it. Her topics range from career choices, to relationships and everyday annoyances. The bubbly actress/comedian is smart, funny and insightful.

She realised that there’s no shortcuts to success – both personal and professional. In this inspiring book she captures the lessons she’s learned along the way, as well as her strategies for success. It’s like having your very own personal trainer for your life. Follow her fifty rules for success. These include letting go of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out); realising the value of being nice to people; how to schedule inspiration; and becoming the dumbest so that you can learn more. Lilly tells it like it is in her familiar bold, hilarious voice. Appreciate your life anew after reading this inspiring book.

#2 I HATE MYSELFIE BY SHANE DAWSON

New York Times Bestseller | Publishers Weekly Bestseller | Los Angeles Times Bestseller | Wall Street Journal Bestseller

In I Hate Myselfie, the famous vlogger takes a step back from his internet persona and offers a deeper look into the life experiences of an introverted, eccentric kid who has a unique way of looking at the weird world around him. He tells the story of how he developed this talent that ended up inspiring millions of fans. This book is a collection of eighteen personal essays that reminisce about how messy life can get while growing up and how amazing it feels when you finally make it to the other side, all cleaned up.

Shane posted his first vlog in 2008 and went on to create a full-length film, with his directorial debut Not Cool. He opened up his life to the public, documenting each step. His vlogs included TMI love life stories, music video spoofs, and outrageous commentary on the celebrity and internet world. Behind it all was a down to earth guy, growing up in a financially-challenged yet loving Long Beach home in California. He was teased and faced social limitations as a morbidly obese kid, with a pretty face, and his mom was his best friend. But he survived it all, and he’s now in pretty decent shape. Let his life journey inspire you to achieve more.

#3 MY LIFE AS EVA, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL BY EVA GUTOWSKI

Another YouTube sensation. Her tastemaker channel My Life as Eva has more than seven million followers and she loves sharing her thoughts with people in an earnest and hilarious voice. She has now created a bestselling lifestyle and advice book.

Eva shares more stories about her life, all the ups and downs. While growing up books played an important role in her life and she now feels honoured to create her very own book to inspire people. By sharing both her successes and failures, she hopes to give people the courage to keep pushing through the challenges. If she could make it through and become a big success, so can you! Think of the book as a type of best friend you can turn to when you need a bit of encouragement.

#4 NOTE TO SELF BY CONNOR FRANT

A follow-up to his bestselling memoir, A Work in Progress, this book is a collection of short essays. Connor writes letters to past and future selves, as well as adding poems and original photographs. It’s a very honest, raw look at the inner life of this famous internet sensation. He turns inward to move forward.

His memoir shared the story of his unlikely journey from small-town Midwestern boy to online star. Connor takes a humorous look at his past, with amazing insight. In his first book his fans were reminded why they fell in love with the quirky YouTube sensation.

Two years later the brave YouTuber shares a different side of himself. In the diary-like book he tells of his struggles with social anxiety, self-love, clinical depression, and acceptance. He shares his longing to maintain an authentic self in a world that has shifted its value from true connections to shares and likes. He talks about wrestling with love and loss, and his fierce commitment to staying in the moment – with himself and others.

#5 BINGE BY TYLER OAKLE

He’s the most outspoken LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, a social rights advocate, and pop-culture phenomenon. Now Tyler has created a New York Timesbestselling collection of hilarious, witty, and personal essays.

For someone so famous for over-sharing on the internet, it’s surprising that he still has enough personal shenanigans and mishaps to fill up an entire book. In Binge he will tell you about his strange rage blackout in a Cheesecake Factory; a close encounter with a White House official; crashing a car in front of the whole high school; a case of projectile vomiting; and many more. Your tummy will ache from laughing at all his hilarious moments.

#6 GRACE’S GUIDE, THE ART OF PRETENDING TO BE A GROWN-UP BY GRACE HELBIG

The comedian Grace Helbig is the host of The Grace Helbig Showon E! and famous for her YouTube channel, It’s Grace. She has created an unexpectedly educational and amusing guide to navigating your way into adulthood. The colourful and refreshing guide proves that you don’t have to necessarily grow up to become an adult.

It’s aimed at millennials but encompasses everything a young or new (or regular or old) adult should know about life. Written in her tell-tale sweet and funny voice, it’s a tongue-in-cheek textbook. Learn how to live online, land your dream job, survive a breakup, decorate your first apartment, and more. The book includes quirky illustrations, photos, and interactive worksheets. Grace shares her own misadventures including a horrible NBC’s Page Program interview, her struggles with anxiety, and how she met her first boyfriend at a Latin convention in high school.

#7 THE LAST BLACK UNICORN BY TIFFANY HADDISH

Tiffany can’t help it, she’s just naturally funny. She realised the power of this talent at a young age. She grew up in one of the poorest South-Central Los Angeles neighborhoods and her ability to make people laugh came in very handy, it helped her survive in her troublesome surroundings.

She could make her classmates laugh and they would allow her to copy their homework; the other foster kids would leave her alone and not beat her up; and she made a bit of money by being the paid school mascot and popular Bar Mitzvah hype woman. Now she’s a famous stand-up comedian, actress, and star of Girls Trip.Tiffany’s book The Last Black Unicornis a collection of extremely personal essays. It includes side-splitting, edgy, and unflinching stories of her journey to stardom.

Learn more about her rollercoaster love life, how she taught herself to cope with fame and broke out of a poor-person mindset. The stories are hilarious and brutally honest. Tiffany is down-to-earth, authentically funny, and humble. Her rags to riches story might sound cliché, but there’s nothing ordinary about her journey. Let her inspire you through the power of laughter.

#8 SO MUCH I WANT TO TELL YOU, LETTERS TO MY LITTLE SISTER BY ANNA AKANA

Anna started her YouTube career in 2007 after Kristina, her teen sister, committed suicide. She used YouTube videos as a part of her grieving process, mostly using comedy as a way to cope. The creative expression also served to connect with others.

Ten years later she has over a million subscribers. They love her smart, honest vlogs. Videos with the most hits include “How to Put on Your Face” and “Why Girls Should Ask Guys Out”. Her videos are both comical and provocative, but they all have a deeper message: you and you alone determine your worth. And you must learn to firstly love yourself.

In So Much I Want to Tell You, she openly shares her personal struggles with low self-esteem. She tells tales of the highs and lows of the transition into the world of grownups. Anna offers poignant advice to young women in a fresh and funny way. Topics cover everything from how to care for yourself, how to manage your money, to how to approach sex. She openly and refreshingly tackles the realities of dating, female friendship, and making your dreams come true. In it all she holds her sister Kristina close to her heart. You can see the book as advice offered to you by a loving big sister.

#9 THE RECOVERING: INTOXICATION AND ITS AFTERMATH BY LESLIE JAMISON

The focus has been so intensely on the addiction story, that for a long time the recovery story has fallen by the wayside. In Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath, Leslie tackles the other side of the journey. It is a mixture of cultural history, literary criticism, reportage, and memoir.

Leslie shows that the story of recovery can be just as haunting as the addiction that caused the train wreck. She uses her own story and the stories of others to examine the recovery process. The book dissects the recovery movement history, focusing on the strange phenomena were class and race taints our view of who is criminal and who is ill.

She also tackles the discussion of the relationship between literary/artistic geniuses and alcoholism or substance dependence. These include Jean Rhys, Billie Holiday, Raymond Carver, John Berryman, Denis Johnson, and David Foster Wallace. She also looks at lesser-known figures such as George Cain. In the end she exposes a different kind of dependency that every human being must deal with, grappling with it in their own unique way: the way our desires and intense craving for love affects how we approach life.

#10 TOO MUCH AND NOT THE MOOD BY DURGA CHEW-BOSE

“Too much and not the mood” was a statement made out of frustration by Virginia Woolf. It was the end of A Writer’s Diary, written in 1931. The statement was uttered as she contemplated placating her readers. The famous author pondered whether she had anything of worth to say.

The sentiment resonated with Durga and she chose it as the title of her book exploring her experience as a first-generation, creative young woman, trying to make an honest living for herself in this day and age.

It is a collection of poetic essays examining personhood and artistic growth, combining memoir with criticism. Durga drew inspiration from an assorted group of perceptive and inquiring female authors. She perfectly captures the inner struggle with a restlessness that keeps her on the verge of creative expression.

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Top 10 Self Help Books Of 2017

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If only life came with a manual… We are all stuck in it together, figuring things out as we go along. Luckily there are some people out there who are willing to grapple with some of the usiuig life questions we all have.

And 2017 produced a few very insightful books – from handling your finances and making career choices, to navigating relationships. We’ve collected the best ones for you to choose from.

#10 THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE: DANISH SECRETS TO HAPPY LIVING BY MEIK WIKING

The little Danish word has created a worldwide buzz. Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), is a Scandinavia word meaning “togetherness and well-being, a sense of comfort”. The Danes have been at the top of the annual World Happiness Report since its inception in 2013. They are always in the top five and was nominated as the world’s happiest people three times.

So, what’s their secret? Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, delves into the various factors that create the high life satisfaction in Denmark. He’s been given the title of the world’s happiest man, so his writing reflects his personal life philosophy.

#9 PEAK PERFORMANCE: ELEVATE YOUR GAME, AVOID BURNOUT, AND THRIVE WITH THE NEW SCIENCE OF SUCCESS BY BRAD STULBERG AND STEVE MAGNESS

Ever wondered if there’s a formula for success? Stulberg, a health and human performance writer, combined strengths with Magness, a performance scientist and Olympic coach. Together they have dissected success, approaching it from a scientific angle.

If you want to up your game, sidestep burnout and thrive in life – follow the new scientific success methods. The dynamic team explores principles that are universal and can be applied to various aspects of professional life. The book combines scientific research with real life stories from the lives of top performers from across the world.

#8 DARING TO DRIVE: A SAUDI WOMAN’S AWAKENING BY MANAL AL-SHARIF

We all enjoy a great motivational story, and sometimes one person’s story has the power to transform the world. Manal al-Sharif decided in 2011 to go for a little drive, and to post her trip online. The twist in the tale? She lives in Saudi, where it’s against the law for a woman to drive.

By broadcasting her daring law-breaking stunt, she encouraged other women to follow in her footsteps and revolt against unnecessary suppression. In this memoir she gives outsiders a look into her life. She recalls how education and determination gave her the power to stand up for herself, and in effect all silenced Saudi women.

#7 TOOLS OF TITANS: THE TACTICS, ROUTINES, AND HABITS OF BILLIONAIRES, ICONS, AND WORLD-CLASS PERFORMERS BY TIM FERRISS

Tim Ferriss has nicknamed himself a “human guinea pig”. He has interviewed more than 200 experts from a variety of industries, gathering habits that lead to a successful life. On his podcast show he asks big questions about daily life such as “how do you start your day?” and “what’s your favourite inspirational book?”.

The creator of the other popular self-help book “The 4 Hour Workweek” is passionate about delving into the inner workings of success. This New York Times Bestseller will tell you the daily habit secrets of celebrities, military commanders, scientists, world class athletes, and other inspirational icons.

#6 PRINCIPLES: LIFE AND WORK BY RAY DALIO

Ray Dalio is described as the “Steve Jobs of Investing”, with a great rags to riches story. He started out as a middle class Long Islander and climbed the corporate ladder to now being on the Time’s “100 Most Influential Individual in The World” list.

He started his investment company in his apartment. Now it is one of the most successful businesses in his industry. In this book he explains the beliefs and rules that helped him to firstly survive and thereafter thrive in the business world.

#5 MAKE YOUR BED: LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE…AND MAYBE THE WORLD BY WILLIAM H. MCRAVEN

United States Admiral William H. McRaven delivered one of the most famous graduation speeches on May the 17th, 2014. It now has over 10 million views on YouTube. Addressing the students of the University of Texas-Austin, McRaven highlighted ten principles that changed his life during his Navy Seal training.

He believes that there are certain personal qualities that are crucial for success in life including compassion, honour, courage, and determination. In this book he elaborates on these principles by colouring them in with stories from his military career and personal life.

#4 THE POWER OF MOMENTS: WHY CERTAIN EXPERIENCES HAVE EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT BY CHIP HEATH AND DAN HEATH

Meaningful life experiences influence our well-being in a profound way. Many people believe that happiness is linked to material wealth and professional success. But there is now increasing scientific research proof that indicates memorable moments are more powerful.

There is a lot of merit in gathering life-affirming experiences. This book will show you how to create your own extraordinary moments, to consistently transform your daily life into a more happiness-filled experience.

#3 THE UNDOING PROJECT: A FRIENDSHIP THAT CHANGED OUR MINDS BY MICHAEL LEWIS

In the 1970’s Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, two Israeli psychologists, changed the way the world looked at human decision-making. Their ground-breaking studies exposed the problematic impact that cognitive biases have on our abilities to make wise choices.

The dynamic duo paved the way for behavioural economics, influenced the medicine world to rely more on evidence-based research, and challenged many industries to start depending more on big data and algorithms. Lewis investigates the unlikely friendship of these two men, and sheds light on the workings of the unreliable cognitive mechanisms affecting the decision-making process.

#2 A HOPE MORE POWERFUL THAN THE SEA: ONE REFUGEE’S INCREDIBLE STORY OF LOVE, LOSS, AND SURVIVAL BY MELISSA FLEMING

Hearing stories of people conquering circumstances that seem unconquerable, always warms the heart. But this remarkable tale will also motivate you to look deep into your own heart and assess your worldview.

Melissa Fleming is the chief spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She shares the amazing journey of Doaa Al Zamel, a Syrian refugee. Doaa was only 19 years old when she was stranded at sea for four days with two baby girls, 6 and 9 months old. The September 2014 Mediterranean shipwreck claimed almost 500 lives.

#1 OPTION B: FACING ADVERSITY, BUILDING RESILIENCE AND FINDING JOY BY SHERYL SANDBERG AND ADAM GRANT

Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way we planned, throwing us an unexpected and unwanted curveball. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), experienced this when her husband passed away unexpectedly while exercising.

With the help of world famous psychologist, Adam Grant, Sheryl managed to overcome this tragedy. His evidence-based advice offered her a way to constructively deal with the aftermath of the unfortunate life circumstances she had to face. In this book you will hear more about her story and how she resurfaced on the other side, ready to face the world again. Learn how to rediscover joy, even when you think it’s not possible.

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Top 10 Must Read Business Books For 2018

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The first term of 2018 is almost done and it’s time to reassess whether you are on track for the year. If you feel that you need to make a few tweaks to your business strategy, we’ve gathered a list of 10 books that can assist you.

It’s always refreshing to hear someone else’s perspective on the same things that you are going through. Read these for inspiration to end 2018 with a bang.

#1 CRYPTOCURRENCY: ADVANCED STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES TO LEARN AND UNDERSTAND THE WORLD OF CRYPTOCURRENCY BY JAMES C. ANDERSON

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular by the minute and they are taking the business world by storm as well. Early investors who saw the potential of this new wave of technology can now boast about becoming self-made millionaires before the rest of the world sat up and took notice.

If you want to learn more about the technicalities surrounding cryptocurrencies, this book will take you beyond the basics. In-depth questions are tackled such as why it has any value. Explore the behind the scenes of this breakthrough technology and its impact on modern economy. Other aspects discussed in the book include the growth and effect on finance and the big question is tackled – is it sustainable in the long run?

Who should read this book: People bored with conventional investment strategies and those who want to explore a different way of making money that will also slowly change the world.

#2 WHEN TO JUMP: IF THE JOB YOU HAVE ISN’T THE LIFE YOU WANT BY MIKE LEWIS

Mike Lewis founded the When to Jump project. The book outlines the four basic steps of the “Jump Curve”. It draws from the experiences of a wide variety of individuals who took the plunge and followed their dreams.

If you feel that you are a crossroad with your career, this book will inspire you to take the plunge and pursue your true passion. The conundrum lies between sticking to financial security or living your dream. The stories of people who have successfully transitioned into their dream jobs will give you hope to do the same. Mike recently won the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” Goldman Sachs accolade.

Who should read this book: People stuck at an office desk, busy reading this post, wondering “what am I doing with my life?”

#3 CRUSHING IT! HOW GREAT ENTREPRENEURS BUILD THEIR BUSINESS AND INFLUENCE AND HOW YOU CAN, TOO BY GARY VAYNERCHUK

Explore the journey of influencers and entrepreneurs that steered away from the typical career path and created their own path, building successful businesses. Gary is a four-time New York Times bestselling author. He hopes that this book will inspire business women and men with dreams of pursuing their true passions.

The book offers a unique perspective on pursuing success, as well as principles that can be followed to reach a new career level. It contains stories of people who have followed the principles and achieved success. Gary also investigates social media platforms to show how technology can be harnessed to build a brand presence for any type of business.

Who should read this book: People who see themselves as go-getters, on the lookout for something new to get involved with, even if it’s not all about the financial gains.

#4 THE FOUR: THE HIDDEN DNA OF AMAZON, APPLE, FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE BY SCOTT GALLOWAY

We all use them every day – to buy, share our thoughts, and answer all our questions. But have you considered the real power of these 21st century technology giants? The book questions our daily interaction with these formidable entities that have entwined themselves with our everyday lives, becoming almost unmissable.

Scott is a big name in the business world, in this book he deconstructs each giant, scrutinizing their strategies and business methods. After reading more about the inner workings of each company, you will be able to apply the principles to your own business venture.

Who should read this book: We all either love or hate these companies, but everyone is curious about how they became so successful. Learn their secrets now!

#5 BUSINESS FOR BOHEMIANS: LIVE WELL, MAKE MONEY BY TOM HODGKINSON

The renowned journalist combines all his know-how about tax returns, cash flow forecasts, and other business-related topics in this informative book. He offers practical advice to aspiring business people, adding applicable anecdotes to provide a unique viewpoint on creating more freedom in your career.

Whatever your business dream, after reading this book you will be equipped with the skills needed to take your talent and turn it into a viable business. Tom navigates the reader through various aspects of a successful business such as using Excel and social media effectively, negotiation with clients and suppliers, and much more.

Who should read this book: People who want to remain true to themselves and not fall into the trap of becoming entrenched in the corporate lifestyle.

#6 THE ONE DEVICE: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE IPHONE, BY BRIAN MERCHANT

The first iPhone was launched 29 June 2007, and since then billions of people around the world have jumped on the technology bandwagon that changed our communication forever. The success story behind one of the most profitable products ever invented, remains fascinating. How did one person succeed to create such a powerful tool, reinventing how we view human contact?

In this book the veteran technology journalist explores the huge cultural impact of the iPhone. He shares insight from exclusive interviews with a wide variety of people involved in the creation process – from inventors and engineers, to developers. Find out more about the creation process of the little device that made a huge impact on the world.

Who should read this book: People who love nitty-gritty tech details, finding out more about what makes things tick. And for those fascinated with Steve Jobs, wanting to learn the secret to his success.

#7 RESET: MY FIGHT FOR INCLUSION AND LASTING CHANGE, BY ELLEN PAO

She might not have won her case against the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, but it became an extremely high-profile case in America. In this book, Ellen recounts her experiences and struggles in Silicon Valley.

The book traces her journey through the hub of the technology sector. Facing various levels of discrimination, from gender to culture bias, this feisty woman still managed to make her mark in the business world. The book was shortlisted for the acclaimed FT/McKinsey award.

Who should read this book:  People supporting the #TimesUp campaign, agreeing that the time has come for a change of perspective on gender and other discriminations in the business world.

#8 BLACK EDGE: INSIDE INFORMATION, DIRTY MONEY, AND THE QUEST TO BRING DOWN THE MOST WANTED MAN ON WALL STREET, BY SHEELAH KOLHATKAR

It seems that a new billionaire financier pops up almost every month, but how exactly did they make so much money? The Wall Street legend Steven Cohen had his hedge fund of $15billion investigated for insider trading. He was found guilty of using “black edge”, or illegal inside information. It was his secret to beating the market.

The fund was indicted, and he pleaded guilty to the charges of wire fraud and securities. He had to pay an estimated $2billion in criminal and civil fines. Although his company was torn apart, he was never personally charged. Despite this, the Hedge-Fund King was allowed to start trading again beginning 2018. This book investigates the grey areas of the world’s wealthiest communities and uncover exactly how the wealth was acquired.

Who should read this book: People who enjoyed The Wolf of Wall Street, wanting to learn more about the journey of a fraud to a successor.

#9 HIGH PERFORMANCE HABITS: HOW EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE BECOME THAT WAY BY BRENDON BURCHARD

Habits are part of our daily lives. We all have a few good ones and a few we would rather not admit to having. Brendon became fascinated with the role habits play in the lives of successful people. He has spent close to 20 years asking questions to determine how a person moves from ordinary to extraordinary.

He asked three questions to find habit patterns. Firstly, why do some people become successful quicker than others, and how do they maintain the success? Secondly, from the successful individuals, why are some still unhappy with their lives? Thirdly, what motives people to strive towards success, and what do they do to continually improve their lives? From all the feedback he gathered, he discovered six habits that will change your life.

Who should read this book: People who want to succeed and are not afraid to put in the hard work.

#10 THE UPSTARTS: HOW UBER, AIRBNB AND THE KILLER COMPANIES OF THE NEW SILICON VALLEY ARE CHANGING THE WORLD BY BRAD STONE

Would you like to share a ride with a stranger? How about crashing on their couch for a night or two? These sound like foreign concepts, until you realise the first is a definition of Uber and the second Airbnb. Strangers are now united by a common cause.

Both companies challenge our concept of communicating with strangers, our perception of travel, and general social integration. The book investigates the people behind these revolutionary technology concepts. How did they come up with the business ideas? Learn more about how the companies were conceptualized and grew into world-wide success, and how they are challenging our world views.

Who should read this book: People who were first hesitant about the invasion of app technology, but now can’t imagine everyday life without it.

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