I'm having trouble making a commitment.
As I reflect on the books I read in 2023, there are none that continued to visit me throughout the year - you know, the stories or characters that pop into your mind at random times or that you find yourself mulling over when you first wake up. Sometimes I even think, how would "so-and-so" handle this situation. Oh, you don't do that? Weird.
In spite of a lack of "sticky" characters, I read some great books last year. Let me share my favorites books of 2023 with you, then I'd like to learn about those you really enjoyed.
Favorite Books of 2023
(in no particular order)
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Favorite Leadership, Business & HR Books of 2023:
Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan Inclusion on Purpose provides guidance and perspective on how everyone - from employee to manager - can and should be inclusive of all.
Betting on You by Laurie Ruettimann I'm a big fan of Laurie Ruettimann and her honest approach to HR and leadership. Betting on You was like having an honest career conversation with her. She takes a relevant, realistic, nonchalant approach
Favorite Fiction Books of 2023:
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone An interesting way to write a sci fi novel. I loved the style and the story. This was my favorite and first book of the year.
The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni The Last Queen was a historical imagining of the life and struggles of the last queen of the Sikh Empire in India. I loved the character building, rich culture, and historical perspective.
Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux Phantom is my favorite musical - who doesn’t love a creepy romance? The original tale was a gothic horror, light on romance high on creepy.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr I didn't know Netflix created a series based on the book, but I can see why they did. It is a sad and lovely book set in France and Germany during World War II.
What's on my TBR List for 2024?
In 2024, I have two reading intentions: 1) read books I already own and have not yet read (we'll see how long that lasts) and 2) re-read the Robert Jordan Wheel of Time series in full. I stopped somewhere around book 6 or 7 when they were popular in the 1990s, and they've been niggling my mind. So far, book 1 is a slow, comfortable meandering.
2024 Business, Leadership and HR TBR (to be read) list
I've got my eyes peeled for a new release or two. I'd also like to tackle a couple of classics:
Thriving on Chaos by Tom Peters - seems apropos in today's workplaces
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Plus:
Rebel Talent by Francesca Gino - it's been on the pile for a while; I like rebels
What's on Your TBR List for 2024?
I'd love to know what's on your TBR list for 2024. Any recommendations?
PS - Book Briefs highlight talent development-specific application from business, leadership, and sundry books. A quick way to digest and apply.