Here’s what I read and what I thought of each one.
Lost at Sea – Jon Ronson
I love Jon Ronson and have read lots of his books over the years. I loved this one just as much as I loved the others. It’s full of stories and mysteries along with interviews that are really engaging and I find that I always learn something new from his books.
Them: Adventures with Extremists – Jon Ronson
Another brilliant book from Jon. I loved this one too and really enjoyed the different topics he covers. He has such a unique way of diving into the most unexpected corners of society and telling stories that stay with you.
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
This was such an important read. I think books like this are essential for everyone to read to educate themselves and understand more about race, privilege, and history. It really opened my eyes and gave me a lot to think about.
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed – Jon Ronson
Another one from Jon, and again, I loved it. It explores public shaming and cancel culture in such an insightful way. His books always make me question the way society works and how we interact with each other, especially online.
Lucky Bitch – Denise Duffield-Thomas
This was one of my favourite reads of the year. I became a bit obsessed with Denise Duffield-Thomas in 2019. This book was so inspiring and motivating and it really shifted how I thought about money and success and it actually led me to quitting my job and becoming self-employed, so I would say this book had a true visceral impact on me!
Get Rich, Lucky Bitch – Denise Duffield-Thomas
After loving the first one, I had to read the follow-up. Again, super inspiring. I found it really practical and uplifting, especially if you’re working on changing your mindset around money and self-worth.
Chillpreneur – Denise Duffield-Thomas
By this point, I was completely hooked on Denise’s books. This one came at the perfect time because I’d been dreaming about becoming self-employed for a while. It encouraged me to take it seriously and start taking those next steps toward making it happen just like the others.
Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker
Sleep has always been a bit of an issue for me, so I wanted to learn more about it. This book was fascinating and honestly a little terrifying too! It made me realise the importance of proper rest. After reading it, I’ve tried to prioritise getting better sleep more than ever.
You Are a Badass at Making Money – Jen Sincero
I was recommended this one after reading Denise’s books, and I’m glad I gave it a go. It’s another motivational, easy-to-read book that gives you a nice boost of inspiration if you’re on a mission to change your financial situation or chase a dream.
Secrets of Six-Figure Women – Barbara Stanny
Can you tell I was on a mission to quit my job and make my blog my full-time thing? This book was another motivational read about confidence, money, and ambition. It gave me a lot of practical takeaways too.
Wilde Women – Louise Pentland
I’ve followed Louise for years and wanted to support her, so I picked up her book. It was a nice, easy fiction read and exactly what I needed after a run of heavy self-help books.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
I’m not sure why I decided to read this one in 2019, but I’d never read it before and I’m so glad I did. It was such a powerful, emotional story and really stayed with me long after I finished it.
The Chimp Paradox – Steve Peters
I’m still not sure what I think of this book. It’s interesting and well-known for a reason, but I personally found it a little overhyped. Still, I’m glad I read it and took a few helpful lessons away.
Final Thoughts
2019 was definitely a year of learning, growth, and inspiration. I discovered some amazing authors and books that completely changed how I think about success, sleep, and mindset. It’s funny looking back now because this was the year I really started to take my self-employment dreams seriously — and I think these books played a big part in that.
