Like a lot of people, my new years resolution has been to read more! Or more specifically, at least 10 books over the course of 2025. When I was younger and still in school I read a lot. Sometimes finishing an entire book in one night. I always loved the way they made you feel like you were in another world. Away from the troubles and worries of our own world and brought into something bigger than ourselves.
When I was younger I loved tales about the gods, Greek mythology were my favorites. Particularly the labors of Heracles. Something about the Greek mythology just seemed so magic. So distant from our own reality and day to day lives but based in history, based in our own reality. Naturally, I became a fan of the Percy Jackson books. Imagining myself as a demigod of some ancient deity.
But sometimes reality gets in the way of being a demigod. Life gets busy. Sometimes the things you enjoy doing suffer. For me it was reading, over the course of my GCSE’s, A-levels, and all throughout my University degree. I didn’t read much outside of a text book set by my teachers and professors.
But now my life has calmed down, no more studying. I have a regular work schedule and with it, more time to read. Now I am older, my taste in books has changed. I’m more selective with my choice of books. While I would love to go back to reading books about Greek mythology. Sometimes I prefer to read books of non-fiction. Books that help me learn new skills, and learn more about the world around us.
Now determined to rediscover the joy of reading. I thought I would share some of my personal favorite books of mine. Along with some books I am desperate to read.
Books I love:
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
I have to admit, many of the books I read come from what I can find available in the charity shop. The psychology of money was one of these finds. For the price of £1 second hand, the book may actually have been worth its weight in gold.
In The Psychology of Money Morgan Housel takes a look at how human psychology can influence our relationships of money. It features insights into how your upbringing can influence how you feel about money. How the people in your life who you see as being wealthy and good with money. Are likely actually the opposite.
More importantly, and the bits I found to carry the most value personally. Morgan talks about how frequent stock market investments can carry weight over an investing career. How avoiding recessions with investing and trying to invest “smartly” can actually hurt your profits. He also demonstrates the power of compound interest with some mind boggling statistics.
Ultimately, The Psychology of Money is a worthwhile read for anyone. I can not think of one person who would not benefit from reading this book. Seasoned investors, beginners, people who don’t know what investing is. Everyone should read this book at least once in their lives. I loaned my copy to my brother to read. Which I now regret because I frequently want to go back to read a section. With the rate my brother reads at, I may need to buy another copy (I’ve been scouring charity shops again).
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
The Gunslinger was the first book I read when I started to get into reading again. I had been wanting to read a book that was part of a larger series. Being a long time Stephen King fan, the Dark Tower series was my first choice. The Gunslinger definitely did not disappoint.
The Gunslinger is a dark fantasy novel that puts you in the shoes of Roland, whom after the book is titled. The book navigates the fine middle ground between what is good and evil. The Gunslinger hunting “the man in black” has to make many morally ambiguous choices along his journey. Inviting the reader to decide what is good and what is considered evil.
King does an amazing job at drawing the reader into this strange and twisted world. Our own world echo’s in the background of the world of The Gunslinger. The echo’s becoming much louder in later installments of the series. Introducing us to ideas that seem familiar, yet a whole world away from our own. The Gunslinger is definitely a must read for anyone interested in Stephen King novels or dark-fantasies.
The £100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
The £100 Startup is the book I am currently reading. It is actually the book that inspired me to start writing this blog. The writer talks about his own struggles starting his business. Referencing his blog multiple times. As I starting and running my own business has been a life-long goal of mine. I figured this would be a good way to start.
The £100 Startup introduces the reader to the world of micro-businesses. A new style of startup that doesn’t require large overheads. People are starting and running them from their houses everyday. Guillebeau demonstrates how the most successful micro-businesses come from people combining what they enjoy and what they are good at. Guillebeau gives some incredibly powerful advice and statements invaluable to anyone looking to start their own business.
Showing that any amount of action is more powerful than any amount of planning. The £100 Startup inspires the reader to start now! Get their business going by any means. Just do what people will pay for and what you enjoy. If you enjoy what you are doing, you are already more successful than any amount of money would show you. Realistically, Guillebeau is the inspiration for me starting this blog. I’m not sure it would be here if I had not read the book. I recommend this book to anyone interested in starting their own business, micro-business or side hustle. Another book worth its weight in gold.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
The 48 Laws of Power is a book I had been recommended many times, by many people. At the time I had been looking to improve my habits. About to enter the workplace. I had been keen to rise through the ranks quickly and make a name for myself.
The 48 Laws of Power is in its essence a self-help book. The book claims to describe how to get to the top, and stay there. The book was published in 1998, while some of the books “laws” are outdated. Not all will be applicable to everyone. Many of the rules in the book teach important lessons. By following the laws stated in the book, anyone can pursue a quick rise to power. It is particularly useful when using the laws to navigate the modern workplace. Or running your own business and trying to overtake the competition.
Over the years The 48 Laws of Power has developed almost a cult-like following. Something the book will teach you how to do. There is definitely a reason this following has gathered. The book is in-depth and concise. It can turn anyone into a workplace warrior. Giving you the tools you need to take what you want from the workplace. Teaching you how to lead your life, and make it a life you are proud to live.
Business Adventures by John Brooks
Business Adventures has been recommended by many Billionaires and Millionaires alike. So I figured it would be worth a read.
Business Adventures follows 12 tales from the world of Wall Street. Teaching lessons along the way. It demonstrates some how fickle both business and the stock market can be at times. Helping you learn from other people and businesses mistakes. Hopefully preventing you from making the same mistakes yourself. Business Adventures does a great job of putting devastating scenarios in perspective through the lens of time. Looking back at the Wall Street crash. Demonstrating how it was not the world ending tragedy people thought it was at the time. Along with many other scenarios, with equally as important lessons.
Business Adventures is a great book to read for any business owner or people considering opening a business. It shows how to learn and move on from mistakes. Mistakes happen to everyone, it is a part of learning, a part of doing something new. Business Adventures can teach you to make the most of them and more importantly. Learn something.
Books I want to read:
All of these books have made it on to my reading list one way or another. While I haven’t gotten around to reading them quite yet. I am hoping they will make it under the books I have read section by this time next year.
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few months now. Unfortunately I have not gotten around to reading it yet. The Intelligent Investor is another book I have been recommended many times. It has garnered a reputation of being one of the best investing books anyone could ever read.
The Intelligent Investor is a widely acclaimed book on value investing. The book highlights strategies to be used when investing. How to successfully use value investing in the stock market. The book gives insight into the specific ways of analyzing the values of stocks, and how to utilize that information (or so I’m told).
Dante’s Inferno
Dante’s Inferno is far from the normal type of book I would read. The book is an epic searing poem. Taking the reader on a journey through an intense journey through the 7 circles of hell.
I think my fascination with this book is rooted in my love of religion and mythology. Unfortunately I have been unable to find a copy in my local charity shops. Which must mean the book is too good to lose, or not that many copies exist.
Buddhism is Not What You Think by Steve Hagen
Another book rooted in my fascination of all things religion. Buddhism has always been of interest to me. I find the belief system so complex and interesting. Causing me to actively seek out any and all routes to further my knowledge on the subject.
While I do not practice the teachings of Buddhism. I believe there are some genuinely good reasons behind them. Or I am hoping to find out if there are in this book. I’ll let you know.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad is another book that has been recommended to me multiple times. A book that teaches and advocates the importance of financial literacy. Teaching routes to wealth through asset investment. Touching on many different ways to get there.
The entrepreneur in me is desperate to read this book. I have heard it is one of the greatest books to read on generating wealth. I definitely intend to find out if this is true in the near future.
Grow Your Own Vegetables in Pots and Containers by Paul Peacock
As a kid I spent a lot of time gardening with my Dad. As an adult, I have struggled to find joy in the hobby. The idea of toiling away in the garden, regardless of the weather has never really appealed to me. To my Girlfriend however, this sounds like a dream come true. Hence her buying me the book for Christmas.
I have since taken up the idea of making my own homemade chutney. Growing the ingredients myself, tomatoes, chilies, garlic, onions. While the idea of homemade chutney is definitely taking preference in my mind over gardening. My Girlfriend is just happy I will be joining her in the garden.
Any Recommendations?
I’d love to hear what you think about the books on my reading list. Let me know what you thought of them if you have read any of the books I have talked about.
I am always struggling with what to read, so if you would leave some recommendations below that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading!
Effortless Investing 
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