What to read January ‘24
A curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page
‘What to read’ is my end-of-the-month recommendation and round-up of the books I read last month, which I think you would enjoy during your coffee breaks.
It is a short, curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
These could be the books which provoked:
The ideas that changed my mind unexpectedly (and could do the same for you)
The reflections that inspired me to see the world a little differently
Curiosity. You should know that curiosity not only boosts creativity but also helps you live longer, according to recent research...”1
Best discoveries from January ‘24:
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield's book reveals how resistance operates like a biological defence mechanism, becoming stronger precisely when we're about to make meaningful progress.
Studies show that procrastination spikes by 42% when we face tasks that challenge our identity or potential. The most fascinating finding? Professional creatives experience the same level of resistance as amateurs – they've just developed better battle strategies.
Consider this: every successful creative project began with someone choosing to work despite their fear, not in its absence.
Read this if:
You've got a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts
Your best ideas come right as you're falling asleep
You're tired of being your own worst enemy
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Here's what neuroscience tells us about creativity: Creative breakthroughs are 31% more likely to occur when we maintain what researchers call "playful seriousness" rather than grim determination. Gilbert recognises that creativity isn't a talent—it's a relationship.
Ideas literally behave like living things, growing stronger or weaker based on the attention we give them.
Read this if:
Your inner critic has better job security than you do
You've mistaken suffering for seriousness
You're ready to trade perfectionism for possibility
You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins
Goins isn't just offering encouragement – he's describing a documented phenomenon where identity shifts precede behavioural change.
Through case studies, Goins demonstrates how successful writers aren't necessarily more talented – they're more consistent. The most provocative insight? Professional writers actually spend less time waiting for inspiration than amateurs.
Read this if:
You write daily but still call it "just a hobby"
Your impostor syndrome has impostor syndrome
You're ready to stop waiting for permission
I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore
Dore cuts through the noise with research showing how our obsession with doing more is actually making us do less.
Most striking finding? Rest-guilt actually reduces cognitive performance by up to 26% - meaning the guilt about not working is more harmful than not working.
Read this if:
Your self-worth fluctuates with your to-do list completion
You've turned "busy" into a personality trait
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell's
Odell combines neuroscience and social critique to explain why "doing nothing" isn't lazy – it's survival.
The most compelling evidence? The"non-productive" time helps us with problem-solving by 33%.
Consider this: while tech companies measure success in "time spent," research shows our most meaningful insights come during moments of purposeful disengagement.
Read this if:
You mistake scrolling for rest
You're ready to treat focus as a finite resource
That’s my list, what is yours? You know me, I’m always eager to get good book recommendations. What have you been reading the past month?