Hey there, avid readers and lifelong learners!
It’s that cozy time of year when we’re all bundling up and maybe thinking about the books we want to dive into next year. Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or professional growth, finding the right books can be a true adventure.
I have a confession to make–for the better part of 18 years, while raising our kids and juggling work, I barely read at all. By the time I had a moment to myself, I was usually too exhausted to keep my eyes open for more than a page. However, when my oldest left for the University of Arizona and my youngest headed to Kansas State, I rediscovered my love for reading. Now, with time, energy, and motivation on my side, I’ve fallen back in love with books, especially enjoying them on my iPad or Kindle through Libby for leisure reads. For professional books, though, nothing beats a hardback for highlighting, sticking post-it notes, and keeping them handy on my bookshelf.
To give you a little inspiration, here are some of the books that resonated with me last year—both personal favorites and professional game-changers. I have linked them below.
- Who Not How by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy – This book every entrepreneur and small business owner must read, but I think small training departments of 1 or 2 people who are trying to do all of the things might really love it too. We often focus on how to achieve our goals or tasks, instead of asking who can help us? I have not only applied the concepts to my professional life but my personal life too. And if you like sports, this book has some great analogies between sports and business.
- Help them Grow or Watch them Go by Beverly Kaye and Julie Winkle Giulioni – A must-read for anyone looking who is in talent development, human resources, or leading a team. The book highlights the critical role of meaningful conversations between managers and employees about career development, stressing that these discussions are pivotal for engagement and retention. Kaye and Giulioni provide practical strategies for integrating development into everyday interactions and decision-making processes, showing how managers can empower employees by focusing on their future growth. The authors argue that career development should be a daily, ongoing investment rather than an annual event, offering a pathway to sustainable organizational success.
And, side note, if you haven’t read or purchased Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em, you must grab this one too.
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – This book is a great personal development book that introduces the compelling concept of the “Upper Limit Problem,” where individuals subconsciously limit their own success and happiness. Hendricks explores how breaking through these self-imposed barriers can lead to living in one’s “Zone of Genius,” where an individual can fully express their talents and passions. The book also provides practical advice on overcoming fears that prevent personal and professional growth, encouraging readers to make significant life changes by embracing their potential. Hendricks’ insights aim to guide readers toward achieving lasting fulfillment and success by taking that crucial ‘big leap.’
- Unbuntu! by Stephen Lundin and Bob Nelson – I had already read this book many years ago, and it is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. However, this past October, I had a new encounter with the concepts from the book when I attended the xchange Transformation Summit. A little about the book: The book explores the powerful African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes community, shared humanity, and the interdependence of individuals. The book illustrates how applying Ubuntu in the workplace can transform the quality of professional relationships and enhance teamwork. Lundin and Nelson provide compelling examples and practical steps for managers and team members to foster a more cooperative and compassionate workplace culture. Their narrative asserts that by embracing Ubuntu, organizations can achieve higher satisfaction and more effective collaboration among employees.
Now, for the application of these concepts and my experience of expansion of the book. When attending the xchange Transformation Summit, our first evening activity was one getting to experience the ubunti philosophy through music. We all (about 200 of us) were given a MEINL VivaRhythm Cardboard Cajon that we put together, sat on and played as we followed a skilled facilitator. I can’t even put into words what a powerful experience of teamwork, music, and coordinated effort it was. This prompted me to come home and reread this one. It had a whole new impact on me.
Personal Books I Loved in 2024
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros – This book is a tough one to get through the digital library, but the wait is worth it. I am not usually a dragon, wizardy (is that a word) kind of gal, but this book kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. It combines fantasy and romance with vivid descriptions and lots of plot twists. Add this one to your 2025.
- Colleen Hoover – I was on a bit of a Colleen Hoover kick and really loved everything I read. Verity was probably my favorite. I also read It Ends with Us, It Starts with Us, All Your Perfects, Ugly Love, Maybe Someday, Maybe Not, Too Late, Heart Bones, and Never Never.
- The Women by Kristin Hannah – I really loved this book. While I was born in the 1970’s, I was just a baby, and the Vietnam War is not something that I have learned a ton about other than what I know from history books. This book is a depiction of a young girl’s transformation from a sheltered, affluent young woman who joins the Army and becomes a resilient and skilled nurse amid the chaos of war. What I loved was the book’s exploration of the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime settings. It was a realistic perspective of what it was like for women who came back from war and had to search much harder for resources for the PTSD they experienced. It offers a powerful narrative of the main character’s courage, sacrifice, and personal growth.
- The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros – I really loved this one. It has captivating mix of past and present storylines that just hook you from the start. Yarros crafts beautifully complex characters whose love stories span decades, blending historical romance with contemporary drama in a way that tugs at your heartstrings. Plus, her ability to weave themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of love through dual narratives is just amazing—and there is a plot twist on this one too!
I’ve included these books (and a few more of my top picks) on my website so you can easily grab copies for yourself. Not only will you find your next great read, but you’ll also be supporting our blog with your purchases through these affiliate links.
What I found was that I am not always great at remembering what each book was about. I know that I loved it, but sometimes they do blur together, so I took my problem to Canva and created a Reading Journal. I soon realized that other people in my life wanted something similar, so I created it, and you can grab it on Amazon! This isn’t just any journal. It’s a space crafted with love in Canva where you can track the books you’ve read, rate them with your personal review, and even color a little book image for each title you complete. 📚✨
And guess what? It’s also perfect for those of you in book clubs. There’s a section where you can jot down your book club members’ contact info, making it easier to share those incredible reads and lively discussions.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite readings? What books do you think everyone should have on their reading list for 2025? Share your recommendations and ideas on this mural board so we can all discover new treasures together. And, by the way, steal this idea and use it with your leaders. What a great way to grow your leaders and create an opportunity for collaboration and connection.
So, why not make 2025 the year you truly embrace your love for books? Let’s make those reading goals happen together. Who knows what new favorites you’ll discover or what new insights you’ll gain?
Happy reading, everyone!