It’s the holiday season! And we have a special something we put together just for you. Our team rounded up a list of their favorite reads of the year. Nothing like slowing down a bit, grabbing a good book and escaping it all. These books also make great gift ideas!
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari
The most fascinating story of all: ours. How an average ape became human and eventually went on to dominate the planet and how wheat domesticated that ape! Yes. Treat yourself to a fantastic voyage and learn surprising facts about our ancient history. Great for the winter cottage by the fire or on the beach with your kindle.
Recommended by Chrystian Guy
→ find it on Amazon 
Pelle the Conqueror by Martin Andersen Nexø
The novel follows the story of a boy who immigrates to Denmark from Sweden in 1877 at age eight and grows to become a leader in the labor movement in Denmark. Great book to expand your mind and appreciate the past struggles that enable us to have the working conditions we have today.
Recommended by Gabriel Conea
→ find it on Amazon 
Lifespan by David Sinclair
David Sinclair is a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and arguably the world’s preeminent scientist in the field of aging. This book sheds light on some amazing research into ways we can prevent disease and slow the aging process, perhaps even reverse it! An eye-opening read that includes steps we can take now to live healthier, longer lives.
Recommended by Rick Moore
→ find it on Amazon 
The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO by Robin Sharma
Although I would consider this book “a light read”, it is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It is incredibly thought-provoking, triggers deep reflection and inspires positive change in oneself. A must-read!
Recommended by Ryan Frankel
→ find it on Amazon 
Shop Class as Soulcraft, by Matthew Crawford
Mass manufacturing has killed the ethos of skilled manual labor. There is a big difference from the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, this is an argument against modern society’s push that knowledge can only be obtained by the study of theory.
Recommended by James Saunders
→ find it on Amazon 
The Storm of War, by Andrew Roberts
It’s a detailed and riveting overview of the second world war. I’m not necessarily a massive history buff, but I found it just the right level of detail to really understand some of the strategic and tactical machinations of what went on.
Recommended by Paul Brogan
→ find it on Amazon 
Becoming, by Michelle Obama
I found this book very riveting, as you literally end up thinking, she is your friend and you cannot help but cheer her on. Her values on placing emphasis on education, women having a voice and having their own independence, resonates very well with young women these days.
Recommended by
Recommended by Manjiri Takawale
→ find it on Amazon 
A House in the Sky, by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett
It recounts Lindhout’s experience of escaping a violent household and of traveling the globe aspiring to understand the world. In 2008, she traveled to southern Somalia and was held hostage by teenage militants from the Hizbul Islam fundamentalist group.
Recommended by Klea Bogdani
→ find it on Amazon 
Validating Product Ideas: Through Lean User Research, by Tomer Sharon
I personally try to learn new concepts and ideas regularly, and decided to focus on applying my passion in a way that is productive to my career. After reading and building a foundation for the Engagement Team using multiple articles written by Tomer Sharon, I decided to take my research to the next level by reading this book!
Recommended by Zeina Samy
→ find it on Amazon 
Red Notice; A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice, by Bill Browder
The true story of the huge hedge fund Hermitage Capital and Bill Browder’s business dealings in Putin’s Russia. It has it all – corruption, murder, oligarchs and a completely corrupt system. This book reads like a thriller but unfortunately is very real.
Recommended by Conor Barry
→ find it on Amazon 
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, by Yuval Noah Harari
This book is about the future of the human species. It may not sound like an easy read but it truly is. Harari knows how to tackle the most complex issues and make it incredibly entertaining at the same time. It’s a mind-bending book that will make you think about what’s next for us humans.
Recommended by Miriam Glassman
→ find it on Amazon 
MAD Magazine
I like light reads, so at least once a day, I take a copy of MAD Magazine and take 5 minutes to decompress. That’s how I roll. MAD Magazine has been in my life forever and I was sad to see it go out of business. You can still find past issues online, thanks to the Internet!
Recommended by Steven Jast
→ find it on Amazon 
Think And Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
This is one of the all-time self-help classics and a must-read for investors and entrepreneurial types. I highly recommend this book since Napoleon Hill really examines the psychological power of thought and the brain in the process of furthering your career for both monetary and personal satisfaction.
Recommended by Zachary-Kennedy Jagoo
→ find it on Amazon 
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by Brené Brown
Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential. When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions.
Recommended by Simon Leroux
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