Todays subject for The Twelve Days of Christmas blogs by me is books.
I want to share with you some of the books that have been fundamental to me over the last few years, framing my opinions and beliefs and generally inspiring me to carry on through the circus of this stupid mental life we are living.
We will put links below to take you straight to these. Some of them need to be read I think, some are good on audio books and I will try and point that out.
Ken Robinson - Out of Our Minds
A stunning book which gives you a great insight into how the world is changing and if you have got children, shows you what is important to teach them and what is not important to teach them. This is best as an audio book.
Again, really important for everybody but essential for teaching your children why practice is crucial to being good at anything and probably to give you happiness.
Philip Pullman - His Dark Materials
Quite simply the most important books I have ever read. These are childrens / young adults fiction written by atheist Philip Pullman. If you ever have difficulty figuring out your meaning in the world or wondering what it's all about, these books provided a huge turning point for me in my life and sent me forwards. Read these books. Essential.
David Servan-Schreiber - Healing without Freud or Prozac
This was recommended to me by a close friend when I had a difficult time. The fundamental principles listed in this book are something to live by for the rest of your life. This is essential to read, not to listen to and has sold millions and millions of copies world wide.
Charles Handy - Myself and Other More Important Matters
If you want to know the definition of how to live a happy life, I suspect this guy has got it. Now in his eighties, absolutely inspirational, a business leader, a thought leader and social philosopher. Read everything he has done but start with this.
For enjoyment listen to this as an audio book. This is one of the best autobiographies I have done, completely honest and really insightful and makes you laugh out loud.
Stephen Fry - Moab is my Washpot and The Fry Chronicles
In the same vein, Stephen Fry's autobiographies are brilliant and I would recommend both of these.
Bill Bryson - Notes From A Small Island
Absolutely hilarious, particularly about Bradford.
If you haven't read this and you are in to fantasy, get it now, read it now, start now, it will take over your life for 2 years.
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