"A good book can open a door, but the right book can change the way you walk through it."
Books are more than just words for me; they represent conversations across ages, mentors, and reminders that a good story or idea can change our perception of the world. The books that resonate most are those that make me stop, ponder, or act. They're shaping my leadership, writing, and view of others. Some provide practical advice, others foster deep empathy, and some remind me that courage often begins in small moments. This collection features the books that have inspired me, each leaving a unique imprint on my journey.
I did not realise you could buy books until much later in life, and I do appreciate how silly that sounds, but we didn't buy books for home, and no one mentioned that you did. No friends or family had bookshelves full of reference books or fiction works. Libraries bought books. My mum went to the library, and I joined her. Then I went on my own a lot. Growing up, the library was my gateway to the world, and I spent countless hours between its shelves. Each book I borrowed carried a built-in clock, the loan period shaping the pace of my reading and the urgency of my immersion in its pages. Most of my early reading was devoted to self-improvement, each title a stepping stone towards understanding myself and the world a little better. Now and then, I would dip into fiction, finding stories that offered escape, perspective, and sometimes unexpected lessons. The books in this section are those that have stayed with me for different reasons.
The Road to Wigan Pier – George Orwell
First published 1937. A vivid and unflinching account of working-class life in northern England during the Great Depression. Orwell blends investigative journalism with personal reflection, spending time among miners, families in overcrowded lodgings, and communities struggling under the weight of poverty. His writing is unsparing yet deeply humane, capturing both the physical hardship and the dignity of the people he meets. I like how this reminds me that real insight starts with listening to ordinary lives and rooted experiences, and that change begins with understanding the truth of how people live.
The Uses of Literacy – Richard Hoggart
First published 1957. Part memoir, part cultural critique, Hoggart’s work examines the cultural life of Britain’s working class in the post-war years. Drawing on his upbringing in a working-class community, he contrasts the richness of local traditions with the growing influence of mass media and commercial culture. I like how this book deepened my understanding of how stories, media, and culture shape our self-perception, and how easily those influences can either enrich or erode a sense of belonging.
Tales of the City – Armistead Maupin
First published 1978. The first in Maupin’s celebrated series set in San Francisco, this novel blends humour, humanity, and a deep sense of place. Through the intertwined lives of a diverse cast of characters, it captures the city’s cultural and social shifts in the 1970s. Maupin’s episodic storytelling, published initially as a newspaper serial, makes the narrative both intimate and expansive. I enjoyed the way it focuses on the relationship between place, culture, and identity — it’s a reminder that openness and diversity can create communities where creativity thrives.
The Colour Purple – Alice Walker
First published 1982. Told through letters, this follows the life of Celie, a young African American woman in the early 20th century American South, as she overcomes abuse, silence, and separation to find her voice and sense of self. I disliked how this revealed the power of connection, resilience, and self-definition as it was in the face of systemic injustice. Challenged my thinking for the better in so many ways.
In Search of Excellence – Tom Peters & Robert H. Waterman Jr.
First published 1982. A study of what makes organisations excel, based on extensive research into the practices of successful companies. Peters and Waterman identify eight core principles, from staying close to customers to valuing people as the heart of the business. I enjoyed all the case studies, drawn from a variety of industries, that illustrate how adaptability, innovation, and culture drive performance over the long term. It showed me that strong culture and human insight are just as important as strategy, and that the best organisations are those that are built on shared values rather than short-term gains.
The 'For Dummies' Series
First published 1991. Launched with DOS For Dummies by Dan Gookin, this series made complex and often intimidating topics accessible to everyone. I loved them! Written in a friendly, step-by-step style, the books cover everything from mastering new technology to developing professional skills. The series stripped away jargon and wasn't expecting high-end university-level education. It offered confidence to try something new, whether learning to code, understanding finance, or even playing a musical instrument. Its success shows the power of demystifying knowledge so that more people can participate, learn, and grow. There were lots of them, and for once, they were a series with a range of authors from different backgrounds too.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – Susan Cain
First published 2012. Cain explores how contemporary society undervalues introversion and the significant strengths that quieter individuals contribute to relationships, workplaces, and creativity. Using a mix of research, stories, and cultural analysis, she provides a compelling new perspective on leadership and success. I appreciate how this confirms that influence doesn't always require a loud voice, and that listening deeply and reflecting can be just as powerful.
Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
First published 2012. An exploration of how systems, people, and ideas can grow stronger through volatility, stress, and uncertainty. Taleb challenges the notion of mere resilience, showing how to benefit from disruption rather than just survive it. The book moves across disciplines, combining philosophy, science, and practical examples to make a compelling case for embracing uncertainty. I really appreciated how it reframes risk and change as opportunities to grow, which has influenced how I think about leadership, strategy, and personal resilience.
Let’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play – Mahan Khalsa and Randy Illig
First published 2013. The authors emphasise a practical method for building trust and success in client relationships. They stress the importance of open, honest communication and fully understanding client needs, turning typical sales tactics into genuine, value-driven partnerships. I value how the book underlines that the best results come from relationships based on trust and common goals, a principle applicable far beyond business. Before reading this, I hadn't fully realised that sales is a profession rather than just an attitude.
Circle of the 9 Muses – David Hutchens
First published 2015. A practical guide to storytelling in organisations, offering tools and frameworks for using narrative to inspire, connect, and create change. Hutchens draws from a wide range of examples to show how stories can shape culture, strategy, and engagement. This makes storytelling a practical, actionable skill rather than a mysterious talent, showing that anyone can learn to use narrative to influence and inspire. There are lots of aha moments in it also - and it turns a raw storyteller into more of a method driven one.
Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life – Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
First published 2016. Written by García and Miralles, this book explores the Okinawan concept of ikigai, which is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Drawing on research and interviews with the residents of Okinawa, one of the world’s longest-living communities, it blends philosophy, lifestyle guidance, and cultural insight. This invites reflection on purpose and balance, and how it connects daily habits with lifelong fulfilment. I think about this every week.
The Race to the Top – Nazir Afzal
First published 2022. A memoir from the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, reflecting on his career, his advocacy for justice, and the personal experiences that shaped his commitment to fairness and equality. Afzal shares candid insights into leadership, moral courage, and the fight against inequality. I dislike all the topics in the book, all the real stories but appreciate that it blends personal history with public service, showing how conviction and integrity can drive real change.
The Art of Explanation – Ros Atkins
First published 2023. BBC journalist Ros Atkins provides clear, practical methods for explaining complex ideas confidently and clearly. Using examples from journalism, public speaking, and daily interactions, the book offers straightforward steps to improve communication. I appreciate how it simplifies the art of explanation into manageable practices, helping you communicate more effectively and connect better with others.
Made in Manchester – Brian Groom
First published 2023. A sweeping history of Manchester’s influence on politics, industry, and culture. Groom connects the city’s past to its present, highlighting its resilience, creativity, and role in shaping modern Britain. He manages to captures the spirit of Manchester and its ability to reinvent itself, which resonates with my commitment to regional pride and progress. I am not always sure if I should have, but there are laugh out loud moments where I could picture my relatives being involved in some of it (back in the day).
