Books make the greatest gifts. Here are my top picks for 2021.
When it gets cold, I start thinking about finding gifts for my family.
I have adult kids and grandkids. My kids ask for practical things, and I get a list from the grandkids. Except for the books I give, my presents fail to surprise and delight. I take the time to find the perfect books. I want my choices to show how deeply I care and love them.
Finding the perfect book is fun. I love browsing in book stores, reading staff picks, and stumbling upon weird books covering esoteric topics. Books make the perfect gift.
Books were especially important to me in 2021. During the pandemic, I spent more time reading. I love to read a variety of books for both pleasure and work. In the interest of sharing and giving thanks to great books, here's a list of some of my favorite reads from 2021:
Books For Fun:
Erotic Stories of Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
A good friend "turned me on" to this book. She strongly recommended that I "read" this on audio, and I am glad I did. The narrator is gifted, and her accents bring the characters to life. This title is fun, charming and introduced me to a culture I knew nothing about.
From Goodreads:
"A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women's lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix..."
Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox
My latest thriller pick, set in Australia and populated with interesting three-dimensional characters. Lots of twists and turns that leave you rooting for the hero.
The Rationing by Charles Wheelan
The book was written before the pandemic, and it's about a pandemic, so that makes this read even better. A hysterically funny account of how the US government tries to "manage" a fictional pandemic. The author, a professor at Dartmouth brings the inner workings of the White House to life.
Network Effect by Martha Wells
I stumbled upon this futuristic sci-fi story and loved it. The cyborg protagonist is compelling, and the story gallops along. It's a great distraction and so much fun.
From Goodreads:
"A freethinking robot stars in its first full-length adventure, remaining just as misanthropic and TV-obsessed as ever, even as it attempts to figure out who kidnapped it and its friends."
"Serious" Books
Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps by Jennifer Garvey Berger
I will continue to recommended this book. It's eye-opening, offers valuable insights, and illuminates how we habitually process and respond to information. It's short, easy to read, and will influence you long after you're finished reading it.
Simple Habits for Complex Times by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Keith Johnston.
Yes, it's the same author. I am a huge Jennifer Garvey Berger fan. Together with Keith Johnston, she wrote another worthwhile book. I found this book to be a bit more challenging, but the rich examples and deep exploration into how we approach challenges made it worth the effort.
Making Conflict Work by Peter Coleman and Robert Ferguson
"Every workplace is a minefield of conflict, and all office tension is shaped by power."
This book offers a deep dive into how power and conflict manifest in the workplace. The ideas go beyond how power shapes conflict, and provide a variety of strategies to recognize and handle disputes.
Conscious Business by Fred Kofman
I read this book in 2019, but it's so good I had to include it in this list. This book includes everything you need to show up at work with both a heart and a brain. Kofman covers unconditional responsibility, honest communication and negotiations. The book is an excellent guide for any leader or aspiring leader.
I hope you'll share your favorite reads from 2021. A good book is the best gift.