Happy New Year, dear friends!
Another year complete. And what a year it’s been.
As I reflect on 2024, it’s safe to say the year lived up to my expectations of chaos: a full house renovation, moving (again), starting a new project, tons of travel, and, of course, managing life with three kids.
Knowing this, I set a modest goal of reading 20 books in 2024 (here is my 2024 reading list). Did I achieve it? Well, kind of.
Let’s just say my reading journey took the scenic route—detouring through unplanned library finds and surprise Kindle recommendations (courtesy of my sister’s generous library sharing). In the end, I read 10 books from my official list and 13 delightful surprises.
Oh, and this was also “The Year of Unfinished Books.” Four unlucky titles now linger in my Kindle, paused mid-chapter, like neglected houseplants I swear I’ll water tomorrow. Maybe 2025 will be their time to shine. Who knows?
Anyway, without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff—the best books I read in 2024.
The Best Books Of The Year
1. Dare To Lead by Brené Brown
1. Dare To Lead by Brené BrownA masterclass in courageous leadership, Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead offers practical tools to navigate emotions, overcome fear, and unlock potential in yourself and others. Backed by two decades of research, this book is essential for anyone—parent, teacher, or business leader—who aspires to inspire with bravery and authenticity. One of my all-time favourites.
2. When The Parents Change, Everything Changes by Paul Dix
2. When The Parents Change, Everything Changes by Paul DixPaul Dix’s transformative parenting guide highlights how changing our own behaviour can profoundly impact our children. Packed with practical scripts and strategies, this book empowers parents to cultivate calm, consistent, and connected homes—turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. One of the best parenting books I’ve read.
3. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
3. The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselMore than a finance book, Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money dives into the human behaviours that shape financial decisions. Through 19 concise, story-driven lessons, Housel demonstrates that mastering money is less about knowledge and more about emotional intelligence—offering insights that resonate with everyone.
3 Best Parenting Books
1. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
1. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonAnother great book by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Rooted in neuroscience, this book reframes discipline as an opportunity to teach emotional resilience and executive skills. With simple frameworks and compassionate strategies, the authors offer a roadmap for handling tantrums and tough moments—transforming chaos into connection.
2. Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking by Tamar Chansky
2. Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking by Tamar ChanskyDr. Chansky blends solid research with actionable strategies to help kids overcome negative thinking and pessimism. This guide is a goldmine for parents looking to foster emotional resilience and optimism in their children—and a personal lifesaver in my parenting journey.
3. Unplug and Play by Anthony DeBenedet and Lawrence Cohen
3. Unplug and Play by Anthony DeBenedet and Lawrence CohenPacked with creative games, this book champions the developmental and relational power of active play over screen time. DeBenedet and Cohen offer a toolkit of fun, physical activities that build connection and lifelong skills through joyful roughhousing. Absolutely loved it.
3 Best Productivity Books
1. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
1. Eat That Frog! by Brian TracyA productivity classic, Eat That Frog teaches you to tackle your biggest tasks first, building momentum for the rest of your day. With 21 actionable strategies, Brian Tracy’s timeless wisdom helps turn procrastinators into productivity pros.
2. Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
2. Building a Second Brain by Tiago ForteTiago Forte’s groundbreaking system for knowledge management simplifies organizing and retrieving information. This book transformed how I work, guiding me to create a “second brain” that boosts creativity and productivity with ease.
3. Parenting the Lean Way by Jared Thatcher
3. Parenting the Lean Way by Jared ThatcherGet the book | Notes to Follow
This book is all about productivity in parenting. Blending Lean frameworks with family life, this book introduces practical tools to streamline parenting, improve communication, and manage family dynamics strategically. Personally, I’ve got a few ideas beyond family meetings from the book!
3 Best books on The Science of Decision Making
1. Nudge by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler
1. Nudge by Cass Sunstein and Richard ThalerThis behavioral economics classic reveals how subtle changes in choice architecture can improve decisions around health, wealth, and happiness. Nudge is a thought-provoking guide for anyone looking to make—or help others make—better choices. I certainly use some strategies from the book at home!
2. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
2. Blink by Malcolm GladwellGet the book | Notes to Follow
Malcolm Gladwell explores the hidden power of snap judgments, showing how quick, intuitive decisions can often outshine deliberate reasoning. Fascinating and counterintuitive, Blink reveals the potential of our subconscious minds.
3. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
3. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel HellerGet the book | Notes to Follow
This book explores how we make decisions in our relationships. This accessible introduction to attachment theory explains how our childhood bonds influence adult relationships. With insights into creating secure connections, Attached is an essential read for anyone seeking deeper understanding of love and intimacy.
3 Best Mindset Books
1. The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer
1. The Mindful Body by Ellen LangerEllen Langer’s research demonstrates how mindfulness—actively engaging with the present moment—can transform health and unlock human potential. Offering a compelling reminder of the mind-body connection, this book serves as a powerful guide to improving health by tapping into the power of our minds.
2. The Power of TED by David Emerald
2. The Power of TED by David EmeraldDavid Emerald’s fable introduces The Empowerment Dynamic, shifting us from a victim mindset to roles of creator, challenger, and coach. This perspective-changing book turns challenges into opportunities for growth and helps foster healthier relationships.
3. Grow Up by Gary John Bishop
3. Grow Up by Gary John BishopIn Grow Up, Gary John Bishop challenges us to reflect on how our own childhood experiences shape the way we parent. This thought-provoking book reminds us that parenting is as much about our growth as parents as it is about raising our children. With a focus on self-awareness and authenticity, it provides a practical roadmap for breaking generational cycles and truly showing up for our kids.
Best Books on Human Potential
1. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
1. Hidden Potential by Adam GrantAdam Grant shows that greatness isn’t a rare gift—it’s cultivated. With research and real-world examples, Hidden Potential illustrates how character, learning, and environment unlock extraordinary achievements in all of us. Absolutely loved this book.
2. Most Likely to Succeed by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith
2. Most Likely to Succeed by Tony Wagner and Ted DintersmithThis book reimagines education for the innovation age, offering a critique of traditional schooling and presenting a forward-thinking framework to equip children with the essential skills they need to reach their full potential. A must-read for parents and educators alike.
Other Good Books I’ve Read In 2024
1. Talk Like TED By Carmine Gallo
1. Talk Like TED By Carmine GalloI’m a big TED talks fan, so when I spotted this book on my sister’s shelf, I grabbed it immediately. It’s not just a guide to public speaking—it’s like getting backstage access to your favourite TED talks. Gallo breaks down what makes those iconic talks so impactful and teaches you how to communicate your own big ideas.
2. The Science of Storytelling By Will Storr
2. The Science of Storytelling By Will StorrThis was my first read of 2024, and what a way to start! Will Storr takes you on a mind-blowing journey through the psychology and neuroscience behind great storytelling. He explains why some tales grip us and why others fall flat. From ancient myths to modern TV, this book made me see storytelling in a completely new light.
3. Help Your Boys Succeed By Gary Wilson
3. Help Your Boys Succeed By Gary WilsonAs a mum of three boys, I had to pick this up. Gary Wilson unpacks why boys often lag behind girls in school and offers practical advice on how to help them thrive. It’s packed with insights, but what really stuck with me was how small changes in parenting and education can make a big difference.
4. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
4. The Hobbit by JRR TolkienOkay, this one was a family affair. My older son borrowed it from the library and couldn’t stop raving about Bilbo’s adventures. Naturally, I had to re-read it. Best nostalgia trip ever—thank you, Tolkien, and Max.
5. The Wild Robot & The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
5. The Wild Robot & The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter BrownChildren’s books are the best excuse to read beautiful, heartfelt stories, and these were no exception. My younger boys and I devoured these at bedtime, and Roz, the robot, now feels like a member of the family. We laughed, we cried, and now we’re eagerly waiting to read The Wild Robot Protects.
The Bottom Line
Thanks for sticking around to the end! Hopefully, you’ve discovered a title or two to add to your own reading list.
As for me, I’m aiming for 20 books again in 2025. Most of these books have been patiently waiting on my shelves for far too long, so it’s time to give them their due. This year, I’m all in.
Wishing you a year filled with great stories—both in books and in life.
Loads of love,
Irina
