Brainz Magazine Exclusive Top List
Any enthusiastic bookworm will tell you reading is a pleasurable pastime that improves your focus, expands your vocabulary, reduces stress, improves your sleep, and even helps you have better social relationships with others. But did you know many successful business leaders attribute their success to books? Reading opens up a world of knowledge, insights, opportunities, theories, and ideas to us at a far more complex level than any podcast or TedTALK can offer.
If you've been intending to expand your horizons by reading more, National Book Lovers Day is the perfect excuse to get started. To celebrate, we've gathered the most talked-about releases of 2023 so far, from new work by Dacher Keltner to what is likely to be the most controversial memoir of the year (Spare by Prince Harry). So make yourself a coffee, find a quiet corner, and dive into our edit of 2023's Must-Read List.
1 - Womb: The Inside Story Of Where We All Began - By Leah Hazard
Bestselling author Leah Hazard’s third book, Womb, was published in March this year and is an essential read for anyone with a uterus (or anyone without one, for that matter.) Hazard, who has spent a large part of her career working as a doula and midwife, is very familiar with the subject. This "landmark book" explores the science, history and politics of one of the most remarkable organs in the body - but also one that most of us know almost nothing about.
2 - Anatomy Of A Breakthrough: How To Get Unstuck And Unlock Your Potential - By Adam Alter
In Anatomy of a Breakthrough, Professor of Marketing and bestselling author Adam Alter illustrates the importance of breaking away from the things that make us feel stuck in our careers and private lives. Alter utilizes scientific studies, anecdotes, and interviews to impart valuable lessons about moving forwards to feel happier. Additionally, he shares inspiring accounts from successful unstuckers, such as Olympic athletes, famous actors, and renowned painters. Read this book if you've been feeling stagnant in your business and need a renewed, motivational boost.
3 - The Creative Act: A Way Of Being - By Rick Rubin
As far as the legendary American record executive and nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer Rick Rubin is concerned, the creative process is something we can all tap into. Rick draws on his years of experience working with some of the world's greatest musicians in the recording studio to explore the various mental states and phases involved in the creative process. He also provides helpful guidance on appreciating and listening to your inner intuition, methods of overcoming self-doubt to create something brilliant, and tips for evaluating and testing your concepts.
4 - Pat In The City - By Patricia Field
A rock-and-roll memoir filled with fun and entertaining anecdotes of Field's time working as a notorious stylist and costume designer in New York. Thanks to her independent mindset and hard-working attitude, she became an international culture icon, renowned for her award-winning work in The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, and Emily in Paris. From overcoming adversity and challenging conventions to following your own mind, there's a lot to learn from this tough businesswoman who is still breaking boundaries in her seventies.
5 - Spare - By Prince Harry
Never has the release of a tell-all memoir sparked such intense debates across the world as Prince Harry's Spare. His best-selling book has sold more than 1.43 million copies in just six months and achieved the highest first-day sales for any non-fiction book ever by Penguin Random House, yet the backlash in the media has been just as prolific. No matter your opinion on the dramatic royal saga, the book still contains unique perspectives on privilege, childhood trauma, marriage, sibling relationships, and prioritizing self-care.
6 - Reaching Ninety - By Martin Duberman
In Reaching Ninety, Martin Duberman shares a personal and engaging insight into his life as an acclaimed historian, author, academic, playwright, and gay rights activist. His memoir reminisces about not just his career and history in the LGBTQ+ movement but also the people and events encountered along the way. Duberman also shares his thoughts on aging with his readers and expresses his continuing commitment to championing disadvantaged and marginalized individuals through his writing.
7 - The Climate Book: The Facts And The Solutions - By Greta Thunberg
A guide to combating climate change from the world's youngest and most high-profile environmental activist. In her newest book, Thunberg invites over one hundred geophysicists, oceanographers, meteorologists, engineers, economists, mathematicians, historians, philosophers and indigenous leaders to share their insights about global warming. While this might not be the most cheerful read, Thunberg's book aims to offer actionable solutions that could help save the planet while highlighting the need to prioritize climate justice.
8 - Awe: The New Science Of Everyday Wonder And How It Can Transform Your Life - by Dacher Keltner
Awe is the latest book written by best-selling author and Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Dacher Keltner. It is an uplifting exploration of the impact the feelings of awe and wonder have in our lives, and how following this elusive emotion can lead to greater happiness. Drawing on personal stories from people across the globe, this book challenges what we think it means to be human and offers a radical outlook on how we understand the world.
9 - The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism And Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy And Build Collective Freedom - By Chrissy King
Written by Chrissy King, the fitness guru turned author and influencer behind The Body Liberation Project. King opens up about the importance of self-acceptance and feeling good enough to have an impact exactly as you are now, without reaching a goal weight first. She pays special attention to the effect the beauty industry has on Black women, and how obsessing over having the perfect body holds us back. A powerful reminder that our worth as human beings is so much more than the size of our bodies.
10 - Wildflower: A Memoir - By Aurora James
Get an exclusive glimpse into the life of Aurora James, the activist and founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies. Her brand has become renowned for preserving traditional African design methods and has attracted an impressive clientele list, including superstars such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Serena Williams. In May 2020, James shook up the economic world by initiating what was to become The Fifteen Percent Pledge, calling for retailer giants to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Her efforts have led to more than $5 billion in capital going back to Black entrepreneurs across the United States.
