10 second reviews of my 10 favourite books!

1. Colm Woods
top ten reads

2. As most of you know, I didn't set out to write a book.
And I don't read a book a day, a week, or even a month.
I pick up what I fancy, and put down (and away)
anything that fails to light a spark.
So, if it helps to guide your curiosity the next time you
undertake a nonfiction read, I thought about
10(ish) second reviews of my top 10 books.
The only bad news is that the books themselves take a
little longer to read.

3. the creative one
ABOUT:
Advertising aficionado Dave Trott flicks between
copywriter, philosopher and story-teller using 3-4 page
modern fables to find creative solutions to everyday
problems.
THOUGHTS:
The most accessible, enjoyable and memorable read to
date. For anyone, and everyone, who needs to relight their
creative spark.

4. the mind-blowing one
ABOUT:
Does what it says on the tin - a brief history of humankind.
From genetic evolution to thriving communities to
destroyer of all we touch, it's a must read for anyone
interested in the what, how and why of mankind.
THOUGHTS:
The most interesting book I've ever read. Apart from the
obvious, Harari offers a lesson in communications on top of
everything else, purely in his ability to explain incredibly
complex topics (genetics, history, ideology) in engaging
and accessible ways. The must read.

5. the economics one
ABOUT:
A warts and all examination of the interpretation of
capitalist ideology that drives the US economy - and why
it's rotten to the core.
THOUGHTS:
The first book that explained economics in a way that I
understood - inherently behavioural, with more to do with
psychology and sociology than capital. Great insight to
vested interests, lobbying and status quo.
(even better than the Netflix doc)

6. the grounding one
ABOUT:
A 1946 book by psychologist and concentration camp
survivor who drew on harrowing personal experience to
understand the effect of our view of our circumstances on
our health and outcomes.
THOUGHTS:
Possibly the most impressive book ever written. From
harrowing detail of personal experience in Nazi
concentration camps to a renewed perspective on the
meaning of life... couldn't put it down.

7. the consulting one
ABOUT:
Former self-professed 'Economic Hitman' explains the
nefarious influences that led to economic and political
strangle-holds around the developing world - most of
which are still evidenced today.
THOUGHTS:
Strangely familiar when reading it while travelling and
working around the Middle East... and a timely reminder to
interrogate who really benefits from the advice you give.
The most interesting account of 'new world order' you'll
ever read.

8. the reassuring one
ABOUT:
An OCD sufferer gives a detailed, honest and anecdotal
account of the thoughts and thinking that compels us
overtly-aware obsessives, for better or for worse.
THOUGHTS:
A witty, honest account of the struggles of living with an
OCD-type disorder. An understated best-seller for a reason,
I have never felt so spoken to when reading a book... and
illuminating for anyone who has no idea what it's like.

9. the necessary one
ABOUT:
A surgeon-like dissection of ego, using historical and
philosophical references. Rather than Freudian ego, it
looks at the simple problem of "an unhealthy belief in our
own importance". Something we're all familiar with.
THOUGHTS:
I read this book 3 or 4 times a year.
By combining philosophy, analogy and personal
experience, Holiday balances punches to the face and
genuine support to guide us through the ups and downs
of life.

10. the story-teller's one
ABOUT:
The story of Nike, by the founder of Nike. It’s clear from the
first paragraph as to why Nike is a brand that is instantly
recognisable, and immediately evokes an emotion. The
simple reason? Phil Knight is a genuine story-teller.
THOUGHTS:
A true story-teller's account of one of the most interesting
and successful brands in the world. And loads about
footwear... what's not to love?
I love this book.

11. the listener's one
ABOUT:
A former international hostage negotiator for the FBI
offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes
negotiations - only this time, applicable to the everyday
person.
THOUGHTS:
Surprisingly, and enjoyably, not as hard-nosed as the topic
it sells itself on. The principles of human communication
explored and explained, with learnings for work,
relationships and day to day life. I continue to try to ground
myself in learnings from Voss.

12. the political one
ABOUT:
Former British Ambassador to Lebanon on the inherently
people-focused approach to engaging a highly diverse,
often divisive, local audience.
THOUGHTS:
So honest, funny and seemingly simple in public affairs
principles that you wonder how it was allowed to be
published. A genuinely new take to international politics
and public engagement... lessons for everyone.

13. Colm Woods
so, what about
yours?