For me, the best way to spend a holiday is to cozy up with a good book.

When one views reading as work, they will do less of it, but when they look at reading a leisure and something to do during spare time, they will want to do more of it. I’m the latter, reading is fun and something to look forward to.

Reading as a leisure activity is more appealing than reading as work.

Here is my reading list for January:

1. Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works by Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

This is a self-help book that advocates for a simpler and more fulfilling way of life. The authors, known as The Minimalists, share their personal journey of downsizing and simplifying their lives in order to focus on what really matters: relationships and experiences.

The book provides practical tips and strategies for decluttering and simplifying one’s life, as well as advice on how to cultivate meaningful relationships and connections with others.

By focusing on what truly brings happiness and fulfillment, the authors aim to help readers find a greater sense of purpose and joy in their lives.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to simplify their life, prioritise their relationships, and find more joy and fulfilment in their day-to-day existence.

Rating: 8/10

2. Brilliant Blunders: From Darwin to Einstein by Mario Livio

This is a fascinating book that explores the lesser-known mistakes and misconceptions of five of history’s greatest scientists: Charles Darwin, William Thompson (Lord Kelvin), Linus Pauling, Fred Hoyle, and Albert Einstein.

The author provides an in-depth examination of each blunder and how it impacted the scientist’s work, and also discusses the broader implications for science and the scientific method.

Through these cases, Livio shows that even the most brilliant scientists are capable of making mistakes and that the pursuit of knowledge often involves trial and error.

He also argues that it is the perseverance and determination of these scientists that ultimately led to their groundbreaking discoveries.

Overall, this is a highly engaging and informative read for anyone interested in the history of science and the human side of scientific discovery.

Rating: 8/10

3. Mao’s Great Famine: The History of China’s Most Devastating Catastrophe by Frank Dikotter

This is a comprehensive and well-researched book that details the events leading up to and during the Great Famine in China in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The author uses primary sources and official Chinese government documents to shed light on the policies and actions of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party during the famine, which resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of people.

The book provides a sobering account of a tragedy that had far-reaching consequences for China and its people.

It’s a great read for anyone curious about China’s history or the effects of political ideology on a country and its people.

Rating: 8/10

4. Dear Mr. Entrepreneurship by Dr Jabulile Msimango-Galawe

Books can be authored by academics, by businesspeople, by academics who are also businesspeople, or by businesspeople who are also academics. This is a book authored by a businessperson who is also a professor. Why does this matter? Because authentic writings about what you have seen and experienced yourself, rather than just relying on research only.

Because Dr. J has been where the reader is going, she is able to speak authoritatively on the subject of entrepreneurship because she is speaking from personal experience. Doing her PhD and, eventually, writing this book, she says, was therapeutic for her.

In this book, Dr. J. humanises entrepreneurship, making it more approachable, but she doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of starting and growing a company, and that’s why I liked it so much.

Rating: 9/10