6 Books to Shape Your 30s
Last year I wrote 20 of the most influential books to read in your 20s — now I’m 12 months older (none-the-wiser), and I’ve got a new list; 6 books to read when you turn 30.
To be honest, I’d recommend reading these books at any age, as soon as possible really, but of the books I’ve read since turning 30, these are my top 6.
Disclaimer; I was surprisingly late to the party with most of these.
Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist; Kate Raworth
This book was truly groundbreaking for me. Hence it features on my other book list: A Climate Book for Each Month of the Year (2024).
Whenever I put together a reading list, I always make sure to include a “climate book” for two main reasons: firstly, because I’ve read numerous books on the subject, and secondly, because it’s a topic of such paramount importance that I believe everyone should engage with.
So how does a book titled “Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist” fit the brief of a ‘climate book’?
Kate Raworth’s book had been lingering on my to-read list for quite a while now, and I’m grateful that I finally took the time to delve into it. She deconstructs the entire socio-economic model within which we currently operate, offering fresh perspectives on how we could reshape our lives and aspirations.
In the midst of a global surge in living costs, escalating political corruption, and corporate giants reporting unprecedented profits, Raworth’s book poses crucial questions: Is our financial system fundamentally flawed? How did it reach this point? What avenues exist for transformative change? What might a financial system that prioritises the well-being of both people and the planet look like?
Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making; Tony Fadell
This book came recommended off the back of my list of books to read in your 20s.
Tony Fadell — renowned for his role in the creation of the iPod and iPhone and more recently (and interestingly for me, as a professional working in the Heating world)- the Nest thermostat! In Build, he shares insights and lessons from his career in product development, offering guidance on how to create products that truly resonate with users.
It explores his approach to design, innovation, and the process of bringing ideas to life. What I love is that he places so much emphasis on the importance of focusing on the user experience and solving real-world problems.
It’s a great book that I’ve recommended to lots of my friends already, and it’s great for anyone involved in product or business development, from entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their approach to innovation.
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds; David Goggins
“who’s gonna carry the boats?”
This is a departure from my usual reading preferences. Historically, I haven’t delved into many biographies or memoirs, however, as I’ve been trying to immerse myself in running again (and fitness in general), there’s no one more fitting to learn from than David Goggins.
For those unfamiliar, David Goggins is an incredibly inspirational figure. Despite facing significant challenges in his upbringing, he rose above adversity and achieved remarkable physical feats. As a retired US Navy SEAL turned ultra-marathon runner, Goggins embodies the pinnacle of mental toughness for many fitness enthusiasts.
If you’re seeking a book that will both astonish you with the resilience of the human body and motivate you to take action, look no further — this is the one.
Outliers: The Story of Success; Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell has swiftly become one of my favourite authors of all time. His knack for conveying messages in a creative manner, weaving together historical and contemporary data, and offering fresh insights and perspectives makes for an incredibly captivating read.
“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell is particularly noteworthy. This book, along with others like “Talking to Strangers” (which also made it onto the list of 20 most influential books to read in your 20s), has profoundly influenced the way I perceive others and myself. Alongside works by authors such as Matthew Syed and Jessica Nordell, Gladwell’s books have left a lasting impact on my thought processes.
I have a particular fondness for books that prompt introspection about our thought patterns, behaviours, motivations, biases and prejudices, as well as those of others. Gladwell’s ability to provoke such contemplation is one of the reasons I admire his writing so much.
A particular take-away for me from this book was in identifying (and acknowledging) one's privileges and circumstances, especially when we have achieved what we consider to be a success — as well as the importance of hard work (10,000 hours specifically).
The Chimp Paradox: The Acclaimed Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness; Steve Peters
I can’t believe I’ve only just read this book. I am a master procrastinator -see TedTalk on this [link below] which follows the same theme as this book- and have just avoided opening and reading this book for a long time. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it.
The book explores the workings of the human brain through a metaphorical lens, using the concept of the “chimp” to represent the emotional, irrational part of the brain, and the “human” to represent the logical, rational part.
The book's central premise is that by understanding how our brains function, we can better manage our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
He argues that by learning to control our inner chimp, we can improve our decision-making, reduce stress, and achieve greater success in various aspects of our lives.
The Chimp Paradox, Outliers and Build all harmonise together and have been brilliant at helping me understand how my own mind works, and in being more productive and proactive (at work and in life).
And Finally — a bit of escapism
The Thursday Murder Club; Richard Osman
What a fun book (series)!
My Mum had been reading these books just before I left (the UK) and encouraged me to try them — knowing I’d enjoy it (Mums know best!).
I mostly read non-fiction, but I like to break it up now and then and include a fiction, often I end up getting hooked and can’t put it down, end up consuming the whole series before I can mentally return to a non-fiction book again. Which is exactly what happened here. There are 4 books in the series, I read them all in just over a month (fortunately the last book had just been released) and they are all brilliant.
Richard Osman offers a fun reading experience for several reasons. His engaging characters -a witty and endearing group of OAPs — have quickly become some of my favourite fictional characters I’ve come across (and that’s coming from a huge Harry Potter fan).
The unique premise of retirees investigating crimes adds a fresh twist to the traditional murder mystery, and if you’ve not read one of these books I cannot recommend them enough!
Let me know what books you would recommend — trying to make the most of Aotearoa New Zealand and in a fit to meet new people, I’ve recently started my very own local book (and wine) club. So far I’ve got 86 members, so I’m looking forward to being introduced to a wide variety of new books!
