19 Incredible Books to Read in 2025

Ali Abdaal | Topics: productivity, business, health, fantasy, personal development

Video’s main points

The speaker shares a list of their favorite books from the year across four categories: productivity & performance, business & entrepreneurship, health & well-being, and fantasy fiction. Key highlights include insights from books like ‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen, ‘Good Work’ by Paul Millard, ‘Rest’ by Alex Su Jun Kim Pang, and ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle, among others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of implementing productive habits, exploring personal ambitions, understanding the need for rest in a demanding society, and insights from successful entrepreneurs and authors.

Unleashing Productivity

The first category explored in this enlightening journey through literature is productivity and performance. One book that stands out as a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their productivity is ‘Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity’ by David Allen. This classic provides a comprehensive system for capturing, organizing, and executing your tasks and projects. Although his writing may not be the most riveting, the principles laid out in this book have a lasting impact. Even revisiting it multiple times can refresh your understanding and application of crucial productivity techniques that can significantly improve how you manage your time and commitments.

The second recommended read is ‘Good Work’ by Paul Millard, who shares his journey from a high-paying consulting career to pursuing his passion for writing. This book empowers readers who feel uncertain about their chosen paths to seek out work that is both enjoyable and meaningful. Millard’s anecdotes prompt introspection into what constitutes good work, helping you reflect on your ambitions and encouraging personal exploration away from societal pressures.

Next, ‘Rest’ by Alex Su Jun Kim Pang argues the importance of rest in boosting creativity, advocating for a shift away from the hustle culture. He details the science behind resting and how it can lead to heightened productivity. His insights not only highlight the necessity of incorporating rest into busy schedules but also present practical ways to encourage creativity through improved rest habits.

Lastly, ‘Slow Productivity’ by Cal Newport advocates for less frantic approaches to work, suggesting that we focus on quality over quantity. By adhering to three rules—doing fewer things, maintaining a natural pace, and obsessing over quality—Newport enlightens readers on how historical figures managed productivity without succumbing to burnout, providing valuable lessons we can apply today.

Essential Business Insights

Transitioning to the realm of business and entrepreneurship, the first book worth noting is ‘Ready, Fire, Aim’ by Michael Masterson, which decodes the journey from a startup to a thriving company. Its segmented approach to business growth proves useful for entrepreneurs navigating through different revenue phases. For those already in the 1 to 10 million revenue zone, Masterson’s insights can help break through that barrier efficiently.

Another insightful read is ‘Traction’ by Gino Wickman, deemed essential for businesses with a growing number of team members. This operating system methodology can streamline processes and prevent operational pitfalls that many businesses encounter. Revisiting this book can clarify any past mistakes and align your organization towards better practices.

Additionally, ‘The Goal’ by Eliahu Goldratt stands out for its engaging narrative that uncovers critical principles of operations management. By telling its compelling story, it unveils the theory of constraints in a manner that is accessible and engaging, making it a classic in the field.

‘Death by Meeting’ by Patrick Lencioni offers comic relief alongside profound business strategies, emphasizing the need for effective meeting structures to enhance productivity. If you’re someone who regularly leads meetings, this book serves as a witty yet informative read.

A Pursuit of Health and Well-Being

Shifting focus to health and well-being, ‘Outlive’ by Peter Attia is a comprehensive guide to longevity rooted in science. This extensive volume promotes a strategic approach to enhancing both lifespan and quality of life. It emphasizes individual health strategies tailored to prevent chronic diseases, making it essential for anyone looking to improve their overall wellness.

‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle remains a spiritual essential that invites readers to experience consciousness beyond worldly concerns. It serves as a gateway into deeper spiritual understanding, guiding readers towards mindfulness and presence.

For those interested in the mental health implications of modern society, ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt highlights critical discussions around the mental well-being of Gen Z in the era of social media. This book offers a thought-provoking analysis of how digital environments contribute to rising anxiety levels and mental health issues among youth.

Lastly, ‘Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing’ by Jed McKenna takes a refreshingly irreverent approach to spirituality, challenging conventional wisdom with striking clarity. It’s a fitting read for those already somewhat versed in spiritual literature who seek quick, incisive perspectives.

Fantasy Fiction Adventures

Finally, for fiction enthusiasts, the Galileo murder mystery series by Keigo Higashino, starting with ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’, brilliantly combines mathematics and detective elements that captivate readers. It’s an intriguing exploration of deductive reasoning intertwined with a gripping narrative.

Additionally, Brandon Sanderson continues to enthrall fans with his unique storytelling in various titles. His works, such as ‘Mistborn’, introduce readers to a complex universe that is interconnected and endlessly engaging. His books compel one to immerse deeply, exploring moral dilemmas and fantastic realms.

In conclusion, the array of literature explored from productivity to entrepreneurship and well-being not only enriches minds but also serves as an actionable guide toward personal growth and success. Each recommendation is packed with profound insights that encourage readers to refine their approaches to life and work.