The goal was to read 20 books in 2020. Seems cheesy but I knew it would be worth it!
Below are the books I read listed in the month they were read. I have included the title, subtitle, author’s name, and year of publication. Finally, with some reservation, I have left a star rating ⭐️
Book #20 / December
In a pit with a lion on a snowy day; How to survive and thrive when opportunity roars by Mark Batterson (2019)
A wonderful faith-stirring and perspective-changing book. It is great to see it has stood the test over 10 years and is as still relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Paperback
Bookclub book / Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #19 / November
Kingdom Builders; How to live an all in life that turns vision into reality by Andrew Denton (2020)
This is a great book & resource when it comes to understanding the purpose of Kingdom Builders & what life looks like to be one. I have heard Andrew speak live many times & I never get tired of hearing his and Susan’s story.
Paperback
Gift from the author
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #18 / October
The ruthless elimination of hurry; How to stay emotionally and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world by John Mark Comer (2019)
An excellent book that provides an alternative view on living; one that I like. Comer’s way of writing is very personal, humorous and conversational. I have been inspired, challenged, and excited by it.
Paperback
Bookclub book / Borrowed copy
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #17 / October
Ends; Why we overlook endings for humans, products, services. And why we shouldn’t by Joe Macleod (2017)
A terrific book concerning Product Lifecycles with many crossovers into HR. It’s clear throughout the book that providing a good ending / offboarding is beneficial to everyone involved. Endings can’t be avoided; make them meaningful
Paperback
Gift from the author
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #16 /August
Karate chop stories by Dorthe Nors (translated by Martin Aitkens) (2014)
These stories feel real, raw, and remarkable, yet they are not about very much – just life. It feels like you’re riding on the Copenhagen Metro; each story is a station & as quickly as they appear you’re quickly ushered to the next one.
Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #15 / August
Always look on the bright side of life; A sortabiography by Eric Idle (2018)
What life, what adventures, and what a lot of laughs. This book captures the combustible power of humour, curiosity, and hard work. It also shows the deep and abiding truths of friendship and love.
Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #14 / August
The fearless organization; Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation and growth by Amy C. Edmondson (2019)
This is a must-read for any Team leader and HR team member. It is insightful, practical, and thorough. This book has left me empowered, challenged & inspired about the way organisations can be. Thank you Amy!
Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #13 / July
So much for that winter, novellas by Dorthe Nors (translated by Misha Hoekstra) (2016)
Another page-turning, instantly gratifying, and wonderful novellas by Dorthe. Transported into the stories immediately, wrapped up in the narrative, and left a little embarrassed by the intimacy.
Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #12 / July
Wild swims by Dorthe Nors (translated by Misha Hoekstra) (2020)
I read a review of this book in the Financial Times & it lived up to the review. Amazing storytelling that catapults you into each story instantly. So well written you’ll want to read it again & you feel every word counts.
Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #11 / July
Autumn Light; Japan’s season of fire and farewells by Pico Iyer (2019)
Reading this book is like you’ve received special permission to join Pico & Hiroko in navigating their everyday life. Pico does this with respect, kindness & honesty. Reminds me of the art of day-2-day journaling.
Paperback
Borrowed copy
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #10 / July
The shepherd’s life; A tale of the Lake District by James Rebanks (2016)
What a wonderful book. I was equally transported & transfixed whilst reading it. I read it while on a farm in Jutland, apt. Reading this book I could see so many cross-overs into HR & how we develop our people.
Paperback
Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #9 / June
Questions: Between Identity and Difference by Pia Lauritzen (2018)
This is a great philosophical primer on questions. Having read it you will have gained insight, understanding & awareness of the history of questions, how they work & their role in our everyday lives.
Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #8 / June
The body; A guide for occupants by Bill Bryson (2019)
What a truly fascinating, interesting & occasionally shocking book. I feel like I ‘know’ myself better having read it. If a 2nd edition is made Chapter 20 would need an update to include COVID-19.
Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #7 / June
The taste of river water by Cate Kennedy (2011)
This is a wonderful book of poetry that is not to be read quickly, but one that needs time. I read aloud some works in it & it made the stories & words even more impacting.
Paperback
Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #6 / May
The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy (2019)
A very endearing and contemplative book. Suitable for all ages and has beautiful illustrations.
Hardback
Borrowed copy
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️
Book #5 / May
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (2004)
This book took longer to read than I had expected both due to COVID-19 and for the reflection required. This book gives the reader hope that even in the darkest of situations there is more ahead of them.
Paperback
Bookclub book / Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #4 / March
The Hounds of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Boyle (2004)
This is one of those classics I have thought to read for many years. It is a classic because of: the author, the protagonist, the writing & the setting. I was glad for the extended notes & introduction.
Paperback
Secondhand copy
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #3 / March
Dangerous prayers; Because following Jesus was never meant to be safe by Craig Groeschel (2020)
This was a good read. Full of Biblical accounts of dangerous prayers, author’s experiences, and illustrations that lead the reader to let go of their comfortable and lean upon God’s faithfulness.
Hardback
Bookclub book / Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #2 / March
The sleep revolution; Transforming your life, one night at a time by Arianna Huffington (2016)
From the first to the last page it offers great info & insight about sleep that perhaps I have overlooked, ignored, or partially adhered to. I am convinced sleep is a key to a better life.
Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #1 / January
Scandinavians; In search of the soul of the north by Robert Ferguson (2016)
What a very interesting book. The history of the region told threw his life & friendships since moving to Norway. A great read for Expats and Immigrants living in Scandinavia. So many stories & so much history.
Paperback
Purchased new
Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Andrew Mina 
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