Books that are worth their weight in gold.

NOT the ‘I’ll Make You Rich’ variety. We’re talking real value here.

These are my go-to books when I need to realise how rich I actually am:

• A Short Guide to a Happy Life, by Anna Quindlen = Titularly short, this can be read in an hour or so for an instant view of a world full of things to be happy about.
• How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by Dale Carnegie = A classic from many decades ago, with some timeless advice on how to spend less time worrying, ergo more time to live.
• Consolations of Philosophy, by Alain de Botton = Great philosophers have given us some gifts we only need to read in order to unwrap.
• Rapt, by Winnifred Gallagher = You have all you need to extract the most out of moments. You don’t need to pay a high price, just pay attention.
• The Art of Possibility, by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander = Whatever you are trying to achieve in your life, professionally (business, art, science…) or personally (wellbeing, relationships, family…), this is where you should start — with the possibility.
• The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday = Turning obstacles into advantages? Yes please! I’ve got many of those that need converting.
• SuperBetter, by Jane McGonigal = Level up by realising it is all just a game, or at least it can be. Including power-ups aplenty.
• Essentialism, Greg McKeown = These days we have so much, it can get too much. Sort it all out by focusing on what’s essential and buy yourself time and peace of mind, for free.
• Joy on Demand, by Chade-Meng Tan = Your no-nonsense guide to getting some of the benefits of meditation with only one breath. A precious gem.
• The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown = Wholehearted living is within your reach. Guideposts from the rockstar researcher who known what she’s talking about (because she talked to a lot of people).
• One Plus One Equals Three, by Dave Trott = Create more value with creativity. Not just for professional creatives.
• Ice Cream for Breakfast, by Laura Jane Williams = The tagline says it all: How rediscovering your inner child can make you calmer, happier, and solve your bullsh*t adult problems.
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson = The less f*ck you give, the more f*ck you’ll have left for what truly needs it.
• On Looking, by Alexandra Horowitz = You can always multiply what is by looking at it from a different set of eyes. This books gives you the case studies you need to get started.