Science has spoken: reading is good for you! While putting on your headphones and listening to an audiobook is very tempting, reading can have tremendous benefits for your mind and body. 

There is always time to start a book, and you can find at least ten minutes every day to read some pages of the book on your coffee table. Even though we are in the digital age and video streaming is the norm, reading is never a waste of time. If you are more into technology, Kindle is the go-to tool for reading, and you can have all your favorite titles everywhere.

Books are the perfect way to take a mental break, broaden our horizons, and find inspiration for life, work, relationships, etc. Certain books can have a significant impact on our lives and can motivate us to achieve our goals and even settle issues that we thought were unresolved.

As far as our career is concerned, books can really be a powerful ally. Did you know that according to a study by the British Sociological Association, individuals who read books at age 16 were significantly more likely to hold managerial or professional positions later in life? Also, other research indicates that reading habits are associated with higher earnings and greater career satisfaction. Well, that sounds very promising. 

If you feel like boosting your career this year, then it’s time you put in your reading wishlist the following books that our editors swear on! 

1\. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, and Nell Scovell, a producer of many renowned TV Shows as well as an editor for Vanity Fair and Spy magazine, highlight in this book the significant underrepresentation of women in leadership positions across various sectors. The writers explore internal and external barriers hindering women's career advancement, such as unconscious bias, societal expectations, and lack of mentorship, while Sandberg encourages women to "lean in" –to actively pursue their ambitions, negotiate for themselves, and seek out opportunities for growth and leadership. The book sparked a significant conversation about gender equality in the workplace and how women balance work and life. It’s a substantial contribution to the ongoing discussion about women's leadership and gender equality, and it sure deserves a place in your (digital) library.

2\. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion

by Marshall Rosenberg

Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, is a communication framework that emphasizes empathy and understanding to resolve conflict and build stronger relationships. Rosenberg suggests that behind every action or emotion lies an underlying human need. These needs are universal and include things like connection, autonomy, respect, and appreciation. NVC encourages us to observe behaviors objectively without judgment or blame. Instead of labeling someone "selfish" or "inconsiderate," we focus on specific actions. According to Rosenberg, NVC can help improve communication and resolve conflicts more effectively in personal and professional relationships and become more aware of our emotions, needs, and communication patterns. This book introduces us to NVC, which can be a powerful tool for building more compassionate and understanding relationships with ourselves and others, which is the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

3\. The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers and Learn If Your Business is a Good Idea when Everyone is Lying to You

by Rob Fitzpatrick

If you are a Working Gal, you should definitely read this book since it provides a framework for conducting compelling customer interviews to validate your business idea. Fitzpatrick suggests key principles with which entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights into customer needs, pain points, and behaviors, which can help them refine their business ideas and increase their chances of success. The book also refers to honest feedback, aka the importance of getting honest feedback, even from loved ones who might be hesitant to provide critical input, as well as the importance of asking questions that can't be easily answered with polite lies, forcing customers to reveal their true thoughts and behaviors. However, the knowledge we gain from this book can be applied to both our professional and personal lives, guiding us toward a more honest communication framework.

4\. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness

by Vex King

A self-help book, easy to read and digest, emphasizes the importance of self-love and guides us to creating a positive mindset for personal growth and happiness. The book's core message is that self-love is the foundation for a fulfilling life. King argues that by loving and accepting oneself, individuals can overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and attract positive experiences and also mentions the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction. The author suggests focusing on our desires, cultivating gratitude, and practicing mindfulness to manifest our goals and strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and emotions, such as fear, anxiety, and self-sabotage. Also, he suggests identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive affirmations. Good Vibes, Good Life is an upbeat guide to cultivating a positive mindset, developing self-love, and creating a life filled with joy and fulfillment. It encourages us to embrace our authentic selves, overcome challenges, and manifest our dreams.

5. The Second Sex

by Simone de Beauvoir

A groundbreaking book, relevant over the years and more relatable than ever. Simone de Beauvoir, an inspirational philosopher and anti-conformist, vehemently rejected traditional gender roles and societal expectations for women. She challenged the notion that women were naturally suited for domesticity and motherhood, arguing for their intellectual and professional equality.  In The Second Sex, she argues that women have been historically and systematically defined as "the Other" in relation to men. This "Othering" has resulted in women being marginalized, objectified, and denied full autonomy and equality. The book emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility and De Beauvoir argues that women must actively create their own purpose and overcome the limitations imposed on them by societal expectations. She also emphasizes the importance of economic independence for women's liberation. The book, since it was first published, has had a profound and lasting impact on feminist theory, social movements, and the struggle for gender equality and provides us with an insightful analysis of women's experiences and a call to action for achieving true gender equality.