Here is my list of the best books I have read this year in case you need a little light holiday reading:

The Undercover Economist Strikes Back: How to Run or Ruin an Economy

As always a simple explanation of complex issues. I particularly liked the section on currency given all the issues around BitCoin at the moment

The Retail Revival: Reimagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism

Retail is under considerable pressure all around the world at the moment and this is a great book for looking at both issues and solutions.

The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon

A fascinating read that I devoured over a couple of days. Great insights into the Amazon Business through the lense of looking at Jeff Bezos. Contacts I have had with Amazon employees indicate there is some dispute about some of the historical issues but the present day is well reflected.

Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing Our Minds for the Better

I saw Clive Thompson speak at the Maker Faire in New York in September and was immediately compelled to read this book. I was particularly intrigued by his concept of video becoming the new thinking tool as a successor/complementary system to language, and paper.

The Year Without Pants: WordPress.com and the Future of Work

Another great piece of writing from Scott Berkun who describes his time in the distributed workforce at WordPress.com in a clear and entertaining way.

Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

A great story of Joshua Foer’s journey in the world of memory championships. Have used some of the techniques since reading the book.

The Antidote: Happiness for people who can’t stand positive thinking

Just had to buy this because of the title (which gives you some insight into the inner workings of my mind). A good coverage and thought provoking discussion of the issues.

Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder

Another book from the great and curmudgeonly Nassim Taleb. Not as good as previous ones in my view but still worth the read.

Please note that all the links to these books are Kindle book links because that is how I buy non fiction books now and I love the fact that if you really want to read one of these you can have it in 60 seconds.

In terms of fiction my two favourites for the year are:

The Windup Girl  BY BACIGALUPI, PAOLO

The Narrow Road To The Deep North  by Richard Flanagan

On my holiday reading list are:

A Naked Singularity

Dogfight: How Apple and Google Went to War and Started a Revolution

A History of the Future in 100 Objects

Not sure what that says about me and whether anyone would like to be on holidays with me but it is what it is

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to interacting with you in 2014

Paul Higgins