Over the past 40 years, I have read hundreds of books which have inspired me in business (and even some that have put me off business too!).

Nowadays you’ll find me devouring at least two books a month.

But my book obsession came long before the titles on business…

The very first Book Inspiration and book ever read to me as a child were Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. These were massive and monumental books with complex storylines to comprehend at such a young age, but the art illustrations and soft ebb of the books allowed me to simply enjoy them.

Growing up, and even as an adult, books for me were a lifesaver, enabling an escape into one fantasy world after another. I could disappear for hours at a time and be left alone wherever I was. This helped me even in the corporate world, ensuring my lunch hour was well utilised. Though over time the book styles changed from fantasy to philosophy, the arts and corporate success. Many books have influenced me throughout my life but my favourite books from childhood to now, include the ones below (not in any particular order).

Kids’ Books I LOVED as a Child:

1. The Hobbit
2. Lord Of The Rings
3. Alice In wonderland
4. Black Beauty
5. Gulliver’s Travels
6. The Secret Garden
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
8. Charlotte’s Web
9. Tom Sawyer
10. Treasure Island

There are undoubtedly more to add to the list for book inspiration, but these are for me the standout ones!

Great Business Reads:

These are the books I’ve read recently which have honed me in the ways of business. I could happily read these over and over again to keep my mind actively engaged and focussed on business (again, not in any particular order, as I prefer the haphazard way).

1. The Art of Happiness – HH Dalai Lama
2. Triggers – Marshall Goldsmith
3. Sprint – Jake Knapp
4. Atomic Habits – James Clear
5. Zero to One – Peter Thiel
6. The Power of Discipline – Daniel Walter
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People – Stephen Covey
8. Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi
9. The Purple Cow – Seth Godin
10. The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien*

*Whilst number 10 is a kids’ book, it holds such a pull to my heart and head that it has to harness the two worlds and you can learn a lot from its tale if you know where to look…

If any of these books look of interest to you and you’re swinging by Freedom works in Hove (where our offices are), you’re more than welcome to borrow any. I only ask you to leave me something as a swap, like a Porsche, as we LOVE to read!

Here’s to the bookworms and the tales inside that teach us so much…

Written by Sonny Cutting – Sussex Business Show