Looking for some good books to read? Check out our reviews by EL editors and readers.
Have you made some resolutions and now you need a little guidance to set them into motion? To help you on your way, check out some of these great books and other resources recommended by the EL team and our readers.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone | Lori Gottlieb
“This is an enjoyable manuscript for navigating behaviours and personalities you encounter every day, including your own. As a psychologist, the author recounts her experience with various significant clients, as well as her own time as a patient in therapy. I laughed, I cried and, unexpectedly, I grew.
I found this book during a trying time in my life, and it helped me become so much more aware of my own actions and roles within relationships. It also provided a strong insight into why people may act the way they do, cultivating an understanding and perspective I never had before – probably to the point of annoyance because I find a reason to quote this book at least once a day! I highly recommend this novelesque book to anyone and everyone, as I can’t think of a single person I know who wouldn’t benefit from it.”
– Michelle Falcone
Master Clarice Chan’s Guide to 2020| Clarice Chan
Is the Year of the Metal Rat going to be a good one for you? Pick up this easy read by an inspirational Feng Shui master and find out what your fortune for the coming year will be. Topics include money, auspicious dates, property, love and more. You can also download the new eBook at payhip.com/ MasterClariceChan.
Millionaire Expat | Andrew Hallam
If one of your resolutions is to get your finances in order, this is the book for you. Why? Because it’s all about how to manage money as an expat. This handbook shows you how to build your portfolio from anywhere in the world and is a guide to smart investing, saving for retirement, and building wealth while overseas. The author was a teacher at the Singapore American School who became a self-made millionaire by age 36. He’s got great insight to share, so who knows? Maybe his book can make you a millionaire expat, too!
Together We Can Turn Tides | Jeroen van de Wall
Taking care of the planet is a resolution we should all make. This manifesto talks about what’s happening to our oceans, breaking it down into small, easily digestible bites. Written by the founder of Singapore-based scuba school OrcaNation, the book goes beyond just describing what’s wrong with the planet. Rather, it gives the reader simple steps to do to help save the oceans which, in turn, will save ourselves.
The Power of Women in Their Sixties | Chris Vidal
Are you in your sixties and ready to take on the world? You’re not alone. The decade between the responsible fifties and the relaxed seventies offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvent yourself and start something new, on your terms. The author interviewed inspirational women who will motivate you to go out and find your new passion – or to still that voice inside your fifty-something head, afraid of the approaching decade. The author talks about how her own Plan A and Plan B didn’t work out how she expected, but that’s okay – and your Plan C can be okay, too. There’s even a website devoted to women in their sixties.
Lonely Planet Kids Series
Any expat who has travelled the globe with kids knows trips can be challenging. The secret? Do something they actually want to do. So, if your goal for 2020 is to take advantage of all the long weekends and travel more as a family, then you have to check out the five newest books from Lonely Planet. They aim to make your trips with little ones spectacular for you all. In them, you’ll meet 84 children from around the world; some share the amazing stories behind different countries’ flags, while others talk about globetrotting city adventures, exploring the world of trains, or discovering the wildest, weirdest places on the planet.
The Red Dot Melting Pot Cookbook |International Cooking Club Singapore
“One of my goals for 2020 is to widen my kids’ palates. And I admit it: this cookbook lured me in with its gorgeous photos and the fact that a bunch of expats compiled it. The International Cooking Club Singapore is a group of 300 active members from 75 countries; they contributed family favourites and other recipes they love.
The book is divided into eleven regions of the world for easy reference. Each easy-to-follow recipe includes photos and personal anecdotes, bringing the recipes to life. Another nifty thing? It tells you where to source hard-to-find ingredients here in Singapore. So far, the recipes we’ve tried are great! My kids love them! Mission accomplished (and it’s only January!)”
– Melinda Murphy
Atomic Habits | James Clear
“I’m a card-holding procrastinator, and not by choice. It’s in my DNA (thanks a lot, mum!), and I’m not thrilled that it’s part of my genetic code. But I’ve been thrown a lifeline since I read (and re-read) James Clear’s Atomic Habits a couple of months ago. The basic premise and the one that spoke to me the loudest was, ‘Just move forward. Even if you do one percent, it’s one percent better than yesterday. After a year, that adds up to over a thirty percent improvement.’
It was a revelation to me. To just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just do something. Anything! He also highlights the need to make the habit as simple as possible to incorporate into your life. If you can’t do it easily and you don’t enjoy it or make time for it, then it’s unlikely that the habit will stick. I love the pragmatism and accountability in this book – it’s practical and actionable and enjoyable to read. For me, it’s a case of so far, so good, though I know it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings. She doesn’t appear to be here, though. Maybe she’s procrastinating? She should read this book!”
– Kate Marsden
For more great reading, head to our Living in Singapore section.
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This article first appeared in an edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
