"The typical, or median, American adult read five books during 2021."
Of the five books you may have read in 2021, it is likely that not all were career-oriented. Of the few that were, some offered more value than others. Let me help you decide which business books are most likely to add value to your career. These are not my opinions. These are the opinions of business experts. These are the opinions of readers who have read these books.
For the 14th year in a row Beantown Web has conducted a quasi-scientific meta-search to identify the best business books published during the calendar year. This year's search began by identifying 16 "Best of" lists. This resource list is available upon request. The final results are presented here.
A total of 222 unique books were mentioned on at least one "Best of" list. Among the unique books, 175 were mentioned only once and 47 received multiple recommendations.
The Honorable Mention Shelf
Of the 47 multiple recommendations, 31 books were mentioned on two lists. These books comprise the Honorable Mention list.
The Must-Read Shelf
Of the 16 remaining book recommendations, nine books were mentioned on three lists. These books comprise the Must-Read list:
- A Shot to Save the World
- An Ugly Truth
- Four Thousand Weeks
- Impact Players
- Noise
- Remote Work Revolution
- This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends
- Unraveled
- Work Won't Love You Back
The Top Shelf
Of the seven remaining book recommendations, two books were recognized on four lists:
Two books were recognized on five lists:
Two books were recognized on six lists:
One book was recognized on seven lists:
Personal Recommendations
If 16 books are too many to chose from, then check out the following Short List. The four highest rated books on Goodreads (of the 16 listed here) are as follows:
- Empire of Pain (4.58 rating out of 5.00)
- The Conversation (4.42)
- The World for Sale (4.40)
- This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends (4.35)
I have read none of the seven Top Shelf books and one of the nine on the Must-Read Shelf. As I work through this reading list, I will post my reviews at Goodreads and share links here.
You can access more than 100 Leadership and Strategy books I have read at Pinterest.
Suggested Success Strategy
Regardless of your professional discipline, business is the engine that drives economic growth. The economy continues to improve and job growth continues to look promising in 2022. You can help enhance your personal economic prospects by learning more about the business of business.
Goal: Select one business book from the 16 mentioned above, read it, practice its principles and shift your career into a higher gear in 2022. Of course, you can select all 16 books, read one every three weeks, and receive a guaranteed seat in business class!
NOTE: The 31 Honorable Mention Books of 2021 — those recognized on two "Best of" lists — are being counted down on Twitter @genebabon. You can also follow Beantown Web on Facebook @beantownweb.
View annual Best Business Books blog postings.
