When we went away recently, I brought along Creative Intelligence: How to Build Creative Confidence, Capacity, and Capitalism by Bruce Nussbaum thinking that I wouldn’t get through it. Turns out it was the only book I finished. (I’ve done much better this year for non-fiction than fiction and I’m not sure why.)

Business books which delve into creativity as that elusive quotient which separates success from mediocrity isn’t too revolutionary a subject these days, and this is one among those ranks. What I liked was Nussbaum’s position and attitude – a straight-forward baby boomer talking to other boomers/Gen X/even Gen Y about the importance of playfulness, inventiveness and trust in companies. There’s lots of good advice and some nice inside stories from the normally mysterious Google and Apple.

I began Beauty is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan a couple of months ago and really will try to persist with it over the Christmas period, given I liked Man Tiger so much.

The Alchemist: 25th Anniversary Edition by Paulo Coelho is one of those worthy ‘I’m sure I’ll get to it one day’ books that most readers have a list of but are happy to skip over if something new and shiny comes along. This is why I’m still not sure what force compelled me to pick it up the other day at the library. Perhaps it’s another example of my belief that the right books come into our lives at the right time – I guess I’ll find out.

And last is Speaking Out: A 21st-Century Handbook for Women and Girls by Tara Moss. I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy because I’ve heard great things about it. But I didn’t only get it for me – as Keira is entering high school next year (I know – I can’t believe it either) I think this could be a nice transitional read for her, to give her confidence and be a touchstone of sorts.

What are you reading this month? Have you asked Santa for books? I’d love to hear your wish list!