Eight Books That Will Make You Better in 2026

Those who know me know that Christmas is my favourite time of the year because it’s a time for family, friends and of course, giving.

And while giving can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding what presents to give, my favourite gift to receive at this time of year is a book. 

Why? Well, to me, books are the ultimate growth tool. As the saying goes, ‘readers are leaders.’ The truth is that some of the most important lessons you’ll ever learn can be found in a $30 book that was written a century ago.

The Richest Man in Babylon (my personal favourite) was published in 1926 and almost a century on, it is still changing lives to this day.

If it’s doesn’t appeal to you, there are thousands of other books out there and yes, oftentimes, choosing the right one can feel impossible. 

So, as my Christmas gift to you, I’ve done the hard work for you. 

Here are my top book-gift recommendations for 2025/26 – for personal growth, purpose, wealth, creativity and everything in between.

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

We all get about 4,000 weeks on Earth. That’s it.

This book provides the reader a masterclass on what matters in life: not doing more but doing less, but with intention.

“The challenge isn’t getting everything done — it’s deciding what not to do and feeling at peace with it.”

If you know someone overwhelmed or overstretched, this is the gift they need.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl

I re-read this book every couple of years, it’s that meaningful.

Frankl survived Auschwitz and lost his entire family and despite all of that he still emerged with a philosophy centred on purpose, hope and responsibility.

It’s a short book, but it will change how you see hardship, gratitude and meaning.

Berkshire Hathaway Letters to Shareholders: 1965 to 2024

If you’ve been influenced by Warren Buffett, you’ll know that the greatest investor of all time, retired this year at the age of 95.

This collection provides the reader 60 years of wisdom, decision-making frameworks, life lessons and history wrapped into one volume.

And don’t been fooled into thinking it’s just for investors, in actual fact, it’s a guidebook for those wanting to think clearly in a noisy world.

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino

If you weren’t already aware, I’m a huge Godfather fan, but for those who have never watched a single moment, I’m telling you, Pacino’s autobiography can only be described as wild.

Growing up in the Bronx… hanging around Greenwich Village with Andy Warhol… international fame… burnout… rediscovery.

It’s raw, creative and surprisingly philosophical. And the audiobook, which is narrated by Pacino himself, is a real treat.

Who Knew by Barry Diller

For those who don’t know, Barry Diller built Paramount Pictures to the heights of Hollywood, created the Fox Network, then went on to lead Expedia, Ticketmaster and Tinder.

And while his career may sound fictional, his honesty about insecurity, leadership and reinvention makes this one of the most gripping business biographies you’ll read.

This book is perfect for anyone who thrives on ambition, reinvention and loves a good ‘no way that’s real?’ read.

Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia

Why does a tiny Japanese village have the highest percentage of centenarians in the world?

The answer: Ikigai, which translates to ‘your reason for living’.

This book is a gentle, practical guide to longevity, purpose and living well. A great gift for anyone thinking about health, happiness or direction.

7 Steps to Wealth 9th Edition by John L Fitzgerald

This is the first post-COVID edition of my uncle John Fitzgerald’s bestselling book.

It includes the classic, proven principles of building wealth through real estate, updated to reflect the major shifts between 1998 and now.

With 44 years of experience, John forecasts what’s instore and how to capitalise on future opportunities. 

Bulletproof Investing: How to Gain Financial Freedom in Challenging Times by James Fitzgerald

I know you won’t mind me finishing up with a little self-promotion.

My foray into publishing documents the lessons, systems and strategies I used to build financial security, the valuable insights that set me on my path to not having to worry about my financial future ever again.

I’ve been truly humbled to have had readers as young as 13 and as young at heart as 85 tell me it has changed their perspective, which I believe makes it a surprisingly versatile Christmas gift. 😉

And with that, I wish you and your family a safe and memorable festive season.