Top 5 Books to Read for Better Living this Lockdown

It’s often said that travelling is really just a state of mind. And what better way to kickstart a new journey than to start on some great books that inspire better living?

If your usual excuse is “too many books, too little time”, this lockdown is the perfect opportunity to pick up a new book. Vanity Fair has curated their own list of literary classics for timeless reading pleasure, and fans of modern fiction can find interesting reads listed by The Independent.

We’re always in the business of helping our clients make the most out of their time, even when we can’t physically be there to assist. Here are 5 books you should absolutely pick up to live better during and after the lockdown.

 

5 Books to Read for Better Living this Lockdown

 

Plain Words by Sir Ernest Gowers

Originally written as a manual for British civil servants writing government reports, Plain Words is a timeless read for anyone looking to sharpen their writing skills.

But the book is more than just about how to write clearly in plain and simple English. As Gowers himself frequently laments, bad writing is a symptom of a muddled mind. Good writing makes you a better communicator, and it also helps you generate clearer ideas and refine your verbal presentation skills as well.

Ultimately, the book is intended for anyone who wants to convey meaning in words readily and precisely. It teaches you to be deliberative in your actions and choices and to leave nothing to loose interpretation.

 

 

The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary by Max Lugavere

Leading a healthy life can be difficult in the era of calorie-rich, nutrient-poor food. But as The Genius Life proves, healthy living can be achieved by the sum of small healthy choices across every aspect of our daily routines.

Tiny changes in our daily habits can accumulate health benefits. Unlike many health gurus or fitness routines that advocate some form of diet or workout “shock therapy”, Lugavere advocates for piecemeal efforts that snowball into overall improvements. According to him, every aspect of our health is part of a constant feedback loop. To keep that feedback loop running well, change on a broad level starting small is our best bet forward.

This isn’t another health fad. Lugavere’s tips and techniques are supported by solid research studies conducted by health experts around the world. If you’re looking specifically for diet tips, Lugavere also has another book that covers that extensively.

 

 

 

The Pocket Butler’s Guide To Good Housekeeping Charles MacPherson

Can’t seem to get your house in order or always envious of how hotels keep their rooms so admirably clean? This book is the perfect pick-me-up for you.

Written by a professional butler with 30 years of household management under his belt, The Pocket Butler’s Guide to Good Housekeeping is essentially a step-by-step manual for just about anything and everything a homeowner needs to know.

 In this book, you’ll find easy-to-follow tips for house-cleaning, organizing items, and room maintenance. The book also comes with checklists for you to chart your progress, and also provides useful advice for hosting guests. Who better to take housekeeping advice from than a world authority in household management and butlering?

 

 

 

A Journey Around My Room by Xavier de Maistre

Pioneer of the “nichest” literary genre ever. Melodrama with layers of irony. One of the world’s most original autobiographies ever written.

For a book written out of self-deprecating jest, that’s certainly high praise.

Written by Xavier de Maistre, a soldier who lived during the chaos of the French Revolution, A Journey Around My Room is essentially a travelogue that’s, well, set entirely in de Maistre’s room. Inspired by his frustration over his 42-day house arrest following an illegal duel, de Maistre’s work shows us how we can still find fascination and mystery in places and things that seem so familiar to us.

Remember how we said travelling is a state of mind? A Journey Around My Room pays tribute to this. It’s the perfect read for broadening your understanding of travel, and (possibly) satisfy your wanderlust at the same time.

 

 

 

Bossy Pants (2011) by Tina Fey

Often mistaken for Tina Fey’s autobiography (because it is marketed as such), Bossy Pants reads more like a hilarious and persuasive mission statement by one kick-ass female comedian.

Tina Fey is known for her no-nonsense, straight-shooter attitude, and that trait shows strongly in Bossy Pants. Her background as a stand-up comedian is also self-evident in the book’s narrative structure, which makes it easier to pick up on the many jokes littered in her book.

If you’re a fan of Tina Fey, be sure to also check out the audiobook version of the book. It’s actually narrated by Tina Fey herself, so expect lots of laughs!

 

Get more great reads for better living with us

Don’t have time to look for great books to read? Can’t seem to find your ideal book at the right price? With so many books and booksellers, it can be time-consuming to look around for the books you love at the price you want.

Let your personal concierge curate your private library when you sign up with us.

With BUTLER’s personal concierge service, simply tell us what books you’re looking out for. Leave your reading wish list with us, and we’ll deliver them to your doorstep. Need some recommendations for great reading? Your personal concierge can also source for books based on your interests and provide you with books you’re likely to enjoy.

Those were our top 5 picks for great books that inspire better living. Want to get your hands on them and more interesting reads with our personal concierge services? Get in touch with us and arrange a consultation today!