Reading list
The Life-Ready reading list
81 well-regarded books, chosen module by module to take our free lessons further: classics in translation, books written for teens, and trusted manuals. We have not been paid to include any of them.
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Social
- Emily Post's Etiquette, 19th Edition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Lizzie Post and Daniel Post SenningA comprehensive guide to manners for everyday life, dining, communication and special occasions.
- Debrett's Handbook (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Debrett'sA reference on British etiquette, correct forms of address and modern manners.
- Culture Smart UAE (Amazon, opens in a new tab) John WalshA concise guide to the customs, etiquette and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
- Don't They Know It's Friday? (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Jeremy WilliamsCross-cultural considerations for business and daily life in the Gulf.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Dale CarnegieA classic guide to getting along with people, listening well and handling disagreements.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Sean CoveyA guide for teenagers on self-image, goals, friendships, decisions and personal responsibility.
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Marshall B. RosenbergA method for expressing feelings and needs clearly and listening with empathy.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al SwitzlerTechniques for calm, honest conversations when opinions differ and emotions run high.
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Marshall B. RosenbergA method for expressing feelings and needs clearly and listening with empathy.
- The Fine Art of Small Talk (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Debra FineTechniques for starting conversations, keeping them going and connecting with new people.
- Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Susan CainA book for young introverts on using their strengths at school, with friends and in activities.
- Feasts (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Sabrina GhayourMiddle Eastern inspired recipes for cooking and sharing food at gatherings.
- Emily Post's Etiquette, 19th Edition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Lizzie Post and Daniel Post SenningA comprehensive guide to manners for everyday life, dining, communication and special occasions.
- The Millionaire Next Door (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Thomas J. Stanley and William D. DankoResearch on how many wealthy people live modestly, spend carefully and build wealth quietly.
- Debrett's Handbook (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Debrett'sA reference on British etiquette, correct forms of address and modern manners.
- The Psychology of Money (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Morgan HouselShort essays on how behaviour, patience and habits shape financial decisions more than knowledge alone.
Physical
- The Gift of Fear (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Gavin de BeckerA security expert explains how to trust intuition and recognise warning signs of danger.
- Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane) (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Gavin de BeckerA guide for parents on recognising risks and teaching children and teenagers to stay safe.
- First Aid Manual, 11th Edition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid and British Red CrossThe authorised UK first aid manual, with step-by-step guidance for emergencies.
- Food Rules: An Eater's Manual (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Michael PollanShort, simple rules for eating real food and building sensible everyday eating habits.
- Science of Nutrition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Rhiannon LambertAn illustrated DK guide by a registered nutritionist explaining how food and nutrients affect health.
- How to Cook Without a Book (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Pam AndersonTeaches core cooking techniques and flexible formulas so you can cook without following recipes.
- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Samin NosratExplains the four elements of good cooking so you can season and cook with confidence.
- Time to Eat (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Nadiya HussainQuick, practical recipes for busy lives, including batch cooking and making the most of leftovers.
- One Pound Meals (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Miguel BarclaySimple single-portion recipes designed to cost around one pound each.
- Nadiya's Kitchen (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Nadiya HussainOver 100 simple family recipes from the Great British Bake Off winner.
- One Pound Meals (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Miguel BarclaySimple single-portion recipes designed to cost around one pound each.
- Science of Strength Training (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Austin CurrentAn illustrated DK guide to the anatomy and physiology behind strength training and exercise technique.
- Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Caroline HironsA straightforward guide to understanding skin types and building a simple skincare routine.
- Mending Matters (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Katrina RodabaughTechniques to stitch, patch and repair denim and other clothes.
- Blame My Brain: The Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Nicola MorganExplains how the teenage brain develops and how this affects emotions, risk and behaviour.
- The Teenage Brain (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis NuttA neuroscientist explains adolescent brain development for parents, including risk taking and addiction.
- The Gift of Fear (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Gavin de BeckerA security expert explains how to trust intuition and recognise warning signs of danger.
Financial
- How Money Works: The Facts Visually Explained (Amazon, opens in a new tab) DKAn illustrated guide to personal finance, banking, credit, investing and how economies use money.
- The Richest Man in Babylon (Amazon, opens in a new tab) George S. ClasonParables set in ancient Babylon teaching saving, avoiding debt and spending less than you earn.
- Money: A User's Guide (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Laura WhateleyA practical UK guide to everyday money matters for young adults, from budgeting to bills.
- How Money Works: The Facts Visually Explained (Amazon, opens in a new tab) DKAn illustrated guide to personal finance, banking, credit, investing and how economies use money.
- An Introduction to Islamic Finance (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Muhammad Taqi UsmaniAn introduction to the principles of Islamic finance and how Shariah-compliant banking products work.
- The Little Book of Common Sense Investing (Amazon, opens in a new tab) John C. BogleThe founder of Vanguard explains long-term investing through low-cost index funds.
- The Psychology of Money (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Morgan HouselShort essays on how behaviour, patience and habits shape financial decisions more than knowledge alone.
- The Confidence Game (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Maria KonnikovaA psychologist explains how con artists work and why people fall for their schemes.
- What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Carol Christen and Richard N. BollesA career planning guide for teenagers on discovering strengths, interests and suitable first jobs.
- Money: A User's Guide (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Laura WhateleyA practical UK guide to everyday money matters for young adults, from budgeting to bills.
- Money: A User's Guide (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Laura WhateleyA practical UK guide to everyday money matters for young adults, from budgeting to bills.
- Money: A User's Guide (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Laura WhateleyA practical UK guide to everyday money matters for young adults, from budgeting to bills.
- One Pound Meals (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Miguel BarclaySimple single-portion recipes designed to cost around one pound each.
Emotional
- Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Daniel GolemanExplains emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-control and empathy, and why it matters.
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Travis Bradberry and Jean GreavesPractical strategies for building self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship skills.
- The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Gina M. BiegelA workbook teaching teenagers mindfulness skills to recognise and manage stress.
- The Upside of Stress (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Kelly McGonigalA psychologist explains research on how our view of stress affects health and resilience.
- The Teenage Guide to Stress (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Nicola MorganA guide for teenagers on the causes of stress, its effects and ways to cope.
- Blame My Brain: The Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Nicola MorganExplains how the teenage brain develops and how this affects emotions, risk and behaviour.
- Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence TreegerHelps parents understand the emotional changes when a child leaves home for university.
- How to Be Alone (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Sara MaitlandA School of Life book on the value of solitude and how to enjoy your own company.
- Atomic Habits (Amazon, opens in a new tab) James ClearA practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones through small changes.
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Angela DuckworthA psychologist's research on how sustained effort and perseverance contribute to achievement.
Intellectual
- Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDanielExplains research-based study methods such as retrieval practice and spaced repetition.
- Learning How to Learn: A Guide for Kids and Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Barbara Oakley, Terrence Sejnowski and Alistair McConvilleA guide for young learners on how the brain learns and how to study effectively.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Daniel KahnemanA Nobel laureate explains the two systems of thinking and the biases that affect judgement.
- Factfulness (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling RonnlundShows how common thinking habits distort our view of the world and how to use data instead.
- Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Ethan MollickA professor explains how to use AI tools well for learning, work and creativity.
- Digital Minimalism (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cal NewportArgues for using technology intentionally and offers a method for reducing digital distraction.
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (Amazon, opens in a new tab) David AllenA system for capturing, organising and completing tasks and commitments.
- The Organized Mind (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Daniel J. LevitinA neuroscientist explains how to organise information, time and decisions in an age of overload.
- Eat That Frog (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Brian TracyPractical techniques to stop procrastinating and tackle the most important task first.
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce PattonThe Harvard Negotiation Project's method for reaching fair agreements without damaging relationships.
- The Way Things Work Now (Amazon, opens in a new tab) David Macaulay with Neil ArdleyAn illustrated explanation of how machines and technologies work, from levers to Wi-Fi.
Occupational
- What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Carol Christen and Richard N. BollesA career planning guide for teenagers on discovering strengths, interests and suitable first jobs.
- Knock 'em Dead Resumes (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Martin YateA guide to writing CVs and resumes that win job interviews.
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce PattonThe Harvard Negotiation Project's method for reaching fair agreements without damaging relationships.
- Talk Like TED (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Carmine GalloNine public speaking techniques drawn from popular TED talks.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al SwitzlerTechniques for calm, honest conversations when opinions differ and emotions run high.
- Designing Your Life (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Bill Burnett and Dave EvansTwo Stanford lecturers apply design thinking to choosing a career and building a fulfilling life.
- So Good They Can't Ignore You (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cal NewportArgues that building rare and valuable skills leads to a satisfying career more than following passion.
- The Study Skills Handbook (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Stella CottrellA widely used guide to university study, including reading, writing, research and exams.
- How to Become a Straight-A Student (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cal NewportStudy strategies drawn from interviews with top university students, covering time, notes and exams.
- Deep Work (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cal NewportExplains the value of focused, distraction-free work and gives rules for practising it.
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (Amazon, opens in a new tab) David AllenA system for capturing, organising and completing tasks and commitments.
- Never Eat Alone (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl RazA guide to building genuine professional relationships based on generosity and staying in touch.
- Give and Take (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Adam GrantA psychologist's research on how helping others can contribute to professional success.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Dale CarnegieA classic guide to getting along with people, listening well and handling disagreements.
- The Lean Startup (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Eric RiesA method for testing business ideas quickly and cheaply through experiments and customer feedback.
- The $100 Startup (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Chris GuillebeauCase studies of people who started small businesses with very little money.
Environmental
- Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cheryl MendelsonA thorough reference on cleaning, laundry, kitchen care, storage and running a household.
- The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Doug LanskyA planning guide for first long trips abroad, covering budgets, routes, safety and packing.
- Not the End of the World (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Hannah RitchieA data scientist examines environmental problems and evidence-based solutions for a sustainable future.
- There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Mike Berners-LeeA question-and-answer handbook on climate, food, energy, travel and everyday choices.
- Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Cheryl MendelsonA thorough reference on cleaning, laundry, kitchen care, storage and running a household.
- Collins Complete DIY Manual (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Albert Jackson and David DayA comprehensive illustrated reference for home repairs, decorating, plumbing and maintenance.
- Collins Complete DIY Manual (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Albert Jackson and David DayA comprehensive illustrated reference for home repairs, decorating, plumbing and maintenance.
- The Culture Map (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Erin MeyerAn INSEAD professor explains how cultural differences shape communication, feedback and trust.
- Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (Amazon, opens in a new tab) David C. Pollock, Ruth E. Van Reken and Michael V. PollockExplores the experience of young people raised across several countries and cultures.
- SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) John 'Lofty' WisemanA comprehensive survival manual covering shelter, water, first aid, disasters and emergencies.
- First Aid Manual, 11th Edition (Amazon, opens in a new tab) St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid and British Red CrossThe authorised UK first aid manual, with step-by-step guidance for emergencies.
- Auto Repair For Dummies (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Deanna SclarA beginner's guide to how cars work, routine maintenance and simple repairs.
Spiritual
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Sean CoveyA guide for teenagers on self-image, goals, friendships, decisions and personal responsibility.
- The Road to Character (Amazon, opens in a new tab) David BrooksProfiles of historical figures used to explore humility, self-discipline and moral character.
- Man's Search for Meaning (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Viktor E. FranklA psychiatrist reflects on surviving the concentration camps and on finding meaning in life.
- Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Hector Garcia and Francesc MirallesExplores the Japanese idea of ikigai, a sense of purpose, and daily habits of long-lived communities.
- Meditations: A New Translation (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Marcus Aurelius (trans. Gregory Hays)The private notes of a Roman emperor on self-discipline, duty and calm, in a clear modern translation.
- Letters from a Stoic (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Seneca (trans. Robin Campbell)Seneca's letters to a friend on friendship, adversity, time and living wisely.
- The Daily Stoic (Amazon, opens in a new tab) Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman366 short daily readings from Stoic philosophers, each with a brief commentary.