LeaderWise 2024 Favorites
We live in an age where there is most certainly a tyranny of choice. Want a good book to get lost in? Interested in listening to a podcast on your commute? It can often feel like there are too many options, especially when scrolling online through the infinite possibilities. How do you choose?
We’re here to help.
We asked LeaderWise staff about their favorite reads and audio dives of 2024 and what they loved about them so that we could share with our LeaderWise community. Here are our recommendations.
Some notes about our list:
Our staff disliked picking just one. Many submitted more. We gave you everything.
There are some oldies but goodies. Some but not all were published/posted in 2024.
The recommendations are listed in alphabetical order.
We’d love to hear your recommendations! Our list will be posted on our Facebook & LinkedIn pages. Jump to our page and tell us what you liked!
Best Books
As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.S. Park (2024)
Recommended by Mary Stieber Reynhout: “It provides a helpful, pastoral perspective on the journey of grief. Gentle & insightful.”
The Beauty of Dusk by Frank Bruni (2022)
Recommended by Drew Benson. See No Bad Parts below.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (2014)
Recommended by Heather Koshiol: “Through real-life stories shared in Being Mortal, surgeon Atul Gawande offers simple yet invaluable questions we can ask loved ones when they're faced with difficult medical decisions. This book is aptly described on the author's website as being "about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy."
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Joauad (2021)
Recommended by Sarah Moore-Nokes. See Grief is for People below.
Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley (2024)
Recommended by Alicia Forde: “[It] is life saving. For this Black woman, Cole gives voice to what aches, and in doing so, provides an opportunity for healing.”
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd (2020)
Recommended by Kathleen Talvacchia: “It's a fictional story about the ‘wife’ of Jesus of Nazareth, her journey with him, and her own journey to find voice. Told from the woman's point of view, I found myself totally absorbed into the story— even though I knew the basic plot!
By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle (2024)
Recommended by Heather Koshiol: “Rebecca Nagle shines a light on sovereign indigenous nations' continuous struggle for the US government to abide by legal treaties. Reading Nagle's book reminded me again to have faith in Martin Luther King, Jr's assertion that the arc of justice is long.”
The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs series) by Jacqueline Winspear (2024)
Recommended by emilie boggis: “Maisie Dobbs is a psychologist and investigator who taught me about history and humanity as she lived through both world wars in London. She also solved a few crimes along the way. This year the series ended. If you missed it, start at the beginning!”
Everything Isn't Terrible by Dr. Kathleen Smith (2019)
Recommended by Cindy Halvorson: “In a year when everywhere I turned I was bombarded with comments of how terrible the world is and/or will be, it was delightful to read Dr. Kathleen Smith's book and be reminded that I can make choices to impact my well-being and the well-being of those in my circle. Smith's focus on self-differentiation and empowerment was the exact reminder that I needed. Smith's writing style is easy to comprehend and the suggestions made are helpful.”
Fi: A Memoir of My Son by Alexandra Fuller (2024)
Recommended Mary Kay DuChene: “Stunning, heart-wrenching and raw. Spiritual and searching. A glimpse into the unimaginable. She doesn't hold anything back, and I want to know how she's doing today.”
Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley (2024)
Recommended by Sarah Moore-Nokes: “It took me 100 pages to really sink into Grief Is for People, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. Purportedly a book about the loss of her best friend (a warning: suicide is a prominent theme), Crosley weaves strands of grief from various parts of her life. and our collective lives over the last five years, into this search for understanding. Her inner monologue might remind you of Joan Didion (who makes an appearance in these pages more than once) or Maggie Smith (the poet not the actress). After I finished the book, it hung with me for days. It reminded me that meaning-making is such a human thing and when grief is thick, we long to make sense of it. I suppose it sounds depressing, but the feeling that lingers is optimism. I'm not sure how she did it but I'm so glad she did. Highly recommend.”
Sarah also recommended two others alongside Grief is for People: Salman Rushdie's latest Knife and Suleika Joauad's Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted. All three books are about meaning-making, and it seems to me that, at this moment in time, we need that more than ever.
The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris (2007). Recommended by Mark Sundby: “It's an accessible introduction to acceptance and commitment therapy.”
Horse by Geraldine Brooks (2022)
Recommended by Mary Kay DuChene: “A book of multiple plots that is also multi-layered. It has so much more depth than I expected. It spans centuries and yet melds societal issues (racism) that exist across those same centuries.”
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh (2013)
Recommended by Stephanie Hoover: “I laughed so hard that I cried, and I quickly wiped my tears to keep taking in the bizarre illustrations of these autobiographical essays.”
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (2021)
Recommended by Bethany Keyl: “This book drew me in with its unapologetically fierce main character, Zetian, who is fighting back in a futuristic sci-fi/mecha world (reminiscent of Medieval China) that treats women as tools in their fight against the invading alien Hunduns. I love how it explores the concept of gender constructs and socialization, as well as different ways of surviving in a world designed against you.”
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie (2024)
Recommended by Sarah Moore-Nokes. See Grief is for People above.
The Life Impossible: A Novel by Matt Haig (2024)
Recommended by Mark Sundby: “It's about an older woman who's questioning her will to live and has struggled with anhedonia for decades. Through a series of unusual events, she learns to live in the present moment, begins to feel again, and regains a sense of purpose. This is for the older crowd what his book, The Midnight Library, was for adults in their 20s. These are books I turn to when the world feels like too much!”
Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988)
Recommended by Ali Kenny: “We read this aloud as a family, which helped me to remember the power of books, the complexity of families, and the importance of a (hyperbolized) internal locus of control. Oh...and never eat a piece of unattended chocolate cake.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily Freeman (2019)
Recommended by Heidi Lender: “It’s a book and a podcast!”
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (2021)
Recommended by Drew Benson: “They are heavier subject matter but provide unique and helpful perspectives on things we all face as humans. The more we can talk about difficult subjects, the more we can normalize going through difficult periods in our lives and relying on others when we do!” See also The Beauty of Dusk above.
Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney (2023)
Recommended by Susan Nienaber: “This book reminded me again how important it is to take the gift and privilege of being a citizen seriously. I admire Liz Cheney for doing what she believed was right, acting with integrity and challenging others to also act with integrity even when the personal cost is great. History will look back on her as an American hero.”
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (2023)
Recommended by Caroline Burke: “An arresting story of a fictional war and a mother fiercely working to keep her family together and alive. I couldn't stop reading it. It won the Booker Prize.”
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden (2019)
Recommended by Caroline Burke: “So many adult women are being diagnosed for the first time with ADHD and there are few resources for women, this one is a recent best seller.”
The Resilient Practitioner: Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Prevention and Self-Care Strategies for the Helping Professions by Thomas M. Skovholt, Michelle Trotter-Mathison (4th edition) One of LeaderWise’s own!
Rx by Rachel Lindsay (2018)
Recommended by Stephanie Hoover: “This graphic memoir reminded me that we are only as sick as our secrets, and the U.S. psychiatric industry itself is sickening for many.”
Semiosis by Sue Burke (2018)
Recommended by Bethany Keyl: “This book forces you to rethink how you view the world—what if plants were sentient? Are plants sentient? What is sentience? In a far off world, several humans land on a planet where plant life has evolved far more than animal life, and they must figure out how to interact with the life forms they share space with.”
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan (2022)
Recommended by Caroline Burke: “A near perfect fictional story of Irish legacy, conscience, and systematic trauma—heart wrenching and compelling, it can be read in one sitting.”
Speaking Story: Using the Magic of Storytelling to Make Your Mark, Pitch Your Ideas, and Ignite Meaningful Change by Sally Zimney (2024).
Recommended by Michelle Trotter-Mathison: “Sally Z's book and writing style help you to use tangible steps to make your stories come alive to connect with the people you serve.”
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (2023)
Recommended by Bethany Keyl: “I fell in love with the main character in this book immediately—a 60 year old Chinese American tea-shop owner decides to take it upon herself to solve a murder when a body turns up in her shop; along the way, several adorable relationships unfold between her and her various ‘suspects.’”
Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? The Path of Purposeful Aging by Richard Leider and David Shapiro (2021)
Recommended by Susan Nienaber: “It is important to be intentional about older life transitions.”
Best Podcasts 2024
10% Happier with Dan Harris
Recommended by Sarah Moore-Nokes: “In heavy rotation on my feed right now— I love the variety of guests, the practical advice, and the mini mediations that pop up every week.”
All There Is hosted by Anderson Cooper
Recommended by Drew Benson.
Ear Hustle
Recommended by Sarah Lammert: “Made inside San Quentin; explores life inside and related issues. Excellent!”
Everything Happens by Kate Bowler
Recommended by Sarah Parker: “I am working through this podcast as a bit of spiritual fuel these days. I got to hear her speak a few weeks ago, and I love her communication style (funny).” Also, a good book called Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved.
Especially the interview with Parker Palmer called “Standing in the Gap.” Recommended also by Alicia Forde: “A reminder that we're always in the gap, and the practice, the spiritual practice, is to be gentle and love deeply from that place.”
Hidden Brain
Recommended by Mary Kay DuChene: “My fav all-time podcast. Can't get enough of it, and love every episode.”
Inheriting
Recommended by Heweon Seo: “It features stories for Asian Americans in the context of historical and intergenerational trauma. I find it very illuminating and moving. They also have many resources for Asian American histories.” More info and resources here.
Judge John Hodgeman
Recommended by Sarah Lammert: “Fake internet judge of domestic and friendship disputes. Funny and heartwarming.”
Kelly Corrigan Wonders with Kelly Corrigan
Recommended by Susan Nienaber: “I really like her conversations about bravery in relationships.”
On Being with Krista Tippett
Recommended by Caroline Burke: “I listen because she has such a diverse approach to how we BE in the world.”
Poetry Unbound with Pádraig Ó Tuama
Recommended by Caroline Burke: “I listen because poetry captures the heart unlike other written forms, Ó Tuama is genius.” And Alicia Forde agrees, writing: “Poetry Unbound is a gift to the world (podcast and book). It's medicine for the heart and soul.”
Relentless Grace by the Rev. Dr. Paula V. Mehmel
Recommended by Bethany Keyl: “My dear family friend Paula shares stories and prayers that try to connect the world of Jesus with the world of Today. Having recently left the ELCA after facing multiple battles with church leadership and powers that be over her decades of ministry, she is seeking to connect with people outside the walls of a congregation. As she says, ‘This church has left the building.’”
The Cosmic We
Recommended by emilie boggis: “I was so saddened to hear the news of Dr. Barbara Holmes’ death this year. Her podcast with Dr. Donny Bryant reconnected me with ancestors and mysticism overall.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily Freeman
Recommended by Heidi Lender
Undistracted
Recommended by Heather Koshiol: “Undistracted connects me with current events from the perspective of marginalized communities and helps me examine issues from outside my own lived experiences.”
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Recommended by Michelle Trotter-Mathison who really enjoys each episode.
When You're Invisible by My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts
Specifically the episode "Kiana: Redefining Life with Chronic Illness"
Recommended by Bethany Keyl: “In this particular episode my partner's sister (and my friend) Kiana speaks powerfully about her battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and how this invisible illness affects every aspect of her life.”
Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel
Specifically the 2-episode series called “How’s Work? - The Preacher’s Wife”
Recommended by emilie boggis: “A study in being the spouse of a preacher. Be ready: this episode twists and turns. Warning: Suicide is mentioned.”
Wiser than Me
Recommended by multiple LeaderWise staff members. Here’s what Heather Koshiol had to say: “Allowing me to tap into experiences of well-known women who remain active and relevant into their 70s and beyond, Wiser than Me inspires me to think expansively about what I can accomplish as my life continues to unfold.”
Join the conversation on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Let us know your reactions to our list and make additional recommendations to the LeaderWise community.
