“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” – Mason Cooley.

I have read some incredible, thought provoking books so far this year but these three audiobooks really stood out for me, all for different reasons.

1. Ben Fogle- Inspire.

I’m a big fan of Ben Fogle for various reasons but mainly for the escapism that he brings. I love the outdoors and the benefits to mental health and he promotes it so well. I saw his live show a few years ago talking about his expeditions and life including his challenges, and ‘Inspire’ digs a lot deeper. I read this during the last lockdown which was a great time to read it as it focuses so much on mental and physical resilience. I found myself crying on more than one occasion.

The kindle version is only £2.99 so well worth a purchase. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson- Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter.

This was probably the most surprising read for me. I wasn’t expecting much at all and I definitely didn’t expect 50 Cent to release a self help/personal development book but wow.

Firstly I didn’t realise just how successful he was back in the day in terms of financial success and records sold, so it takes a special kind of man to have that success, lose it all and make one hell of a comeback with the introduction of ‘Power.’ His story is raw, honest (especially when he reflects on his childhood and losing his mum at 8 years old), turning to drug dealing as a teen and doing a full 380. Absolutely worth reading if failure is holding you back, his story is inspiring. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

David Enrich- Dark Towers: Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump, and an Epic Trail of Destruction

This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but give it a go. I love finance/business books in general and if it’s a scandal one then even better but this was a read and a half, and a complete eye-opener to some of the horrific things that Deutsche Bank has been behind and funded. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5