It has become something of a tradition: my favorite reads of the past year. Choosing them is never easy—there has been no shortage of excellent books—but I forced myself to be disciplined and narrow the list down to just five.

HISTORY

1. The Wide Wide Sea. The Final Fatal Adventure of Captain James Cook – Hampton Sides.

A superb read, full of adventure and discovery, recounting years of sailing quite literally into the unknown, in an era when ships were made of wood and men of iron. The narrative is also balanced: it resists simple hero worship of Captain Cook, while clearly acknowledging both his achievements and the broader flaws of the age in which he sailed.

1. Story of a Secret State – Jan Karski.

This is the kind of story that is entirely true - so extraordinary that, if it were adapted into a Hollywood film, you might suspect the screenwriters of exaggeration. It is the autobiography of Jan Karski, who joined the Polish resistance in 1939 following the Nazi occupation. What follows is a remarkable account of moral and physical courage, of refusing to yield to terror, of narrow escapes and, not least, a rare and illuminating look at how an underground resistance actually functions.

1. The Zorg. A Tale of Greed, Murder and the Abolition of Slavery – Siddharth Kara.

A gripping account of a slave ship seized from the Dutch by an English privateer, only to continue its involvement in the slave trade across a transatlantic voyage of unimaginable brutality. The horrors exposed became a catalyst for the movement to abolish the slave trade. This true story powerfully illustrates how the moral courage of just a handful of individuals can ignite a broader movement and, over time, drive profound societal change.

BUSINESS

1. 4. The Creative Shift. How to Power Up Your Organization by Making Space for New Ideas – Andrew Robertson

Andrew Robertson brings a wealth of experience, and as CEO of BBDO, he leads an agency behind some of the most outstanding creative work in the world. Crucially, these ideas didn’t just win awards; they drove real business results, and that essential connection shines throughout the book.
I read it in one sitting and found it genuinely inspirational. Robertson lays out, with clarity and candor, how any company can apply many of the same tools BBDO uses to consistently produce breakthrough ideas. The best business book I’ve read this year.

NOVEL

1. The Satsuma Complex – Bob Mortimer.

To end on a lighter note: this novel is genuinely hilarious—a true laugh-out-loud read. It’s clever, warm, and disarmingly sweet. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon or a long business flight, it offers a few hours of uncomplicated, unmitigated fun.

All the best for 2026 and happy reading!

Peter Corijn is CEO and founder of VUCASTAR Consulting (www.VUCASTAR.com). Prior, he was CEO of Van de Velde, a listed company specialized in premium lingerie and swimwear. Peter was also in the C-Suite of Imperial Brands as CMO and Vice-President at P&G. His acclaimed book “True Leaders Deliver. An Essential Guide to Mission Success” was published in Fall 2023.