New Year. New Resolutions. New Book List. I read often for professional development, personal growth and entertainment purposes. At the start of each year I create a wish list of books that I plan to read during the year. Recently, due to ‘packed schedules’ and ‘tired eyes’ at the end of the day, I’ve developed a preference for audiobooks that I can listen to while traveling or exercising. However, some books are reference guides and are better digested in print.

This year I wanted to include some less known titles and titles that I may not have considered. Yesterday, I asked my Twitter friends the following question:

“What was the best book you read (heard) in 2009 (fiction or non-fiction)?”

Here are the recommendations received. I’ve provided links to the audiobook (if available) or print book. Thanks to all that have responded! I’ve added each of these titles to my wish list and you should consider them as well. Also, feel free to add your book recommendation(s) in the comments area!

2010 BOOK LIST

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• “Wired for Thought: How the Brain Is Shaping the Future of the Internet” by Jeffrey Stibel
• “Survival Is Not Enough: Zooming, Evolution, and the Future of Your Company” by Seth Godin
• “Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy” by Dev Patnaik
• “Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion” by Gary Vaynerchuk * my recommendation *

MARKETING: THE SCIENCE (ART) OF

• “Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy” by Martin Lindstrom
• “Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable” by Seth Godin

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

• “Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions” by Dan Ariely
• “Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance” by Joseph M. Marshall III * my recommendation *
• “Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else” by Geoff Colvin
• “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff” by Peter Walsh * my recommendation *
• “Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work for You – at Work and in Life” by Spencer Johnson * my recommendation *
• “Thrift and Generosity: The Joy of Giving” by John Templeton Jr.

CREATIVITY & IDEA DEVELOPMENT

• “Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity” by Julia Cameron
• “Strategic Intuition: The Creative Spark in Human Achievement” by Bill Duggan
• “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive & Others Die” by Chip Heath, Dan Heath * my recommendation *

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

• “The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves” by W. Arthur
• “Viral Loop: From Facebook to Twitter, How Today’s Smartest Businesses Grow Themselves” By Adam Penenberg
• “Googled: The End of the World as We Know It” by Ken Auletta

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

“Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is Another Way for Africa” by Dambisa Moyo

WRITING

“How To Write Successful Fundraising Letters” by Mal Warwick

FICTION

• “The Hour I First Believed” by Wally Lamb
• “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz * my recommendation *
• “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett