¹ I did consider going sharing more details in this footnote. But I figured that would be a little hypocritical.

² My other rule is that my posts must be at least somewhat entertaining. Even if it's a dry topic - or maybe, especially if it's a dry topic.

And yes, I'm sure I don't hit the mark with all my posts. But hey, I try.

³ Which allows you to borrow books using your NLB subscription. Thousands of books and magazines at your fingertips, accessible in the comfort of your own home, free of charge. I cannot recommend it enough.

⁴ It doesn't mean I read 136 books, mind you:
- I'm still in the middle of a few books;
- I didn't finish some books; and
- some of these books were re-reads.

My rough estimate is that I finished between 100 and 110 books. It would have been more, except that in late November, I purchased Balatro. IYKYK.

⁵ h/t to Rebecca Soh for asking a question that eventually triggered this.

⁶ Strictly speaking, I borrowed this in December 2023. But what the heck - "books I borrowed from December 2023 to December 2024" is too much of a mouthful. Anyway, this isn't a book about productivity hacks. It's about how to be mindful and live in the moment.

⁷ I've never been one for New Year's Resolutions. But this book helped me to unpack (a) why I've failed in various attempts to build certain habits over the years; (b) how I can improve the odds of implementing positive, lasting change.

⁸ We are often told of the need to specialise in a particular skillset, and earlier rather than later. This book suggests a different perspective.

⁹ This book is about running a restaurant, not a law firm. But it's helpful for anyone in a service-based industry.

¹⁰ I think I first read this book in my 20s. Of all the books I've read in the last few decades, it's probably had the most influence (hah) on how I approach people and relationships.

¹¹ If you think that running your own legal practice is hard, try being the owner of a small furniture maker.

¹² Essential reading for those who want to approach their relationship with money in a more conscious and deliberate manner.

¹³ One day, when I die, my kids might not get much inheritance in the form of cash. If so, this book might be a significant contributing factor.

¹⁴ This book is a little intense, and the steps it suggests for fiscal management are probably not for everyone. But it contains several practical tips for those who would like to control their finances better but are not sure how to begin.

¹⁵ On the difference between looking wealthy, and being wealthy.

¹⁶ Investments 101. Helpful for those of us who are not trust fund babies, and who would like to eventually reach a stage in our lives where we work for fun and not because we have to pay the bills.

¹⁷ Of Freakonomics fame.

¹⁸ Nerdy as heck. Also, the author is a fellow user of copious footnotes.

¹⁹ I also read quite fair bit of investigative journalism, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction and non-fiction, and biographies.

²⁰ For example, Atom Habits left me cold. I mean, if you read it and found it helpful, jolly good and I'm happy for you! But I find it difficult to recommend a book that didn't click with me personally.

²¹ To put things in context, about half of my bookshelf space is taken up by about 70 graphic novels / trade paperbacks, including The Absolute Sandman Vols I - IV.