Whether you’re a bookworm or just looking to pick up a good read to escape the perils of trash TV, Cityscape has pulled together our top 20 reads. 

1 / The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 
Not your typical self-help guide, you’ll be giggling and make some realisations along the way. Chapters include ‘Don’t Try’, ‘Happiness is a Problem’ and ‘You are Wrong About Everything (But So Am I)’. This is a reaction to the self-help industry and what Mark Manson sees as a culture of mindless positivity that isn't helpful to most. 

2 / Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth 
If you like Bridget Jones’s Diary then you’ll love this one. Shining a light on the misadventure of maturity, Adults is totally relatable and will have you chuckling. The story follows Jenny McLaine, a 35-year-old columnist who appears to be living the perfect life – that’s just on the surface though. There’s a common theme throughout of social media addiction and its effects. 
 
3 / Husna’s Story by Farid Ahmed 
Husna Ahmed was a victim of the mosque shootings in Christchurch on March 15 last year. She was shot while looking for her husband. In this book, Husna’s husband, Farid, recounts that harrowing day and tells her story – one of selflessness and bravery. With a philosophy of peace and love, Farid offers forgiveness. 
 
4 / Period Power by Maisie Hill
An insight to periods and hormones, the effects on your mind and body and how you can align your daily life with your menstrual cycle. Author Maisie Hill knows the power of working with your cycle and believes that our hormones can be used to help us get what we want out of our lives. By the end you’ll be able to identify personal patterns, powers and pitfalls for each phase, plan your month to perform at your best and what to do if you have a hormone imbalance. 
 
5 / Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson 
This inspirational read will help you to harness the power of dreaming. Part thought-provoking read and part journal, this book gives you the tools to start your own dream journal and walks you through how to bring it to life. Karlsson suggests that to get the most value from the book you do only one chapter per week and give yourself lots of time to reflect on the content and work you’ve done. 
 
6 / Big Sister Little Sister Red Sister by Jung Chang 
This is the true story of three extraordinary Soong sisters, who were born in Shanghai and lived their lives in the centre of power. There’s war, betrayal, politics and glamour to have you hooked to the story. Each of the sisters became successful in their own right and carried huge influence. The story spans the globe and is an intriguing insight to modern China. 
 
7 / Kieran Read: Straight 8 with Scotty Stevenson
Captain of the All Blacks and world-class rugby player Kieran Read shares some insight to life behind the jersey. He lifts the lid on the pressures of succeeding as the captain and explores decisions that shaped his career. There’s also an inside account on how the top team thrive and work together. 
 
8 / The Foundling by Stacey Halls
This fictional story carries a seed of historical truth as it tells the story of Bess Bright, who gives birth to an illegitimate daughter in 1747 whom she cannot afford to keep. When the child is six, Bess tries to reclaim her, but soon discovers that her daughter was removed from the hospital by someone claiming to be her mother. 
 
9 / Me: Elton John
He has gifted the world some absolute bangers and has lived a life of drama; Elton John’s long-awaited memoir does not disappoint. Elton reflects on his music and life so far. He discusses good and bad times and gives insight to his family life. Stories he shares include disco dancing with Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, his drug addiction and his friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael. 
 
10 / The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 
This book has established itself as a life-changing tale. Reportedly Will Smith’s favourite book, it will change your outlook on the world and help you to appreciate the small things in life – after all, it’s about the journey, not the destination. The underlying message is to follow your dreams, listen to your heart and learn to read the omens along your journey. Get inspired! 
 
11 / The Invisible Load by Dr Libby Weaver 
Everyone gets a little overwhelmed, especially in these trying times, but Dr Libby has insight on where this stress comes from, why our stress levels continue to rise and how to unpack it to reduce these levels. Illuminate your own invisible load and understand where the sense of overwhelm is coming from. The perfect read to reset before returning to busy daily life. 
 
12 / The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers by Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld 
Get some garden inspo and learn the importance of soil health and gathering from your yard. The photos are enough to have you wanting to plant flowers everywhere and it explores topics such as organic and biodynamic growing, arranging and selling your flowers, growing through the seasons and the tools you’ll need to have the most enviable garden on the block. 
 
13 / On Being Nice: The School of Life from Pepa Stationery
This book wants to help us be nicer and to connect with those around us. It is full of tips and inspo to be less irritable, more patient, ready to listen – a little warmer and less prickly. The hot tip – niceness is compatible with strength and is no indicator of naivety.

14 / Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Far from being a pseudo-manual on how to catch a wave, Let My People Go Surfing is the memoir of Yvon Chouinard – the prolific climber, environmentalist and businessman who founded outdoor and adventure brand Patagonia. Whether keeping you warm and dry in the backcountry or on a recent walk around the park, Patagonia products have developed an almost cult following for their superior quality and progressively ethical business model. This is a thought-provoking read for outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.
 
15 / My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha by Jolie Kerr
A hilarious and practical guide to cleaning up life’s little emergencies. Author Jolie Kerr is the force behind the hit column ‘Ask a Clean Person’ and her signature sass fills this book with funny takes on questions from how do I use a mop to what should I do when bottles of home-brewed ginger beer explode in my kitchen. Your house will be sparkling in no time. 
 
16 / How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
You might find yourself with some extra time on your hands in the coming weeks and wanting to try something new. Author Orson Scott Card (the guy who wrote Ender’s Game) has written this book to show you how to explore the endless boundaries of your imagination and put these into words. Develop new creative talents and delve into your potential – you might surprise yourself. 
 
17 / The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters 
Alice Waters has selected timeless and approachable recipes to showcase great ingredients and just how simple cooking great food can be. She focuses on locally-produced and seasonal foods that will have your taste buds zinging. Her philosophy is that a perfect meal is balanced in texture, colour and flavour – something you easily can incorporate in your daily meals. 
 
18 / Jupiter’s Travels by Ted Simon
A narration of Simon’s four-year journey through 126,00km across 45 countries on his beloved Triumph Tiger 100 500cc motorcycle in the 1970s. It’s super uplifting and the compelling read will give you wanderlust. His travels involved living with peasants and presidents, through wars and revolutions and is part of the inspiration behind Ewan McGregor’s own motorcycle escapade, which was documented in the popular Long Way Round series. Get on ya bike! 
 
19 / The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 
You may have seen the popular series starring Elisabeth Moss, and if you enjoyed it, the book is worth a read. Set in the Republic of Gilead, Atwood pushes the boundaries and really makes you think as she tells the story of Offred, a handmaid who’s only role is to breed. If she deviates, she will be hanged or sent to die slowly; if she succeeds, the future is not much brighter. 
 
20 / Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
First published in 1961, Catch-22 is a satirical novel that examines the absurdity of war and military life. The protagonist, John Yossarian, and his fellow airmen are attempting to maintain their sanity while fulfilling service requirements so they can return home but find themselves stuck in the original Catch-22. There are twists and turns, and an upbeat ending that will leave you wanting more.