The return to self—perhaps a bit cliché—was one of the most refreshing shifts many encountered last year. Still, it begs the question: why was there a need to return in the first place?
Two years ago, I had a brief conversation with a former boss about how the world was suddenly thrust into a new digital era. In the span of just two years, people experienced what might be the fastest technological turnover to date—what should have unfolded over five years happened in only two. After that conversation, the gears in my head started turning. It explained why it was so easy to get lost online, and why chronic digital burnout took such a toll on so many.
Everything became too accessible, yet we lacked the discipline to navigate it intentionally.
As 2025 came to an end, something shifted. Even for someone chronically online, it was fascinating to see content moving from short-form media to deeper analyses of literature, fashion, culture, and more. People were suddenly reaching for something real and purposeful—relearning how to create visuals in their minds instead of relying on screens, or turning to books as a way to absorb and retain content.
In this sense, it’s another kind of return to oneself—driven by a craving for knowledge and understanding. And what better way to satisfy that than through books? Timeless and enduring, they remind us to slow down and pace ourselves, both mentally and physically.
With just a few days into the new year, a fresh start (another cliché) becomes the default. Many are reaching for their shelves, letting books serve as guides to—well—anything. We asked a few industry insiders to recommend a book they’ve already read and would happily return to, or one they plan to start this year with.
Joel Andrade, Creative Director of ISSY Cosmetics
“If I had to casually recommend one book to start the year, it’s Grace: A Memoir.
“I find it really inspiring, especially if you’re on a creative path. It’s not loud or pushy. It reminds you that taste, patience, and commitment to your point of view actually matter, and that you don’t have to move at everyone else’s speed to make something meaningful.
“It’s not a ‘new year, new me’ book. It’s more a quiet reminder to stay curious, trust your instincts, and keep doing the work, even when it doesn’t feel immediate or obvious.”
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
₱1,740.80, Amazon
Pola Del Monte, a.k.a. Miss Chief Editor
“I’m excited to read A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot, which will be released in February. Gisèle’s story of surviving a harrowing sexual abuse experience is a call for people to challenge the culture of shame. In 2026, while women may still face the reality of sexual abuse, it is strength—not shame—that must define survivors.”
A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot
₱1,495, Fully Booked
Myrza Sison, Speaker, Host, Model, Journalist, and Editor-at-Large at Summit Media
“Funny, fearless, and unapologetically female—Mica writes the way we all wish we could bare it all. Her witty, brutally honest essays will make you smile, cringe, ache, and think hard about your own life, because they capture the real struggles and contradictions of being a Filipino woman today. Some Days I Wish I Was A Cat by Mica de Leon is a book you won’t forget.”
Some Days I Wish I Was A Cat by Mica de Leon
₱545, Lazada
Mara Go, Beauty Writer at MEGA
“The Passion According to G.H. became my entryway to Clarice Lispector, and ever since, I became a fan of her works. It was recommended to me by Miya Folick, an artist who released ROACH, an album that was inspired by the book itself.
“The story is a strange fiction that bites: taking you into a spiral of identity, life, and meaning that also leads you to confront your now: your day-to-day existence, your relationship with others, and your connection to your inner being. It’s a perfect read for those who feel like a lost bird or those who are curious about what is next and what can be found outside of their comfort.”
The Passion According to G.H by Clarice Lispector
₱3,729.10, Amazon
Firas Abboud, Writer and Editor
“Genzaburo Yoshino’s How Do You Live? easily comes to mind! It’s a coming-of-age story that will resonate with every age. Fun fact: It’s Hayao Miyazaki’s favorite childhood book!”
How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshin
₱559, Fully Booked
Tisha Alvarez-Fleming, Writer and Editor
“Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman is one of the best books I read in 2025. I read a lot of self-help books for work and they’re pretty similar, but this one hit a chord. Instead of telling you how to be more efficient, productive, and all that, Burkeman tells you that it’s simply impossible to check every item off your to-do list. He argues that you’ll never be able to do everything you want to do. So embrace the finiteness of life and commit to a few things that give your life meaning—then let go of the rest.”
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
₱1,140, Fully Booked
Caryll Cabuhat, Assistant Editor at The Beauty Edit
“One of the most striking books I encountered last year was Alain de Botton’s Essays in Love. It’s a highly introspective and philosophical read—part memoir, part essay, part guide—that doesn’t speak about love in the obvious sense, despite its title. Instead, it delves into the intimacies, misunderstandings, and subtle complexities that love brings.
“De Botton draws on literature, art, and philosophy as tools to provoke thought, offering a deeper understanding of what we often long for in connection. As someone who’s had her fair share of self-realizations, this book helped me see the many facets a person can reveal when love is involved. It’s a compelling read for anyone curious about the inner workings of love, relationships, and, in all honesty, the human heart.”
