We hate this time of year. It’s when Stan (http://branddna NULL.blogspot NULL.com) gets a break. He thinks it’s well deserved, but we think he should write Whip’s all year round, don’t you? Jokes! Merry Christmas, y’all!

This is my last Whip for 2011, so I thought I’d leave you with some summer holiday reading.

There’s still a few days till Christmas, so maybe put one of the books on your list for Santa.

Merry Christmas!

ReWork – Jason Fried (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324173569&sr=1-1)

I finished this book yesterday. It’s brilliant. There are more wise observations and important life lessons between its pages than any work related book I have ever read.

Just Friends – Patti Smith (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/Just-Kids-Patti-Smith/dp/0060936223/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324173650&sr=1-1)

If you want to live a creative life, then this wonderful book is for you. Patti knew from a young age that she was an artist and for me defines what being creative person is all about.

Hegarty on Advertising – John Hegarty (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/Hegarty-Advertising-John/dp/0500515565/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324173669&sr=1-1)

Get past the retina scorching orange cover and discover dozens of insightful tales of adland, ideas, creativity, boxer shorts and why you should always zig when others zag.

The Slap – Christos Tsiolkas (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/Slap-Novel-Christos-Tsiolkas/dp/0143117149/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324173684&sr=1-1)

Being a good observer of people makes you a good writer. Being a good listener makes you a good writer. Nobody has observed, listened or written about suburban Australia quite like Christos Tsiolkas.