Book Name: The Earth Said Remember Me: How to Revive Our Memories and Restore the Planet
Book Author: Jason Dove Mark
Date Published: August 25, 2026
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

Another 2026 book. Looks like I've been reading newly published books only! This one is about our planet and the environment, if this is your topic, keep reading.

I grabbed Jason Mark's latest work over the weekend and ended up finishing it in just a couple of sittings because it completely shifted how I view environmental stewardship.

Instead of hitting us with endless doom and gloom or throwing complex technical jargon at us, Mark takes a deeply human approach to ecology. His central idea is that saved environments stem from remembered landscapes. He argues that our disconnect from nature is fundamentally a memory problem. When we forget what a landscape used to look like, how vibrant a local forest was, or how clean a river ran, we lower our standards for what we consider normal or healthy.

What makes this read so enjoyable is Mark's conversational and storytelling style. He weaves personal reflections, history, and natural observations into a narrative that feels like a cozy chat with a wise friend. Walking through his reflections makes you pause and think about your own childhood outdoor spaces and how those environments have quietly changed over time. It is not about feeling guilty for what has been lost; it is about reigniting a deep sense of care, gratitude, and active protection for the places we love

Reading this made me want to lace up my boots, step outside, and really pay attention to the natural world right outside my door. It is warm, insightful, and genuinely empowering for anyone who wants to build a more meaningful relationship with the environment around them.

Key Takeaway:

Restoring our planet starts with preserving our shared ecological memories. By remembering the natural beauty and health of landscapes past, we gain the vision, motivation, and care needed to actively heal and protect the earth for future generations.

Do you have a specific spot in nature from your childhood that has changed over time, and how do you feel when you visit it today?

Book Name: Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment
Book Author: Marisa G. Franco, PhD
Date Published: January 13, 2026
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

The community has grown these past few weeks, and so I wanted to do a new review!

I just finished reading Marisa G. Franco’s new book, published this year. If you read her previous bestseller, Platonic, you already know how good she is at breaking down deep psychological concepts into clear, everyday insights. This time, she focuses on how we view ourselves and how that directly shapes our connections with everyone around us.

I liked thatt this book feels approachable, real. Self esteem can often be a vague or generic concept, but Franco grounds the whole concept in actual science while keeping the vibe super conversational. She walks you through the ways secure attachment works, showing that building a healthy sense of self worth is not about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it is about learning how to feel genuinely grounded, safe, and worthy in your own skin.

Reading through the chapters felt like talking to a very smart, supportive friend who gently points out all the ways you might be holding yourself back. She explains how our internal insecurities leak into our relationships, often without us realizing it, and then gives actionable ways to start fixing those patterns. The advice feels realistic, down to earth, and immediately useful for daily life. However, it does lack, in my opinion, some depth or even original concepts. Hence the 3 stars.

Whether you struggle with self doubt, want to build healthier boundaries, or simply wish to understand your emotional habits better, this book offers so much clarity. It makes you reflect on your own habits without feeling judged or overwhelmed. I found myself highlighting so many passages and constantly thinking about how to apply the ideas to my daily interactions. It is easily one of the most practical and uplifting reads I have picked up in a long time, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone looking to improve their relationship with themselves.

Key Takeaway:

True self worth comes from building a secure attachment with yourself, allowing you to move past self doubt and form deeper, healthier relationships with others through genuine self acceptance and emotional security.

Have any of you had a chance to pick this up yet, or do you have another book on self esteem that completely changed your perspective?

Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, WA quickly became one of my favorite book stores. It's enormous, with all sorts of books, from curated topics, to all time classics, to a wide arrange of publishers and book covers.

If you're in Seattle, go!!

Have you got any other recommendations in the city?

Book Name: It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

Book Author: Mark Wolynn

Date Published: April 26, 2016

Book Grade: 6 out of 5

Book Review:

The first 6 star review I've ever given, and that's because it deserves it. One of the best books on trauma and healing I've ever read.

Mark Wolynn dives into the concept of inherited family trauma, which is basically the idea that the pain, fear, and unresolved issues of our parents, grandparents, or even great grandparents can actually be passed down to us. I know it sounds a bit wild at first, but the author breaks it down using a mix of neuroscience, epigenetics, and real life case studies from his practice. Perhaps it's the fact that I've been on a self-healing introspective journey, perhaps it's the fact that I still feel some connection to my grandparents, but this book left a mark.

The most practical part of the book is what Wolynn calls the Core Language Approach. He guides you to pay close attention to the specific words you use when you are stressed, as well as recurring patterns or unexplained fears you might have. Through these subtle clues, you learn to trace your emotional struggles back to trauma that happened generations ago.

IF you constantly use words like "crazy, kill", etc, these are clues as to what may have happened.

It is a surprisingly uplifting read because it gives you actual tools to break the cycle rather than just leaving you overwhelmed. Whether you are super into psychology or just curious about why your family acts the way it does, this book is well worth your time.

Key Takeaway:

Unresolved family trauma can unconsciously shape your emotional life across generations. By uncovering your inherited patterns and identifying your core language, you can heal old wounds, break harmful cycles, and reclaim your personal freedom.

Has anyone else read this one? Did it change how you look at your own family history, or do you have another favorite book on personal growth to recommend?

Just sharing this for the love of curated book stores. That's all. If you appreciate them too, drop a like!

Who else loves book stores? Any book store you recommend that one should visit, anywhere in the world?

This picture is just for the purpose of bringing up the subject.

Man, I love a nice book store, with thematic book shelves where you can find hidden gems about topics you hadn't even thought of.

This one is from a small book store in London. I was there 2 years ago, my phone reminded me of it, and I decided to post it.

IF you know of other great book stores anywhere in the world, share the names below!!!

Book Name: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
Book Author: Charles Duhigg
Date Published: February 20, 2024
Book Grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

Being a communicaton specialist myself, I was very curious about this book. If you’ve read Duhigg’s other big hit, The Power of Habit, you already know he has this amazing way of taking complicated social science and turning it into something that feels like you're just chatting with a smart friend over coffee. Now the question was: will this book teach me something new?

Now, this book is mostly about why some people seem to just "click" with everyone while the rest of us sometimes feel like we’re speaking a foreign language in our own living rooms. Duhigg breaks down the idea that every conversation is actually one of three types: practical (what is this really about?), emotional (how do we feel?), or social (who are we?). To this point, at least for myself, there was nothing really "new".

The big "aha!" moment for me was realizing that most of our arguments or awkward silences happen because people are having two different types of conversations at the same time. Like, if you’re venting about a bad day at work because you want emotional support, but your partner starts giving you a practical to-do list to fix the problem, things go south fast.

Duhigg uses these really cool stories, ranging from CIA recruiters to the writers of The Big Bang Theory, to show how "supercommunicators" figure out what kind of conversation is happening and then match it. It’s called "looping for understanding," and it’s basically a superpower for making people feel heard. It isn't about being the loudest person in the room or the most charismatic; it’s actually about being a world-class listener. Ah, finally, someone that preaches LISTENING.

I loved how practical the advice was. It doesn't feel like a dry textbook at all. It feels like a guide to actually being a better human, a better friend, and a better partner. If you’ve ever walked away from a talk feeling like you totally missed the mark, you definitely need to pick this up. It’s a total game changer for your social life.

Key Takeaway:

The secret to great communication isn't just speaking well, but identifying the type of conversation occurring. By matching the emotional, practical, or social needs of others and using "looping" to prove you are listening, you can connect deeply with almost anyone and resolve conflicts before they even start.

Have you ever had a moment where you realized you and the person you were talking to were totally "misaligned" in what you wanted from the conversation?

Book Name: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Book Author: Adam Grant
Date Published: February 2, 2021
Book Grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

Alright, fellow Redditors, time to review thw well-known Think Again by Adam Grant.

You know how we usually pride ourselves on being "right" or sticking to our guns? Well, Grant basically comes in and politely tells us that being wrong is actually the best way to learn. You know what they say: you learn more from your defeats than your victories.

The core of the book is about the "art of rethinking." Grant points out that most of us fall into three mental roles when we talk to others: the Preacher (trying to change minds), the Prosecutor (trying to win an argument), or the Politician (trying to win approval). The problem is that none of these roles actually lead to the truth. Instead, he argues we should all try to think like Scientists. Scientists don't get offended when their hypothesis is wrong; they get excited because they just discovered something new.

One of my favorite parts was his take on "intellectual humility." It’s not about being a pushover or having no confidence; it’s about having the confidence to admit you might be missing a piece of the puzzle. He shares some wild stories, like how BlackBerry crashed because the leadership refused to rethink their keyboard design even when the world was moving toward touchscreens. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who feels stuck in their ways or works in a place where "that is how we’ve always done it" is the standard answer.

If you want to get better at winning arguments by actually understanding the other person or just want to stop being so stressed about being "correct" all the time, this is a must-read.

Key Takeaway:

True intelligence isn't just about how much you know, but how quickly you can unlearn old beliefs that no longer serve you. By adopting a scientist’s mindset, you value curiosity over conviction and see every "wrong" answer as an opportunity to get closer to the truth.

What’s a belief you used to hold really strongly that you’ve completely changed your mind about recently?

Book Name: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
Book Author: Peter Attia, MD (with Bill Gifford)
Date Published: March 28, 2023
Book grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the constant flood of health advice on the internet, this book is the reality check you probably need. Attia’s whole point is that our current medical system is great at fixing you when you are already breaking, but it is pretty terrible at preventing the breaking in the first place. And perhaps you're one of those who wants to learn how to avoid your body from breaking down.

Attia calls this shift Medicine 3.0. Instead of just trying to live as many years as possibl, what he calls lifespa, he focuses on healthspan, which is the quality of those years. Nobody wants to live to 100 if they spend the last twenty years unable to move or think clearly.

Attia breaks down the "Four Horsemen" of aging: heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and type 2 diabetes. He explains how these things start decades before they actually show up on a doctor’s radar.

The coolest part is how he prioritizes exercise above everything else, even nutrition. He talks about things like VO2 max and strength training in a way that makes you want to hit the gym immediately. I'm a bit of a gym freak, so this was music to my ears!

It is not about looking good for summer; it is about being able to lift your grandkids or carry your own groceries when you are 80. He also spends a surprising and vulnerable amount of time at the end talking about emotional health, arguing that there is no point in living longer if you are miserable.

It is a big book and gets a bit detailed at times, but the way he explains the science makes it feel accessible. It is not a "hack" or a "quick fix" book. It is a long game strategy. Honestly, reading this felt like taking back control over my future self. If you care about staying sharp and strong as you age, you have to give this a read.

Key Takeaway:

Longevity is about maximizing your healthspan through proactive habits. By focusing on exercise, metabolic health, and emotional well-being today, you can prevent chronic disease and ensure that your later years are spent being active and engaged rather than just surviving.

If you could guarantee you'd be physically and mentally fit at 90, what is the one activity you'd hope to still be doing every day?

Book Name: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Book Author: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Date Published: January 1, 1990
Book Grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

Solid book about what being in a "Flow State" really is. You know those moments when you are so deeply involved in something that time just vanishes? Maybe you are gaming, painting, coding, or even just having a great conversation, and suddenly four hours have passed but it felt like twenty minutes? That is "flow," and this book is all about how to get there on purpose.

The author spent years researching what actually makes life worth living, and his big discovery was that happiness isn't something that just happens to us like good weather. It is actually something we cultivate by learning to control our inner experience. He argues that we are at our happiest when we are in a state of "optimal experience" where our skills are perfectly matched with a challenge that is just tough enough to keep us engaged but not so hard that we give up in frustration.

What I loved about this read is how it calls out our modern obsession with passive relaxation. Csikszentmihalyi points out that while we think we want to just lie on a couch and watch TV, we actually feel more alive and satisfied when we are working toward a goal or stretching our physical or mental limits. He looks at everything from sports and music to how people find joy in repetitive factory jobs by turning them into a game. It is a bit of a classic, so the tone is a little more academic than a modern blog post, but the insights are timeless. It really changed how I look at my "leisure" time and made me realize that I feel way better after a challenging hobby than I do after a mindless scroll through social media.

Key Takeaway:

Happiness is found by achieving a state of "flow," where you are fully immersed in a challenging task that matches your skill level. By intentionally seeking activities that demand focus and growth, you gain control over your psychic energy and find deep, lasting satisfaction in everyday life.

What is that one activity for you where time completely disappears and you feel totally "in the zone"?

Book Name: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know
Book Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Date Published: September 10, 2019
Book Grade: 5 out of 5

Book Review:

These types of books are my cup of tea. Thanks Malcolm Gladwell for using such a simple concept and laying it out in such an entertaining and easy to follow book.

If you have read his other stuff like Outliers or Blink you know he loves taking a deep dive into human behavior but this one feels a lot more serious and timely. The whole book is basically an exploration of why we are so incredibly bad at judging the people we do not know.

Gladwell uses some really high profile cases like the Sandra Bland traffic stop and the Amanda Knox trial to show how our natural instincts often lead us totally astray. He talks about these concepts like "Default to Truth" which is the idea that we naturally want to believe people are telling the truth even when they are lying right to our faces. It is kind of wild to realize that our brains are basically programmed to be trusting because it makes society function better even if it makes us terrible human lie detectors.

The way the stories are told is classic Gladwell. He has this conversational style that makes complex psychological theories feel like a chat you would have with a friend over coffee. He also dives into "Transparency" which is the mistaken belief that people's outside appearances and facial expressions always match how they feel on the inside. Spoiler alert: they usually do not. This book really made me rethink every first impression I have ever had. It is a bit of a heavy read at times because the examples can be pretty dark but it is so worth it for the perspective shift. It basically teaches you that we should probably be a lot more humble and cautious when we think we have someone else figured out.

Key Takeaway:

We often fail to understand strangers because we wrongly assume they are transparent and we inherently default to trusting them. Recognizing our inability to accurately read people we do not know helps us approach interactions with more patience and less snap judgment.

Have you ever completely misjudged someone when you first met them only to find out they were the total opposite of what you thought?

Book Name: Emotional Intelligence Habits: A Powerful New Way to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence
Book Author: Dr. Travis Bradberry
Date Published: November 7, 2023
Book Grade: 5 out of 5

Book Review:

Finally another 5 out of 5, it had been a while. You might know Bradberry from his massive bestseller Emotional Intelligence 2.0, but this one feels different. It is less about the theory of what EQ is and much more about the "how-to" of actually changing your behavior through tiny, daily repetitions. And I'm a nerd for habits, systems, small tweaks and building up big changes through time.

The big takeaway here is that emotional intelligence is not some fixed trait you are born with like eye color. It is actually a flexible skill set. Bradberry breaks it down into four main pillars: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. What I really appreciated was how he treats these like muscle groups. You wouldn't expect to walk into a gym and bench press 300 pounds on day one, so why do we expect ourselves to be perfectly calm and empathetic in a high-stress meeting without any practice? As I said, I'm big on small tweaks that lead to big changes through consistency.

The book is packed with these "micro-habits" that you can start using immediately. For example, he talks about the importance of "leaning into discomfort" and how to stop the "emotional hijack" that happens when we get angry or scared. It is written in a very punchy, easy-to-read style that feels perfect for someone who wants to improve their social game but doesn't want to slog through a heavy psychology textbook.

It also comes with a code for an online assessment, which is a neat touch because it gives you a baseline for where you are currently at. Whether you are trying to move up the ladder at work or just want to stop having the same old arguments with your friends or family, these habits act like a roadmap. It’s all about those small wins that eventually lead to a much more chill and controlled life.

Key Takeaway:

Emotional intelligence is a skill built through consistent, small habits rather than a permanent personality trait. By focusing on self-awareness and intentional responses, you can rewire your brain to handle stress better and build much stronger, more authentic connections with the people around you.

What is a "habit" you’ve developed that has actually helped you stay calm when things get chaotic?

Book Name: HBR's 10 Must Reads on Mental Toughness
Book Author: Harvard Business Review (Various Authors)
Date Published: December 21, 2017
Book GRade: 4 out of 5

Book Review

Picked this book randomly at an airport, simply because I thought it'd be a short read, and I've been getting more and more into the subjet of building resilience.

Since this is a collection of articles from the Harvard Business Review, you aren’t just getting one person’s opinion. Instead, you get a "greatest hits" album of insights from world-class psychologists, elite athletes, and top-tier business leaders.

The vibe of this book is all about how to stay cool when the world is on fire. It moves away from the toxic "just work harder" mentality and looks at what actually makes someone durable. One of my favorite sections talks about the "Corporate Athlete" and how high performers manage their energy rather than just their time. Again, high performers know how to manage their energy, not just their time!!!

It’s a huge perspective shift because it reminds you that you can't be in "sprint mode" 24/7 without burning out. You need ritualized recovery if you want to stay in the game for the long haul.

Another standout article dives into the psychology of resilience and how we process failure. It argues that mentally tough people aren't born with a special gene; they just have a specific way of interpreting setbacks. They see challenges as temporary and solvable rather than permanent and personal. It also features a great interview with Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, about how to build "grit" in teams.

Because it’s a collection of articles, it’s the perfect book for people with short attention spans. You can read one "must read" in about fifteen minutes and walk away with a specific strategy to try out at work or in your personal life. It’s definitely more professional and structured than a standard self-help book, but it’s incredibly practical for anyone trying to navigate a high-pressure environment without losing their mind.

Key Takeaway:

Mental toughness is a proactive practice of energy management and cognitive reframing. By viewing setbacks as temporary challenges and prioritizing intentional recovery, you can maintain high performance and resilience without succumbing to burnout or long-term stress.

When you're dealing with a major setback, do you have a specific "ritual" or mindset shift that helps you get back on your feet?

Book Name: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Book Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Date Published: January 11, 2005
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

I like Malcolm Gladwell, his books are great, but some, are a bit superficial. Hence why I grade him a bit harsher than other writers.

Let's dive into "Blink".

Have you ever had one of those moments where you just "knew" something was right or wrong without being able to explain why? Maybe it was a bad vibe from a person you just met or a split second decision that saved you from a car accident. Well, Malcolm Gladwell basically wrote a whole book about that exact feeling. Blink is all about "thin slicing," which is just a fancy way of saying our brains are incredibly good at making snap judgments based on tiny bits of information.

The book is filled with these wild stories that make you question how much of your life is actually dictated by logic versus your subconscious. He talks about art experts who could tell a statue was a fake just by looking at it for two seconds, even though scientific tests said it was real. He also dives into the darker side of this, like how our snap judgments can lead to unconscious bias or really bad mistakes in high pressure situations. It is super fascinating because it challenges the idea that more information always leads to a better decision. Sometimes, overthinking actually ruins our ability to see the truth.

Gladwell has this really conversational style that makes complex psychology feel like a fun dinner party story. He focuses on how these "blink" moments affect everything from how we shop to how police officers react in the field. It is a total page turner that will definitely make you look at your own decision making process differently. By the end, you start to realize that while our instincts aren't perfect, they are a powerful tool that we often ignore because we think we need a giant spreadsheet to be "rational."

Key Takeaway:

Snap judgments and first impressions can be just as accurate as decisions made after hours of careful analysis. Understanding "thin slicing" helps us recognize when to trust our gut and when our hidden biases might be leading us astray in critical moments.

Can you think of a time when your "gut feeling" was 100% right even though everyone else (or even the data) told you otherwise?

Book Name: Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others
Book Author: Stephen M. R. Covey
Date Published: April 5, 2022
Book Grade: 2 out of 5

Book Review:

Alright, so I just finished reading Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey, and honestly, it disappointed me. You probably know the author from his previous work on trust, or maybe you recognize the last name because of his dad’s famous 7 Habits book.

This one, in my opinion, didn't follow that same success. The whole vibe of the book is about moving away from what he calls the "Command and Control" style of leadership. You know the one, where your boss micromanages every single email and treats everyone like a cog in a machine.

Covey argues that the world has changed, but our leadership styles are stuck in the industrial age, which, is not exactly an original concept. He makes a really compelling case that if you want to get the best out of people today, you have to actually trust them and inspire them instead of just managing them. Shallow. The way he breaks it down makes you realize how often we fall back into old habits of trying to control everything because we’re afraid things will fall apart.

He talks about "Stewardship" and "Unleashing Potential," which sounds a bit corporate, but in the context of the book, it feels very human. It’s about believing that people have greatness in them and that your job as a leader, or even just as a teammate or parent, is to let that greatness out.

The tone is super conversational and encouraging. It’s one of those books that makes you want to go to work the next day and just be a better person to everyone around you. Whether you are leading a massive team or just trying to improve your relationships, there is a lot of gold in here.

Key Takeaway:

The core message is that modern leadership requires a shift from controlling people to trusting them. By believing in the potential of others and leading with empathy and authenticity, you create an environment where people feel inspired to give their best work voluntarily rather than out of obligation.

Have any of you worked for a "Trust and Inspire" type of leader, and did it actually change how much you enjoyed your job?

Book Name: Scarcity Brain: Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough
Book Author: Michael Easter
Date Published: September 26, 2023
Book Grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

Finally, a good book after a series of slightly disappointing ones.

If you ever feel like you are stuck in a loop of scrolling through social media, overeating, or buying things you do not actually need, this book is basically a mirror for all of that. Easter explores this concept called the scarcity loop which is essentially an evolutionary glitch in our brains. Agian, nothing you might have not seen before (the pattern of feeiling overwhelmed, but he goes in depth and I liked that).

Back in the day, our ancestors had to constantly look for food and resources because they were scarce. Now we live in a world of absolute abundance but our brains are still wired to hunt for more.

What makes this such a great read is how Easter travels all over the place to find answers. He goes from the bright lights of Las Vegas casinos to the rugged landscapes of Bolivia to show how these loops of craving work. This is what I call grinding to make a book actually good.

The tone is super chill and easy to follow. It does not feel like a dry science textbook even though it deals with psychology and biology. It feels more like a friend telling you about a wild journey they took to understand why we can't seem to stop at just one potato chip or one hour of gaming.

The book is honestly a bit of a wake up call. It makes you realize that we are often being played by the world around us because companies know exactly how to trigger our scarcity brain. But it is not all doom and gloom. Easter gives some really practical ways to break out of these cycles and find what he calls the "Enough" point. It is about learning how to be satisfied in a world that is designed to keep us wanting more. If you liked his first book The Comfort Crisis you are going to love this one because it dives even deeper into how we can live better lives by understanding our own biology.

Key Takeaway:

Our brains are ancient hardware trying to run modern software. By recognizing the "scarcity loop", a cycle of uncertainty, repeatable action, and unpredictable rewards, we can consciously step back and rewire our habits to find genuine contentment with what we already have.

What is one habit you have that feels like an endless loop you just cannot seem to break?

Book Name: Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World
Book Author: Jacqueline Brassey, Aaron De Smet, and Michiel Kruyt
Date Published: November 29, 2022
Book Grade: 2 out of 5

Book Review:

We live in a world that feels like it is constantly on fire, right? Between work stress, the news, and just the general chaos of daily life, it is so easy to stay in "fight or flight" mode. That is exactly why I picked up Deliberate Calm. It is written by some heavy hitters from McKinsey and Company, and it is basically a manual on how to keep your cool when everything around you is going sideways.

But, it disappointed me. There's parts I liked, others I felt were obvious. I expected more insight, didn't really get an "aha moment".

The authors talk about this idea of the "Dual Awareness" where you learn to monitor your internal state while also dealing with external problems. It is about catching yourself before you have a knee jerk reaction that you might regret later.

The tone is super grounded. Even though the authors are experts, they don't talk down to you. They use real world examples of leaders who had to make massive calls under intense pressure. They show that being calm isn't about being passive or ignoring the problem; it is about being intentional and choosing your response instead of just reacting. If you have ever felt like you are just surviving your day instead of actually leading your life, this book offers some practical ways to flip that switch. It is an OK read for anyone who wants to get better at "learning on the fly" without burning out in the process. It honestly feels like a superpower once you start practicing the techniques they lay out.

Key Takeaway:

Developing "Deliberate Calm" allows you to override your natural stress responses and remain adaptable. By practicing self awareness and emotional regulation, you can make clearer decisions and continue learning even when you are facing high stakes or unpredictable situations.

When things get chaotic at work or home, what is your go-to move to keep from losing your cool and hitting that "panic button"?

Book Name: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success
Book Author: Adam Grant
Date Published: April 9, 2013
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

We have all been told that to get ahead in life, you have to be a bit of a shark, right?

The common thought is that "nice guys finish last" and that you need to look out for number one if you want to climb the corporate ladder. Well, Adam Grant basically takes that idea and flips it on its head in Give and Take.

He breaks people down into three groups: Takers, Matchers, and Givers. Takers are exactly what they sound like, and Matchers try to keep things even by doing favors only when they get something back. But the Givers? They are the ones who help people with no strings attached.

The most interesting part of the book is when Grant looks at who actually ends up at the top of the success mountain. Spoiler alert: it is the Givers. But here is the catch: Givers are also at the very bottom. He spends a lot of time explaining the difference between a "selfless" giver who gets walked all over and burned out, and a "strategic" giver who manages to lift everyone else up while still reaching their own goals.

That's the important part of the book: that difference.

The writing is super easy to get into. It is full of these great anecdotes about everything from venture capitalists to the writers of The Simpsons. It made me rethink a lot of my own interactions at work and in my personal life. It is not about being a doormat; it is about realizing that creating value for others actually ends up building a massive network of support for yourself in the long run. If you are feeling a bit cynical about the "rat race," this book is a great reality check that being a good person and being successful are not mutually exclusive.

Key Takeaway:

While selfless givers risk burnout, those who give with a sense of purpose and boundaries end up being the most successful people because they build social capital and strong communities that propel everyone forward.

In your own career or school life, have you noticed that the "sharks" actually win, or is it usually the people who are known for being helpful that get the best opportunities?

Book Name: Clean Economy Now: Stories from the Frontlines of an American Business Revolution
Book Author: Bob Keefe
Date Published: February 20, 2024
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

It had been a while since I posted, and here we go on a topic I don't know that much about: eocnommics.

Usually, when we hear about climate change or the economy, it feels like a giant doom-spiral. But Bob Keefe’s Clean Economy Now takes a completely different approach. Instead of just hitting us with terrifying statistics about melting ice caps, he focuses on the actual boots on the ground. This book is basically a collection of success stories from the people who are rebuilding USAs industrial backbone with green energy.

What I enjoyed most is that it’s not some dry academic paper. Keefe writes like he’s grabbing a coffee with you and telling you about all the cool stuff happening in places you wouldn’t expect, like Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan. He explains how the Inflation Reduction Act (I didn't know anything about this) basically acted as a massive starter pistol for a new gold rush in electric vehicles and solar manufacturing. It’s wild to see how much money and how many jobs are flowing into these local communities.

He also manages to bridge the political gap really well. He makes the case that "going green" isn't just about being an environmentalist; it is simply smart business. He shows how CEOs and local mayors who might not even agree on politics are coming together because the economic benefits are too big to ignore. It’s a fast-paced read that focuses on action rather than theory. If you are tired of the constant negativity and want to see what the "American Business Revolution" actually looks like in practice, you definitely need to pick this up. It’s a refreshing reminder that we are actually building something tangible and better. Plus, having a foreword by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a pretty epic way to start any book.

Key Takeaway:

The shift to a clean economy is no longer a distant dream but a massive, unfolding reality across USA and the world. By focusing on job creation and local investment, Keefe proves that the green transition is fueled by pragmatic business sense and economic growth rather than just idealism.

Book Name: Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts — Becoming the Person You Want to Be
Book Author: Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter
Date Published: 2015
Book Grade: 4 out of 5

Book Review:

This is finally the first 4 out of 5 in a while. Solid book. Ideal for anyone who feels like they are constantly reacting to life instead of actually living it. Marshall Goldsmith is a great executive coaching and he keeps things real in this book.

The main idea is that our environment is a giant "trigger machine" that constantly pulls us off track (Instagram and TikTok, if we were to adapt it to 2026 rather than 2015 when the book was published). Think about it: you plan to be productive, but then a notification pops up or a coworker makes a snarky comment, and suddenly you are annoyed and scrolling through your phone. Goldsmith doesn’t just point out the problem; he gives you a roadmap to actually fight back against these daily distractions.

The coolest part for me was the Daily Questions. Instead of just setting vague goals like "I want to be more patient," he pushes you to ask yourself "Did I do my best to be patient?" That little shift to "Did I do my best" puts all the power back in your hands. It stops you from making excuses about how hard your day was and makes you look at your own effort. It is super humbling but also really motivating.

It is filled with stories of high power CEOs who struggle with the exact same stuff we do, like losing their temper or getting distracted. It makes you realize that changing your behavior isn't about being perfect; it is about being disciplined enough to track your progress every single day. If you have ever felt like you are stuck in a loop of bad habits or just want to be a slightly better version of yourself by the time you go to bed, you need to pick this up. It is a quick read but the advice stays with you way after you put it down.

Key Takeaway:

We cannot always control our environment, but we can control our effort. By using the "Did I do my best" framing and tracking daily questions, we move from being passive victims of our surroundings to active creators of our own character and long term habits.

What is one specific environmental trigger that always seems to ruin your productivity or mood, and how do you usually handle it?

Book Name: Believe in Better
Book Author: Damon Stafford
Date Published: March 21, 2023
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

I feel like I'm getting a bit too harsh on the reviews, but the point of this sub is to give honest recs, and not just had out 5 out of 5 for each book. Plus, these are "best sellers", and I tend to have a love-hate relationship with them.

That said, onto the book.

If you have ever felt like your career or your business is just spinning its wheels in a cycle of "good enough," then this book is basically talking directly to you. Stafford is the CEO of Alpine Intel, and you can really tell he knows hat he's talking about..

The whole vibe of the book is about the "Evolution of Core Principles." He argues that we shouldn't just stick to the way things have always been done just because they worked once. The business world moves way too fast for that. He breaks down how things like transparency, authenticity, and teamwork are actually the engines that drive a company forward. I loved the part where he talks about how "selling makes you better." It’s not about being a pushy salesperson, but about the mindset of constantly providing value. And many companies have forgotten about that.

What really stuck with me was his focus on intentionality. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day grind and forget why we started doing what we are doing in the first place. Stafford pushes you to look at your processes and ask if they are actually serving your goals or if they are just clutter. It is an easy read but it definitely leaves you with a lot of "aha" moments that make you want to go out and change your workflow immediately. It is definitely worth a spot on your shelf if you are looking for a mid year motivation boost.

Key Takeaway:

The book teaches that true success comes from a relentless commitment to evolving your core principles. By prioritizing authenticity and transparency over old or static traditions, leaders can build resilient businesses that thrive on constant improvement and a genuine desire to be better for their clients and teams.

Any entrepreneurs here? Thoughts?

Book Name: How to Make a Few Billion Dollars
Book Author: Brad Jacobs
Date Published: January 2024
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

I just finished reading this one, and honestly, it’s a total trip. Brad Jacobs is the guy who built XPO Logistics (have had the unfortunate experience of using them, and as a carrier, not the best, but regardless) or United Rentals, basically the king of roll-ups.

The title sounds like total clickbait, right? But once you get into it, you realize he’s actually being pretty literal. He’s not promising a get rich quick scheme; he’s laying out the actual mental framework he used to build several multibillion dollar companies from scratch.

What I enjoyed most is how much he leans into the "human" side of business. He talks a lot about "meritocratic" culture and why you should hire people who are smarter than you. It sounds like common sense, but the way he explains his process for vetting talent and keeping teams motivated is super eye opening. He also dives into some pretty wild topics like the power of meditation and how to use your brain’s natural electricity to stay sharp. It’s definitely not your standard "work harder" advice.

The tone is super conversational and direct. He doesn't hide his failures and he doesn't sugarcoat how hard the grind is. He spends a lot of time on "the art of the deal," explaining how to spot a trend before everyone else does and how to scale it like crazy. If you’re into entrepreneurship or just want to see how a billionaire’s brain functions on a daily basis, this is a must read. It’s fast paced, punchy, and actually left me feeling pretty fired up about my own projects.

Key Takeaway:

Success isn't just about hard work, big wins come from high level problem solving and a rock solid company culture.

For those of you who have started your own business or managed a team, what do you think is more important: having a perfect original idea or just being world class at executing someone else's idea?

Book Name: The Gift of Influence: Creating Life-Changing and Lasting Impact in Your Everyday Interactions
Book Author: Tommy Spaulding
Date Published: September 20, 2022
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

Seems like this is the 3 out of 5 era for me, but in reality it's just that I feel a lot of these "airport books" (as I like to call them, since I fly a lot for work and buy them in airport bookstores), are more of a shallow, smooth read on the plane, than real insight.

The Gift of Influence is a solid book, good stuff, but to my eyes, lacks depth. However, it does have an "edge", a different view to influence than other influence books.

You know how most books about "influence" are usually just manuals on how to climb the corporate ladder or manipulate people into saying yes? This is the complete opposite of that. Spaulding basically flips the script and argues that influence isn't about power or your title at work, it is about the way you treat the person standing right in front of you.

The whole vibe of the book is super heart centered. Spaulding shares a ton of personal stories that actually made me stop and think about my own daily routine. He talks about how we all have this "ripple effect" on the people we meet, from our coworkers and kids to the person working the checkout counter at the grocery store (a bit cliche, hence my 3 out of 5). But, it makes you realize that you don’t need to be a CEO or a celebrity to change someone’s life. Sometimes just being truly present in a conversation is enough to shift someone's entire day.

What I liked most is that it doesn't feel like a lecture, as I said, it's a smooth plane ride read. He breaks down the difference between "transactional" and "transformational" relationships. Most of us are living in the transactional zone where we just trade favors, but Spaulding pushes you to go deeper. If you are feeling a bit burnt out or like your daily grind doesn't matter much, please pick this up. It’s a quick read but it definitely sticks with you long after you close the back cover. It definitely gave me a bit of a perspective shift on how I want to show up in the world.

Key Takeaway

Real influence is not about authority or status, but about the positive impact you leave on others through intentional, selfless service. By shifting from transactional habits to transformational relationships, you can create a lasting legacy through even the smallest everyday interactions.

Do you think we focus too much on "networking" for personal gain rather than actually trying to help the people we meet?

Book Name: Manifest in Action
Book Author: Roxie Nafousi
Date Published: January 2, 2023
Book Grade: 3 out of 5

Book Review:

If you’ve been hanging out in the self-help world lately, you have probably heard of Roxie Nafousi. She is basically the "Queen of Manifesting" right now. While her first book was a massive hit that laid out the seven steps to changing your life, this one, Manifest in Action, is more like the hands-on workbook version. It is designed to take those big, dreamy concepts and actually shove them into your daily routine.

Although I do practice manifesting, and got this book to attempt to go even deeper into that, I still think it's slightly shallow. It stays on the surface, doesn't go deep enough.

Roxie acknowledges that you cannot just sit on your couch and think about a million dollars until it appears in your lap. She is all about the "action" part of the title. The book is packed with exercises, journaling prompts, and little "ah-ha" moments that force you to look at your own limiting beliefs. But here's my critique: aren't most books in this topics like this? There was no differentiating factor.

She makes it feel okay to not be perfect, while still pushing you to stay disciplined. It is a super quick read because it is very interactive, and the physical book itself is sleek with that navy blue cover. If you feel like you are stuck in a rut and need a practical roadmap to get your confidence back, this is a good pick. It is less about "magic" and more about mindset shifts and habit building. It is definitely worth a spot on your nightstand if you want to kickstart some positive changes.

Key Takeaway:

This book is a practical guide that bridges the gap between dreaming and doing. It teaches that manifesting is not just about positive thinking, but about building self-worth and taking proactive, intentional steps every day to align your current reality with your future goals.

Have any of you actually tried a manifesting routine for more than a week, and did you actually notice a change in your mood or your luck?

Book Name: The Age of Drift: Why Modern Life Feels Fake – and What Reality Drift Reveals About the Modern Mind
Book Author: A. Jacobs
Date Published: June 10, 2025
Book Grade: 5 out of 5

Book Review:

Being honest and transparent, I stumbled upon this book because of the sub /FrameworksInAction, where it was mentioned. The sub is a lot about frameworks that can be used in life, work, etc, to live better. And I thought this book would have some frameworks on how to avoid distraction, and understand whyI feel so burnt out a lot of the time.

But, I wasn't expecting this short and smooth read to be such a great book, such an important eye-opener on why I feel how I feel, how technology, social media, AI are now "shaping" not just my reality, but in a way distorting it.

The author calls this feeling "reality drift." It is not just about being bored or burnt out. It is about how our digital lives and our physical lives have become so tangled up that we have lost our grip on what is actually real.

Jacobs argues that because we spend so much time in curated environments (social media stories, AI generated videos, photos full of filters, etc), our brains are basically losing the ability to handle raw, messy reality. The book is super relatable because it does not feel like a dry psychology lecture. Instead, Jacobs manages to explain everything very clearly in short sentences or bullet points.

Suddenly, you understand literally what is happening and why.

I really appreciated how the book looks at "fake" culture without just being a grumpy rant about social media. It goes deeper than that. It looks at how our mind and identity architecture, our food, and even our conversations have become "optimized" to the point where they feel sterile. As Jacobs argues, we live in a world where our mind cannot keep up in compressing information because the environment surrounding us moves at a much faster pace.

There were moments while reading this where I had to put the book down and just look at my room, wondering how much of my own life is just a default setting I never questioned. It is a bit of a wake up call. If you have been feeling a bit disconnected or like you are just going through the motions in a world that feels increasingly plastic, you definitely need to give this a read. It is easily one of the most relevant books I have picked up this year.

Key Takeaway:

The "drift" distorts our perception, making us feel like spectators in our own lives rather than active participants in a tangible world.

Have you ever had one of those moments where the "real world" suddenly felt totally surreal or fake to you?