Recommendations continue to be the best ones that I read, so keep them coming J.  Here are the second ten of 2018.  (Make sure to check out the first ten if you haven’t already).

First, the ratings out of 10:

10:  These are books that I think everyone should read.  I take the 10/10 rating seriously.  These books transformed some aspect of my life.  I will tell you to read these books regardless of whether you ask for a suggestion or not.

7-9:  These are books I will recommend when asked.  I enjoyed them and think they are worthwhile.  I will bring these books up in conversation, refer to them, but they did not have the impact of those with a 10/10 rating.

4-6:  These books provided some value, but I wouldn’t recommend them.  Either I did not like the presentation of the book or I didn’t think the content was new or different.

Under 4:  I finished these only because I started them.

 

  1. Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 8/10

Category: books to unplug

Review:  I normally don’t like fiction books, but this one was enjoyable and kept my attention.  It is about second chances and unplanned circumstances.  This feel good story had moments where I found myself smiling.  I recommend this as a good book when you want a break from reading heavy information.

  1. The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath

Rating: 8/10

Category: books that make you think

Review:  If you are in a position of influence (leader, company, teacher, or really interacting with people in general), this is a great book to read.  It not only makes the case for the importance of creating defining or impactful moments, but it gives advice for how to create them.   I love the writing style of Chip and Dan Heath and their ability to tell a story and use it to make a point.  This was an easy read and I can see how it can translate into many different fields.

  1. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Rating: 8/10

Category: books that make you think, books for info

Neil deGrasse’s ability to make difficult and complex topics relatable for the reader is unparalleled.  This was an awesome read if you have any interest in science.  It was humbling to read an entire book where I learned something new on every page.  It makes you look at the world in a different way.

  1. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Rating: 9/10

Category: books that make you think

This book was eye-opening to say the least.  I think regardless of your thoughts and opinions, this is a must-read.  This book made me start to see history that I had accepted as fact in a new light.  Michelle Alexander’s writing and arguments were well-thought.  She makes a compelling case and supports it with evidence.

  1. Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover

Rating: 7/10

Category: books that motivate, books for when you’re stuck

This book was about what it takes to be great.  While it was meant to incite action, there were parts that seemed to extreme to me.  Some parts were very motivating and parts were hard to relate to.  The read overall was worthwhile.  If you are looking for a book to get you started on what you want to accomplish, this will fill that role.

  1. Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion by George J Thompson

Rating: 6/10

Category: books for info

Review:  This book was average.  I’ve read better books on communication, which made this one less impressive.  There were some good take home messages and tactics, but overall I would choose a different book if you are wanting to improve persuasion/communication.  Consider:  Made to Stick.

  1. When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales of Neurosurgery by Frank T Vertosick Jr

Rating: 9/10

Category: books to unplug

Review:  I loved this read.  It was a memoir of a neurosurgeon and it was so honest and compelling.  It reminded me of Grey’s Anatomy without the relationship drama.  I found myself thinking of the stories he told long after I finished the book.  This is a great read if you are looking for something closer to fiction.

  1. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A Singer

Rating: 9/10

Category: books for when you’re stuck

Review:  While short, this book is packed with questions and prompts to make you think.  It focuses on looking within and getting to know yourself.  It gave me a good appreciation for my thoughts and why I think the way I do.  It made me more present in my everyday life.

  1. The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris

Rating: 6/10

Category: books that motivate, books for when you’re stuck

Review:  After the introduction, I was excited for this book, but it failed to deliver.  It goes against some of the common beliefs for improving confidence, but it seems like it does so more to be different than to be effective.  There are a lot of exercises to work through and it seemed like too many at times.  A great book to read if positive thinking and other more common confidence practices have not worked for you.

  1. Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff

Rating: 9/10

Category: books for when you’re stuck, books that motivate

Review:  I have loved the other books I’ve read by Acuff (Start, Do Over) and this one was no different.  He continues using humor as he makes great points.  My favorite part of the book was how tangible and applicable his action steps were.  This is a great book if you have trouble making or sticking to goals.  It is an easy read, but the action steps are extremely valuable.

Please share your favorite reads!

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