Great Reads

You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. 

Madeleine Albright witnessed this happening too many times. She served as the first female Secretary of State of the United States. She examines the rise of fascism in the 20th century and the current resurgence of far-right ideology in various countries around the world. In the book, Albright draws on her experiences as a diplomat and historian to analyze the factors that have contributed to the resurgence of fascist movements and the dangers that they pose to democracy. She also offers insights and recommendations for how to combat the rise of fascism and protect democratic institutions. Overall, the book is a warning about the dangers of rising fascism in the world and a call to action for readers to be vigilant and take action to defend democracy. After the publication of this book, we have witnessed fascists in different countries ravage them, using the pandemic to strengthen their powers, instead of serving their people. An unmissable read!

  

 Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of today's society and their part in it. This book provides a comprehensive and straightforward summary of the development of Homo sapiens, starting at the very beginning of our history and going up to the present day. Harari's writing is captivating and easy to grasp, meaning that readers of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy it. 

Harari's book offers a comprehensive insight into human history, incorporating perspectives from disciplines such as biology, economics, and psychology. It is incredibly valuable in helping us comprehend the current state of society. By analyzing the ways that culture, politics, and economics have molded humanity over time, we can get an understanding of why society is as it is today and how we can move forward.

Harari's exploration of the difficulties humanity faces, like climate change and technological upheaval, assists people in realizing the significance of making changes to create a more equitable and sustainable society. He urges readers to thoughtfully consider the future of our species and the decisions we make today that will shape it.

I strongly suggest Sapiens to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of their influence on society and how to make a positive contribution. It can be a great resource for those who want to make enlightened decisions on how to change society and to actively help build a better future. Sorry this is such a big review, but there is just so much to unpack in this book! It will forever change you!

  

For those wanting to better comprehend their decision-making and how to become more effective in their own growth, as well as when interacting with others, Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a must-read. This book provides an in-depth exploration of the two systems of thinking that drive human behavior: System 1, which is quick, instinctive, and emotional, and System 2, which is more sluggish, careful, and logical. The writing of Kahneman is straightforward, interesting, and full of insights that can be applied.

 

The book really emphasizes getting a grasp on the boundaries of System 1 thinking. Kahneman's studies show how System 1 thinking can cause mistakes in judgment, and it offers ideas for recognizing and correcting those errors. This could be hugely beneficial for anyone hoping to refine their decision-making abilities, both in their personal life and at work.

Additionally, the book provides insights into how our thoughts and behavior are influenced by emotions and mental shortcuts, and how these can be used to better understand and interact with others. Being aware of this is key to understand other people's behaviours, as well as our own's.

It provides valuable insights and strategies that can help individuals make more informed decisions, avoid common cognitive biases, and build stronger relationships. Yes, it is a rather large book but, hey, you can always do with an extra side coffee table, right? :)

 

 

 

 

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead is a relevant and insightful read for any member of 21st century society. The book provides an in-depth examination of the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles, and offers practical advice on how to overcome these barriers. Sandberg's writing is honest, relatable, and filled with personal anecdotes and research-based insights.

 

I will be honest: when I was growing up, the narrative around me was that feminists were bra-burning fundamentalists. The way to success, I concluded, was to be as similar to a man as I could. I had ambition, intelligence, and self-confidence for achieving success, but did not think being a woman could help me at all. Sandberg argues that women often hold themselves back from leadership roles due to a lack of self-confidence and a fear of not being liked. She encourages women to embrace ambition and to believe in their own abilities. I did all of that, but sadly not using the personality advantages of being a woman. I was almost in my 30s when I realised this, and soon after this book came along and nailed it. 

 

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference is a thought-provoking and relevant read by Gladwell for people looking to understand how the world works. The book provides an in-depth examination of the concept of "tipping points", or the critical point in which a change occurs, and how it relates to various aspects of life such as fashion, crime, and epidemics. Gladwell's writing is engaging, easy to understand and filled with anecdotes and real-life examples that can help readers better understand the complex world around them.

 

 

One of the key takeaways from the book is the power of small actions and the impact they can have on society. Gladwell illustrates how small changes in behavior or environment can lead to significant and widespread change, and how this can be harnessed to create positive change in the world.

The book  also provides valuable insights into how ideas and trends spread, and how they can be influenced. Gladwell's analysis of the spread of ideas and trends can help young people understand how information is disseminated and how it can be used to effect change.

Most of all, it encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and to take an active role in creating positive change. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to make a difference in the world, by understanding the mechanisms that make it work.

 

 

 

21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari is a must-read for individuals looking to understand where the world is heading, and how their actions matter. The book provides a comprehensive and accessible examination of the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, such as technological disruption, political polarization, and environmental degradation, and offers insights and strategies for addressing these challenges. Harari's writing is clear, engaging, and filled with thought-provoking insights that can help readers better understand the complex world around them.

 

The book higlights the importance of being aware of how rapidly the world is changing and how our actions, as individuals, can have a big impact on it. Harari encourages readers to think critically about the future and how they can shape it. He provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and how to navigate them. This comes in the form of developing the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and mental flexibility.

Harari's insights into the importance of developing these skills can help individuals navigate the rapidly changing world, and to make more informed decisions in personal and professional life. This makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex and rapidly changing world of the 21st century.

  

Sinek argues that too many businesses and leaders focus on the what and how of their work, without giving enough attention to the why. He believes that having a strong sense of purpose and meaning can drive individuals and organizations to achieve great things, and that this sense of purpose is what sets successful leaders and companies apart from the rest.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it encourages readers to think deeply about their own why, and how they can use this understanding to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Sinek's examples of successful companies and leaders who have put this approach into practice are inspiring and offer concrete examples of how this philosophy can be applied in the real world.

I confess I found it at times repetitive, and some of Sinek's arguments feel oversimplified or unrealistic in certain contexts. I also wished it had more practical guidance on how to put these ideas into practice.

Overall, Start with Why is a very inspiring book that challenges readers to think deeply about their own purpose and the purpose of the organizations they work for. While it may not offer all the answers or practical guidance readers might hope for, I remember it as a thought-provoking read that made me think differently about leadership and success.

 

 Originals, one of Adam Grant's best-sellers, is a fascinating and insightful work that challenges readers to think differently about creativity and innovation. At its core, the book is about the importance of embracing our unique perspectives and ideas, and how doing so can lead to truly groundbreaking work.

Grant offers a wealth of research and anecdotes to support his argument, from the story of how the Beatles revolutionized the music industry to the way in which companies like Google and Pixar have fostered environments that encourage creativity and risk-taking. What I loved most about this book is how it encourages readers to embrace their own originality and to seek out and nurture the originality of others. Grant offers practical advice on how to cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation, from encouraging dissenting opinions to allowing for flexibility and experimentation.

Originals is an important and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think differently about creativity and innovation. It is a call to action for all of us to embrace our unique perspectives and to work towards creating a more innovative and original world.

Key take-away: Embrace your own originality and seek out and nurture the originality of others. Foster a culture of creativity and risk-taking, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of truly groundbreaking work.

 

 

 

David and Goliath, the best-seller by Malcolm Gladwell, is a fascinating exploration of the concept of underdogs and how they can often emerge victorious against seemingly insurmountable odds. Gladwell uses a wide range of examples, from the biblical story of David and Goliath to the experiences of dyslexic individuals in high-performing academic environments, to make his case that adversity can often be a source of strength. What I appreciate most about this book is Gladwell's ability to draw unexpected connections and insights from seemingly disparate stories. His writing is engaging and thought-provoking, and he challenges readers to think differently about the nature of success and the ways in which we measure it.

Although some arguments are not always fully fleshed out, I understood it as a choice of accessibility to a wider audience, in detriment of scientific fundaments.
David and Goliath is a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it offers a fresh perspective on the nature of success and the power of resilience. It is a reminder that, in many cases, what seems like a disadvantage can be turned into an advantage with the right mindset and approach, but most of all it was a huge eye-opener for me that not everyone who seems to "make them themselves from nothing" actually come from nothing. 

Key take-away: Adversity can often be a source of strength. Rather than viewing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, look for ways to turn them into advantages. Embrace your underdog status and look for other things that can work to your advantage, like expanding your connections, knowledge and insights.

 

  

Pathways to Possibility follows the Art of Possibility, a prior best seller by the author and her husband. I keep the embedded knowledge in my collection of insightful and practical tips or anyone looking to develop greater self-awareness and cultivate a growth mindset, in themselves or in mentoring others. The author, Rosamund Stone Zander, draws on her extensive experience as a therapist and coach to offer readers a series of practical exercises and insights that are designed to help them challenge limiting beliefs and embrace new perspectives.

As a user-centered edupreneur, I found this book to be an incredibly helpful resource for developing my own teaching and mentoring practice. The proposed exercises are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit a wide range of learning styles and preferences. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on reframing limiting beliefs and cultivating a growth mindset that focuses on possibilities rather than limitations.

Want to be become more confident and resilient but are not sure how? Do the exercises from Pathways to Possibility and develop a new sense of fitness  to overcome personal obstacles and achieve their goals - no matter who you are. 

 

"Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" is a thought-provoking book written by Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari. The book, published in 2015, explores the possible future of humanity as we transition from Homo sapiens to a new species, Homo deus, characterized by our ability to enhance ourselves with technology and manipulate our environment. I have to say the threat was not as clear to me, when I first read it, as it was to him, who knew much more about just how AI had evolved since 2010.

Harari begins by examining the history of human development, emphasizing the role of religion, science, and capitalism in shaping our societies. He posits that humanity has largely conquered famine, plague, and war, which were the leading causes of death in the past. As a result, humans have started focusing on achieving happiness, immortality, and god-like powers.

The author outlines three major trends that are shaping the future: dataism, human enhancement, and artificial intelligence. Dataism refers to the increasing importance of data and algorithms in making decisions and shaping our lives. Human enhancement encompasses the use of genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, and other biotechnological advances to improve our physical and cognitive capabilities. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, has the potential to surpass human intelligence, raising questions about the role and importance of humans in the future.

Harari argues that the pursuit of these advancements could lead to social and ethical dilemmas, with economic inequality and the potential loss of individuality being significant concerns. The author emphasizes that the future of humanity is not predetermined, and it is up to us to shape our destiny. Homo Deus serves as a warning and an invitation to engage in a global conversation about our collective future and the ethical, social, and political implications of the technological advancements we are making. It made be both excited and anxious about where we were heading with Artificial Intelligence, well before the explosion of AI we witnessed in early 2023! 

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"What Happened to You?" is a book co-written by Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey, which explores a new approach to healing trauma. The book starts with the premise that instead of asking "what's wrong with you?", we should ask "what happened to you?" to better understand why people react to certain situations and how to help them move forward.

The book is written in a conversational style with Dr. Perry sharing scientific insights, and Oprah sharing personal experiences of trauma. The authors explain that trauma isn't just about extreme experiences such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, but can be the result of neglect, attachment issues, or experiences of discrimination.

The book explores various case studies to demonstrate how trauma can manifest in different ways, and how healing can be achieved through empathy, mindfulness, and understanding. Practical strategies are presented for parents, teachers, and caregivers on how to create an environment of safety, trust, and respect.

Ultimately, "What Happened to You?" is a hopeful and empowering book that offers a fresh perspective on how trauma can be addressed, and how we can all play a part in healing ourselves and others. We are reminded that we are not alone in our pain, and that by connecting and being compassionate towards each other, we can heal ourselves and create a more resilient and empathetic world.

"The Premonition" by Michael Lewis is a compelling account of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, as seen through the eyes of a group of public health professionals and researchers who were ahead of the curve in their understanding of the deadly virus. 

 The book tells the story of a diverse team of medical experts and scientists who were aware of the potential dangers posed by a novel respiratory illness long before it arrived on American shores. Through their work and insights, they were able to predict many of the challenges that would arise during the pandemic, including shortages of critical medical supplies, testing delays, and bureaucratic obstacles to effective public health responses.

 Lewis frames the story around a few key figures, including Charity Dean, a relatively unknown but brilliant epidemiologist who saw the impending crisis clearly and pushed tirelessly for a coordinated response. He also highlights the work of Joe DeRisi, a pioneering molecular biologist who was able to quickly sequence the virus and develop a test for it.

 Overall, "The Premonition" is a powerful and timely narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked heroes of the pandemic response. Through the eyes of these experts, Lewis captures the complexity and urgency of the situation, while also offering a hopeful message of resilience and human ingenuity in the face of a global crisis.