Gina Lucia
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
There's no such thing as winning in life and business.
This is a finite mindset, instead pursue the infinite mindset.
One that's focused on people, innovation and a cause that transcends the individual.
My impressions:
This book is brilliant. While it may be written to inspire business leaders and companies, it holds great value for individual business owners too.
Its sole premise is to encourage you to pursue a mindset that will fuel your business decisions, growth and progress by its nature. This mindset comes in the form of a Just Cause, a cause that goes beyond you or your products or services, one that seeks to make a difference long after you're gone.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
Anyone running or thinking of starting a business. Employees will also get a lot of value from this book.
What I personally got from the book:
To have a cause to fuel a business has always seemed to me to be out of reach. But this book has demonstrated that it's not only within reach, but absolutely necessary to create work that's fulfilling above all else.
As a result, I'll be exploring this moving forward.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Your ego may well get you ahead but at the cost of your priorities
Ego has throughout history, been the downfall of men
Your ego will force you to make difficult decisions
My impressions:
It's hard to focus on this book's message when almost every chapter starts by telling the story of one historical white man after another. Not only is it hard to relate to, but it's also quite frankly frustrating. The book contains plenty of good advice, but the time spent delivering it pales in comparison to the time spent talking about these men of history. Most of which have absolutely no relation to modern-day.
Because of this persistent reference to history, it also assumes a lot. Without being able to talk to the people these stories are about, you can't assume their intentions, their desires or drive. So it's full of contradictions and guesswork.
Perhaps the most disappointing part is that the author himself doesn't tell the reader how he's applying this wisdom to his life. If he had, his message may well have sunk in. Without it, it's just stories.
Oh, and anyone who puts a holocaust survivor in the same paragraph as Walt Disney has something to answer for. Ryan Holiday is very much out of touch.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
If you like American history, stories of war and the NFL, you might find this book relatable and therefore you'll absorb its wisdom. If not, it's probably not for you.
What I personally got from the book:
Despite my frustrations with this book. I did get a few nuggets of wisdom.
You should never stop being a student, especially if you think you know it all.
If you don't know how much you need, the default easily becomes more.
Strive to trade short-term gratification for a longer-term payoff.
The person who clears the path ultimately controls its direction.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Use great storytelling to grow your business.
Using story is a must if you want to connect with your audience/customers.
How to do this by putting your customers first.
My impressions:
Building a Story Brand not only tells you why you should be using story to grow your brand but the all-important how.
Donald Miller does this in the most straightforward way possible with solid examples and simple steps that will help you craft your brand message.
Essentially, this book is a course in paper format and should be treated as such. You won't read this once. You'll read it again and again as you're building your brand, products and growing your business.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
Anyone who is building a business or a brand and needs help with messaging and especially if you think you don't need help with messaging (because you probably do).
What I personally got from the book:
A lot. As I said it's a course in a book so I'll be taking my time to re-read this a number of times and do the work to implement its advice. I recommend you do too!
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Achieve more by strategically using hyperfocus.
How the mind gets distracted and how you can use this to your advantage.
How to implement this in your work and daily life.
My impressions:
Hyperfocus is a brilliant book if you struggle with focusing on tasks, organising your schedule and making room for creative thinking. It not only provides solutions for all these things but analyses the science behind how we get distracted, how our mind works and gives you plenty of actionable advice so you can start implementing its techniques.
If you already have a good grasp on all these things, Hyperfocus might seem a little repetitive to you.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
As I said, if you struggle with focus, this book is absolutely for you.
What I personally got from the book:
Over the past few years, I've already been implementing the techniques in this book (without having read the book) so not a lot within its pages was new. However, I did take note of some small tweaks I can make to my environment to allow for even greater focus.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Why being resilient can be life-changing.
What the true qualities are of a successful person.
How to implement more grit into your life and work to achieve more.
My impressions:
Angela has done a brilliant job of exploring and delving deep into the topic of grit. This book debunks the idea that the more intelligent or talented you are, the farther you'll go. Instead, Angela proves that it's not these that make for a successful person, rather the level of grit you have.
With countless stories, studies and conversations to pull upon, Angela makes for a very convincing and inspiring argument.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
This book is for anyone who is trying to ‘find their passion', figure out what they want from life, or are seeking success. To be honest, at whatever stage in your journey, this book is a must-read.
What I personally got from the book:
Grit is something I'm just now starting to appreciate and foster. This book has solidified that for me.
It's obvious after reading that in order to succeed, it takes determination, time and perseverance to get there.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Little things can make a big difference
How people play their role in epidemics, trends and business success
Analysis of how this has happened throughout history and in modern times
My impressions:
This is a brilliant book purely for its insight into the power of social proof, word of mouth and the roles very specific people play in spreading ideas, viruses and the promotion of products.
I had hoped by reading this book the author would give some insight into how to do this yourself, or start to put the techniques into motion but the book is a pure analysis leaving you with the knowledge of how it happened for others, but not how to do it for yourself. This is probably because the Tipping point happens mostly by chance through a series of small actions which you might not have control over.
Regardless, some of the points within the book (the things you do have control over) would have benefitted from a few instructions.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
If you're interested in the topic, then give it a read. If you're looking for practical advice, you won't find it.
What I personally got from the book:
I'm always fascinated by people so everything written in the book was incredibly interesting and enjoyable to read. I gained nothing in terms of business though.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
How ‘follow your passion' is not only misleading, it's also dangerous.
How honing your craft is more effective than chasing your passion'.
If you want something rare and valuable, you must offer something rare and valuable in return.
My impressions:
So Good They Can't Ignore you is a massive reality check for the current state of the online side-hustle, passive income message.
It states in a very matter of fact way, that by ‘following your passion', not only are you treading dangerous waters, but you're following advice which is incorrect.
One of my favourite lines from the book is this:
Passion focuses too much on what the world can give you, rather than what you can give to the world.
The book explores, in stages, how you can do the work you love, in a realistic way.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
Anyone who is considering or has started an online business needs to read this book. It's a reality check, but it contains a lot of incredibly useful strategy that you can apply straight away.
What I personally got from the book:
Honing your craft is one of the most important and rewarding things you can do. Something I'm going to tackle head-on with more enthusiasm thanks to this book.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
The law of attraction meets psychology.
Transform your life by realising your potential.
Act on this potential by understanding and embracing who you are and what you really want.
My impressions:
Noor has done a good job at creating a very accessible book specifically designed (or so I presume) to introduce sceptics to the law of attraction.
She melds together both this and psychology to present a compelling argument for the strategies within the book. Although I would say it's more 80% law of attraction and 20% psychology.
Just F*cking Do It is an easy read and although I wish Noor went into more detail with practical strategies, I'm sure they can be found on her website.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
I'd say if you love the universe, law of attraction talk then read this book – you'll love it. Similarly, if you're at a relatively early stage of your personal development journey, you'd also find this book useful.
What I personally got from the book:
Not too much. A lot of the personal development topics I've already explored for a number of years so there was nothing new there to get me excited. Although I have to say, it's always nice to be reminded. If anything, it served as a personal development top-up.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
How to lead through being brave, vulnerable and with courage.
How these three things are skills, not personality traits.
Implement this all into your working life.
My impressions:
Dare to Lead is an honest and dare I say vulnerable account of how we can use vulnerability in our working lives. It focuses mostly on leadership but its techniques can also be applied to relationships too.
I had hoped the book would give me some tips and insight on being a leader of a movement or an audience but it was mostly focused on practical workplace tips which is not the fault of the book.
As an introvert like Brené, many of the skills within this book like empathy come more naturally to me. However, implementing them, managing them and using them effectively do not. It's worth reading for that alone.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
If you're in a position of leadership, you work in a team or want to improve your relationships, this book is a must-read. Especially if you find the idea of being vulnerable scary, stupid or dangerous.
What I personally got from the book:
As I said, while some of the skills in this book come more naturally to me, understanding how best to implement and use them do not. So I'll be taking all of that forward with me.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Get your finances in order in 6 weeks.
Secure your future while living well now.
Everything from bank accounts, to investing.
My impressions:
I Will Teach You to be Rich has been on my ‘to-read' list ever since I started to get my finance mindset and actual finances in order.
I was already aware of Ramit's relatable and matter-of-fact style so knew I'd enjoy reading the book. So I wasn't disappointed.
Ramit has done an excellent job of making confusing topics understandable and potentially exciting. Well worth a read no matter where you are on your financial journey.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
Anyone, especially if you don't have your money in order and even if you don't currently earn a lot. You won't regret it.
What I personally got from the book:
I was pleased to find I already had a few strategies in this book in place. There's more work to do though so I'll be streamlining and tweaking my finances over the next few weeks/months.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Change your life by making five switches (perspective, risk, independence, self-awareness and motion)
Determine what kind of ‘Lemon Lifer' you are (Eternal Excuser, Steady Settler, Change Chaser).
Shift to become a Daring Disruptor instead.
My impressions:
The Lemonade Life is filled with surface-level advice which very rarely gets backed up with evidence. It tries to go into so many different areas of life and business that it can barely go into detail on any of them. Leaving the reader feel like they missed something (this reader right here).
Zack is a big fan of alliteration which is obvious with all the names he gives to things he has made up. Its overuse makes these names distracting and so it's hard to take in much of what he's saying.
Sadly The Lemonade Life is a book that has an identity crisis. It's incredibly unclear who the book is for, especially when in one chapter the author talks about workplace habits and in another building a business. It doesn't help that the name and subtitle of the book is ‘How to fuel success, create happiness, and conquer anything'. It's far too vague.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
I sadly wouldn't recommend this book.
What I personally got from the book:
This book taught me that there's no real need to create made-up names for everything, it's self-indulgent and distracting.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Make your business a success by being remarkable.
Boring and safe won't get you results, being unique and remarkable will.
Innovate and you'll get there faster.
My impressions:
Purple Cow might have the ugliest cover I've ever seen on a book but boy does it pack a punch. No matter if you create products or services, supply information in the form of content or anything else for that matter, this book is a must-read.
It doesn't contain any actionable strategy, instead, it supplies you with the tools and information to innovate and re-think how you design the things you're going to sell and even how your business runs.
A brilliant book that's concise, to the point and quite exciting.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
As I said, anyone in business should read this book.
What I personally got from the book:
I got a lot from this one. From getting specific with my audience, to developing something remarkable and more. All of these I already knew, but Seth's fresh and matter of fact perspective is invaluable.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
How to conquer life and business.
With life lessons from the YouTube star Lilly Singh.
Complete with the most beautiful photos I've ever seen.
My impressions:
How to Be a Bawse was a long shot for me. I'd added it to my list in the hopes that I'd get some valuable insight from a YouTuber's perspective and because Lilly has a psychology degree, I thought it might combine both YouTube and psychology in one perfect mix.
It's likely my fault for presuming because How to Be a Bawse is essentially a series of short chapters filled with life-lessons from Lilly over the years. There's nothing wrong with this, and if you're a fan you'd probably enjoy it, but I was hoping for something with more substance.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
If you're a fan of Lilly's then absolutely give it a read.
What I personally got from the book:
Not a lot. Hearing about her life and work was interesting but I didn't take away anything of great value.
The book in 3 sentences/summary:
Guidance and motivation to help you start and finish any project.
Resistance is the enemy and it comes in many forms.
You're not alone in this.
My impressions:
Do The Work is a short and snappy motivational book which takes you through a matter-of-fact journey to starting and finishing any project.
Steven acts as your motivational guide and friend, explaining things as they are so you can get on with doing, rather than overthinking.
It's a good book, but because it's so short, it misses some of the details and oversimplifies some of the concepts within it.
Should you read it? (who would benefit from this):
If you're just starting a project, are encountering resistance or need a pep talk, this book is for you.
What I personally got from the book:
I'm not currently in a place of resistance so I got no immediate value from this book. However, I did get some excellent writing tips and a look into the potential resistance I will feel in the future. This book will be kept on hand for such occasions.
Marked as DNF at the halfway mark.
This just didn't work for me. I know this book is marketed as inspired by Greek Mythology but the link was too similar and yet too loose for me to grab onto.
It felt as though the book was set in modern day due to the language and mannerisms of the characters. But it seemed to actually be set in an alternate ancient Greece of sorts? This kept throwing me off.
Throw in the fact that I just kept finding my mind wandering while reading. It wasn't gripping me like it should. So I decided to put it down.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. For that reason alone, it's worth buying and reading.
But it's not the only reason. This book is charming. It reminds me of some of the fairytales I used to read when I was younger. Dangerous, gritty, and most didn't have a happy ending.
I'm a fan of a villain's back story, and this one really hits the spot. There's always a reason for a person's future behaviour, which almost always lies in the past. This book illustrates that (literally) really well.
I wish there were more to it, though. More stories from his past, even the mundane and everyday ones. I wish it were longer and more in-depth. Because it just doesn't quite feel enough.
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I couldn't get into this one but I might pick it up again in the future.
The writing is engaging but I just couldn't get it to click. Maybe because it's set in an American school so I just couldn't relate? Unsure.
Marking as DNF
Let me start by saying that I wanted to love this. A trans retelling of the Illiad, yes, please! Give it to me. I just didn't quite expect what I was given.
The writing is good, but it's not the most accessible if you don't know a lot about ancient Greece. The sheer number of names and places in the first few chapters is quite something, and they're all piled together in sentences you have to read multiple times to understand.
It puts a barrier in place using different translations of place and people names. In other words, it requires work to consume. I don't really have a problem with this because you get used to it, but worth noting if you're completely new to Ancient Greece or Greek Mythology in general.
It's a strange take on Achilles' parentage, considering Athena was one of the virgin goddesses. The gods and their roles are completely switched up, which threw me off quite a bit.
But the real reason I decided to DNF this was how it handled slavery. I get that it happened, and I get that it can be included in the story. What I don't like is how it was handled. There's a right way to handle it, and this wasn't it.
I'd also like to mention that the book could do with coming with a huge trigger warning. For trans people, it's not gentle and doesn't shy away. I cannot speak for what that's like, but just be warned.