Jer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the idea... but only ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the book itself. Patronizing, redundant, bereft of almost any stories or vignettes, the content could easily be summed-up in a mid-length article (which would have taken less time). Although some useful nuggets are there, the authors seem to fall (ironically) prey to their stated need for women's perspectives and leadership in the workplace, as this book offers very few of the stories and personal experiences that I would have hoped to hear in pursuing greater knowledge of effective cross-gender mentoring relationships.
A bit dated, the majority of concepts in this book still hold up, albeit largely geared towards industry-minded business leveraging clear worker / manager separations (which may not hold up the same way with knowledge workers). Still, well worth the read, and pairs well with other change-related books like “Switch” and “Made to Stick” (Heath brothers) or “The Goal” / “The Phoenix Project”, depending on your context and intent.
An interesting read for the ideas and potential challenges or technological applications of a future war. An imaginative work more so than a literary one, I would consider it instructive in helping people (particularly those in the military or defense world) think about current postures and various technologies.
Basically just a bunch of blog posts turned into a blog - nothing original (other than the eponymous “You Are Not So Smart” tag lines sprinkled throughout... which add nothing). Go read Kahneman, Ariely, or any other more in-depth book if you want anything deeper than a blog post's perspective on behavioral science or cognitive biases. But if you like snarky comments and have no idea what behavioral economics is... go for it.
Lots of rehashed content from original thinkers (Ariely, Kahneman, Tversky, Taleb, etc.) wrapped up into easy-to-digest chapters with interesting illustrative anecdotes. Although not original in terms of content, it is well-delivered, feels coherent and, if one had not already been exposed to such concepts, would serve as a decent introduction or overview.
About 15% recycled content from “Deep Work”, this piece enjoys may have benefitted from greater feedback loops or criticism that book received, as it struck me as somewhat smoother and less of a polemic. The suggestions start out sounding intense, but more quickly move into recognition of the need for options. Great advice and perspectives for recognizing and taking control of one's attention and time. Definitely worth the read.
So... there's some good stuff in this book. But it's a little “Meh” overall. Great stories, solid detail, compelling logic, but doesn't quite sew it all together in a satisfying way. There's no one specifically called-on to act, I didn't feel particularly empowered to do something in my own span of control... I dunno.
Still a decent read, maybe 3.5 stars instead of 3, but, yeah, not earth shattering either.
Seems like it would be interesting, but isn't back by data... all just a bunch of crazy stories linked together by an author who talks himself up and has weird daddy issues. Normally I'm not so harsh, but, after noting this is the third similar book the author has written, I feel like he's reaching for something and just not willing to do the work to ground it in research... so he keeps getting the same poor results.
NOTE:
If you really like survival stories, this book might be a 3, but I would rather read the stories that others have written (and he just recounts) than read this book.
Hands-on, useful mix of various approaches to prototype and gather feedback over the course of a week. Team-based, structured and with checklists, it's great for those who have the ability to follow steps exactly — I understand why they didn't want to build “spin off” options, which I'm sure their website might capture, but would have liked to see some nonetheless.
Really enjoyed this book - realistic outlook at how checklists can have value and their effects on humans in the wild. The stories were compelling and memorable, creating useful artifacts for future conversations. Not so much a “this is how to make amazing checklists” book, but with enough content there to go back and pull from, I'd characterize it as “must read” for anyone who sees this inconsistency as a challenge in their work or life.
Really enjoyed this — a respectable man who went through way more than I realized in his career and has proven capable of continuing to face challenges of leadership, I got a much better sense of him and the climate in organizations he led as a result of this book. Definitely recommended to any who look at it and think, “This might be interesting.”
Picked up in place of a more instructive book on the same subject, this brief criticism (more an exploration, albeit with sharp edges) felt unique and playful throughout, with a pace just quick enough to keep me turning the page, but not so much as to let me pass through without the pang of regret for want of a nice pencil or, at the least, a highlighter.
Probably the best exploration of poetry I've read, and I'm still debating whether the parts that bothered me should or not... or if I even care.
Solid Stories and Fun Insights
Rubin does a great job of turning anecdotes and observations into tangible, actionable strategies for habit formation. Very easy to read (though, at times, a bit overwhelmed by her own tendencies), she casts habits and behavior in many different lights, with personal insights that build empathy (mostly) and give you a sense of how you TOO can make positive changes. Short chapters, easy style and a solid list of additional resources makes it a solid choice.
Not your run-of-the-mill leadership book, this one was highly entertaining (though I'm not sure how much of that was intentional). The author/protagonist is a somewhat egoistic engineer with a free spirit and loads of self-assurance. He ends up at JPL and involved in some pretty gnarly, rocket sciencey projects, which he takes charge of because... well, you'll see. The point is that there's definitely some good leadership material here, some fascinating insights into JPL and NASA, and quite an amusing, introspective perspective from a guy who is at least trying to do a better job leading people to a bigger truth than themselves. I'd recommend it.
Although dated at this point, this book still is valuable to anyone interested in decentralized operations: teams, Wikipedia, or terrorism. Filled with fascinating facts and interesting perspectives, I actually just re-read it to try and remember more of why I liked it so much the first time. It reads like a mix between Malcolm Gladwell and Freakonomics, so it's easily to digest. Even if you're not interested in decentralization and networks, you may be surprised at what you learn!
I really don't even know where to start with this one, so we'll default to the beginning. Most people, despite the old adage, DO judge a book by its cover: I thought this would be a raucous, but interesting look at Iraq through the eyes of two “interesting” characters. The best review would probably be the book's sub-title, whose “Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure” vibe is carried on throughout. Also carried throughout the book are copious amounts of drugs, which are frivolously intermixed with cheap alcohol and wanton self-endangerment. These two are QUITE the pair. At the end, though, despite all the crude and unsavory paths taken, I did actually feel like I learned something. Not your typical war memorial, this will resonate with those who have gotten off into the streets and seen life in Iraq and the Middle East. Lots of people, lots of problems, lots of opportunities to do and be better - I guess maybe more of us could take a cue from these self-admitted stoners. At least they (purportedly) took time to help, when others simply stood by looking out for number one. The ending is also a poignant reminder of, well, I won't spoil it... but hopelessness and chaos are definitely themes that leave space for reflection. I recommend it for people who don't mind vulgarity (in all possible forms) and are interested in life in Iraq right after the 2003 invasion.
An entertaining and interesting look at personality psychology through the lens of “people's stuff,” this was a fun read. If you're already familiar with the Big Five mode of evaluating personality, this will be a cool twist – if not, then you will probably find it even more interesting. Although not without points of controversy (my guess is that many people disliked the section on stereotypes), I am not familiar with any other similar books that present the material in such an accessible way. Check it out!
Man, this took me FOREVER to get through. Guess that's what I get for not liking to read digital books. That said, the author presents some interesting arguments for a shift in Israeli and American politics to favor engagement with Iran. Similar to “Reset”, which addresses Turkey and Iran. Lots of detailed diplomatic skulduggery and intrigue - worthwhile for those who are interested in either nation or geopolitics. Not unbiased, but not over the top.
I was not expecting much out of this book, but was pleasantly surprised; it is a very interesting look at what kind of behavior is manifested when deception is occurring.
Far from the hallowed steps of “Lie to Me” (the TV show centered around reading micro-expressions), this team of former CIA polygraphers delves into simple physical and speech-based cues to when someone is being deceptive.
I think the most interesting aspect was the commentary accompanying the appendices, which are actual transcripts with commentary from the testimony of individuals (I won't spoil who) that are either proven or suspected to be deceiving the questioner.
If it strikes your fancy, it's definitely worth the read.