The Midnight Library, Matt Haig
With hints of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, to me this felt a bit like a Mitch Albom book, but with a bit more substance – and not as many tear-jerking moments. It felt more real. Haig forces you to relate to the main character and really get comfortable in her shoes. If you have suffered from depression the story will probably hit a bit harder. The reading is effortless, fast-paced, interesting and intriguing. It’s one of those books you don’t want to put down. And once you do, you keep thinking about.
The Accidental Universe, Alan Lightman
A collection of seven easy-going essays about life, the universe and everything in between. Lightman uses musings on the many curious aspects of modern physics and the way they change our perspectives?-?not to discuss science, but to philosophize on life. Written in a light, easy-to-read, engaging style.
The Puzzle Master, Danielle Trussoni
It was quick and enjoyable, but it wasn’t really great. The main character felt like a poor man’s Robert Langdon. At times the story was too much, too convoluted and unnecessarily over the top which caused a lot of the storyline to seem diluted. The ending felt anti-climactic with the various subplots, twists and messaging loosely coming together way too quickly. All that being said, I’m happy I read it. It was fun and I had fun reading it.
Co-Intelligence, Ethan Mollick
An inspiring and insightful guide to partnering with AI for greater creativity, productivity, and innovation. With enthusiasm and clarity, Mollick shows how humans and AI can achieve more together than ever before. He brilliantly captures the essence of human-AI collaboration. Practical, optimistic, and thought-provoking, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. *To keep in spirit of this book, the review was written with artificial intelligence.
Rebel Girl, Kathleen Hanna
I’ve been a fan of Kathleen Hanna ever since I stumbled upon my first Bikini Kill record in the late 90s. But I never really felt like I knew her. Luckily, I stumbled upon this release much like I stumbled upon that record. This was an interesting story. It was direct, gritty and a little rough around the edges. It was real. There was no polish but there was a ton of reflection. I’m happy that almost 30 years later, I know who Kathleen Hanna is.
Path of Destruction, Drew Karpyshyn
I’ve decided that there’s nothing better than the legends collection. And the evolution of Bane is extremely fascinating. An anti-hero, a bad guy, a truly evil character. But the story of Bane is nevertheless gripping. It feels so good to root for someone that is so bad. Vicious betrayals, ancient Sith relics, and brutal lightsaber duels. I can’t wait to continue this trilogy.
Rule of Two, Drew Karpyshyn
Two down, one to go. I’m upset that there is only one book left in this series. It beautifully expands on what began in Path of Destruction, Bane becoming more intense and more twisted. His Apprentice, just the same. Every character is interesting and every scene exciting. It is both exhilarating and horrifying. On to book three!
Dynasty of Evil, Drew Karpyshyn
What a great conclusion to an amazing trilogy. Fear, greed, and paranoia take full control of all the characters. There are great tie ins back to the first book and the parallel storylines made the excitment even more intense. The only character I could do without was Set Harth, but I think it was meant to be that way. I highly recommend this trilogy to any fan of the Dark Side.
The Algebra of Wealth, Scott Galloway
Scott has a little bit of an edge to his tone that can be annoying. But in this book, it worked really well. I liked how he started this off by highlighting the importance of stoicism, character and focus. That sets such a strong foundation and I’ve always believed it is paramount to success. He also spent time on some other aspects of finance that I strongly believe in, such as being lucky – the elephant in the room that no one ever talks about. This is an easy to follow and thought provoking finance book for everyone.
Crucial Conversations, Kerry Patterson, Stephen R. Covey, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
A practical guide for handling difficult discussions with confidence and clarity. The book offers valuable techniques for staying calm under pressure, fostering mutual respect, and achieving positive outcomes. The real-world examples and step-by-step strategies make it easy to apply. While some sections feel repetitive, the core principles are solid and actionable. A great resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills in both personal and professional settings.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin
A beautifully crafted novel that resonates deeply, capturing the complexities of life and the transformative power of creativity. Zevin masterfully weaves together the lives of her richly developed characters, making readers genuinely invested in their emotional journeys. The narrative effortlessly explores profound themes of collaboration, identity, ambition, and the passage of time, delivering moments that are both heartwarming and heartbreakingly poignant. Zevin’s insightful prose and captivating storytelling make this book hard to put down.
Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss
Valuable, fun and entertaining insights into negotiation techniques grounded in real-world experience. Voss’s practical examples from his FBI career are engaging and memorable, providing actionable advice that applies to everyday interactions. While occasionally repetitive, the strategies shared are powerful enough to improve anyone’s negotiating skills significantly. A compelling read for those looking to enhance their communication and persuasion abilities.