Category: Book Reviews

Book Review: The Four Doors

Leave a comment

It seems odd to be writing a book review when we’re in the middle of a pandemic. I read The Four Doors when I was on a flight out to San Jose, California about a week before the panic shopping and stay home orders began. It was my annual trip to the Bay Area where I grew up and I decided to start the book on the flight out there. I finished the book before I landed.

The Four Doors written by Richard Paul Evans is an inspirational journey that is built on four pillars for a more fulfilling life. It really all begins with you and how you view yourself within the world. And what a chaotic time it is to take a step back and think about that. Continue reading →

Book Review: The Energy Bus

Leave a comment

We all face challenges and adversity in our lives. Negativity can take hold and sabotage your thoughts, health and happiness. We have a plethora of research at our fingertips that describes how positive energy and positive interactions can improve our lives, make us more productive and increase our happiness. To create success at home or at work we have to overcome the negative way of thinking and that can be a challenge.

Written by Jon Gordon, The Energy Bus is an inspiring story about a man named George who has challenges with his marriage, his team at work and his life overall.

The story begins with a Monday morning and a flat tire. That flat tire and subsequent car repairs change George’s life because that is how he met Joy, the bus driver. George had no choice but to take the bus to work until his car was fixed. And Joy was no ordinary bus driver because she made it her mission in life to be an Energy Ambassador. She tried to energize everyone who came on her bus. Continue reading →

Book Review: The Happiness Equation

Leave a comment

Book Review: The Happiness EquationThe Happiness Equation is a practical guide to developing the happiness muscles in your brain. It gives the reader a framework with real, practical ways to train your mind for the positive.

The book outlines nine secrets for achieving  happiness. And while these “secrets” are really nothing new, the approach and framework provide the tools you need to build a grateful and positive mindset in your life.

Written by Neil Pasricha, The Happiness Equation is a research-based book that shares the insights from thousands of interviews and a range of resources.

Continue reading →

Book Review: Live Happy

Leave a comment

It’s not often I come across a book I want to read a few times over. Live Happy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy is one of those books. I read it three times so far!

Live Happy combines the science of happiness and ways you can create joy each and every day. From an attitude with gratitude to finding meaning even in the darkest of hours, we can all improve the quality of our lives through small, daily practices.

The book includes stories from people who worked through life’s challenges by simple acts they made each day. Some of the stories you’ll read are from celebrities like Alanis Morisette and Hoda Koth. Best selling positive psychologist, Shawn Achor, offers his research on happiness and is among the 40 stories available from all kinds of people. You will feel inspired about your own journey. Continue reading →

Book Review: Strengths Finder 2.0

Leave a comment

Strengths Finder 2.0Do you know your strengths? It’s likely you’re not able to use them every day while at the office or home. So many of us move through life without truly tapping into our talents and strengths.

Strengths Finder has been around for many years. The first version came out in 2001 and my husband introduced it to me several years ago when he was at a large Silicon Valley corporation that used it.

Strengths Finder 2.0 is a reference guide by Tom Rath that is based on research from Gallup and Dr. Don Clifton, Father of Strengths Psychology. I call it a reference guide because you can use for years after you complete the assessment tool that comes with the book. You’ll begin with the first chapter that sets up the importance of understanding our own unique strengths and how they impact all aspects of your life. Continue reading →

Book Review: Arianna Huffington’s Thrive

2 Comments

Book Review: Thrive by Arianna HuffingtonSometimes we get a wake-up call when we’re running at warp speed for too long. Arianna Huffington’s wake-up call came in the form of a collapse on her bathroom floor. To the public, she had it all money, power and fame. That’s how we define success, right?

Huffington was exhausted, lacked sleep and self-care. She was lucky that she survived her collapse that day. Some people don’t, but she took the message her body was giving her and turned it into her mission to help others redefine success and live on their own terms.

Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder. Continue reading →

Book Review: #GIRLBOSS

Leave a comment

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia AmorusoAre you a #GIRLBOSS? Sophia Amoruso sure is and her  New York Times bestseller shares just how she grew her business from its MySpace beginnings to a $250- million fashion retailer success story.

I had never heard of Sophia Amoruso or her business Nasty Gal other than seeing her book on the “must-read” lists. We had a secret Santa gift exchange at the office and I received the book as a gift.

I love learning about successful business women, not so much about their net worth, but the journey to success they experienced. So I was excited to read the book and I’m glad I didn’t read the reviews prior to starting it. They’re a mixed bag of praise and criticism. Continue reading →

Book Review: Body of Work

Leave a comment

Book Review: Body of WorkJob longevity is becoming more rare these days. An employee staying at a job over 5 to 10 years is almost shocking. It’s not because people are fickle, but industries cycle and positions are cut.

As employees, we often get locked into tunnel thinking. Our job title becomes our identity and we can forget that we do so much more outside of work. That’s a scary mindset when you can lose your job at any time. Here today, gone tomorrow. Continue reading →

Lean In… You won’t fall over

2 Comments

Book Review: Lean In by Sheryl SandbergOn the heels of the Yahoo! work from home ban by Marissa Mayer, Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In was met with a hefty amount of backlash. In just under a month, gender roles and flexibility in the workplace came to the forefront. Debates flared and blogger keyboards burned up!

My first reaction to the book title was similar to most. The reality of leaning in more could certainly mean I’d fall over and hard. Who wants to lean in when you are already maxed out, right? Not the intended meaning of the title though. I started reading with both excitement and an open mind. Continue reading →