Book summaries
77 books, read properly.
One book at a time: what it argues, what stuck, and whether it earns your evening. Every summary I have written, and every affiliate link marked as one.
2020
Book ReviewJune 7, 202016 min100 Books That Changed the World (& How They Did It)100 Books That Changed the World is a beautifully illustrated book that informs and entertains readers about 100 books that shaped, changed, and even revolutionized the world.Read
Book ReviewMay 10, 20206 minThe Incredible Story of How Fredrick Douglass Learned To Read & WriteThe book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is an eloquent memoir written by Frederick Douglass.Read
2019
BooksAugust 19, 20195 min“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” by Ramit SethiBook summary, review and lessons from "I Will Teach You To Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi. Learn key lessons about how to live a Rich Life and gaining control over your finances.Read
BooksJune 25, 20194 min“The Female Brain” by Louann BrizendineBook summary, review and lessons from "The Female Brain" by Louann Brizendine.Read
BooksJune 18, 20196 min“Coming Apart” by Charles MurrayBook summary, review and lessons from “Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010” by Charles Murray.Read
BooksJune 12, 20196 min“How To Be A 3% Man” by Corey Wayne — Alex & BooksBook summary, review and lessons from "How To Be A 3% Man" by Corey Wayne. Learn key lessons on how to become better at understanding and dating women.Read
BooksJune 8, 20197 min“Agent of Influence” by Jason HansonBook summary, review and lessons from "Agent of Influence" by Jason Hanson.Read
BooksMay 29, 20195 min“Letters of Note: Volume 2” by Shaun UsherBook summary and lessons from "Letters of Note: Volume 2” by Shaun Usher.Read
BooksMay 18, 20196 min“The Algebra of Happiness” by Scott GallowayBook summary, review and lessons from “The Algebra of Happiness” by Scott Galloway.Read
BooksMay 13, 20197 min“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark MansonBook summary, review and lessons from "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson.Read
BooksMay 9, 20198 min“The Creative Curve” by Allen GannettBook summary, review and lessons from "The Creative Curve" by Allen Gannett.Read
BooksMay 2, 20197 min“Loonshots” by Safi BahcallBook summary, review and lessons from "Loonshots" by Safi Bahcall Read about a surprising new way of thinking about the mysteries of group behavior and nurturing radical breakthroughs.Read
BooksApril 25, 20196 min“Never Grow Up” by Jackie ChanBook summary, review and lessons from “Never Grow Up” by Jackie Chan.Read
BooksApril 16, 20195 min“Letters of Note” by Shaun UsherBook summary and lessons from "Letters of Note” by Shaun Usher.Read
BooksApril 9, 20197 min“Digital Minimalism” by Cal NewportBook summary and lessons from "Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport.Read
BooksApril 3, 20195 min“The Red Queen” by Matt RidleyBook summary and lessons from "The Red Queen" by Matt Ridley.Read
BooksApril 1, 20199 min“Can’t Hurt Me” by David GogginsBook summary of "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. Goggins went from a living in poverty to joining the SEALs and becoming an ultra endurance athlete.Read
BooksMarch 21, 20196 min“Write Your Book In A Flash” by Dan JanalBook summary and lessons from "Write Your Book In A Flash" by Dan Janal Learn how to outline your book, overcome imposter syndrome and more.Read
BooksMarch 16, 20195 min“Tribe” by Sebastian JungerBook summary and lessons from "Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging” by Sebastian Junger.Read
BooksFebruary 14, 20195 minThe Best Quotes from “The Alchemist” by Paul CoelhoBook summary and my favorite quotes from “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho At 197 pages, this book can be read quickly in as little as two or three days.Read
BooksFebruary 5, 20195 minWhat Dr. Peterson Got Right & Wrong About “A Billion Wicked Thoughts”Jordan Peterson talks about the book “A Billion Wicked Thoughts” in his YouTube lecture.Read
BooksJanuary 27, 20197 minUnit 731: A book about evil and war crimes“Unit 731 Testimony: Japan's Wartime Human Experimentation Program” by Hal Gold is a disturbing account of a top secret project named Unit 731.Read
BooksJanuary 16, 20195 min“Living with a SEAL (David Goggins)” by Jesse ItzlerWhat happens when a multi-millionaire invites a Navy SEAL to live with him for a month?Read
BooksJanuary 4, 20195 min“The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin SharmaAn inspiring tale about a rich lawyer that drops everything to pursue happiness and fulfillment.Read
2018
BooksDecember 28, 20189 min“A Billion Wicked Thoughts” by Ogas & GaddamWhat can a billion internet searches tell us about sexual relationships?Read
BooksDecember 18, 20187 min“Subliminal” by Leonard MlodinowDo you know how much of your decisions are made by your unconscious?Read
BooksNovember 28, 20187 min“The Messy Middle” by Scott BelskyCreating something from nothing is hard, but the unpredictable journey can be even harder.Read
BooksNovember 21, 20188 min“The Compound Effect” by Darren HardyThis is an incredible book that teaches the importance of small changes.Read
BooksOctober 30, 20189 min“Atomic Habits” by James ClearLearn how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results. Find easy and proven ways to build good habits and break bad ones.Read
BooksOctober 16, 20185 min“Tribe of Mentors” by Tim FerrissThis book is a collection of interviews from experts in nearly every industry. Learn how to become a writer, why failure leads to success and why being busy is a decision.Read
BooksSeptember 20, 20187 min“Smarter Faster Better” by Charles DuhiggThe best-selling author of “The Power of Habit” Charles Duhigg is back with another great book The book teaches eight tips that will make you more productive in life and business Here are three important lessons from Duhigg’s book.Read
BooksSeptember 8, 20189 min“The Productivity Project” by Chris BaileyAccomplish more by managing your time, attention and energy Learn the truth about multitasking and the importance of the Rule of 3 Become more productive and a better time manager by reading this bookRead
BooksAugust 28, 20186 min“Discipline Equals Freedom” by Jocko WillinkLife advice and thoughts from Jocko Willink–a 20 year Navy SEAL veteran turned business consultant and podcaster.Read
Book ReviewAugust 14, 20187 min“Mastering Fear” by Brandon Webb & John MannBrandon Webb, an ex-Navy SEAL, pilot, and media CEO draws on his personal experiences to demonstrate how people can master fear in everyday life Fear is often the obstacle blocking people from success, read this book to learn how to overcome it and achieve a new level of growthRead
Book ReviewAugust 4, 20186 min“This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen” by Tadeusz Borowski180 Pages A series of short stories based on Tadeusz Borowski’s experience in the Nazi concentration camps Step into the shoes of not just one, but multiple prisoners as well as S.S.Read
BooksJuly 20, 201811 min“The Aquariums of Pyongyang” by Chol-Hwan & RigoulotPages: 238 For: People interested in learning about life in North Korea, concentration camps, and stories of survival Lesson: Learn how one man spent ten years in a North Korean concentration camp, escaped and lived to tell his storyRead
Book ReviewJune 14, 20186 min“The Power of Myth” by Joseph CampbellPages: 293 For: People that are interested in history, myths, religion, and the structure of stories Lesson: Learn the meaning behind classic myths and symbolsRead
Book ReviewJune 7, 20189 min“The Third Door” by Alex BanayanPages: 320 For: Entrepreneurs, college students, people who like inspirational stories, Ferriss fans Lesson: Learn how the world's most successful people launched their careersRead
Book ReviewMay 29, 20186 min“Total Recall” by Arnold SchwarzeneggerPages: 646 For: People looking for self-improvement tips, people who love true inspiring stories Lesson: Learn about Schwarzenegger's incredible life journey and how he became successful in three different careersRead
Book ReviewMay 24, 20186 min“Wild At Heart” by John EldredgePages: 221 For: Young men, Jordan Peterson fans, Christian men, men that are bored with life Lesson: Learn about what is needed to grow from a boy to a man and recover your masculine roleRead
Book ReviewMay 16, 20187 min“The Gulag Archipelago” by Aleksandr SolzhenitsynBook: “The Gulag Archipelago” by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn For: People interested in learning about Soviet Russia, psychology of corruption and slave labor camps Lesson: Learn how a country falls apart when its leaders and citizens become corruptRead
Book ReviewMay 7, 20185 min“Negotiation Genius” by Malhotra & BazermanBook: “Negotiation Genius” by Deepak Malhotra and Max Bazerman For: People who work in sales, deals, or similar business fields Lesson: Learn the essential strategies needed to become a negotiation expertRead
Book ReviewApril 26, 20185 min“On Writing” by Stephen KingBook: “On Writing” by Stephen King For: Aspiring writers who want to improve their writing and learn about King’s career Lesson: Learn the fundamentals of writing from legendary writer Stephen KingRead
BooksApril 9, 201811 min6 Profound Quotes from “12 Rules for Life” by Jordan PetersonBook: “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” by Jordan B. Peterson In this article I share my thoughts on 6 incredibly insightful quotes from Peterson's bookRead
BooksApril 6, 20186 min“The Dragons of Eden” by Carl SaganPages: 288 For: People interested in learning about the evolution of mankind and the brain Lesson: Gain insight into the brain of man and beast, the origin of human intelligenceRead
Book ReviewMarch 30, 20184 min“Draft No. 4” by John McPheeBook: “Draft No. 4” by John McPhee For: People who want to improve their writing skills Lesson: Learn about writing and the writing process from a staff writer at The New YorkerRead
Book ReviewMarch 23, 20185 min“Make Your Bed” by William McRavenBook: “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William McRaven For: People who need some inspiration or guidance in life, those who seek life advice Lesson: Learn how doing certain little things in your life can help change yourself and the world for the betterRead
Book ReviewMarch 14, 20186 min“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert KiyosakiBook: “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki For: People in high school & college, and people who want to be financially independent Lesson: Learn how to invest your money properly, what rich parents teach their kids, and common obstacles stopping people from financial successRead
BooksMarch 10, 20186 min“No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Dr. Robert GloverBook: “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Dr. Robert Glover For: Men who are unhappy with their relationship, stuck in the friend zone, or men who have been called a “nice guy” Lesson: Learn how to be confident, embrace your masculinity, accept yourself, and build meaningful relationshipsRead
Book ReviewMarch 4, 20187 min“Trust Me I’m Lying” by Ryan HolidayBook: “Trust Me, I’m Lying’ by Ryan Holiday For: People who want to understand how blogs & other media work, and how it affects our society Lesson: Learn about the power of blogs, and how even established media companies can be manipulated by a single individualRead
Book ReviewFebruary 23, 20185 min“The Forgotten Highlander” by Alistair UrquhartBook: “The Forgotten Highlander” by Alistair Urquhart For: People who want to know about the conditions POW faced during WWII Lesson: Learn about the incredible journey of survival from one of the worst POW scenario imaginableRead
BooksFebruary 19, 20185 min“The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller & Jay PapasanBook: "The ONE Thing" by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan For: People who want to become better at managing their time and be more productive Lesson: Learn how to manage your time efficiently and effectively, achieve more, and find greater clarity in your career and lifeRead
BooksFebruary 15, 20186 min“Perennial Seller” by Ryan HolidayBook: “Perennial Seller” by Ryan Holiday For: Creative people who are looking to make their work last decades or longer Lesson: Learn how to create creative work that succeeds in the market for the long-termRead
BooksFebruary 13, 20184 min“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor FranklBook: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl For: People searching for meaning in life or want to know how ordinary people cope with extraordinary situations Lesson: Learn how a psychiatrist survived a concentration camp and how humans can survive horrible situations and traumaRead
BooksFebruary 11, 20184 minImprove Your Life by Taking Extreme OwnershipTake extreme ownership for every part of your life. It will be tough at first, the extra responsibility will be a burden, however, by owning everything you will become more motivated and disciplined in every aspect of your life.Read
BooksFebruary 4, 20185 min“12 Rules for Life” by Jordan B. PetersonBook: “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” by Jordan B. Peterson For: Anyone who is unhappy with their life, people who are angry, resentful, or lost in life Lesson: 12 Rules that will help you become a better person and in turn help make the world a better placeRead
BooksJanuary 22, 201810 min“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif BabinBook: “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin For: Business managers, leaders, people interested in military tactics and improving their leadership skills Lesson: The leadership lessons from life-and-death combat can be applied to the business world to make your team and company successfulRead
BooksJanuary 17, 20183 min10 Interesting Quotes on Writing by Ernest HemingwayBook: “Ernest Hemingway on Writing" edited by Larry Phillips For: Anyone interested in Hemingway's writing, aspiring writers Lesson: Learn Hemingway's thoughts on being a writer, his work habits and advice for aspiring writersRead
LifeJanuary 14, 20184 min10 Powerful Quotes from “The Emperor’s Handbook”Book: “The Emperor’s Handbook” by Marcus Aurelius For: Anyone interested in philosophy, living a good life or looking for meaning in life Lesson: Learn to live a fulfilling life while being a virtuous personRead
Book ReviewJanuary 7, 20183 min“On Writing Well” by William ZinsserBook: "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser For: Anyone who wants to improve their writing Lesson: Learn how to write betterRead
2017
Book ReviewNovember 27, 20172 min“The Storytelling Animal” by Jonathan GothschallBook: "The Storytelling Animal" by Jonathan Gothschall Pages: 272 For: People that are interested in English, history, or psychology Lesson: Learn the purpose of why humans tell storiesRead
Book ReviewNovember 22, 20172 min“Made To Stick” by Chip & Dan HeathBook Review: Made To Stick by Chip & Dan HeathRead
Book ReviewNovember 19, 20173 min“David and Goliath” by Malcolm GladwellBook Review: David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.Read
Book ReviewNovember 9, 20173 min“You Are A Writer” by Jeff GoinsBook Review: You Are a Writer by Jeff GoinsRead
Book ReviewOctober 29, 20173 min“Purple Cow” by Seth GodinBook Review: Purple Cow by Seth GodinRead
Book ReviewOctober 15, 20173 min“How To Read Literature Like A Professor” by Thomas FosterBook Review: How To Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas C. FosterRead
Book ReviewOctober 15, 20173 min“What Every BODY Is Saying” by Joe NavarroBook Review: What Every BODY Is Saying by Joe NavarroRead
Book ReviewOctober 15, 20173 min“Zero To One” by Peter ThielBook Review: Zero To One by Peter ThielRead- BooksSeptember 8, 20174 min5 Lessons From “What Every BODY Is Saying”Have you ever been in a social situation where you wished you had telepathic powers and could read the other person’s mind?Read
BooksMay 24, 20179 min5 Lessons from “High Output Management”The world is filled with mysteries and questions we may never know the answers too.Read
BooksMay 9, 20177 min3 Lessons from “The War of Art”Almost everyone has heard of the book The Art of War ; the famous strategy book about winning military battles.Read
BooksApril 30, 20179 min7 Lessons from “The Emperor’s Handbook”Imagine a boy being born in Rome in 121 A.D. At three years old, the boy's father dies and he is raised by his mother.Read- BooksApril 14, 20177 min5 Business Lessons from “Zero to One”When Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg give a book positive praise, you know it is worth reading.Read
BooksMarch 28, 20176 min7 Business Lessons from “The Art of War”Written more than 2,000 years ago, The Art of War was written by Sun Tzu as a guide to military strategy.Read
BooksMarch 17, 20174 min“Indispensable! Becoming The Obvious Choice In Business” by David CottrellThis book was recommended to me by my management professor who worked for IBM for over 25 years.Read
BooksMarch 13, 20174 min5 Lessons from “Ego Is The Enemy”Early in our careers, ego impedes learning and the cultivation of talent.Read
BooksMarch 7, 20175 min10 Management Lessons from “The Effective Executive”Peter Drucker is the often called the "founder of modern management" and for good reason.Read
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