I gave four books perfect ratings in October. That has to be some kind of record!
The three non-fiction books with perfect ratings were:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age
by Dale Carnegie and Associates
- Quitter
by Jon Acuff and
- Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things
by Jenny Lawson.
My favorite fiction book was What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler.
It seems almost like cheating to name How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age
The “digital age” version of the timeless leadership classic mixes modern-day examples in a more digital world with the principles and examples from the original version.
I read the new version this semester with my principles of public relations class. While we liked the new version, the few students and I who had read the original agreed that we still favor it, mostly because of changes in writing style between Carnegie and his “associates,” whomever they may be.
Quitter
I read and loved Acuff’s book, Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck
Acuff’s advice and writing didn’t disappoint in my second read of his. He explains how to harness your dream and start achieving it while still having the security of a full-time job.
I have never laughed as hard at a book as I did Furiously Happy. I wasn’t even finished with the introduction and I was laughing so hard that I was crying.
The only time I stopped laughing was when Lawson took a moment to give readers a glimpse of her struggle with depression, anxiety and personality disorder. Those moments were so honest that I couldn’t help but love them too.
I want to be careful to point out that I listened toFuriously Happy on audio. I’m not sure I would have loved the book as much had I not heard the story in Lawson’s original voice. Highly recommended!
What We Saw, inspired by the Steubenville rape case, looks at how a terrible crime divides a community.
Kate Weston doesn’t remember much about the party at high school star basketball player John Doone’s house. She remembers taking shots with Stacey Stallard. She remembers her lifelong friend and another star basketball player, Ben Cody, driving her home. That’s about it.
Kate has a terrible hangover when she wakes up the next morning, but it’s nothing compared to the headaches, heartaches and stomach aches she’s soon to experience.
A photo begins circulating online of Stacey passed out over another basketball player’s shoulder. Then Stacey claims that four of the basketball players raped her.
It may not even be fair to say the town is divided since everyone sides with the men. They’re good boys from good families. They couldn’t possibly have done what Stacey claims.
But when Kate uncovers a video of the night that most people thought had been deleted, she finds out the truth about what happened and who all was involved. Then she has to struggle with what to do with the information.
My October favorites were pretty diverse. There seems to be something on this list for everyone. I hope you find something you enjoy.
As always, happy reading!
