Dear Dad

Title:  Dear Dad

Author:  Sundi Jo Graham

Rating:  Insightful

Reason for Reading:  Sundi Jo is a friend through social media

Format:  I read this on my nook SimpleTouch

Summary:  Dear Dad is written in diary form recording the author’s thought and feelings as she faces addiction, depression, and her struggles with her faith.  Told in first person, the book takes the reader on a journey of doubt and hope, and what her life is really worth to her, her friends, and (as the title would suggest) her father.

Review:  Dear Dad by Sundi Jo Graham is a serious read which poses serious questions of faith, health, and self-worth.  Sundi Jo’s words truly communicate the depth of her feelings and how fierce her struggles with her emotions were.  The book helps the reader develop sympathy for author and keeps the reader in suspense until the end.  Dear Dad is not an easy or light read, but I found it enjoyable and educational.

Joseph

Other resources:
You can learn more about Sundi Jo at her website http://www.sundijo.com/ and follow her on Twitter @sundijo.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

20,000 Days and Counting

Title:  20,000 Days and Counting

Author:  Robert D. Smith

Rating:  Great

Reason for Reading:  Robert D. Smith is the manager and best friend of my favorite author Andy Andrews.

Format:  Hardcover

Summary:  20,000 Days and Counting is Robert D. Smith treatise on the importance of living intentionally, with a great appreciation for the passage of time.  As the title suggests, Robert began writing the book and taking his life more seriously when he calculated that he had been alive for 20,000 days (roughly 54 years), and decided to rededicate himself to living his life with intensity and not bound by fear.


Review:  20,000 Days and Counting is a great example of simple wisdom.  The book is short and the chapters are short, but full of so much great material.  I read the book in one train trip from downtown out to the suburbs.  Smith provides great examples of how others have used their time effectively, but not in time management format.  The book is all about appreciating the gift of your life, not transforming the reader into time efficient ninja.  If you want to develop a greater appreciation for what you can do, and doing those things you always wanted to do, read 20,00 Days and Counting.

Joseph

Other resources: You can find author at his website http://www.therobertd.com/ and follow him on twitter @therobertd

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Quiet Influence by Jennifer Kahnweiler

Title:  Quiet Influence

Author:  Jennifer Kahnweiler

Rating:  Great

BOOK GIVEAWAY:  I will give away a copy of Quiet Influence.  Please read the instructions below.

Reason for Reading:  I have been reading a series of books about introversion and leadership, such as Quiet by Susan Cain.

Format:  Softcover

Summary:  In Quiet Influence, Jennifer describes 6 leadership techniques that give introverts an  advantage over extroverts.  That’s not to say that extroverts can not use these techniques, but these techniques tap into the natural strengths of introverts.
For example, introverts are naturally inclined to use engaged listening and focused conversations when relating to others.  These can be powerful leadership actions.  Also, introverts tend to prefer to communicate in writing, a critical ability in an increasingly visual world.
Throughout the book, Jennifer provides examples of leaders using these techniques to have influence over others, often in ways that can be overlooked in a cursory glance.

Review:  I like that Quiet Influence is a straightforward and relatable book with examples and suggestions for anyone trying to leverage their introverted nature to expand their influence.  For each of the six tools Jennifer describes, she provides examples of how others have used it, and specific actions to apply them.  Jennifer also provides a cautious voice to help the reader develop the sense for when they are overusing that tools, and the subsequent pitfalls.
For a book so full of wisdom and practical information, Quiet Influence by Jennifer Kahnweiler is a fun read for anyone interested in how introverts can serve as leaders in a world that too easily overlooks how their natural strengths can benefit everyone.

Joseph Iliff

BOOK GIVEAWAY:  will give away a copy of Quiet Influence to someone who comments below with the answer to this question:  How do use your introverted nature to lead others?

Other resources:
Author website: http://jenniferkahnweiler.com/
Follow Jennifer Kahnweiler on Twitter @jennkahnweiler

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”