5 Very Exciting Nonfiction Books Out in 2019 That Look to Be Game Changers!

I found these 9 nonfiction books on a diverse array of important topics - poverty, AI, leadership, innovation techniques, programming, eye contact and relationships, the link between science and prosperity, and business management. The overarching attribute that appears to link them is that they all seem like books that can positively influence the world in practical and valuable ways! i.e. I view them as potential game changers. - this is the reason that I wanted to call your attention to them. 

Since I don't yet have copies of these books I will pass along what I have read about them (in quotation marks) so you can see why they got me excited.

THE PROSPERITY PARADOX: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty

"Global poverty is one of the world’s most vexing problems. For decades, we’ve assumed smart, well-intentioned people will eventually be able to change the economic trajectory of poor countries. From education to health care, infrastructure to eradicating corruption, too many solutions rely on trial and error. Essentially, the plan is often to identify areas that need help, flood them with resources, and hope to see change over time.

Applying the rigorous and theory-driven analysis he is known for, Christensen suggests a better way. The right kind of innovation not only builds companies—but also builds countries...it is a call to action for anyone who wants a fresh take for making the world a better and more prosperous place."

WHY DO SO MANY INCOMPETENT MEN BECOME LEADERS? (AND HOW TO FIX IT)

This is a important topical book if there ever was one! This is a major problem to be addressed.

In a nutshell the answer to the title question is this: "In fact, most organizations equate leadership potential with a handful of destructive personality traits, like overconfidence and narcissism. In other words, these traits may help someone get selected for a leadership role, but they backfire once the person has the job...shows us what it really takes to lead and how new systems and processes can help us put the right people in charge."

LOONSHOTS: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases and Transform Industries

This quote from Nobel winner Daniel Kahnman says it all:

“This book has everything: new ideas, bold insights, entertaining history and convincing analysis. Not to be missed by anyone who wants to understand how ideas change the world"

CODERS: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World

"a brilliant anthropological reckoning with the most powerful tribe in the world today, computer programmers...They are the most quietly influential people on the planet, and Coders shines a light on their culture...Along the way, Coders thoughtfully ponders the morality and politics of code, including its implications for civic life and the economy. Programmers shape our everyday behavior: When they make something easy to do, we do more of it. When they make it hard or impossible, we do less of it. Thompson wrestles with the major controversies of our era, from the "disruption" fetish of Silicon Valley to the struggle for inclusion by marginalized groups...the book deftly illustrates how programming has become a marvelous new art form--a source of delight and creativity"

EYE CONTACT: The Power of Personal Connection

"Whether you’re looking to develop a relationship, build your confidence or win a negotiation: the answer is in the eyes. Grazer delves into the power of eye contact, as he shares personal, life-changing stories and insightful advice that will help you immediately discover the secret to a more meaningful life.

The book describes encounters with, among others, Bill Gates, Eminem, George W. Bush, and Kate Moss."

JUMP-STARTING AMERICA: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth 

"The untold story of how America once created the most successful economy the world has ever seen and how we can do it again.

Beginning in 1940, massive public investment generated breakthroughs in science and technology that first helped win WWII and then created the most successful economy the world has ever seen. Private enterprise then built on these breakthroughs to create new industries--such as radar, jet engines, digital computers, mobile telecommunications, life-saving medicines, and the internet-- that became the catalyst for broader economic growth that generated millions of good jobs. We lifted almost all boats, not just the yachts.

Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson tell the story of this first American growth engine and provide the blueprint for a second. It's a visionary, pragmatic, sure-to-be controversial plan that will lead to job growth and a new American economy in places now left behind."

Read well. Live well.

♫ Never look back, Never give up ♫ (Haim)

8 Books To Help You Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Happy New Year. I hope this is your best year ever! Why not you, why not now? 

To that end I present to you 10 books to read to allow you to succeed in this endeavor. I must mention that I am a person who believes in the power of books, so if you are like-minded here are my suggestions.

 THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph

If you haven't heard of this book, allow me the pleasure of introducing you to it. I have always thought that one of the key skills in life was learning to turn a negative into a positive and that is the essence of this book. It has many inspirational stories that you won't want to miss on your journey to your best year ever.

LET YOUR MIND RUN: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

You are the "captain of your ship" so you must shape your mind in an advantageous way, one that allows you to succeed and excel. This book shows you the way. Deena Kastor an elite athlete who was facing burnout and discouragement, was able to shape her mind to be more encouraging, kind, and resilient and in doing so propelled herself to the pinnacle of running—to American records in every distance from the 5K to the marathon—and to the accomplishment of earning America’s first Olympic medal in the marathon in twenty years.

A lot of times it boils down to what you tell yourself, so choose well.

THE GRATITUDE DIARIES: How a Year of Year of Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life

"In this NY Times bestseller, Janice Kaplan spends a year living gratefully...and explores how gratitude can transform every aspect of life including marriage and friendship, money and ambition, and health and fitness"

The important thing is that how you feel has less to do with the events that occur (which you may not have any control over) than with your attitude and how you view them. This is a very important skill!

A lot of times it boils down to what you tell yourself, so choose well.

EDUCATED: A Memoir

As one reviewer said, "It is the most remarkable memoir I've ever read. I finished it in three days - I couldn't put it down. It teaches the importance of learning to think for yourself, to challenge the status quo, and to always seek your own truth." Well said.


In my experience, learning to think for yourself is a critically important skill.

SLEEP SMARTER: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success

Because it is so important to our health and well-being and success, I would feel remiss if I didn't include a book about getting better sleep. I thought this reviewer had a great comment: "Most people try to maximize their ‘time’ when the real secret to productivity is to maximize your energy, and that begins with getting enough great sleep."

I think the bottom line is if you're not sleeping, you're not healthy and so here is a book to help you out.

Next, I will put two books (and their associated audio files) that some may scoff at, because they revolve around self-hypnosis, but they have helped me so keep an open mind and they may help you as well.

INNERCISE: The New Science to Unlock Your Brain's Hidden Power

Lack of knowledge or skill is not what really holds you back. It is your mindset, emotional blocks, and deeply ingrained habits that you must release to clear the path to your greatest victories and successes. With Innercise, you will learn to change your habitual patterns, and eliminate disempowering emotions like fear, low self-esteem, and negativity. The audio files that come with the purchase of the book are terrific!

CLOSE YOUR EYES, GET FREE: Use Self-Hypnosis to Reduce Stress, Quit Bad Habits, and Achieve Greater Relation and Focus

This book and one of the audio files that come with it, got me to quit a very bad habit (grinding my teeth all the time) that was apparently buried in my subconscious because I just could not stop. So that is why I recommend this book: results.

Well I could put a lot more books, but they will have to wait for future posts. I will finish up with the grand finale:

YOUR BEST YEAR EVER: A 5 Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals

The author's thought behind this book is: "Our big goals get pushed to the back burner--and then more often than not, they get forgotten...it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, he thinks that this is the year readers can finally close the gap between reality and their dreams"

So there you have it. Enjoy the success that I know you will get from these books and I'll see you on my next post!