Herbert Benson, MD & William Proctor – The Breakout Principle (2003)

Mar 14, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Dr. Herbert Benson and William Proctor offer a self-improvement book that promises a panacea, a method of enhancing creativity, athletic performance, and personal self-actualization. Unfortunately, when they’re not wallowing in spiritual mumbo jumbo, they’re laboriously revealing ideas that have been better covered in practically every other similar book.

Grade: D+.

Amazon: Herbert [...]

John Knowles – A Separate Peace (1953)

Mar 09, 2010
by Mr. Nau

This classic Pulitzer-winning coming-of-age story focuses on two friends, Gene and Finny, at an exclusive New England preparatory school in the early days of World War II. The push and pull of their friendship and the sometimes seething competition between the boys leads to a tragic accident.

Grade: A.

Amazon: John Knowles [...]

Larry McMurtry – Literary Life (2009)

Mar 07, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Larry McMurtry recounts his memories as a writer, teacher, and bookseller in this short rambling memoir that frequently wanders on tangents and lacks a cohesive focus. The book reads like a complaint about the fact that his work isn’t always reviewed or respected, despite a Pulitzer Prize and an Oscar.

Grade: [...]

Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist (1988)

Mar 04, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd, follows his personal legend across the Sahara to Egypt, facing poverty, sandstorms, and warring desert nomads. This short endearing allegory shows how a grand adventure to follow one’s dreams yields unexpected treasures and that hardship is a small price to pay for finding one’s destiny.

Grade: [...]

Rosamund & Benjamin Zander – The Art of Possibility (2002)

Mar 02, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Rosamund and Benjamin Zander collaborate in this insightful self-improvement book that outlines overcoming obstacles and increasing motivation with simple, effective tips. Whether the reader is trying to improve their productivity at work or struggling to create a masterpiece artistic work, many of the principles here will inspire consistent action.

Grade: A.

Amazon: [...]

Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)

Feb 26, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-winning novel brilliantly explores the trial of a young black man on trial for the rape of a white woman. We watch everything unfold from the point of view of the daughter of his lawyer, whose life in a racist community never phases his belief in justice.

Grade: A+.

Amazon: Harper [...]

Barbara J Winter – Making a Living Without a Job (2009)

Feb 21, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Barbara J Winters inspires aspiring small entrepreneurs in this short book about becoming “joyfully jobless” and finding work more in line with one’s dreams. Although this is a fun read, it is at times short on practical how-to information, but would serve as a motivating supplement to additional material.

Grade: B.

Amazon: [...]

Thornton Wilder – The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927)

Feb 15, 2010
by Mr. Nau

Thornton Wilder tells the story of five people killed in the collapse of a bridge in Peru in 1714. A priest, confident of his ability to explain the theological reasons for these specific people to die, thoroughly investigates the victims. This masterful novel explores life and death, community and [...]

Karen Salmansohn – The Bounce Back Book (2008)

Dec 31, 2009
by Mr. Nau

With lots of spunk drawn from her own personal setbacks, Karen Salmansohn’s quirky self-improvement book presents 70 examples and exercises to help the reader recover from adversity. With a bubbly style, this interesting little gem provides a number of practical hands-on assignments for getting back in the game.

Grade: A-.

Amazon: Karen [...]

Daniel Coyle – The Talent Code (2009)

Dec 31, 2009
by Mr. Nau

Daniel Coyle illustrates the importance of myelin-building deep practice in this inspirational book about unlocking the secret of building potential into world-class performance. He uses anecdotes and stories from respected coaches, business professionals, musicians, and teachers to show how fine-tuning and other techniques lead to advanced proficiency.

Grade: A+.

Amazon: Daniel Coyle [...]

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