Think Again by Adam Grant - Book Recommendation

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant examines the act of thinking and conversation in relation to the acquisition or relinquishment of ideas. In other words, this is a book that goes into what it takes to change or retain strong opinions. It also looks at what we think we know versus what we actually know. The author also extols the importance of flexibility and the merits of not being wedded to what beliefs we hold most dear as a means of evolution of self and organisational innovation.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK
The author's use of research in buttressing his points is what makes this book intriguing. With various examples, he highlights what we stand to lose when we do not open our minds to new ideas. The book also lays out how to treat opposing ideas and ways of communicating with people who are attached to them.

The writing style here is accessible and not stuffed with jargon. Anyone with a passion for knowledge would be able to get good value from this work without being bogged down by technical writing.

WHAT I DISLIKE
Think Again is a bit too long. While repetition is a good technique to drive points home, it can be overused. Unfortunately, this is the case here. I also noticed that there are a few examples that are drawn out for too long, covering more than 20 pages when just 10 might do.

WHO IS IT FOR
Think Again is for any adult with a vision of advance themselves in various aspects of life.

 Many thanks to Ebury Publishing for review copy.

 

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross - Book Recommendation

 

Our minds rarely ever keep quiet. Day after day, it dredges up some past events or reminds us of some future. Some of us pay attention to these activities more than the others. Unfortunately, some of us also take these endless mind mutterings more seriously than we should... sometimes to the point of obsession.

Chatter by Ethan Kross brings a topic rarely discussed to the fore. This is an audiobook that looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the voices in our head. It explains ways they can sabotage us and what to do when it happens.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK
There is a good depth of research that seems to have gone into this book and it shows. I loved listening to the case studies and various other examples of people who were stuck on the voices in there head. It was interesting learning what those voices kept repeating to them and how it affected their outlook on life.

The solutions the author proffers to the problem of overthinking aren't too dissimilar from meditation, but each one of these solutions stands on its own merits and is backed by years of research. Having said that, it is up to individuals to figure out what works for them.

DISLIKES
None.

WHO IS IT FOR?
Chatter by Ethan Kross is for people suffering from debilitating self-talk, restless mind, and lack of confidence. This book could be a game-changer for them.

Many thanks to Random House UK for review copy.