February 2021-Reading

 

Every Deadly Kiss by Seven James

Overview

This book is in a prequel series to Steven James’ fantastic Bowers file series. This might be my favorite of his spin offs from his main series. This series felt complete on its own, while still adding depth to his other work. The book explores Agent Patrick Bower's growth as an agent as he develops ideas on criminal intent and hunts down a bioweapon. 

What We Can Learn

I love how Steven James plays with big topics throughout his stories. Keep your eyes open, it’s fun.

Rating

Read it.

 

Every Wicked Man by Steven James

Overview

Another book in Steven James’ prequel series. This one is a little more mystery than a thriller. Because of James’ writing style, the reader is able to try to figure things out along with the agents. I really enjoyed learning more about the main character’s (Agent Patrick Bowers) story.

What We Can Learn

Steven James is really good at getting inside of my head. One of the characters wonders if he’s going crazy. I could really feel that. It’s a fun time to think about what it is that makes someone crazy. What if you’re the only normal one, is everyone else crazy?

Rating

Yup, read it.

 

Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath

Overview

With outstanding research and examples, the Heath brothers break down decision-making. They explain why a list of pros and cons may not be the best method, how to avoid binary options, and test ideas.

What We Can Learn

All of life is filled with decisions. From what to eat each morning to where to live, which opportunities to chase and more. If we are aware of how we make choices and how we can make better choices, we can make better decisions and have better lives.

Rating

I love the structure of the Heath brothers’ books. Each chapter ends with a one-page summary, they have occasional case studies to practice the ideas and have a full book summary. I find it easy to take notes and remember their ideas. This book was so good it made it onto my list of favorite books so I bought it.

 

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Overview

Can you tell the quality of a relationship in just two seconds? What about the authenticity of a marble statue? Aren’t both so complex they would take time to study to make a correct analysis? Gladwell argues that we’re smarter than we think and that often the logical processes we go through end up clouding our judgment.

What We Can Learn

Malcolm Gladwell’s books could be described as a cross between meta-analysis and epic narrative. With a long history of journalism, he not only knows how to write a story, but how to make a point. It is interesting to think about how the tools we use to make decisions may not be effective.

Rating

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative read.