Short Version: In this fascinating book, Deborah Tannen explores how mismatched conversational styles affect women and men in the workplace. I highly recommend it for writers, as well as anyone who works with other people. Long Version: We each develop certain conversational habits and styles during our lives. The words we use when speaking reflect […]
Book Reviews and Recommendations
One of the greatest gifts someone can give you is a reference to a good book.
I read a large number of books - many as research for the books I write, others just because I love to read them. My topic areas include business and marketing, writing, and cognitive science.
These are links to the book review posts. Visit the Resources pages to find suggested readings for either writing or marketing.
The Misinformation Age: A Book Review
Short Version The Misinformation Age by Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall offers important insight for scientists, journalists, nonfiction writers, and anyone who wants to combat the spread of false beliefs. Long Version: How Misinformation Spreads and What We Can Do About It “Individually rational agents can form groups that are not rational at all.” […]
Writing to Persuade: A Book Review
Short Version If you want to change people’s opinions with your words, and particularly if you want to write an opinion piece that makes an impact, read this new book by the former editor of the New York Times Op-Ed page. Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall interweaves fun, behind-the-scenes stories about the workings of the Times […]
Reader, Come Home: A Book Review
Short Version In Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Maryanne Wolf makes the argument that the digital world is transforming our reading brains, and not always for the better. Only by understanding these changes can we figure out how to navigate them and form a brighter future for a literate, and […]
Wired for Story: A Book Review
Short Version A story proves itself not on the paper but in the reader’s brain. In Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence, Lisa Cron offers valuable insights and practical advice for crafting better stories. Long Version: 3 Things I Love about This book (As […]
The 1-Page Marketing Plan (Book Review)
The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib is a concise, actionable compilation of great marketing advice. Long version Not everyone can distill complicated subjects into concise, understandable, and actionable information. Allan Dib can, though. He’s done it in this short but valuable work, The 1-Page Marketing Plan. The marketing industry is filled with wordy people – […]
