The Short Version Daniel Pink’s latest book, When: The Scientific Secrets to Perfect Timing, may help you be more productive as a writer. This is yet another in a series of reviews of Books for Writers – books that are not, ostensibly, about writing, yet offer important insights into the practice or craft. The […]
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.
Perennial Seller (A Book Review)
The Short Version: A Welcome Focus on the Long Haul In an age of short attention spans, failing fast, and unicorns, Ryan Holiday has written a refreshing book about creating work that lasts. The advice in Perennial Seller applies to all creative endeavors, from building companies to writing books. It’s both realistic and inspiring. The […]
The Power of Moments (A Book Review)
The Short Version: A Must-Read for Subscription Marketers The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact should be required reading for marketers who participate in the Subscription Economy. The book both inspires and instructs us in creating the moments and experiences that foster meaningful connections, in our lives and businesses alike. Oh, it’s […]
Books for Writers: The Shallows
If you want to read something that gives you chills, check out The Shallows by Nicholas Carr. No, this isn’t the script for the move about a surfer and sharks. It’s a book about the Internet and our brains – a different kind of thriller. I not sure how I missed reading the book when it […]
Books for Writers: Liminal Thinking
Understand Readers’ Beliefs – and Your Own We live in an increasingly divided world. Whether you’re gathering news and information from television, traditional newspapers, or online sources, chances are that you pay attention to people who share your beliefs. When we encounter people on the “other end” of our political or belief spectrum, we can […]
Killing Marketing: A Book Review
The title of the latest book by Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose really grabbed my attention: Killing Marketing: How Innovative Businesses are Turning Marketing Cost into Profit. That sounds like a manifesto – and manifestos are fun. I’ve been known, on occasion, to rant about “death to the funnel” and other topics. Yet, as any student of history […]