May 2020 – Ryan’s Book Blog

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

May 30, 2020 by Ryan

Background

7 Habits of Highly Effective People is likely the best-known book in personal development in the world. Originally published in 1989, it hit all the top seller’s lists and spawned a whole market of spinoffs. The book is meant to be a reference material to be accessed repeatedly rather than a book that is read from cover to cover.

My Thoughts

This is a great book and I have gotten a lot out of it. I get more out of it the more I really sit down and try to apply what it says. This time around, I moved my planning to a weekly basis. I think it is help.

Recommendation

Always a great read and I highly recommend it.

The Year of Less

May 22, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2018, “The Year of Less” is a memoir written by Cait Flanders that details her journey of self-discovery and intentional living through a year-long shopping ban. Flanders, a recovering alcoholic and shopaholic, decides to confront her issues with consumption and excess by embarking on a 12-month challenge to limit buying material goods, including clothes, shoes, and household items. Along the way, she confronts her past mistakes, gains new insights into herself and her values, and learns to live a simpler, more fulfilling life.

My Thoughts

I had heard about this book from a number of sources and thought it might be something good to read. However, I was wrong. I couldn’t get through it. I’m sure it resonated with many people but I just couldn’t get there. I kept seeing her as just a selfish person without a moral compass. I guess she is progressing but most of her epiphanies were things I would expect my 10-year-old to understand. However, perhaps that says more about me than about her.

Recommendation

I really didn’t find any reason to read it and I resent the time spent with it.

The 5 Love Languages

May 20, 2020 by Ryan

Background

First published in 1992, this book became a best-seller both in English and in several other languages. You’ve likely heard of this book because everyone has heard of this book. The author explains how we all give and accept love differently and it is worth the time and effort to learn your partner’s “love language” if you want them to feel loved.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the book and put it to instant use. My sweet wife knew something was up as soon as I started but she seemed happy regardless.

Recommendation

Everyone who is in a long term relationship should read this book!

A Minute to Midnight

May 5, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in October of 2019. “A Minute to Midnight” is book 2 of the Atlee Pine series written by David Baldacci that follows Atlee Pine as she investigates a gruesome crime in her hometown of Andersonville, Georgia. Atlee’s twin sister was abducted from Andersonville over 30 years ago, and the investigation into her disappearance was mishandled by the local police. Now, Atlee returns to the town to confront her demons and find out the truth about her sister’s disappearance. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers that the crime she is investigating is just the tip of the iceberg and that her own life may be in danger.

My Thoughts

While I enjoyed David Baldacci’s other characters, I don’t really like Atlee Pine. She is all about herself. Rude, whiney, and self-centered, yet somehow everyone loves her. The only possible reason is she is tall and pretty. Not the best role model.

Recommendation

I’d skip this series.