In a Different Key by John Donvan and Caren Zucker

Looking for more information about autism and want to avoid the dry medical write ups then this is your book.  The authors take into account that most person lack the true understanding of autism.  Where this book has done exceptionally well is to bring the reader up to speed by going through actual historical cases.  How they have changed with identification of the condition, treatment methods and most importantly educating the public.  If you are not familiar with autism and the history, then you will have an eye opener regarding how they use to treat people with autism.  The book is full of actual cases noted from doctors in the field and the parents who sacrificed and struggled to find a way to help their children.

While the book is approximately 650 pages the content about the history, struggles, therapy, educational struggles, legal battles and the ever ending message “here is hope” makes this book worth every penny.  I have had first-hand experience with people that have autism and the depictions the authors describe are accurate.  If you are looking to understand more about autism, the history and what the medical and educational systems have done up to this point then this is a must read.  This book will provide you a solid understanding about the world of autism.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.   



The Heart Led Leader by Tommy Spaulding

Originally, my book was lost in transit.  When the book finally came, it was well worth the wait.  I have read hundreds of leadership and self-help books.  Normally I can take away at least one thing per book to strive to improve but this book was different.  This book hit the key point that most leadership books do not, leading from your heart and doing what is right not what is profitable.  How do I know this is not a load of garbage?  The examples the author provides brought me back to a time I was trying to launch a non-profit of my own.  Since I had never done this before everyone told me, it was a waste of time, I could not get the funding and even if I did, it would never last a year.  As the book teaches you, believe what is in your heart then do what you think is the right thing.  You may not success the first time but keep trying.  As for my non-profit it has been active for eight years, we have never had financial issues and the number of people we positively help each year continues to increase.  The author knows what he is talking with real examples and proven principles.  I rarely say this about any book but I would highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.     

Wild Things by Graham Nash

While Graham Nash might be an artistic genius with music, art and photography, he should have requested help in how to write an autobiography.  The first quarter of the book contains more of the interesting background about Nash.  His up bring, things that made major impacts on his life and the people in his life.  The story itself is fascinating but not always an enjoyable read.  The him meeting the Everly Brothers is shows you his drive and determination.  The last half of the book is just like any other rock and roll biography sex, drugs and rock and roll.  If Nash had the help of a professional writer, you would end up with two things a book about half the size and one fascinating life story to tell.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.        

Friend & Foe by Adam Galinsky & Maurice Schweitzer

Are you looking to learn about when to cooperate and when to compete?  A great deal of research has been done around this subject along with volumes of data gathered for research. 

The author’s insight on how it is incorrect to pick only one of these approaches. The authors stress for the reader to know when and how to pursue your own interests, not just for yourself but also how to help others achieve theirs.  If done correctly this can be a very useful tool at work and home.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

So, anyway... by John Cleese

If you enjoy Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers, “Fish Called Wanda” or anything else that John Cleese was involved in you want to read this book.  The book is an autobiographical account of John Cleese life up through 2014.  He goes into great pains to describe the trials and tribulations of growing up in England as an only child with one dysfunctional parent.  He describes how his parents, being an only child, frequently moving to different houses or towns and how his schools had a major impact how his personality was formed.  He explains that his real passion is writing and acting was just a chance encounter that he stumbled into not once but several times.  In chronological order, he talks about the people he has met, what jobs that lead him into and how that encounter leads him to the next situation.  The connection from when he graduates from college to present is amazing how everything fell into place.   By far one of the more entertaining books I have read this year and yes, it is extremely funny as expected.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore

Not looking for an instructional writing book…you found it

Let me first start by quoting the author from one of his many letters, “I just spent a good five minutes trying to make sense of your question, after which I took a good shower, toweled off, and had a two-hour nap.  Now I think I am ready to tackle my answer: What?”  If you replace five minutes with thirty minutes and the question with a book, that would be my response to this book.  Maybe it is my fault, I was hoping for a lighthearted instructional book on writing.  The book about writing but the questions and answers seem to miss the mark in my option.  One question asked if it is possible to write a novel on cocktail napkins.  The author’s reply is on cocktail napkins but it takes 19 pages.  Funny yes, but the humor ended after the fourth napkin. 

There is one section I enjoyed, the authors essay called “Don’t Red this Essay”.  The message driven home is people no longer read for fun or enjoyment.  We no longer have time; our lives are full of text messages, emails, twitters, blogs, etc.  Yes, this is reading but not what most of us would call fun or enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Life on the Edge by Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili

If you have read Johnjoe McFadden’s “Quantum Evolution”, you will enjoy his new book “Life on the Edge”.  You do not need a doctorate or major in biology to appreciate this book.  Many of us have heard the term quantum mechanics, quantum evolution, quantum biology, etc. but most of us have little understanding how it applies to our lives.  The authors Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili lead you through examples most of us will understand to help grasp the ideas around quantum biology.  They begin with what is life then move on to the engines of life.  Further, into the book the authors use the example of robins migration and how they know when and where to migrate along with the connections to quantum biology.  They then explore the mind and its relationship with quantum biology.  They conclude the book with how life began and how the book got it name with a chapter talking about life on the edge of a storm, quantum life.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.