Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Mastering Flow by Nils Salzgeber is an examination of the state of work and creativity that leads to excellent performance and a pleasurable creation process. The book is designed to equip readers with the ability to experience flow more often while working toward a particular goal. Mastering Flow is divided into three sections. In the first section, it looks into the definition of flow and findings from over 50 years of research. The second part shows us how flow holds the key to happiness and success. It includes examples of athletes, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that have flow to thank for their success. You'll see the negative side of flow and gain access to scientific studies associated with flow. In the third part, Salzgeber shares tips and strategies for experiencing more flow. You will learn to experience flow, not only at work but in all areas of life. 

You know the feeling of satisfaction that you get when you read a book that perfectly captures what you've once experienced? That's what I felt while reading Mastering Flow, especially in the part where it referred to some artists being "much more interested in the process of painting itself" than the end result. From Lewis Hamilton's revelation about the "clear zone" to a ten-year McKinsey study, the book's examples, quotes, and references to experiments make Nils Salzgeber's lessons feel more believable. Readers who wish to enjoy work more and others who wish to get the best out of life will benefit immensely from this book. It's a well-researched and concise guide that you will find both satisfying and enlightening. I can see many amazing performances and contributions in art, businesses, and sports being attributed to this book's lessons in years to come.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Annette Bühler's Navigating Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: The Ethic Pocketknife covers the roles of ethical leadership as AI technologies take off. Bühler emphasizes how important it is to incorporate ethical frameworks—deontological, teleological, and virtue ethics—into leadership work to avoid any ethical hitches with AI, like data privacy, bias, and transparency. Bühler gives us the "Ethic Pocketknife," a toolkit to help leaders add ethical considerations to their decision-making. Her toolkit includes sections like the Integrity Blade and Fairness File, which help make sure decisions are in line with human values and society. Bühler shows us its application by including case studies in sectors like healthcare and fintech, drawing out continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and the balance between technological progress and ethical standards.

"Ethical sensitivity means recognizing the broader implications of our actions and striving to do what is right, even when it’s not the easiest path." Annette Bühler has done an excellent job of writing clear and well-structured arguments logically in Navigating Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI, breaking the work down into organized sections, distinct definitions, and in a style that is both professional and wonderfully accessible. Bühler amplifies this for readers by giving actionable insight that can be applied to businesses in almost any sector. I really appreciate the practical tools she spells out for us, the key piece being the Ethic Pocketknife. It's quite an innovative concept when you think about the handiness of a pocketknife, and I loved that the different tools that flip out of it are symbolic of Bühler's components. I'm partial to the Collaboration Corkscrew; you'll have to find out for yourself what that means. Overall, this is a fantastic, progressive, and forward-thinking guide that should be required reading for leaders, and leaders in the making.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Generative AI Basics and Beyond by Melissa Peneycad is a must-read for anyone eager to learn the power of tools like ChatGPT for productivity, career success, and creativity. In today's fast-paced world, whoever you are—a student, an entrepreneur, a professional, or an artist—you can learn how to effectively use generative Artificial Intelligence to achieve your goals, even if you don't have a tech background. This book teaches you about generative AI, neural networks, large language models and their core concepts, superalignment and misalignment, AI tools and their strengths and limitations, prompt engineering, and cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as quantum computing and edge AI. It discusses generative AI's many positives, risks, and challenges, offering guidance on using it responsibly. Most importantly, it shows how AI complements human effort rather than replaces it.

Generative AI Basics and Beyond is an extraordinary book offering a straightforward, concrete, and practical approach to using generative AI. It takes you from feeling intimidated or overwhelmed to confident and empowered by helping you to distinguish AI-generated content from reality, separate fact from fiction, and protect yourself from scams, disinformation, and misinformation. It's an urgent and essential read to gain a deeper appreciation of this technology, understand its capabilities, and learn how to use it more strategically, safely, and responsibly for personal development. Melissa Peneycad equips you with the essentials, tools, strategies, and insights you need to keep up with the latest advancements in AI. She did an excellent job of showing why AI requires ethical guidelines and responsible usage and how generative AI can assist, inspire, and amplify human creativity.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Change Guidebook by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a comprehensive self-help resource designed to empower readers to make meaningful changes in their lives. It presents a structured ten-point framework that includes assessment, choice, discovery, growth, support, implementation, acceptance, engagement, mastery, and impact. This framework helps readers achieve changes that resonate and align with their heart, truth, and energy. The book emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and awareness, making informed choices, taking action toward personal goals, and fostering resilience through supportive networks. It also encourages giving back to the community, enriching the world, and perpetuating a cycle of positive change. The journey of transformation may be gradual, requiring patience and commitment. The ten points outlined in the book provide a clear roadmap to help you stay on track and become your best self.

The Change Guidebook offers an inspiring approach to personal growth and transformation. It addresses themes of forgiveness, gratitude, humility, and patience. Unlike other self-help guides that focus solely on personal success and improvement, this book highlights the interconnectedness of individual growth and community impact. It emphasizes that making meaningful changes in your own life can positively affect your family, friends, and even strangers you might meet in a grocery store. The book is well-structured, with each alignment presenting specific points of change, making it easy to follow and comprehend. Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino shares heartwarming stories of resilience and empowerment, detailing her own struggles and growth, as well as stories from family members and clients she has encountered on her journey. These relatable anecdotes help readers apply the lessons and concepts of the ten-point framework to their own lives. Finally, the book includes exercises that encourage readers to think, write, talk, and take action. The time is now to take steps toward being the best person you can be, not only for yourself but also for your loved ones and your community, and make the change that you wish to see in the world.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

John R. Miles wrote Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life to help the next generation of leaders achieve and live purposefully. After introducing the concepts in the book, the author divided it into two parts. The first section outlines mindset shifts, and the second part details the same number of behavioral adjustments to make up a twelve-part framework. Other chapters look at the application of acting on these steps. Miles uses Jim McKelvey as an example and other experiences to illustrate his points. Most of the concepts are practical, and they display ways to improve readers' lives. He outlines ways to accept failure and psychological pressures as part of the process to reach your goals. Miles shows readers the roadblocks to their success and how to avoid or navigate them.

John R. Miles encourages readers to take the discomforting leap into the unknown and make informed decisions. Adults and young adults could learn a lot by picking up this book, whether they're getting ready to start on a new path or they want to switch from the one they're on. The exercises were helpful for me, and I identified many possibilities for my future by changing certain behaviors. Through studies and interviews, Miles helps readers realize more about themselves, helping them shape a new perspective. The author's personal experience is enough to motivate and inspire readers to take the first step in creating opportunities for growth and improvement. Readers who have the courage to start an empowering and intentional journey today will benefit from reading Passion Struck.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

From earthquakes to nuclear war, humankind is faced with threats to its survival from multiple sources, both natural and manmade. Michel Bruneau examines this sobering theme in detail in The Blessings of Disaster: The Lessons that Catastrophes Teach Us and Why Our Future Depends On It. Topics covered span everything from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, extreme weather, biological hazards, and terrorist attacks to the possibility of an economic collapse and World War III. The knock-on effects should also not be underestimated. A common factor is that preventative action is often too late and instituted after the event. The author reviews legislation such as building regulations and construction methods, concluding that more should be done to prevent or mitigate the extent of disasters. The inability to predict these events with any accuracy is also evaluated. This is where the politicians step in, often citing a lack of funding for what should be regarded as timely warnings and prudent precautions. There is an inherent conflict in that lives and property damage must be weighed up against higher costs involved, and lower profits by vested commercial interests. Ultimately the public must pay, but are both resistant and complacent. The role of the media and entertainment industry has muddied the water by sensationalizing and misrepresenting disasters, relegating them to distant events that seem unreal and non-threatening to the viewer.

Michel Bruneau is a professional engineer and a specialist in earthquakes, so a study of that phenomenon takes center stage, particularly as earthquakes pose a regular and tangible threat. The Blessings of Disaster highlights the lack of disaster planning by those in authority and the apathy of the general population. Climate change and its dire consequences are evaluated, as well as the impact of overpopulation on the environment. Even pets and farm animals contribute to climate change, just one of many interesting facts. The author catalogs all the possible doomsday scenarios, pondering the age-old question as to whether God’s will is somehow involved as some would have us believe. End-times theories abound, giving rise to a sense of fatalism and inevitability that leads to inaction. This book does not set out to be negative or claim to be a definitive work on the subject. It is a strident call to humanity to wake up, be prepared, and take action. It is thus a valuable tool in creating public awareness. As the title suggests, it may take a major catastrophe to change attitudes, but ultimately good can come of it. The book is painstakingly researched and comes with a long list of sources, plus an index. It is highly recommended for those who are concerned about our future.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Amazing Alaska! by Marianne Jennings is an incredible way to learn about Alaska, starting with basic information and ending with odd Alaskan laws. These various facts highlight a new perspective of Alaska by showing its history and scenery. Learn about why there is a law to prevent pushing moose out of planes, discover that Alaska has no statewide sales tax, and explore the vast landscape in this easy-to-read guide. This well-organized book breaks down different facets of Alaska that cover well-known to lesser-known insights about the state, such as being known as the Last Frontier and having over twenty official languages.

This is an ideal resource from Marianne Jennings with tidbits that are often humorous and intriguing. Some of the more unusual ones include midnight sun baseball games, ice worms on glaciers, ice golf, and the working sled dogs of Denali National Park. The book features a few places such as Lake Clark that can only be reached via boat or air. It teaches various aspects of the Alaskan way of life, describing the clothes worn, plugging in vehicles to keep them from freezing, and the reindeer running event. These different aspects give a well-rounded view of Alaska with information that covers the food and drink (birch syrup and maktak), explores the history (the gold rush and the potato as currency), and even notable figures such as Wyatt Earp and Jack London.

Amazing Alaska! also features superstitions like the Alaska Triangle where mysterious disappearances occur, the Alaskan Bigfoot, Amikuk, Kustaka, and Adlet. The book includes easy-to-find facts and each chapter follows a specific topic, such as wildlife, and sled dog races. You can learn about Alaska’s traditions and culture, like the Aurora Ice Museum, spirit houses, the great bathtub race, and the ice worm festival. Various photos are included, which provide humorous and insightful visuals. Amazing Alaska! is a useful guide filled with details and quirky laws found in this stunning state. It is perfect for travelers, students, and those interested in learning more about Alaska.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

And She Was Never the Same Again: A Multigenerational Memoir is a work of non-fiction in the grief, self-help, and memoir subgenres. Penned by author Natasha Pryde Trujillo, Ph.D., this intriguing work delves into the profound impacts of loss across generations, cultures, and identities. Through narratives spanning near-death experiences, trauma, chronic illness, and the stigmatized death of a partner, the book explores the complexities of grief and its enduring effects on individuals and families. Each chapter offers a poignant exploration of loss, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals navigate their sorrow and showing that we are both unique and united in our experiences of grief.

Author Natasha Pryde Trujillo has done a lot of soul-searching to craft a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant memoir on a very difficult topic indeed. I enjoyed how the narrative brought together personal tales but also invited readers to examine the multifaceted nature of grief from a range of different viewpoints. The synthesis at the end of each chapter provides valuable insights into the manifestation and maintenance of grief over time, leading to a deeper understanding of the grieving process. I felt this organizational touch would be highly useful to those wanting to refer back to the passages that impacted them most. More than a mere memoir, this book serves as a profound educational tool, encouraging readers to confront their own experiences of loss and embrace the complexities of the human condition. Overall, I would certainly recommend And She Was Never the Same Again as a well-penned work that challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of grief and offers a path toward healing and growth.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis by Katherine Schweit addresses the thorny issue of guns and gun violence. The author has had a noteworthy career, from being in the media to obtaining a law degree and serving as a special agent with the FBI. When the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred, she was chosen as a member of the team to help find a solution. Their report spanning fourteen years of incidents indicated an increase in shootings from an average of 6.4 to around 16.4 annually, yet no one seemed to take note of the escalating problem. When there is a shooting, it is followed by mass anger and numerous calls to support the victims, but generally, it ends there. What is the responsibility of the government and citizens in addressing this issue? This work examines the various issues such as pathways to violence, who, and why.

Stop the Killing by Katherine Schweit contains a wealth of information. The author acknowledges that this is a multifaceted issue that needs to be addressed from many different perspectives. For this reason, this book stood out from most of the others I have read. I found it to be thought-provoking on a variety of levels, such as the role of leadership, the mass media, and the Internet in maintaining a healthy balance in society. I also loved the way that the author provided comprehensive statistics and copious references, indicating that the book is well-researched and can be used as a guide to finding other resources on this subject. The readers will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes it accessible to all types of readers. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Matthew Hess used to think it was impossible to have a work-life balance. Many people question if quiet quitting is ethical. In Quiet Quit & Fully Live, Matthew explains how he found his life balance by quiet quitting. He also shares how to do it with a clear conscience because it can be done very ethically. In this wonderful book, he gives steps that anyone can take that will benefit their personal life and relationships and their employer. Matthew reminds the reader that quiet quitting is not being lazy or failing to fulfill your job description. It sets boundaries for any extra work you might take on. As well as describing the benefits of quiet quitting, Matthew addresses its potential drawbacks. The reader needs to adjust each suggestion in this book to fit their unique needs. Because many people face struggles with stress, Matthew suggests ways to reduce it. I highly recommend this book and wish it had been around when I was younger.

In Quiet Quit & Fully Live by Matthew Hess, you will find invaluable advice that will benefit your life in more ways than you can imagine. Matthew’s writing flows well and makes you want to keep reading. The suggestions that Matthew shares will be a major influence on your life for positive change. This book explains the ins and outs of quiet quitting. It also equips the reader to transition successfully from work disengagement to a positive, productive, engaged work style. I think this book should be read by every employee, as it would positively influence the world’s workforce. It would be wise for employers to read this book and have the company’s trainer teach employees how to be more effective by quiet quitting. If I could give this book six out of five stars, I would.