Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

From a very young age, Terri Mongait had always wanted to work at Disney. Not even a previous rejection could dampen her spirits, so when she finally followed her boss to his new position with the company, it seemed like a lifelong dream had finally become a reality. It was within the business atmosphere of this media behemoth that she realized there was more to life than answering calls and setting schedules of the high and mighty. The constant put-downs by her supposed friends and her unusual family dynamics had limited her aspirations. Finding True Purpose Life: Beyond The Castle describes what Terri experienced before she unlocked her full potential and built a reputation as an equine coach

Terri Mongait opens up on her struggles with being accepted by her friends and colleagues and the extent to which she sometimes went to earn this acceptance. The curious thing about her story is that, despite her open admission of constantly feeling inadequate, the majority of her actions as personal secretary to her boss show how her confidence levels improved to a formidable level. The ballroom piano incident and her decisive actions to curtail Mr Ovitz’s activities amply prove this. Her acknowledgment of a spiritual angle having a part to play in her evolution and her fight back from an accident encourages the reader to look inward when there seems to be no hope. Mongait’s Finding True Purpose is an inspirational book that everyone battling with the obstacles that life puts before them can learn from.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Thom Mayer MD takes a fresh look at leadership in Leadership Is Worthless...But Leading Is Priceless: What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine. He redefines leadership by explaining the apparent contradiction in the title, pointing out that leadership is a noun and simply a label while leading is a verb that implies action. He asserts that we are already leaders, although we may not know it. We all can influence others, help them, and motivate them. Leadership should not be seen as a burden and should be liberating. The author contrasts the leadership style of the so-called C-suite top management structure with the We-suite - a more inclusive approach that regards leaders as partners rather than bosses. We should not be relegated to being mere hired hands. He promotes keeping things simple, building relationships, being bold in our approach, and to keep questioning. Teamwork is another key area, while vision, mission, and value statements are useful and empowering. The book reflects on the reality that while the expanding volume of data can be useful, it is not intelligent in itself. It first has to be translated into knowledge before it can finally become wisdom. The three-step formula is to think, act, and innovate. Slogans are worthless but action is priceless. The message is to start now and find the passion the author calls your deep joy.

Thom Mayer is a medical doctor and the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association. He is an accomplished author and has extensive experience in crisis management. Leadership Is Worthless...But Leading Is Priceless is neither a memoir nor just another book on leadership. It is aimed at bringing out the leader in everybody and is packed with common-sense advice based on years of being at the coalface of both medical trauma and rubbing shoulders with many of the NFL sporting heroes and innovative leaders. Naturally, the author draws heavily on his time with the NFL and the book abounds with anecdotes and quotations regarding football, but also includes the wisdom of many other well-known figures. The book is refreshing in its approach and does not rely on hype or measure success in monetary terms. Instead, the central message is that we as individuals are all leaders, and the author lays the foundation on how to be effective in that role, regardless of our station in life. This inspiring and well-researched work is backed up by an extensive list of sources and an excellent index. It is a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf and should be read more than once.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Don't Settle, Choose to Feel Good by Pablo Tricci presents a framework for personal fulfillment, starting with a turning point in which an individual is offered the opportunity to “relive” the past twenty years with two additional hours daily. This time is dedicated to learning and self-improvement via reading, language study, and exercise. Key concepts include the importance of being present, minimizing distractions, and aligning actions with personal values. Tricci talks about individual responsibility for thoughts and feelings, speaking on financial management, and the distinction between needs and desires. He leans into the significance of balancing short- and long-term goals, fostering meaningful conversations, and prioritizing relationships. Health, reflection, and a focus on the process rather than outcomes are essential for a meaningful existence, promoting intrinsic motivation and contributions to society.

Pablo Tricci's Don't Settle, Choose to Feel Good offers an interesting approach to personal development, with a good amount of actionable advice that is easy to understand and implement. The book's format is well-structured, allowing readers to easily reference key points for future reflection. The most relevant section to me was Tricci's pointing out the human tendency to dream, which he pairs with a call to accompany this with tangible efforts. In the age of manifesting, I found this refreshing. The writing style is simple and straightforward. I can see how this work could serve as a valuable guide for those seeking attainable ways to enhance their quality of life and what that entails, inspired by real growth and a mindful approach to both personal and societal well-being.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Seeds of Leadership: Nurturing the Leader Within by Will Lukang begins with Lukang's personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and societal pressure. He discusses how, through his experiences, he learned that leadership is not just about authority but about integrity and alignment with one's heartfelt values. Lukang talks about moments in his career, like guiding a team through organizational changes and helping a mentee advance by offering tutelage and the space to grow. He shares how he adjusted his leadership style to meet the needs of both individuals and the team, using real-life scenarios to make his point. Through honest stories, Lukang shows how he turned difficulties into lessons that built his leadership strength, leaning into the importance of mentoring, recognizing achievements, and continuously adapting to new challenges.

Seeds of Leadership by Will Lukang stands out as a leadership book that goes beyond the typical corporate jargon and delivers something far more meaningful—authenticity. Lukang's writing is simple, straightforward, and conversational, bonding with readers through sincerity and practical wisdom. Lukang’s approach is wholly rooted in experience and it’s a refreshing shift from the usual “one-size-fits-all” leadership models. I like that he homes in on walking the walk. Lukang makes no promises of quick fixes, encouraging a more thoughtful, long-term approach to leadership instead. His championing of aligning actions with words is matched by what he has done himself. I was most touched by his accomplishments as a standout in his community. Seeds of Leadership is the book for anyone who wants to build not just skills, but a leadership mindset grounded in integrity and empathy. Recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Being a modern woman is not easy. You must master several roles while still finding a way to be a unique version of yourself. After an unfortunate skiing accident, Monica Yates was forced to reevaluate her life and later became a successful life coach, podcast host, and trauma healer with her own company. In Becoming HER, the author seeks to help modern women navigate the challenges of everyday life while balancing family, career, motherhood, and relationships. Heal your trauma, embody and radiate the most powerful version of yourself with the HER framework. Drawing from client stories and personal experiences, Yates dives into the concepts of masculine and feminine traits and shows how they complement each other. The book also delves into the need for masculine leadership, embracing feminine energy while pursuing gender equality, and more.

Becoming HER is, first and foremost, a transformative guide designed to help 21st-century women discover the tools to express their truest selves, embracing their feminine energy to steer the course of their own lives. Additionally, readers will learn about how health imbalances affect women, navigating stress with emotional resilience, the problem with male passivity, how trauma manifests itself in adulthood, overcoming conflict for healthy communication and authentic expression, avoiding victimhood and counterproductive labeling, the "girlboss" movement, the pitfalls of the modern feminist movement, etc. Author Monica Yates is thorough with her explanations and covers each topic in great depth. Yates also ensures the book appeals to a wide range of readers by presenting the content in an accessible writing style that is easy to understand and appreciate. In conclusion, I found the book very informative and inspirational, and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes, for various reasons, we suffer setbacks in life that hinder us from fulfilling our potential. Subjected to a traumatic event in tenth grade, Jennie Potter overcame depression, self-hating, and self-destructive behaviors to live a self-loving and purposeful life and become a successful entrepreneur, counselor, life coach, and inspirational speaker. With Self Sabotage No More, Potter offers a practical guide to leaving your past baggage behind, beginning your healing journey, and transforming your life for the better. Remove the shackles of procrastination and self-sabotage and pursue personal growth to live a happy, healthy, financially secure, and independent life. In this book, you will learn about breaking out of the "autopilot" mode and making decisions that enact change, how the subconscious rules over the conscious mind, reprogramming RAS filters, identifying sabotage glitches, manipulating energy to reach your goals, and more.

Using exercises, examples, and personal anecdotes, Jennie Potter provides readers with the tools to help them heal from the rigors of the past and set a new course on the path of purpose, meaning, and abundance. Books like Self Sabotage No More have become increasingly relevant in this modern era with hectic schedules and a polarized society, leading to a suffocating climate of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. This book will teach you about releasing unprocessed emotions, the different sabotage setpoint triggers, practicing gratitude, as well as using affirmations to change the way you live. Know what you want and work toward fulfilling your potential. All in all, I found the book very informative and motivational. So grab a copy and begin your transformational journey today!

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Noah William Smith provides a useful guide to planning wisely for the year ahead in his work 2024… Your Year of More. The author encourages readers to embrace new experiences and feelings. He promotes adapting to changes the way we did during the pandemic, resting more, and going on vacations. The book covers topics such as self-care, developing an enthusiastic mindset, enhancing your creative thinking, and learning more. Other steps include letting go of your past mistakes, embracing your present self, and setting goals that will help you attain your dreams. The book also deals with our interactions with nature, family, and friends and seeking satisfying and quality moments. Get a copy of this book to discover how to achieve more of what you want.

I love reading books that open your mind to new possibilities. Noah William Smith's 2024… Your Year of More is a motivational book that will make you see life vibrantly. While the book title specifies the year 2024, the principles can be adopted at any time. The author uses relatable examples from his life to help people understand how to apply the lessons in his book. He advises readers to focus on the effort and not on the outcome and recommends that you write down what you desire and hold yourself accountable. The A to Z book series is an innovative concept, and I enjoyed the author’s creative alphabetical plan. His writing tone is conversational, and the book is easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to improve themselves and add more flavor and fun to their life and the new year.

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

The Zen of Dancing in the Rain: Becoming One with the Storm is written by Aurita Maldonado. As a child, teen, and graduate, Aurita had such a passion for life, and her energy knows no bounds. She decides to join the service and is sent to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The true horrors of war become clearer during a brief leave from her tour. A serious illness threatened to ruin her body and claim her life. Her own strength and passion for life allowed her to walk out of the hospital even though the doctors were sure her legs would never function properly again. Her drive to press on and engage in extreme activities helped her to stave off the very illness that should have consumed and killed her.

The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is an inspirational story that is a testament to how the human spirit cannot be conquered so easily. Aurita Maldonado’s courage is nothing short of amazing as she faces down every problem life throws at her as if it were her last fight. I couldn't put this book down. I applaud the bravery it took for her to put the events of her life into a book such as this. There is no doubt that many people can benefit from reading about the life-altering events that drove Maldonado to push on and thrive rather than give up. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading about true life experiences that have an amazing impact on the reader.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Few women climbed the ladder to top leadership positions in societal institutions and corporations in the past. However, in recent years, society has gone through a long-awaited and much-needed change concerning opportunities for career-driven women to assume leadership positions. Monique de Maio overcame blatant misogyny, sexism, and discrimination in the 1980s and 90s to establish herself as a successful businesswoman. In The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love, she provides aspiring women leaders of tomorrow with a step-by-step framework to help them find success and fulfillment in their careers. This book will teach you how to manage your time with intention, identify your priorities, delegate tasks, discern your own value to an organization, deal with adversity and shape your own reality, create internal and external narratives, find the perfect work-life balance, and much more.

Using anecdotes from her own life experiences and stories by women from various backgrounds, Monique de Maio offers readers an easy-to-read guidebook to help them derive the best out of their careers and find fulfillment in their lives. With The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love, you will learn to practice self-love and positive thinking alongside fostering an environment and mindset that sets you on the path toward success. According to the author, every 'micro-moment' matters, as they lead to macro outcomes. The book's content is very well-organized; de Maio's meticulous attention to detail ensures a smooth reading experience, and you can grasp everything without a hitch. In between the chapters, you will find self-help exercises to practice some of the key talking points of the related chapter. I highly recommend this book to career-oriented women readers.

Reviewed by Tommy Wong for Readers' Favorite

The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career by Olivia Von Holt is a book that guides readers toward successful careers. The book starts with the story of how the author lost her job. While this may appear contradictory, it is an ideal platform to learn how to propel oneself from being without a job to having a successful career. Following this, there are chapters on building your brand, marketing, networking, mentoring, and volunteering, and on core skills. Then comes information on taking risks which is the main topic of this guide. It follows with a discussion on negotiation and in the final chapter, Time To Give It Your All, the author gives tips on how to advance one’s career.

In today’s uncertain world, who doesn’t like job security or, better still, advancement in one’s career? This is why The Reward of Risk by Olivia Von Holt is such a useful book. It is also unique among career guides because it is based on Olivia’s real-life experiences. As losing a job can be emotionally and financially taxing and can lead to the loss of friends, family, and even one’s own life, it is therefore important to have a backup plan. In this book, the author gives excellent suggestions on how to establish a backup plan. I was also impressed by the many topics covered in this book, such as building a great LinkedIn profile, finding the right mentor, and creating good habits. The Reward of Risk by Olivia Von Holt is a recommended read for those who want a successful career.