Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Confessions of a Software Techie: The Surprising Truth about Things that Really Matter by Ramakrishna Reddy is a brilliant account of a software engineer that takes the reader through the demands of his work and offers incredible life hacks and insights that will benefit readers in their day-to-day hectic lifestyle. In this book, the reader will learn about the techie guy from India and how he started to arrive where he is now, a story that is told in a humorous and arresting tone. He then moves on quickly to discuss lessons in life that aren’t taught in the classroom, but that every professional needs to know. Did you know that honesty is not always the best policy in today’s ever changing business landscape? This book will tell you why.

Ramakrishna Reddy has succeeded in creating a book with a message that every techie needs to know — and everyone who wants to succeed in today’s technologically driven business environment. He weaves insights and lessons culled from a decade working as a techie into this wonderful book, showing readers how to do more with less, how to win people, and how to handle the seven most difficult problems any techie would eventually face. From the art of crafting emails that everyone wants to read to why guys shouldn’t chase girls, he offers insights that are stunning and that will make a lot of sense to readers. Confessions of a Software Techie: The Surprising Truth about Things that Really Matter is an eye-opener, a useful tool not only for techies but for anyone who wants more from life. Utterly enjoyable and surprisingly entertaining.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Discover the secret world of female stock traders in the scintillating finance book, #FMJ Trust Transition Trade (How Successful Traders Said It, Did It, Lived It) by Jane Gallina. In a male-dominated world, one woman stands up and fights for balance and equality on Wall Street. When stay-at-home-mom and author, "Airplane Jane," discovered trading as a way to make a steady income while on maternity leave, she was ecstatic. Determined to take her power back and stay home permanently, Jane dove into trading and learned by trial and error. As her successes grew, Jane began blogging about her experiences, eager to help fellow traders. She was disappointed to find that few female stock traders are willing to admit to profit due to ridicule. Determined to support her sisters, Jane commenced interviewing female traders about how they got started, what they did to succeed, and what they suggest not doing. Armed with the testimonials of women from all walks of life, different professions, and different roads to success, this book shows the reader that, no matter how you choose to begin, with some effort, a lot of studying, and even more courage, anyone - especially a woman - can become a thriving trader. Filled with encouragement, humor, plus tips, tools, and resources, this book is certain to be the best first step in trading. What are you waiting for? Take control of your finances and your life!

#FMJ Trust Transition Trade (How Successful Traders Said It, Did It, Lived It) by Jane Gallina is an inspiring look into what life is like for female traders. I loved the honesty and freshness that Jane brings to the mysterious world of trading. As a stay-at-home-mom, I relished the idea of being able to take full control of my finances just by working a few hours a week. Through the interviews, Jane explores the many ways of trading. This book is perfect for those who know little about such a seemingly risky endeavor, walking them through the processes of many highly successful women that started out as clueless but now live their lives on their own terms. I enjoyed this book. I appreciate how the author empowers women - especially stay-at-home-moms - to take control of their lives and live their dreams. A delightful and highly educational read, this book is perfect for the trader-to-be.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Introverts: Leverage Your Strengths for an Effective Job Search by Gabriela Casineanu is a book written for introverts by an introvert on tips and strategies for an effective and successful job search. The book is based on the premise, which is true, that the world thinks more highly of extroverts. This is likely true because extroverts tend to be naturally more communicative, personable, and friendly on first impression. However, introverts come up with their own set of skills which are missed and overlooked because of their inherent shyness and behavioral traits. Gabriela addresses the topic in this book, which is divided into several chapters, focusing in detail on goal setting, job search preparation, networking strategies, importance of social media in today’s world, effective communication, interview techniques, and what to do after one has landed a job.

Introverts is bound to be a helpful book for all job seekers. It contains tried and tested techniques plus some new ones along with specific emphasis on introverts and their point of view. I thought some of the content was generic and focused more on “what” to do rather than specifically “how” introverts should do it. For example, some of the networking tips such as conversation starters are nothing new, but introverts may need more help in figuring out how to take that first step and say that first word. Nevertheless, the clean writing style and content make this a useful read for anyone—introverts or not—looking to improve on their job search and job landing skills, and I would recommend it.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

What does it take to survive, to thrive, and reach high levels of success as a lawyer in today’s highly competitive and complex business world? In The Law Firm Revolution, career professional, founder, and experienced attorney, Clelia Pergola and co author Barbara Mannino share powerful tips and offer the wisdom that lawyers and legal professionals need to win in the business world.

From what it takes to set up a successful law firm to hiring the right people and building a winning business relationship to finding the right clients and providing exceptional services, the authors share powerful and insightful advice that will benefit lawyers in every category. Running a law firm, catering to clients, and ensuring that every aspect of the law is judiciously followed can be daunting. The authors break the process down and demonstrate with clarity of phrase that law professionals can beat every odd and create a seamless environment where law can be successfully practiced.

The writing is imbued with great insight and wisdom, flowing gracefully. There is no doubt that the authors write from significant experience in the legal profession. They make their points with the authority of professionals who know what they are talking about. I loved the voice — it’s strong and authoritative. I also loved the fact that the authors remained very relevant in delivering the message of this book, integrating elements of today’s business challenges and technology into their writing. The Law Firm Revolution is a groundbreaking, revolutionary book for law professionals of this age. You’ll find the tools and resources you need to make it big in the practice.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Leaders Lab: 66 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skill, Strategy, and Style by Jane Moyer is a well-researched, wonderfully crafted tool for experienced and would-be leaders in different fields, a book that is written in a simple style, with excellent points that are not masked in jargon and obscure language. Here is a book that offers incredible advice and proposes strategies that will enable anyone to hone their leadership skills, create more influence no matter their leadership role, and become more confident, and forward-driven. The author has brilliantly and seamlessly created a tool that is multidisciplinary, covering areas such as learning and change, strategic productivity, communication, talent development, and a lot more. This is the book for leaders who are keen on their career growth, on influencing lives positively, of getting noticed, and taking the lead in the competitive and ever-changing business landscapes.

The book is packed with knowledge, great tips, and relevant examples. It is written with clarity and readers with different backgrounds will find it very accessible. This is a book that has something to offer everyone in the business world and the chapters could be read in any order, depending on the needs of the reader. Jane Moyer demonstrates a rare skill in communication and the reader can feel the confidence flowing through the balanced and interesting writing. Leaders Lab: 66 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skill, Strategy, and Style is a revolutionary work, well-designed for forward-thinking leaders, those who want to become creative and innovative in their leadership pursuits. It’s a must-read!

Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite

How do you live a life of purpose if you live it in multiple worlds? That is one of the questions asked in The Neo-Generalist: Where You Go Is What You Are by Kenneth Mikkelsen and Richard Martin. According to Mikkelsen, Marie Curie, Winston Churchill, Hedy Lamarr - along with countless sports figures, artists and even iconic business leaders - had one thing in common: They were neo-generalists, multi-talented individuals who deftly used their abilities to create the best of both worlds. These polymathic generals honed their "dragonfly vision" to view things with a kaleidoscope effect. Neo-generalists don't like being confined to a single box. Instead, they serve as liaisons and catalysts for companies or tribes "with no desire to belong to the group." With 53 million freelancers in the US, you may perceive this nonfiction guide as verification that you are not the "oddity" you may have thought you were.

The cover image was thought provoking and apt. I immediately identified with the message of refraining from managerial measurement practices and adding new flavor to a recipe. I pondered my existence, identified my preferred learning method, and examined society's influence on hyper-specialism. The comprehensive bibliography will serve as an invaluable lifelong resource. Kenneth Mikkelsen, founder of FutureShifts, has had his articles published in The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review. Richard Martin is a writer and editor who authored Mean Streets and Raging Bulls. The Neo-Generalist is a must-have tool that is predicted to receive critical acclaim, and is highly recommended .

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Collaborative Leadership for Classroom and School is a non-fiction academic management text written by Don Broadwell. Broadwell's early management style was an authoritarian one based on his experiences in the US Marine Corps; however, a career counselor's advice led him to explore other management options, ultimately ending in his study of collaborative leadership. He is the director of The Collaborative Center and has been training teachers in the collaborative method for the past thirty years. He begins this work by defining what a leader is, and he compares the different leadership models seen throughout history, from the strict authoritarian to the more modern servant leader. Broadwell describes collaborative leadership and gives numerous examples in industry, the classroom, and even as a tool that allows parents and children to feel involved and committed to the decision making process. He discusses the strains and stresses put on the education system, teachers and students during the No Child Left Behind initiative, and highlights the differences of today's children from previous generations, their expectations and their potential. Broadwell includes a List of References, a Facilitation Flow Chart for teachers and a Collaboration Base Chart in his appendices.

Don Broadwell's Collaborative Leadership for Classroom and School addresses many issues I have found troubling in today’s education process. One reads all too often of highly rated, trained and committed teachers who leave the profession after several years, citing disillusionment with an educational system that puts testing above the needs of students and teachers. The presence of police on public school campuses and their increased role in "discipline" and enforcement of authority is likewise disheartening, as it seems only to create an increasingly hostile environment that's not at all conducive to learning. Broadwell's leadership approach is brilliant.

As I read his chapters describing how collaboration works best, I wished I had known about this when I was a manager sandwiched between the needs of my staff and the demands of a management committed to downsizing and instilling in their employees the belief that they existed to serve their superiors as if they were valued and demanding clients rather than encouraging workers to feel that they had a stake in the firm’s functioning as valued members. I remembered hours of unproductive staff meetings and frustrating encounters with management that could have been done so much for employee morale and productivity when approached using a collaborative leadership method. After President Obama's interest in collaborative leadership in the schools, I share Broadwell's hopes that the current administration continues to define an education policy that makes each school "a place of vitality and excitement rather than fear and loathing." Collaborative Leadership for Classroom and School is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

A true story that reads like a suspense thriller, Inflection Point by Traci Medford-Rosow provides not only an insider’s look into the massive pharmaceutical industry, but an emotionally charged story of personal conflicts, defeats and victories. Medford-Rosow spent ten years of her life in an epic battle to protect the patent rights of a corporate giant, Pfizer; a battle that opened old wounds and challenged her beliefs of right from wrong.

The underlying stories, the sub-plots in Inflection Point are intricately woven into the primary back-room and court battles that keep the reader involved and turning the pages. There is insight into the enormous power of the pharmaceutical industry, its predominance over global politics and the lives of millions of people. Here, too, is the story of a woman’s life. Medford-Rosow lets it all out in her first book. You’ll read about her trials, tribulations, victories and defeats on her path to becoming a Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at Pfizer, and the intrigues of legal battles that guarantee a mind-boggling experience.

As an opponent to the overbearing dominance of 'Big Pharma' on the lives of people, this story confirmed my personal beliefs about this industry. What surprised me, in a good way, was the personal story of Medford-Rosow. How she maintained her professionalism and dedication to her employer while battling her personal demons was a great story in and of itself. I highly recommend Inflection Point for readers of legal machinations and courtroom battles, and for those who love stories of personal sacrifice and ultimate victory over their demons.

Reviewed by Suzanne Cowles for Readers' Favorite

Stepping up to Leadership by Terry Lee has the power and punches of any management theory textbook, all inside a handy guide. Using 20 years of corporate work experience, Lee details leadership in three parts with seven steps each. If your environment is rapidly changing, then leadership style can be the key to success. Following each chapter is a development plan that poses questions to put the theoretical knowledge into action. There is also a focus on how organizations have changed over the years. Transformation can be achieved by examining personal, team and strategic leadership in twenty-one easy steps. Learn the tools and techniques to influence others, build cultures, live to capacity, and understand the dynamics of organizational life. The focus of this book is on how you can motivate, inspire and bring out the best in people through leading by example.

We all know that the best managers are the ones who mentor their staff, create an inclusive environment, and allow creativity to flourish. Nevertheless, this business book describes both the art and science of leadership. Stepping up to Leadership by Terry Lee provides a solid foundation for a path to vision, future growth, increasing discretionary effort, and taking charge of your own destiny through a range of approaches. Be more efficient on the job while defining goals to form an effective strategy that will bring out the best in people. Even if you have great leadership skills, this manual can act as a performance checklist to focus on weak areas and take your management style to the next level.

Reviewed by Suzanne Cowles for Readers' Favorite

Activate Your Passion, Create Your Career by Madison Hildebrand is a powerful memoir/self-help/how-to guide. Most people know Madison as the handsome and sweet Real Estate Broker on Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles”, but what you may not know is included in the book. People who are ultra-successful usually have stumbled a few times to get to the top and Madison is no different. He describes his journey with painstaking honesty and shows a courageous side to growing up in the shadow of over-achieving parents. If you loved Madison before reading his book, you will love him even more afterwards for being real about how hard it is to make it as a top sales person while being a recovering addict. The theme is finding your passion and clearly, Madison found his. His eyes light up at the thought of connecting with others, helping them find one of the most important purchases we make in our entire lives, and building lasting relationships.

Though he works in glamorous Malibu, there is something so down to earth about him that anyone would want to hire him. In the book, he explains how tough it is to start out in a big office with no experience or contacts and sell an expensive property, beating a whole lot of shark agents. He gives personal examples and wisdom from experience about real estate, although this book is more of an inspirational guide for anyone. Activate Your Passion, Create Your Career by Madison Hildebrand offers motivation to find the joy and follow that path, no matter what it is. It is never too late to change careers, to get sober, or to have the best adult life possible, even after growing up as a lonely kid.