The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand

one sentence summary:
there once were two architects, they both were misunderstood, in the most pretentious ways possible.

review:
This is really well written but I totally hated it. I liked the writing style, I loved the prose, but I HATED all of the characters and the plot too. It was just so pretentious, it is one of those books which all the yuppies read or pretend to have read because they think it gives them some sort of "greater-than-thou-ness". I understand why "misunderstood" teenagers  would love it, but never ever ever let them read it as they will use it as justification for being total shits for as long as they possibly can. That said the writing itself is beautiful.

4/10

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business - Charles Duhigg

one sentence summary:
every been curious about your habits? Read this to learn where they came from and how to change them.

review:
A fascinating look at how to build new habits and destroy old ones. This book will help you get a deeper understanding of why you do what you do and how to change for the better. Science made simple in this well written look at how motivation works and how to make it work for you. It teaches you that everyone can be successful if they just have the self discipline and willpower to do what they already know needs to be done, and give tips on how to achieve this. This is not the best book I have read on this topic but it is fairly interesting and easy to get into. I recommend it to people who haven't read a tonne of self help already and want to change something in their life... or to business majors as it has a tonne of interesting tricks and anecdotes that will make you sound like you know your shit in class.

6/10

Malcolm Gladwell (all 4 of his books)

One Sentence Summary:
Malcolm Gladwell wants you to have a better life and tells you how this can be accomplished. 


10/10 (motivational - great for times when you need to figure out what to do next)

10/10 High School at least one (The Tipping Point would be my choice)

Review:
I have read everything (there are only 4 books) by Malcolm Gladwell and I come away from every book with new ideas and new motivation to be a better person. (See under each image for a more in-depth review of that book) 

This is my favorite by Gladwell because in it he theorizes on why some ideas stick and are expanded upon while others fade away, it is not just a matter of right place right time he argues, it is about the way people see the world and the way they react to the smallest of stimuli.

This is my second favorite of Gladwell's works. In it he explains what it takes to be truly successful. Using famous people as his examples he traces where their success came from and projects the paths that we can take to make ourselves the most successful people we can be. This is where the magic number of 10,000 hours comes from, 10,000 hours of time dedicated to any one thing makes you an expert, so decide what you want to be great at and start your 10,000 hours now.

This is a collection of articles/stories that is well worth reading. I recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is easy to read and might change your life, or if you are looking for a gift for someone who has everything. 

Blink is about how our split second decisions should be relied on more... I disagree. I think this is the weakest of all of Gladwell's work.


Notable Quotes:

“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.” - Outliers

“Emotion is contagious.” - The Tipping Point

“Insight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out.” - Blink

"Achievement is talent plus preparation” - Outliers

watch his Ted Talk

If you enjoyed this you should read:

A Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson
Freakonomics - Levitt & Dubner
Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely