Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well (Overview)

A woman reading a book with the word "FAILED" behind her on a wall

Do you cringe when things don’t go according to plan? Is your fear of failure holding you back from success? Amy Edmondson’s book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well can help you turn your defeats into stepping stones for growth. Edmondson’s process involves learning from past failures to achieve better outcomes in the future, putting a positive spin on mistakes and setbacks. Read more in our book overview of Right Kind of Wrong.

Collaborating with the Enemy by Adam Kahane: Book Overview

A businessman and business woman standing in an office shaking hands with unhappy looks on their faces

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a project with people you don’t agree with, like, or trust? How does stretch collaboration differ from traditional collaboration? In Collaborating with the Enemy, conflict resolution expert Adam Kahane offers an unconventional approach to working with difficult people. Kahane’s “stretch collaboration” framework shows how to embrace both conflict and connection, experiment with different solutions when the path ahead isn’t clear, and focus on changing your contribution rather than trying to change others.  Keep reading to learn strategies for transforming seemingly impossible collaborations into productive partnerships.

Ikigai & Kaizen by Anthony Raymond—Book Overview

A woman reading a book while sitting in a Japanese garden

Do you struggle to take action and make progress toward your goals? How can you overcome the three most common obstacles to reaching your goals? In Ikigai & Kaizen, Anthony Raymond suggests that three obstacles contribute to this struggle—insufficient motivation, unawareness of self-sabotaging behaviors, and fear of taking action. He argues that you can overcome these obstacles by integrating three Japanese strategies: ikigai, hansei, and kaizen. Continue reading for an overview of Ikigai & Kaizen and learn how to reach your goals.

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry: Book Overview

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry: Book Overview

Are there any economic systems that prioritize generosity over greed? What if nature itself offers a blueprint for creating more sustainable and equitable communities? Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry presents a compelling vision. She explores how natural systems such as the serviceberry tree demonstrate gift-based exchanges that could transform our relationship with resources and each other. Continue reading for an overview of the book The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.

No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life (Thich Nhat Hanh)

A man with white hair, beard, and eyeglasses reading a book with a lamp and bookshelves in the background

What happens when we die, and why do we fear death so deeply? Can understanding our true nature beyond birth and death transform how we live each day? Thich Nhat Hanh’s No Death, No Fear offers insights into mortality. The Zen master’s teachings claim that Buddhist wisdom can dissolve our deepest fears and help us embrace life’s impermanence with peace and joy. Continue reading for an overview of the book No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life.

Brain Wash by Dr. David and Austin Perlmutter: Overview

A woman wearing glasses and a turtleneck sweater reading a book

Could your daily habits be sabotaging your health and happiness? How can you break free from destructive patterns? In Brain Wash, Dr. David Perlmutter and physician Austin Perlmutter argue that our modern lifestyles—filled with technological distractions, processed foods, and chronic stress—are impairing our brain function and decision-making abilities. They suggest simple lifestyle changes to destroy the cycle of damaging choices. Read more in our book overview of Brain Wash.

Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki: Book Overview

A line drawing of a man on a couch reading a book in a minimalist living room

Do you have a hard time getting rid of things? How might these things be holding you back from happiness? In the book Goodbye, Things, Fumio Sasaki shares his story, arguing that you can be happier, freer, and more focused by eliminating clutter. He presents minimalism as more than simply an organizational strategy, but an entire approach to life that reshapes how you use your time and form relationships. Keep reading for an overview of the book, along with practical advice for choosing what to discard and how to overcome the challenges of letting things go.

Peak Mind: Book Overview & Takeaways (Amishi Jha)

A man reading a book in the dark

Do you have trouble paying attention? How can mindfulness help you build connections and overcome challenges? In her book Peak Mind, neuroscientist Amishi Jha walks through the science of attention and why humans struggle with it so often. As a remedy to poor focus, she suggests mindfulness, a practice that’s used in training programs for the military, first responders, corporate leaders, and elite athletes. Read more in our overview of Peak Mind.

Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson—Book Overview & Lessons

A man and woman having a serious conversation on a couch in a cozy living room

Do you feel heard in your relationship? Do most conversations devolve into fights? Are you almost ready to give up? When you’re in a struggling romantic relationship, you may feel like it’s impossible to fix. But clinical psychologist Sue Johnson says you don’t need to give up yet. In Hold Me Tight, she offers a roadmap for healing your relationship so you and your partner can communicate healthily, resolve conflicts, and grow close once again. Continue reading for an overview of Hold Me Tight, including actionable advice for repairing your relationship.

The Humor Habit by Paul Osincup: Book Overview & Takeaways

A smiling young woman with dark hair and glasses reading a book in a lamp-lit office

Why do so many adults abandon the natural joy and playfulness they had as children? Could bringing more laughter into your daily routine improve your health, relationships, and even your career success? Paul Osincup’s The Humor Habit explores how our culture’s obsession with appearing “mature” and “professional” is actually harming us. Osincup explains how to rediscover your sense of humor and create environments where fun and productivity go hand in hand. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book.