Shortform Books

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

Why did the Republican Party choose Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate? Why was he motivated to sign the Emancipation Proclamation? What’s his legacy today? In And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, Jon Meacham breaks down the myths and legends that surround Abraham Lincoln. He argues that Lincoln had good intentions and accomplished great things but was still as flawed and prone to mistakes as anyone else. Continue reading for an overview of this New York Times bestseller by a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why should you launch a movement and not just a product? How often should you publish content for your audience? How should your strategy change when you sell to a large group? Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson answers these questions and many more. The book serves as a how-to guide for creating excitement for your idea that turns potential customers into lifelong buyers, focusing on how you can tap into your audience’s emotions. Continue reading for an overview of this book, and learn the main “secrets” that will help you create loyal customers.

Invent and Wander: Jeff Bezos’s Account of Amazon’s Rise

How did Amazon become the booming online business it is today? What innovations set Amazon apart from the rest? In Invent and Wander, Jeff Bezos chronicles Amazon’s meteoric rise from a niche online retailer to the ubiquitous digital superstore of the 21st century. Bezos’s writings and speeches also illustrate his values and insights into innovation and business success. Read below for an overview of Invent and Wander by Jeff Bezos.

How the Caregiver-Infant Interaction Teaches Coping Skills

What effect does the caregiver-infant interaction have on a child? What’s the role of the caregiver in supporting infant development? Caregiver-infant interaction is the primary way that an infant learns how to handle stress, and good interactions lay the foundation for healthy coping skills later on in life. Understanding how this works can make you a better caregiver. Discover how caregiver-infant interaction impacts an infant’s experience of stress and comfort.

How to Change Your Behavior for the Better

Want to learn how to change your behavior? What does it take to make changes that last? To change your behavior, you need to work with your natural tendencies and create solutions that will ease you into a new behavioral pattern. Knowing how to engineer solutions that are specific to your situation is key. Read more about how to create lasting change with these insights from Katy Milkman’s How to Change.

Gold Standard vs. Fiat Currency: Is the Issue Just Psychological?

Which is better—the gold standard or fiat currency? Could you make a sound economic argument for your position? In Narrative Economics, economist Robert J. Shiller argues that human beliefs and actions, rather than numbers and statistics, ultimately drive economics. Specifically, he writes that beliefs about the gold standard are part of a recurring American economic narrative. Read more to learn Shiller’s take on the gold standard vs. fiat currency debate.

Market Specialization: How to Reach the Niche in Your Submarket

Is it better to specialize or mass market? How did Dove soap carve out a niche? You should have a core market. Within that, you should have a submarket. Within that submarket, you should have a niche. Then, according to Russell Brunson, you should concentrate even further by creating a new category. Read more to learn Brunson’s advice for market specialization and to get some alternative ideas from other marketing experts.

Induction of New Members: How to Expand Your Community

Is your community ready for new members? How can you help new members feel like they belong? In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl explains that when communities truly believe in their moral code, they’ll want to open their group to all who could benefit from joining it. However, communities should have barriers to admittance that separate people by moral codes. Let’s take a closer look at how to successfully complete the induction of new members, based on how much their beliefs overlap with your community’s.

Abraham Lincoln’s Early Life: 1809-1829 (And There Was Light)

What was Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with his father like? How did other children regard him? What influences formed his political views? Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham describes Abraham Lincoln’s early life in his book And There Was Light. He provides insights into Lincoln’s parents, education, and faith that help us understand America’s 16th president. Read more to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s early life.

Tips on Investing in Stocks: How to Avoid Overspeculation

What are some tips on investing in stocks? How can you avoid being caught in a speculative bubble? The best tips on investing in stocks include recognizing overpriced assets in the market and diversifying your portfolio. To avoid overpaying for stocks, you should consider these factors more in-depth. Learn why stocks become overpriced and how to avoid losing money in investments.