Shortform Books

How Jennette McCurdy’s Acting Became a Nightmare

How did Jennette McCurdy’s acting career take off? What role did her mother, Debra, play in getting her the role of a lifetime? Jennette McCurdy is best known for her role as Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon TV shows iCarly and Sam & Cat. But getting those roles meant heavy sacrifices, including the relationship with her mother. Discover more about how Debra made Jennette McCurdy’s acting career less fun than it should’ve been, according to her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died.

Toxic vs. Healthy Masculinity: Subverting Damaging Views

What’s the difference between toxic masculinity and healthy masculinity? What are ways men can emotionally express themselves without feeling emasculated? Toxic masculinity describes men who believe domination, aggression, and homophobia are the standard definition of “manliness.” On the other hand, a more positive and healthy definition of masculinity prioritizes self-growth and high emotional intelligence. Below we’ll look at three ideas followers of toxic masculinity believe in, and combat it with healthy masculinity advice that men should support.

The Warren Buffett Way by Robert G. Hagstrom: Book Overview

How did Warren Buffett learn to invest? What criteria does he use to choose his investments? How does he manage his portfolio? The Warren Buffett Way by Robert G. Hagstrom answers these questions and more. Hagstrom believes that, rather than hiring someone else to manage your investments for you, all you need to do is follow Buffett’s way of investing. Continue reading for an overview of this practical how-to book.

The 3 Dangers of Technology in Everyday Life

What are the dangers of technology people face today? How does technology interfere with education and work? In The Distracted Mind, Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen discuss the impact of increased technological interference. Technological interference does widespread harm in various domains of life, including school, the workplace, and our relationships. Discover more about the dangers of technology and how they get in the way of everyday aspects of life.

Discover Your True North by Bill George: Book Overview

What is Discover Your True North by Bill George about? What’s the common thread among the world’s most successful business leaders? In Discover Your True North, Bill George says that a successful business leader is more than just talent and charisma. It’s about staying true to yourself and being aligned to your values. Read below for a brief overview of Discover Your True North by Bill George.

Seth Godin on Freebie Marketing: Break the Ice With Customers

Is freebie marketing a smart approach? If so, how and when should it be done? In Permission Marketing, Seth Godin recommends opening a line of communication with consumers by offering them valuable freebies in exchange for their contact information. This is the first step in his three-part permission marketing strategy. Continue reading to learn how to break the ice with prospective customers by giving out freebies.

Is 2023 a Bull or Bear Market? It Depends on Who You Ask

Is the US in a bull or bear market right now? Why can’t the experts agree? Depending on which financial analyst or media outlet you listen to, right now the US stock market is either a bull, a bear, or a bull within a bear. To avoid risky bets on stocks, ignore current, frenzied bull and bear forecasts and look to experts who take a retrospective approach to assessing the market’s health. Continue reading for a breakdown of each side’s opinion on the matter, and how to create your investment strategy.

Closing Your Speech Effectively: How to Leave Them Wanting More

How detailed should you be when you plan the ending of your speech? Is it ever a good idea to close with a quote? In his classic book Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie shares his essential teachings about crafting and delivering a memorable speech. He includes some guidelines on closing your speech effectively. Read more to learn how to close your speech in a way that leaves your audience wanting more.

Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, & the Merits of Value Investing

What did Warren Buffett learn from Benjamin Graham? How did the 1929 stock market crash impact their investment mindset? In The Warren Buffett Way, Robert G. Hagstrom discusses the ways Buffett was influenced by his teacher Benjamin Graham. Warren Buffett learned about value investing from Graham, and Buffett embraced his teacher’s numbers-driven approach to evaluating companies. Read more to understand what Buffett picked up from Graham.

Are Identity Politics in America to Blame for Growing Polarization?

What’s more important in American politics—issues or identities? What’s fueling the increasing political polarization in the country? It seems that, more and more, America has an “us vs. them” mentality when it comes to politics. People used to discuss the issues; now, they talk about other people. Ezra Klein argues that this results in growing divisions among Americans. Read more to learn about this troubling function of identity politics in America.