Book Reviews

There's power in counting people — and no better guide than 'Upside' by Kenneth W Gronbach a demographer and trend expert. Its an enlightening book and a great tool for making better business decisions.

In 'All Things New' by Lauren Miller she takes us into the life of seventeen-year-old Jessa Gray. Jessa was always a great student, but then life changed in unexpected ways. Her parents split up, her mom moved on, getting remarried and having another family. Her family decided that Jessa should stay with her mom, never consulting her about her own feelings. Suddenly life has darkened, her grades have dropped and she begins having severe anxiety, barely able to leave her home.

In 'The Mutual Admiration Society,' Leslie Kagen takes us into the past and into the life of a family that struggles just as many others of the time do. But she also shows us the often fun hijinks of children as they find ways to enjoy their time away from school and often parental influence.

The English philosopher and aesthete reminds thinking people – and especially liberals – that despite rampant know-nothingism on today's political right wing, the conservative movement has always had an intellectual foundation.

Problem Solved by Cheryl Strauss Einhorn shows how to make better personal and professional decisions. Applying science to decision making results in far better outcomes, whatever your quandary.

'Stop Guessing: The 9 Behaviours of Great Problem Solvers' by problem solving expert Nat Greene is a fascinating new book about what it really takes to solve the hard problems. It's a must for anyone in the business of finding solutions.

After surviving decades of European wars, the plague, and decimating fires, in 'History of a Disappearance' Filip Springer shows how a Polish town literally disappeared after 700 years.

'American War' by Omar El Akkad is one of the most compelling books you'll read this year.

'Grace Meets Grit' by Daina Middleton is must-read on gender inequality and how to fix it by a savvy former CEO.

In 'Convicting Avery' Michael D Cicchini, an experienced criminal defence attorney, explores and explains legal and procedural rules that impacted the Steven Avery case before the jury was ever selected.