Omeeds 2023 Book Reviews - Omeed Adham Sindy

What a year. This year I've expored different book genres (other than business books) and here are my picks.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

One of my New Year's goals was to diversify the books I read. I commonly focused on books about management, leadership, and autobiographical depictions of famous influencers - Jobs, Einstien, Malcolm, and Ali.

My January book needed to be different. I decided to read (audible) I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I saw a lot of positive reviews and recommendations from my friends, so I decided to give it a go. I'm Glad My Mom Died is an inspirational story through the lens of the author, Jennette McCurdy. McCurdy recounts moments in her childhood and her relationship with her mother, acting, food, addiction, abuse, therapy, and more.

By the title, you would believe the memoir is all about how much she didn't like her mother, but it's not. It is the complete opposite. It is a story about a child thrown into the spotlight and desperately seeking her mother's approval. McCurdy uses dark humor to convey her message and detail her accounts. There are a lot of emotions throughout the book.

Overall, I would recommend I'm Glad My Mom Died to anyone interested in hearing firsthand accounts of serious topics such as alcohol abuse, anorexia, and bulimia. Jennette McCurdy wrote a fantastic memoir that deserves all the praise it receives.

How to Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

For a book published in 1936, many concepts are still valid. I've read 15 management books that were narrowly focused on what it takes to be a great leader and how important it is to be a role model but rarely do you learn about the art of people skills. The book has four focus areas, with each of them having its specific tips. Here are my favorite focus areas and its chapters:

Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People- The big secret of dealing with peoplePart Two: Six Ways to Make People Like you- A simple way to make a good first impression- An easy way to become a good conversationalist- How to interest people

Part three: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking- You can't win an argument- If you are wrong, admit it- The secret of Socrates- The safety valve in handling complaints- A Formula that will work wonders for you- An appeal that everybody likes- When nothing else works. Try this.

Part four: Be a leader- Talk about your own mistakes first- No one likes to take orders- Let the other person save face- How to spur people to success- Give a dog a good name- Making people glad to do what you want

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to boost their financial literacy. Here are some of the major takeaways:

The importance of financial education: Kiyosaki emphasizes the need for financial education, arguing that traditional education does not teach people how to manage money or create wealth. He suggests that people should seek out financial education through books, seminars, and other resources.
The difference between assets and liabilities: Kiyosaki argues that assets are things that generate income, while liabilities are things that cost money. He suggests that people should focus on acquiring assets and minimizing liabilities in order to build wealth.
The power of passive income: Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of creating passive income streams, such as rental income or royalties from intellectual property. He suggests that passive income is the key to achieving financial independence.
The importance of taking calculated risks: Kiyosaki argues that successful investors are willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve their goals. He suggests that people should learn how to evaluate risk and make smart investment decisions.
The value of entrepreneurship: Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, arguing that owning a business is one of the best ways to build wealth. He suggests that people should learn how to start and run successful businesses in order to achieve financial success.

Teaching College by Norman Eng, Ed.D

As a first-year instructor, I was eager to gain valuable insights and explore different perspectives.This book proved to be incredibly helpful in my teaching journey. It provided practical guidance on designing a syllabus that effectively engages students through the use of an active voice rather than a passive one.

I'm currently in the process of shifting my focus to a more student-centered approach, allowing the course to align with their needs and preferences.One notable aspect of "Teaching College" is its incorporation of ideas from K-12 teachers, making it relatable and applicable across various educational settings.

I recommend this book to anyone involved in teaching courses, leading workshops, or participating in learning and development initiatives.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Dare to Lead is a transformative book that explores vulnerability, courage, and leadership. Brown challenges conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing vulnerability, values, trust, and resilience. She provides practical tools for creating safe environments and cultivating empathy.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

One of my key takeaways, from "Essentialism" is the importance of distinguishing between the trivial many and the vital few. By identifying our highest contributions and investing our efforts accordingly, we can achieve remarkable results while avoiding burnout and overwhelm.

I highly recommend "Essentialism" to anyone who feels trapped in a cycle of busyness, seeking greater clarity and focus. This book has provided me with valuable insights that have already started transforming how I approach my work and personal life.

Effortless by Greg McKeown

In this book, McKeown introduces two key principles that can revolutionize the way we approach our tasks and goals.

1️⃣ Do Less, Then Obsess: The first principle emphasizes the importance of prioritization and focusing on what truly matters. McKeown challenges the notion that success is solely determined by doing more and instead encourages readers to be selective about their tasks. By identifying the few vital tasks that generate the most significant results, we can concentrate our efforts and energy on these essentials."Effortless" teaches us that doing less doesn't equate to laziness; rather, it's about channeling our energy towards what truly matters and excelling in those areas.

2️⃣ Dare to Decide: Decision-making is an integral part of our daily lives, and it can often become a source of stress and indecision. In "Effortless," McKeown empowers readers to embrace decision-making with confidence and conviction. The book provides valuable insights into making informed choices, knowing when to say "no," and learning from the outcomes of our decisions.By daring to decide, we can avoid the trap of analysis paralysis and move forward with clarity and purpose. Incorporating these two key principles into our lives can lead to profound changes in how we approach productivity, time management, and overall well-being. "Effortless" serves as a guide to help us navigate the complexities of modern life and create a more streamlined, intentional, and meaningful existence.

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

I decided to switch gears and dive into a science fiction book, I heard great reviews about the next book so I decided to give it a try.

📖 In "Stories of Your Life and Others," Ted Chiang offers readers a meticulously crafted set of narratives that touch on profound philosophical and ethical questions. The book has a collection of short stories; here are some of my favorites.

📘 The title story, "Story of Your Life," is possibly the most famous in the collection due to its adaptation into the critically acclaimed film "Arrival." It tackles the nature of time, communication, and human choice through the lens of a linguist's encounters with an enigmatic alien species.

📙 "Understand" provides a thrilling narrative about a man who, after undergoing an experimental treatment, begins to experience a rapid enhancement in cognitive abilities. As his intelligence grows exponentially, he grapples with newfound perceptions of reality, morality, and the essence of power. Chiang effectively delves into the potential consequences of human augmentation, challenging the limits of awareness and the ethics of unrestrained intelligence.

📕 "Liking What You See" has to be my personal favorite. It challenges societal beauty standards through the concept of "calliagnosia," a reversible neurological condition that inhibits the perception of beauty. Set in a college campus, the story confronts us with the idea of a world where attractiveness has no influence, fostering debates on self-worth, superficiality, and the true value of visual aesthetics.

Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Be Useful." book. He shares his unique perspective, combining experiences from his diverse careers with a deep sense of purpose. Here are the 7 prinicples mentioned:

Have a Vision: Define your goals and understand your values. What legacy do you want to leave?
Be Grateful: Cultivate gratitude for the big and small things in life. It keeps you grounded and positive.
Work Hard: Success requires dedication. Break down goals, stick to a plan, and don't shy away from seeking help.
Be Persistent: Face challenges without giving up. Celebrate every success and learn from every setback.
Be Kind: Compassion and respect towards others make the world a better place. Listening and supporting are key.
Be Humble: Stay open to learning, admit mistakes, and appreciate the support you receive.
Give Back: Find fulfillment by helping others. Engage in causes you believe in and contribute to your community.

The Hidden Girl and Other Stories by Ken Li.

This anthology of short stories is a remarkable journey back into the realm of science fiction, and it has thoroughly impressed me.

Among these tales, "Ghost Days" stands out as a favorite. This story masterfully weaves through the epochs, from the dawn of human history to an imagined future, captivating the reader with its exploration of the profound significance behind the names of people, places, and objects.

For those keen on delving into the intricate world of science fiction, especially themes centered around technology and artificial intelligence, I wholeheartedly recommend this collection.