ML Book Recommendations

Danette and Grahame are both constantly reading books and learning, which helps keep Magical Learning an agile business. Here are some of their favourites, which they discuss, give some key insights into, and give their thoughts on.

When Grit is Not Enough – Dr. Kirsten Peterson

In today’s book review, Danette talks about Dr Kirsten Peterson’s amazing book ‘When Grit is Not Enough’. She discusses what she learnt from it, what makes some people more successful than others and how to harness your grit and determination.

 

The Lego Story – Jens Andersen

Want to know a bit more about the Lego story? Well it is actually really interesting, and we are currently in the 5th generation of the family that started it all still running it. Danette breaks down why this toy has not only won toy of the year in 2 centuries, but also why it has such a lasting legacy over creativity today.

Killer Thinking – Tim Duggan

Do you want to lead in an impactful way? Then check out this amazing book by Tim Duggan. Danette shares her thoughts on it, why it’s so impactful, and why you should check it out! 

Time Wise – Amantha Imber

How can you learn all about great lessons from great leaders in one quick read? Today, Danette breaks down just that in her review of Amantha Imber’s great new book, Time Wise Check it out here: https://www.amantha.com/time-wise-book/

Survival of The Richest – Douglas Rushkoff

Have you wondered why so many billionaires are trying to get into space? Well, in this book, Rushkoff looks at the sinister reasons that may be the case. A fascinating book with a very interesting message.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox,  and The Horse – Charlie Mackesy 

Danette shares her thoughts on a book that has really inspired her recently. If you want to read this one check it out here, and let us know your thoughts on it: https://www.amazon.com.au/Boy-Mole-Fox-Horse/dp/0062976583 

Stolen Focus – Johann Hari

A great book By Johann Hari that looks into the effect our lack of focus is having on us.

Love People Use Things – Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

A great book from two minimalists. If you are looking at some advice on living peacefully with your home, then this is a perfect book for you.

Will – Will Smith and Mark Manson

In today’s book review, Danette breaks down Will Smith and Mark Manson’s book about WIll’s life, and what lessons we can learn to become a little more Will Smith in our own lives.

Useful Belief – Chris Helder

What are some ways to better define and choose our beliefs? In today’s book review, Danette breaks down this book about beliefs and how you can improve your own.

The Everyday Hero Manifesto – Robin Sharma

Touching on Robin Sharma’s new book, Danette recommends this for people who are looking for hope and guidance through this trying time!

Undisruptable – Ian Whitworth

Danette recommends this read for people who are looking to start a business or grow their current one by helping you navigate the tough world of business.

Effortless – Greg McKeown

Do you wish your life was just a little bit easier? in this book Review, Danette talks about the ways Greg McKeown can make your life easier and more effective.

A World Without Email – Cal Newport

In this book review, Danette breaks down some of the best ideas in the book “A World Without Email” by Cal Newport. If you are someone that feels like you are doing a lot, but not getting much done, then this is definitely one for you.

Skip the Line – James Altucher

Want to make small improvements to your life each day that will keep you ahead of the game for years to come? In today’s book club, Danette talks about a book that really inspired her.

The Well Gardened Mind – Sue Stuart-Smith

Danette looks at a book that looks at the benefits of gardening; a hobby that she has been passionate about for years. The Well Gardened Mind investigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years – working with nature can radically transform our health, wellbeing and confidence.

Think Again – Adam Grant

This month Danette is reviewing Adam Grant’s book, Think Again. This book consists of three parts that aim to refresh how we think as people – individual thinking, interpersonal thinking, and collective thinking. 

Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey

Grahame and Danette both reviewed Matthew McConaughey’s book Greenlights, which is based on 35 years worth of his journals and the lessons he has learned from them. In it, he talks about stories from his life, his favourite quotes (bumper stickers he calls them), dealing with fame and reconnecting with his true self.

Bliss Brain – Dawson Church

Danette looks at a book that looks at the benefits of gardening; a hobby that she has been passionate about for years. The Well Gardened Mind investigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years – working with nature can radically transform our health, wellbeing and confidence.

Breath – James Nestor

This book is Danette’s book recommendation of the year! Who knew breathing could be so important, and that 90% of us are breathing wrong. This book includes an appendix on breathing techniques, the science behind breathing including how it influences your nervous system, immunity and health, and uncovering the “perfect breath”

The Inner Self – Hugh Mackay

This month Danette talks about The Inner Self, a great book for self exploration and discovery. This book talks about the process where we don’t live our most authentic life, and instead pretend to be someone we are not and the reasons we might do this, for example: you don’t want to rock the boat for those around us, fear, don’t like change, etc.

Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda

In this book review, Grahame talks about the widely popular Autobiography of a Yogi – a book he considers one of the most incredible books he has read in the last 30 years. The book is written by one of the most influential spiritual leaders from India and covers topics such as magic, science, life force, out-of-body experiences, breath control and the benefits of yoga.

Acting with Power – Deborah Gruenfeld

In this month’s book review, Danette talks about how this book explores the topic of power from different viewpoints in a really interesting way. Gruenfeld talks about how most leaders choose the ‘power up’ move, but implores readers to consider the ‘power down’ move which can help instil trust.

My Friend Fear – Meera Lee Patel

This month’s book review is Meera Lee Patel’s story with her relationship to fear and the magic she found by walking toward it, not cowering away from it. Danette thinks this book is profound and as you read it, you can feel yourself shift in terms of your personal relationship to fear.

Limitless – Jim Kwik

Danette reviews Jim Kwik’s latest book, Limitless which is all about helping us to use our brains more efficiently and effectively. The book focuses on 3 areas that help us understand learning better; mindset, motivations and methods, and even includes mental exercises that you can do as the reader to embed what you are learning.

488 Rules for Life – Kitty Flanagan

In this review, Danette talks about how much she enjoyed 488 Rules For Life. In the book, Kitty shares the rules she lives her life by, including rules on parenting, lifestyle, health and wellbeing, working in the office, technology, and going to the shops.

The Art of Rest – Claudia Hammond

Danette reviews The Art of Rest in a time of disruption when we need to rest the most. The book is based on a survey named ‘The Rest Test’ that interviewed 18,000 people from 135 different countries and produces a Top Ten list of best ways to rest.

The Intelligent Leader – John Mattone

This book is written by John Mattone who is widely considered the #1 executive coach in the world. In this book, he includes lots of details, frameworks, case studies, example scenarios, and more to lead you through his 7 Dimensions of Intelligent Leadership model.

Tiny Habits – BJ Fogg

How good are you at sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? If your answer is not great, this book will give you 7 easy steps that will help you flip how you think about change and implementing new habits, including only making small changes and celebrating yourself as you go.

Ikigai – Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles

Ikigai examines some of the oldest people in Japan and seeks to understand their secrets of life, longevity and happiness. This easy-to-read book helps you figure out your life purpose, or your “reason to get out of bed in the morning” and encourages the reader to take life slowly.

The Power of Vital Force – Rajshree Patel

Another fabulous read, Vital Force clearly and concisely explains the benefits from understanding your brain better and fostering moments of calm. Rajshree includes a model of the brain in the form of an iceberg that helps explain where true wisdom and quiet are.

Stop Talking, Start Influencing – Jared Cooney Horvath

A book Danette has labelled ‘fabulous’, Stop Talking, Start Influencing is a book that will help you present and teach better by giving you a bunch of practical strategies to improve your technique. This book also give you great tips on memory recall, how to engage audiences, and how to create great material.

Big Potential – Shawn Achor

Danette has finished reading Shawn Achor’s book Big Potential and she absolutely loved it! This book is great for teaching you how to bring out the true potential of yourself and others She highly recommends it for increasing employee engagement and empowering those around you!

A Book that Takes it’s Time – Astrid van der Hulst & Irene Smit

Kanika and Allegra both had a lot of fun going through this book which includes bound-in postcards, mini-journals, stickers, decorative papers for collaging, activities, and more. We recommend this book for it’s fun and creative style, and also its very important focus on mindfulness. Very good for those who are creative, and visual or kinaesthetic learners.