Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot Be Bought by Jason A. Merchey| Review

Jason A. Merchey’s Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot Be Bought is an attempt to simplify a widely ignored and misunderstood concept. Wisdom is frequently dismissed as too philosophical and inaccessible to the average person. But isn’t it that difficult? Not at all. Jason Merchey is proving it to be otherwise. With devotion, it can be understood and internalized.

Wisdom is the skill that helps us to regulate our behaviors towards ourselves, others, and geopolitical issues in the world. The twenty-first-century generation particularly lacks this skill. They have made enormous improvements in terms of technology and science. But they are socially isolated, ignorant and unwise. This encourages the inherently destructive nature of humans and their toxic traits. Ignorant communities led by unwise leaders will surely lead to the misuse of power. Someone who doesn’t know when to show power and mercy will ultimately lead us to catastrophe. Hence, wisdom should be learnt and applied to our own existence.

What I liked most about this book is its clarity. The author used his rational and just views of the world to explain the concepts. This is a well-structured book that essentially shows the author’s knowledge of this subject. Because writing on a topic that is difficult to define but necessary for survival necessitates a high level of comprehension. For a better understanding of the concepts, we can divide the book into two parts. In the first part, the author talks about wise qualities such as generosity, kindness, love, emotional regulation, intelligence, empathy, compassion, and modesty. This part is a treasure of knowledge. It clearly draws the line between what is wrong and what is right. The next part is about the applicability of wisdom. Gaining knowledge is one part. But how can we apply these lessons to our lives and achieve the most from our mere 100 years of existence? Life cannot be lived without patience, delayed gratification, self-awareness, and self-discipline. All these qualities stem from wisdom. It can be nurtured and practiced. Only this can lead us to fulfilment in our lives.

Wisdom gives a realistic perspective on all the things happening around us. It helps to articulate our decisions and actions. It creates a sense of responsibility and humility towards our actions. With these qualities, one can anticipate problems and act accordingly. This book should be approached with an open mind to learn and an unbiased view for understanding. With this attitude, we can easily assimilate the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers to 21st-century thinkers. This vast knowledge is intimidating. But disregarding this opportunity will be the greatest regret of one’s life.

Rating:5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

How to Improve Study Habits by Christine Reidhead | Review

For students 13 through college graduation, Christine Reidhead’s guide to building study skills is an extremely important book for those who want to secure their future through good grades. Too many students’ grades are falling, especially in a time when regular classrooms cannot fully open. Parents everywhere are at a loss regarding what to do with their responsibilities in the face of the increasing downturn in their children’s grades. It seems as though, with the advent of social media, the attention of a lot of students has been shifted from their books to their smartphones or computers. Apart from social media, blame has also been put on a decline in the interest of students regarding education in general. Students, at the moment, do not have the motivation or zeal, as it seems, to even study. Good study habits, or skills, are solutions to the problems experienced by students. This has been true for a long time, but the world is changing rapidly, which also means that the tools employed during study have to be changed in order to keep up. This is especially true as a result of the covid-19 pandemic that has forced students to study and learn from home rather than in the classroom. E-Learning, or online learning, can be effective, but only if the student has the discipline and drive to succeed using the tools and materials they are provided by teachers. Without strong study skills the student will fall behind in the classroom. Online the failure to develop good study skills can be devastating, leading to an inability to achieve the success in life the student could otherwise achieve. This excellent guide walks students through skills and habits which a student, or a person, employs while studying in order to make the most out of the experience. The kind of skills employed by a person, whether good or bad, determines how successful they will be in the process of learning, and Reidhead shows how to understand study skills, discover what kind of learner you are, develop great study skills, avoid bad study habits, identify the best places to study, and how to keep up with Online Learning during the current ovid-19 pandemic. It also helps parents and students to identify when certain students are studying excessively, harming the effectiveness of their studying. This is a must book for students who want good grades. Both a guide and a self-help book, it can help any student of any age, middle school through graduate school, succeed in their classes whether they are held in a classroom or online.

Title: How to Improve Study Habits

Author: Christine Reidhead

My review

This pandemic has affected our lives in unprecedented ways. Schools and colleges have been closed and online lecturing become new normal. But this also comes with many drawbacks. We are now dragged more and more into the internet and social media. This affects our attention span. The method of teaching was not changed, only the medium was changed. The transition from classroom to virtual learning was not smooth and this created numerous problems. Falling behind grades are not acceptable. This quick guide devise a perfect plan to overcome these problems.

It does not offer any shortcuts. In fact, the author herself specifies that success does not have any shortcuts neither the learning. What we can do is to build a discipline by understanding our uniqueness.

Learning how to learn is an integral part of this transformation. The author focuses on this part from the beginning itself. It also has a worksheet where we can assess ourselves and know where we stand. The next part is developing the right study skills. One important feature of this book is, the author has included a chapter about excessive studying and its adverse effects. This chapter is unique and essential. This helps us not to fall into that trap.

The last chapter discusses about online learning. I found this one most useful. Because I was struggling to keep up with online learning for some time. Every concept is explained with the utmost clarity. They are also illustrated through examples for better understanding. I loved this approach from the author. Also, there is a bonus planner at the end.

In a nutshell, this is quite a useful and handy guide for all students and parents.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

The Effort: Reprogram a New Beginning by Alex Porter | Review

“The Effort: Reprogram a New Beginning” is a relationship self-help book with an unbiased approach on resolving issues. A final fight to bring things back to how it should be With each other, Happy and in love. This book is a quick reference to assist in any situation in your relationship. To see things in a different outlook and take a different approach for a better understanding. The goal is to reprogram the way you solve issues or approach situation to keep a healthy relationship. To insure your both understanding each other, to come together as a team to find the solution. In this quick reference you will find a better way to communicate, understanding, and resolve. A better way to show your effort and get back to the same feeling you had at the beginning of your relationship. Show the effort to one another, Reprogram a New Beginning with your soulmate on this journey of life.

Title: The Effort: Reprogram a New Beginning

Author: Alex Porter

Pages: 26

My review

A good relationship is a dream for every human being. We are born to connect with people. We have to protect and nourish a relationship to sustain it for a long time. A healthy relationship gives us good mental and physical health. But the relationships only grow if we take proper care of them. If not, it will deteriorate over time. This is an A-Z guide to reprogram our existing and new relationships.

The first lesson from this book is how to build a strong foundation for relationships. Because only a strong foundation can handle heights. Communication is the foundation of a relationship. A relationship cannot sustain longer without it. We have to express our feelings.

One of the most important lessons we can learn from this book is to know when you have to step back and step in. Domination is one of the major reasons for unhealthy relationships. We all have that element rooted in our character. But there are two people in a relationship, not one. Knowing when to control your emotions and expressions is the key.

The second half of this book is dedicated to the details of love languages. The author stresses out, 5 important love languages which are the pillars of any relationship. Adopting these 5 methods in our daily life can bring magic to relationships. In the end, the author also dissects down the levels of anger that can ruin a relationship. The best solution for this is an apology. This short book ends by explaining the 5 languages of apology that we can use.

Although this is a very short guide, it touches all the levels and addresses every possible problem that can occur in a relationship. It has to the point solutions. Knowing the mistake and rectifying it is the core of every relationship. This handy guide shows us the proper way to handle it.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Say So by Marian Hanna MPH| Book review

415soOjdMCLDelving into loss, empowerment, and despair, this is a unique, page-turning art of nonfiction with real-life stories. This is a compilation of gorgeously written stories about daring to be more, transcending expectations, and generating opportunities for yourself when doors are being slammed in your face. This book will provide the road back to yourself when you’re lost and teach you how to stop doubting the greatness in yourself and act with love, as the absence of love is fear. This is an honest, blunt, sassy, unapologetic and raw account of life-changing insights of hope, faith, and personal transformation.

As the reader discovers the depths of courage in vulnerability, you learn along with her that in forgiving your past and moving toward your truest selves, you will flourish in the chaos of life.

My review

Say so is a collection of stories about real-life experience and the lessons learned from it. The author has narrated a piece from her own life through simple words. The author never tries to sugar-coat the harsh realities. She put down the raw face of real-life realities as it is. This helps to take responsibility for our actions. This encourages us to create our opportunity and carve our life in our terms.

The author includes her personal stories to convey each lesson. Why she included her personal stories in the book is explained in the first chapter itself. It is a powerful medium to connect with our audience. Because the author herself has gone through all these difficult situations and realized her faults. She talks about her life lessons. This helps the readers to connect with the lessons.

The author has dedicated more than 50% of the book to only one topic: how to understand and manage fear. For me, all the chapters dealing with fear was empowering. They help to understand myself and my flaws. Fear creates doubts about our capabilities. This doubt hinders us from reaching our goal. To be courageous is no small feat. We often find us in our shell of comfort. These lessons teach us to be more courageous. Just like the saying, everything you want is on the other side of fear.

The rest of the chapters talks about some other great points, such as facing criticism. We never want to hear criticism. We hate it. Because it shows our vulnerability, our flaws. But if and only if, we can accept our flaws then only we grow ourselves and use it for our advantage.

Altogether, this book was a great learning experience for me to understand and renovate myself to face more challenges.

Rating:5/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help, Uncategorized

The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership by Shawn Abrams|Book review

 

41g51mK8R+LTitle: The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership

Author: Shawn Abrams

Pages: 154

Blurb

Shawn Abrams is a sitting member of the Pace University – Lubin School of Business Executive Education Advisory Board.
His book, The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership is a first of its kind, as. It effectively addresses and shines a light on the two areas of your life that can cost you the most. They are Leadership and Relationships. If you are leading people without the benefit of relationship, you could be bullying them, and if you are loving people without the benefit of relationship, you could be lonely.
Most people will tell you they are a leader, but few people can define leadership. How can we maintain the integrity of it or even recognize it without being able to define it? More importantly, how can we teach it if we cannot define it? Your organization has multiple levels of people and there must be Continuity of Leadership through them. This represents an intangible ‘through line’ that your profits and productivity will follow because the people that work for you are affected by it.
I do not lead with words. I coach my team with words, I mentor them with Statement challenges, and lead with compassion. In this book, you will learn how to employ Applied Leadership to coach and mentor people to reach their next level. In turn, they will help you to reach your next level. Establishing relationships with those we lead will keep them engaged with our vision long after the meeting has ended. Your vision of tomorrow is bigger than today, and the potential of you people is greater than their problems. You must believe this because aside from an extreme shortage of resources, the only reason teams fail is because of their leader. Know this, before you get people to change the way they think you must change the way you think. I will share that in detail with you.
Finally, I cover Emotional Intelligence. Leadership skills and emotional intelligence parallel each other, but they are not the same. People are more inclined to follow relationships than a leader! If you can occupy both these spaces in someone’s life at the same time, you possess The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership.

My review

The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership covers A-Z details on the practical and moral side of leadership. Considering the structure and the range of information included in the book, I can easily call it “The Bible” on leadership. The striking feature for me while reading this book was its elaborate introduction. The well-scripted introduction itself gives a holistic view on the upcoming contents in the book. The interactive and lucid way of narration used in the book is evident from the introduction itself.

Although the book is titled “The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership”, the author does not try to explain this in the beginning. The book has 11 chapters overall. In the initial seven chapters, he tries to build a strong foundation on the topic by conveying the true purpose and moral side of leadership. Only in the eighth chapter, he introduces the seven epaulettes. The rest of the chapters is used to explain the practical side of the leadership incorporating all the ideas which were previously discussed.

I really liked the style of narration used in the book. The personal, contemporary, and historical references and stories with a pinch of humor helps the reader to easily glide through the pages. This helps to absorb the core qualities explained in the book as it is.

I must say that the ideas and wisdom poured through the pages of this book is truly unmatchable. This is surely a time worthy, must-read for personal and professional development.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Quotes, Self-Help

The Self-Esteem Workbook: Become your Amazing Ideal Self, build your Real Self-Esteem and get Healthy Confidence|Book review

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Title: The Self-Esteem Workbook: Become your Amazing Ideal Self, build your Real Self-Esteem and get Healthy Confidence 

Author:  Lya Swan

Pages: 112

Why we read self-help books? The answer is simple! We all want to change our personality for better results and eventually to attract success in life. To change our personality, we apply many techniques and hacks in our life in the hope to yield better results. But most of these techniques never give the results we need. Primarily because these techniques never concentrate on the root cause. They all are superficial, so the results. The bottom line of every personality development hack is self-esteem. This is the best takeaway from this book. Self- esteem builds strong self-confidence. Self-confidence will lead to success.

The author has divided the whole book into two parts. The first part concentrates on defining the meaning of Self-esteem. After a clear explanation, she moves to evaluate our own self-esteem. From this evaluation, we will realize where we stand and how far we have to go. The next chapter is about laying a solid foundation for the upcoming exercises. In the second part, the author gives a holistic approach to building self-esteem. This approach includes mindfulness to goal setting.

What I really liked about this book is the author never tries to rush into the action plan. She starts from the basics and then proceeds further. This step by step approach makes this book special in the genre. The overall structure of the book is unique and truly meant to help people. Personal development books depend a lot on human psychology. How well you know that will reflect on your writings. The understanding of author in this area makes this book exceptional. I would love to see a continuation of this book or more work from the author.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Nostradamus speaks again by Elisabeth Jorgensen|Book review

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Title: Nostradamus speaks again: Heaven paradise

Author: Elisabeth Jorgensen

Pages: 160

Blurb

NOSTRADAMUS speaks AGAIN TM
This book IS NOT what you THINK
Its about WHO YOU BELIEVE IN
Nostradamus Speaks AgainTM is a manuscript in book form as we would like to call it that not only reveals the innermost complicated human nature, but also the complicated time we are now approaching in no time at all! We would like the reader of this profound and not yet to come message to understand that nothing but ourselves are the message, and that is why this book never has come out beforehand. You the reader will go through a profound and deep transformation after reading such a message! Not only you, but the entire world will now call upon Your Time!
Messages to follow in this book of ALL KIND.
LIVE OUT YOUR LIFE NOW!
SEE US AS ONE
BE YOURSELF
PROTECTION!
RIGHT AWAY
WILL COME
THROUGH THIS WONDERFUL BOOK OF LOVE LIGHT AND
CHERISH FRUITS OF ALL KIND AND THEN WE WILL LET YOU
THE READER DECIDE WHETHER ITS NOW OR EVER NOW BEFORE TIME.
Bring out your best ever for
NOW/SEE US SOON AGAIN!
SAI RAM

Review

Nostradamus Speaks Again by Elisabeth Jorgensen is a life-changing book indeed. I have read many spiritual books over the past two years. But I never came close to something like this one. The author is someone who was in pursuit of inner peace for many years and she achieved it at last. From that acquired wisdom, she is trying to guide us to that eternal joy.

As I read through, the pleasure I felt was immense. I can’t even describe that feeling through words. We all are in some kind of sadness in our life. Our goals, our wishes are somewhat pulling us away from what we call us peace. The truth path that we’ve to seek to get rid of these pain is love. The path which is not easy as we think at the beginning. To know love is to gain an understanding of the creator of this world, God.

Through this book, the author is drawing two parallel paths of love. But in the end they both converge to one, which is inevitable.

Recommended.

Rating:5/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Indian Authors, Motivational Quotes, non-fiction, Self-Help

Garage to The Globe

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Few words: Garage to The Globe is a unique story of an exemplary venture that started five decades ago from the humblest of the beginnings. The book serves as an inspiration to every budding entrepreneur by defying the common belief that big businesses can only be fueled by fat investor cheques. The Entrepreneur turned author, Mr. Ravinder Nath Khanna has revealed 51 simple success mantras which he calls his ‘Tools of the Took-Kit’. The simple language of the book without the heavy sermons and preachy lessons allow it to be easy to understand and implement in every reader’s life

My Review: To those who are aspiring entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs, this book will be a guiding light for you. Mr. Ravinder Nath Khanna is possibly the first graduate from IIT Kharagpur. He immersed himself in building a company amidst so many difficulties. He narrated his whole journey through this book. The cover itself inspires people with ‘Make in India’ emblem. Every reader can learn something from his journey. I felt that he included all his wisdom in this book. The book also includes many pictures from his childhood to adulthood and success on the front and last pages. This makes it an even more interesting read.

 

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Motivational Quotes, Quotes, Self-Help

Winning over life by Arun Malik

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Title: Winning over life

Author: Arun Malik

Format: Kindle edition

Pages: 189

Rating: 4/5

About the book

‘Winning over Life’ is a collection of quotes written by Arun Malik. Known as the master motivator, Arun Malik has filled the book with inspiring quotes on topics as wide as happiness and parenting to interrelated subjects such as success and achievement.
The book has been penned in a clear and concise manner which makes it quite universal. So, whether you are a student or a working professional, you can relate to the words and personalize your relationship with each quotation.
‘Winning over Life’ isn’t meant to be read in a go. The book is written to inspire you and to brighten your life with every sunrise. So, read it slowly, savor every sentence and fight with the worse times to rise above!
Other popular books by Arun Malik are ‘Courting Happiness,’ ‘Inviting Abundance’ and ‘Unfolding Dreams.’

My words

“Leaving your mark in a field involves going into an unchartered territory and emerging out of it as a winner.”

“Winning over life” by Arun Malik is a collection of motivational quotes which will help readers in their everyday life. Life is like this, sometimes happiness and sometimes sorrow. But everybody has to overcome their own challenges and complete their own mile. Sometimes there will be people who care about us will help to overcome sorrow, but most of the times we have to look inside and the power has to come from within our mind. This little book is a path to that inner inspiration. These quotes touch many aspirations of life. A must-read for everyone.

Buy now: Amazon

Amina Thajudeen Motivational Quotes, Quotes

[Quotes] Think and Grow Rich- Part 2

Sometimes a single post never be sufficient for some things! One of them is ‘Think and Grow Rich” book by Napolean Hill. This is because this book is a treasure for every seeker. There is no shortage of ideas here in this one.

So here are some more personal favorites from my collection:

“person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat. Only by so doing can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win, essential to success.”

“The turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their “other selves.”

“Love may come and go, times without number, but there are no two love experiences which affect one in just the same way.” 

“Riches, when they come in huge quantities, are never the result of hard work! Riches come, if they come at all, in response to definite demands, based upon the application of definite principles, and not by chance or luck.”

“Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds.” 

“One of the main weaknesses of mankind is the average man’s familiarity with the word “impossible.” 

“Face the facts squarely. Ask yourself definite questions and demand direct replies.”

“Faith is the element which transforms the ordinary vibration of thought, created by the finite mind of man, into the spiritual equivalent.”

“If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own.”

“Do not wait. The time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand, work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”

“The great leaders of business, industry, finance, and the great artists, musicians, poets, and writers became great because they developed the faculty of creative imagination.”

“Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious.”

“DESIRE for money, and actually”

“Man can create nothing which he does not first conceive in the form of an impulse of thought.”

Part one of these quotes: read here

Purchase this Amazing book here