RATING: 10/10…READ: August 20, 2013
The go-to book on learning how to be more vulnerable and deal with shame. Yes, it’s self-helpy, but also a book that cut deep to the heart of my problems in life and the defensive mechanisms I use. A great book for dealing with emotional insecurity.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
RATING: 9/10…READ: August 29, 2012
Aldous Huxley’s classic work on the Dystopian future of the world. Written in 1932, his predictions from Prescription Drugs, Genetic Engineering, and the Loss of Reading books still makes this novel relevant today.
Models by Mark Manson
RATING: 9/10…READ: November 20, 2012
A men’s self development guide. From defining your values, pursuing a career, dating, sex, and more, Models explores male masculinity today, post consumer and PUA culture.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
RATING: 8/10…READ: February 20, 2013
Mating in Captivity explores one sexual relationship to themselves and within a relationship. Explores sex as separate from intimacy and covers erotic intelligence. A very provocative book with the changing attitudes about sexuality.
Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan
RATING: 8/10…READ: May 16, 2013
Sex at Dawn explores the evolution of sexuality from prehistoric times to the present. Changed how I think about relationships, monogamy, and the devastating effects of culture on sexuality, mainly the repression of female sexuality. Helped reduce shame about my natural sexual tendencies. Highly recommended.
Digital Vertigo by Andrew Keen
RATING: 8/10…READ: June 1, 2012
While many are championing the social media revolution, Andrew Keen urges us to take a step back and remove the blinders. Instead of connecting us, Social Media he argues is dividing us and making us more lonely–observers in a mob, rather than active participants. It is a book that cuts through all the Silicon Valley BS of the social economy being the new future.
You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
RATING: 8/10…READ: August 2, 2011
A humanistic perspective on the direction technology is taking us & what we can do about it. Lanier rejects the singularity argument by prominent technologist such as Kevin Kelly; this work is a contrarian view to such thoughts. A great book that not only dissects our problems, but offers solutions as well.
Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
RATING: 8/10…READ: September 4, 2013
A dystopian novel where the ruling class is engineers and society is automated by machines. A great book to examine the extent of which technology makes life easier (automation) but also less human.
Alone Together by Sherry Turkle
RATING: 7/10…READ: July 17, 2011
An examination of our social relationship to technology from robotics to social networking; More of a description of our relationship with technology than a prescription. While I agree with the author’s premise that we are becoming “Alone Together,” the book could easily be cut down as it contains too many repetitive case studies.
No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert A. Glover
RATING: 7/10…READ: May 2, 2011
A book about becoming a MAN. It breaks down “nice guy” tendencies and how you can become the best MAN you ought to be. If you like Fight Club, you’ll appreciate this book.
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
RATING: 7/10…READ: May 28, 2013
A solid guide to What Charisma is, how to cultivate it, and why it’s important. Not just a douchey book of manipulative tactics, but delves deep into the psyche of people and how to change the negative self-scripts you have going on. Backed by research.
The Choice Effect by Amalia Gibbon, Lara Vogel, Claire A. Williams
RATING: 7/10…READ: September 12, 2012
Explores the mindset of those in their 20s facing indecision in their relationships and careers. The book focuses specifically on women, but I found it very relevant to men as well. Many case studies of women who put aside meaningful intimate relationships in favor of lots of friends, getting ahead in their career, and exotic travel…yet many are still unhappy.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
RATING: 7/10…READ: October 9, 2009
An essential book in your library for everyday social interactions and basic social etiquette.
The Book of Pook by Pook
RATING: 7/10…READ: March 15, 2011
While the Pickup Industry began on manipulative tactics and techniques, the Book of Pook’s focus was on yourself and your own masculinity. Part Male Self Development Guide / Part Philosophy, this book is a collection of posts from an anonymous Pook on So Sauve forum.
Quiet the Power of Introverts
RATING: 7/10…READ: May 1, 2012
“Quiet” breaks down the misconceptions of introverts and emphasizes the strengths that introverts bring to the world without apologizing for being one. Besides the psychology behind introversion, Quiet provides strategies for work, jobs, social life, and spending your free time. A must read if you are an introvert.
The Undefeated Mind by Alex Lickerman
RATING: 7/10…READ: December 2, 2012
Written by a Therapist, this book utilizes principles in Nichiren Buddhism & common therapy principles for dealing with anxiety and fear. Many common principles if you’ve read other self-help books. I’ve found myself skimming several chapters. I’ve found the author’s personal experience the most helpful of all advice in the book.
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamal Ravikant
RATING: 7/10…READ: April 25, 2013
A short read on chilling the fuck out and loving yourself. With all the self help platitudes and exercises, this book is quick and simple…what would you do, how would you act if you loved yourself?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
RATING: 7/10…READ: January 1, 2012
I’ll admit, I am a sucker for these type of “self-help” books. I first heard of Rene Brown after her inspiring TED talk and this book is an extension of that. It’s a book that will teach you to accept your vulnerabilities whether you are a perfectionist, always trying to playing it cool, or are depressed. A very enjoyable uplifting read.