Books we are reading
-Speaking While Female - Dana Rubin (a compelling exploration of women's voices throughout history, showcasing powerful speeches by women who have shaped society and challenged norms. This anthology celebrates the overlooked contributions of women to public discourse). See review below
-Atomic Habits, James Clear (explores how small, incremental changes in daily habits can lead to remarkable long-term results. The book provides a practical framework for building good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to extraordinary outcomes.) See review below
-The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle (emphasizes the importance of living fully in the present moment as a path to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. The book guides readers in overcoming negative thought patterns and achieving a state of mindful awareness by focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.)
-Change Your World, John C. Maxwell (practical advice and strategies for individuals looking to make a significant impact on their communities and the world. The book emphasizes the power of leadership and personal growth in driving positive change and empowering others to create meaningful, lasting transformations.)
-Start with Why - Simon Sinek (explores how successful leaders and organizations inspire others by focusing on the fundamental reason behind their actions—the "why"—rather than just the "what" or "how." The book argues that starting with a clear purpose can drive motivation, create loyalty, and lead to greater success by aligning actions with a deeper sense of meaning and vision.)
-Ego Is the Enemy - Ryan Holiday explores how ego can hinder success and personal growth, offering lessons on humility, self-awareness, and resilience through three stages: striving, success, and failure. During my first semester of graduate school, I found its insights particularly relevant. The book helped me shift focus from seeking approval to embracing the process, reminding me to remain curious and open to learning.
Holiday emphasizes that success can test character more than failure, urging readers to view achievements as temporary and to stay grounded. This perspective was invaluable as I navigated challenges, like mastering research techniques and overcoming self-doubt. By letting go of the need to appear always capable, I opened myself to collaboration and growth.
Historical examples, such as Jackie Robinson and General Sherman, inspired me to persist and serve a greater purpose, while Holiday's reflections on failure reinforced that setbacks are opportunities for growth, not endpoints.
As the semester ends, this book has been a guide for thriving through ambition, challenges, and learning. Ego Is the Enemy is essential for anyone seeking to grow, succeed, and get out of their own way.
Books:
What's Monarch Reading reviews:
-Speaking While Female - Dana Rubin
(reviewed by Fernanda Tello de Meneses)
"Speaking While Female" is a profoundly moving and inspiring journey through the voices of women who have shaped American history with their courage. Dana Rubin brings the powerful speeches of women who, despite societal biases and barriers, dared to speak out and leave their mark. The book highlights standout speeches, such as Sojourner Truth's impassioned plea for equality, "Ain't I a Woman?" and Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking address, "For the Equal Rights Amendment," which echo through the ages with their fierce clarity and conviction. Rubin's book not only honors these extraordinary women but also challenges us to listen with appreciation and empathy. This collection is a celebration of resilience and a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who refused to be silenced, making it an essential read for anyone who believes in the power of words to change the world.
Atomic Habits - James Clear
(reviewed by Samara Tello de Meneses)
"Atomic Habits" is an amazing practical guide that shows how small everyday changes in your habits can make a big difference in your life. The author, James Clear explains in simple ways how the tiny habits, when consistently practiced or changed, can lead to a huge personal and professional growth. This book is filled with easy to understand strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones, all backed by science and real-life examples. The engaging stories and super straightforward advice make it easy to understand and apply these concepts to your day to day life. "Atomic Habits" is inspiring and inspires you to take control of your habits and transform your life one tiny step at a time. I think this book is a must-read for anyone, whether you are looking to improve yourself, achieve goals or just looking for an empowering and inspiring read.
audioBooks:
Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman
Delves into the dual systems of thought that drive human decision-making: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slow, deliberate, and logical system. The book explores how these systems influence our judgments and decisions, revealing the cognitive biases and errors that can affect our thinking.
