Book Review: An Insignificant Case

Title: An Insignificant Case

Author: Phillip Margolin

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: November 5, 2024

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Phillip Margolin's latest standalone legal novel follows Charlie Webb, a struggling lawyer thrust into a high-stakes case that begins with a quirky artist's painting theft and quickly escalates into a complex investigation involving sex trafficking and murder. Webb, a third-rate attorney, finds himself defending Guido Sabatini after a seemingly minor legal matter turns deadly.

Some characters feel predictably devious, and it stretches credibility that Sabatini would choose such an inexperienced lawyer for a murder defense. However, Margolin successfully builds tension, turning an insignificant case into a compelling thriller.

The novel's strength lies in Margolin's intimate knowledge of law and Portland's landscape. While the protagonist's naivety and gullibility can be frustrating, the quick pacing and escalating tension keep readers engaged. Webb's transformation from an unremarkable lawyer to an unexpected hero provides an intriguing narrative arc.

I recommend this book to fans of legal thrillers who enjoy underdog narratives and detailed procedural stories, particularly those familiar with Portland's setting. The book offers an entertaining exploration of how a seemingly minor case can dramatically alter one's life.

A big thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers

Title: HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers

Author: Elisa Farri and Gabriele Rosani

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

Date: February 11, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a professional who has been working with Generative AI since March, I found the HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers to be an exceptional roadmap for managers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape. it's the best book I've read on Generative AI, demonstrating how it can reshape business practices and leadership approaches.

The book's most compelling strength lies in its practical approach to generative AI. Unlike other texts in the field, this guide offers concrete, immediately applicable strategies for using AI as both a copilot and a co-thinker. I've used AI as co-pilot but not so much as co-thinker.

Strategically structured into four primary sections—Managing Yourself, Managing Teams, Managing Business, and Managing Change—each section offers detailed explorations of AI as a copilot and co-thinker, with specific, actionable examples that managers can immediately implement. It doesn't just present the technology as a tool, but as a collaborative partner that can enhance productivity, drive innovation, and support strategic decision-making. 

The core message is compelling: managers who develop generative AI capabilities will leap ahead of those who don't. I'm particularly excited to implement strategies from the "Managing Yourself" and "Managing Teams" sections in my own professional context.

The HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers is more than a book; it's a strategic compass for leaders looking to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Whether you're a tech-savvy manager or someone just beginning to explore AI's potential, this book offers invaluable insights that can fundamentally reshape your approach to work. This isn't just recommended reading—it's essential.

A big thank you to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Turkey Films 2024!

 2024 saw a beautiful "destination wedding" in the Baggs family. To honor and celebrate this new marriage, I am focusing on movies that are centered on weddings or include a key wedding scene.

• The Turkeyfather
• My Big Fat Greek Turkey
• Four Turkeys and a Funeral
• Turkey Crashers
• Runaway Turkey
• Father of the Turkey
• My Best Friend's Turkey
• Turkeymaids
• Mamma Turkey!
• The Turkey Planner

Happy and safe Thanksgiving to all!

Book Review: The House of Cross

Title: The House of Cross

Author: James Patterson

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: November 25, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

James Patterson's latest Alex Cross thriller delivers a pulse-pounding investigation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With Supreme Court candidates being systematically murdered as a new president prepares to take office, the novel weaves a complex narrative of political intrigue and potential conspiracy.

Patterson masterfully builds suspense by connecting multiple threads, including the return of the mysterious terrorist group M and the suspicious death
of a billionaire. His signature short chapters propel the story forward, making it nearly impossible to put down. The action sequences, particularly those set in the frigid Canadian wilderness, are especially gripping, with Cross, his wife Bree, and partner John Sampson facing mortal danger.

Cross remains a compelling protagonist—dedicated, intelligent, and deeply committed to protecting his family and community. The novel successfully explores political tension and institutional vulnerability by targeting Supreme Court candidates, tapping into contemporary anxieties about democratic processes.

The character dynamics remain a highlight of the series. Cross continues to be a compelling protagonist—dedicated, intelligent, and deeply committed to protecting both his family and the broader community. The relationship between Cross, Bree, and Sampson adds emotional depth to the high-stakes investigation, providing moments of genuine connection amidst the surrounding violence.

A big thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Dark Arches

Title: The Dark Arches

Author: Andrew Barrett

Publisher: The Ink Foundry

Publication Date: December 8, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Barrett's second installment in the DS Regan Carter series delivers a punchy, adrenaline-fueled narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The Dark Arches picks up seamlessly from its predecessor being set in the rain-soaked streets of Leeds where corruption runs as deep as the city's historic foundations.. 

DS Carter, is a fascinating contradiction - a loose cannon who acts first and thinks later, yet possesses an underlying vulnerability that only surfaces at critical moments. Her pursuit of the calculating crime boss Bradshaw and the psychotic Eric Clements, alongside DC Gypsy Storm, drives the narrative forward at breakneck speed.

The author's unflinching portrayal of both heroes and villains is particularly noteworthy, with no purely sympathetic characters in sight. The dialogue crackles with authentic British vernacular, while the exploration of police corruption weaves throughout the narrative like a poisonous thread. The story essentially becomes a psychological duel between Carter and the unhinged Clements, building to a climax that showcases Barrett's willingness to dispose of major characters.

The ending left me hanging, eager for the next installment. The Dark Arches proves that Barrett isn't just writing crime fiction; he's crafting a compelling exploration of determination, corruption, and the price of justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred.

A big thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.  

Book Review: A Whole Life in Twelve Movies

Title: A Whole Life in Twelve Movies

Author: Kathleen Norris & Gareth Higgins

Publisher: Brazos Press

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As an avid film enthusiast, I approached "A Whole Life in Twelve Movies" wondering how just twelve films could encapsulate the human experience. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about cinema's power to illuminate life's journey.

Norris and Higgins have crafted something special - a book that reads like eavesdropping on a fascinating dialogue between two deeply thoughtful viewers. Their analysis of films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Babette's Feast" transcends mere critique, using these works as launching points for deeper contemplation about existence, spirituality, and human connection. The authors' different perspectives - Norris's American poetic sensibility and Higgins's Irish storytelling background - create a rich interplay of ideas that enriches their observations.

What particularly struck me was how the book manages to be deeply spiritual without becoming preachy. Both authors bring their religious perspectives to bear on these films, but in a way that invites rather than insists. Their discussions had me immediately adding several films to my must-watch list, including "Malcolm X," "Paterson," and "After Life."

The inclusion of discussion questions and additional film recommendations transforms this from a simple film guide into a practical tool for group exploration and personal reflection. This book serves as both a thoughtful film guide and a spiritual companion, perfect for anyone interested in exploring how movies can deepen our understanding of life's big questions.

A big thank you to Brazos Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Defy

Title: Defy

Author: Sunitah Sah

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As someone who devours self-help and psychology books, I found "Defy" to be a refreshing and insightful exploration of why we so often choose compliance over standing up for our values. Dr. Sunita Sah transforms our understanding of defiance from a negative trait into a crucial tool for personal and societal change.

The book's strength lies in its practical framework, particularly the five stages of defiance and the clear distinction between compliance and consent. Using Stanley Milgram's famous 1960 Yale experiments as a foundation, Sah breaks down the forces that push us toward compliance and provides actionable strategies for resistance when our values are at stake.

What sets this book apart is its nuanced treatment of defiance and the introduction of concepts like "conscious compliance" – the idea that sometimes we might choose to comply while fully acknowledging our disagreement, without shame. The five elements of consent (capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom, and authorization) provide a practical toolkit for decision-making in challenging situations.

"Defy" stands as a valuable addition to my self-help books, offering essential guidance for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to go along with something that didn't feel quite right.

A big thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The 5 Types of Wealth

Title: The 5 Types of Wealth

Author: Sahil Bloom

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: February 4, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As an ardent follower of Sahil Bloom's weekly newsletters, I approached his debut book with high expectations, and "The 5 Types of Wealth" not only met but exceeded them, emerging as the most impactful self-help book I've encountered in recent years. While longtime readers of Bloom's newsletters might recognize some concepts, seeing them woven together into a cohesive framework offers a fresh and transformative perspective on what it truly means to live a wealthy life.

At the heart of Bloom's philosophy lies the critical premise: financial wealth, while important, should not be the dominant measure of a rich life. Your wealthy life may be enabled by money, but in the end, it will be defined by everything else. As he says, "Your wealthy life may be enabled by money, but in the end, it will be defined by everything else." Through meticulous research spanning three years and countless interviews, Bloom presents four other equally crucial forms of wealth: Time, Social, Mental, and Physical. What particularly resonates is his practical approach, breaking down each wealth type into three pillars and providing a 25-question assessment tool that helps readers establish their baseline.

The book's true strength lies in its actionability. Each section concludes with concrete strategies for improvement, making abstract concepts tangible and implementable. Bloom's relationship map and energy matrix stand out for me as particularly valuable tools that I'm eager to incorporate into my own life. His systems for time wealth management are already proving their worth in my daily routine.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the book is captured in the interviews Bloom conducted, where notably, "No one mentioned money" when discussing their version of a wealthy life. This observation is perfectly encapsulated in one of the book's most memorable quotes: "The only thing that matters at all is the quality of the relationships with the people we love." This is particularly refreshing in today's money-obsessed culture.

"The 5 Types of Wealth" is more than just another self-help book; it's a comprehensive blueprint for living a truly rich life. Whether you're starting your career, navigating midlife, or planning for retirement, Bloom's insights and practical strategies offer valuable guidance for creating a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

A big thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right

Title: Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right 

Author: Walter Mosley

Publisher: Mulholland Books

Publication Date: January 28, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Walter Mosley continues to prove why he's a master of the detective genre with his latest Joe King Oliver novel, delivering a story that masterfully weaves together family drama with high-stakes investigation. As a longtime follower of detective fiction, I found myself completely absorbed by this third installment, which elevates the series to new heights.

The narrative follows two compelling threads: King's search for his long-estranged father at the behest of his dying grandmother, and his involvement with Marigold Hart, a woman on the run from her billionaire husband with her young daughter in tow. Mosley demonstrates his storytelling prowess by balancing these plotlines with remarkable skill, each one feeding into the other to create a rich tapestry of moral complexity.

What sets this book apart is its deep dive into King's family dynamics, particularly the nuanced exploration of his relationship with his father, Chief Odin Oliver. The protagonist himself continues to fascinate - a former police detective who chose integrity over corruption, operating with his own moral compass that doesn't always point true north. His complex relationships with women and his friendship with the psychopathic Melquarth add compelling layers to his character.

Mosley's prose crackles with tension, particularly in scenes where King must navigate between personal desires and professional obligations. The author never takes the easy way out, forcing his protagonist to grapple with difficult choices that have no clear right answer. While the book can stand alone, the richness of character development through the previous novels adds significant weight to the emotional stakes. "Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right" represents Mosley at his finest - a perfect blend of hard-boiled detective work, family drama, and moral ambiguity. It's not just a great detective novel; it's a great novel, period.

A big thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Note

Title: The Note

Author: Alafair Burke

Publisher: Knopf

Publication Date: January 7, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As someone who appreciates a well-crafted suspense novel, I found myself initially testing my patience with Burke's latest thriller, "The Note." The story's deliberate pacing in the first quarter of the book nearly had me setting it aside, b
ut I'm grateful I persevered, as what follows is a masterfully woven tale of friendship, secrets, and consequences.

The story centers on May Hanover, a former DA turned law professor, whose reunion with longtime friends Lauren and Kelsey in the Hamptons takes an unexpected dark turn after a seemingly harmless prank. Burke expertly peels back the layers of their shared history, revealing how their childhood bond has weathered various storms of tragedy and scandal. As a delightful aside, I particularly enjoyed the detail of May working on the NY Times Spelling Bee daily with her friends, something I share with my wife – it's these small touches that make the characters feel real.

While the novel's strength lies in its intricate plot twists and gradually revealed secrets, I found myself occasionally frustrated with May's character. Despite her legal background, she often jumps to conclusions without considering alternative possibilities, which seems at odds with her professional training. However, this could be interpreted as a clever illustration of how personal involvement can cloud even the sharpest legal mind.

What starts as a slow burn transforms into an engaging page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the end. Burke demonstrates her mastery of the suspense genre by skillfully doling out revelations about each character's past, ensuring that every disclosure adds another layer to this complex narrative.

A big thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.