December books

We've posted new links on the 'recommended books' section.

How to be Brilliant, by Michael Heppell, was recommended by Darren Crozier.

The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson and Dialogue, by William Issacs, were recommended by Timm Suess.

Alex Manchester has recommended The Google Story by David Vise.

We'd love to hear more recommendations. Post any references in the comments box below and tell us why you're recommending them. We'll add links to the recommended books section.

Sue

Comments

[Timm]

Thanks for posting my recommendations. Here are some comments about them.

"The Long Tail" is a book about the economics of small demand in a world of abundance. Author Chris Anderson argues that products that are in low demand or have low sales volume can collectively make up a market share that rivals or exceeds the relatively few current bestsellers and blockbusters, if the store or distribution channel is large enough. Examples of such mega-stores include the online retailer Amazon.com and the online video rental service Netflix. The book explains what is necessary to tap into these market forces - for any kind of business.

"Dialogue" emphasizes the importance of a successful dialogue to successful business operations, explaining how the "art of thinking together" - as opposed to taking individual positions - can be used to create a communication bridge in organizations and communities.

Both are entertaining and smartly written books which I can recommend wholeheartedly.

[Alex Manchester]

And my thoughts on The Google Story: It's probably one of the best books I've read in a long time.

We all know of Google, but how much do we know about Google, about where it came from, what the founders' ideals are, where they plan to go?

I found this pretty inspirational on many fronts, be it the constant drive for innovation, to doing stuff that the majority said was impossible, defying all expectations with share price and scaring the hell out of a US$275 billion corporation (Microsoft) after just eight years. It's beyond any other business success story out there.

It's also amusing that even though this book is nearly two years old, the headlines about Google are still the same - "they're going to mess this project up," "they're going to screw up now." They still haven't really.

If you need reminding how sometimes you can fly in the face of the majority, can make a difference if you stick to what you know could work plus, some great insight into one of the most important organizations of our time, then quite simply it's a must read.

[Sue D]

I’ve just finished reading ‘E’ by Matt Beaumont, a recommended read for November from Mark Darby. Absolutely hilarious! I laughed reading it all the way up to Sunderland on the train, and then laughed some more because the bloke in the seat in front was snoring his head off (I was in the quiet carriage) and the poker-faced woman next to me really didn’t approve of either the snoring or me sitting there shaking with laughter and occasionally giggling out loud.

It's about a year in the life of an advertising agency. Not particularly instructive on the IC front, but a very funny read anyway. Buy it, borrow it, or beg Santa for it!