Business Book Reviews Round 1

I like to read, and for some twisted, perverse, and nigh-masochistic reason, I like to read about work. I've selected a handful of the top-selling books about finance, business, and economics and I've written a few words elucidating my opinions on them. All of the following books are priced under $20.

First, Break All the Rules 4/5

First, Break All the Rules is a great book for managers and higher-ups who sometimes fall into complacent corporate mindsets that can actually diminish productivity. Authors Buckingham and Coffman explain how you can turn your business around and become a huge success (and a wealthy person).

The Tipping Point 4.5/5

Malcom Gladwell's book The Tipping Point is all about the little things. It's about those little ideas that grow into huge things. Ideas like Google, which start as humble little projects, but grow into massively successful business, offering hundreds of jobs and earning billions of dollars of annual revenue. Not all of us can be billionaires, but The Tipping Point proves to be an interesting read.

Getting Things Done 2.5/5

I hate to be a killjoy, but I really didn't like this book as much as the reviews on most sites suggest. To be fair, David Allen is a smart guy and knows what he's talking about. But somehow I feel sick just opening a book that has a picture of the author ,grinning like a total sleeze-ball, on the front. Content-wise, Getting Things Done is mostly the same old tripe about organizing your life according to some set of arbitrary principles. I'd skip this one.

Freakonomics 4.5/5

The only reason not to give Freakonomics a 5/5 is that it doesn't quite fit into that fine category of books that help you make money. Nevertheless, Freakonomics is a wonderful read, and a fascinating exploration into the inner workings of economy and sociology. If you're looking for something fun and interesting to pass the time, look no further. Freakonomics is a stellar book, and a great buy.

The Intelligent Portfolio 5/5

I saved the best for last. Christopher Jones' The Intelligent Portfolio is a must-buy for anyone even vaguely interested in finance. The Intelligent Portfolio is a top-notch guide for individual investors. This is a book that has influenced countless readers and is one of the top sellers in its genre.