Personal Development
65 books
Melbourne
by Alex Ng
Sophie Cunningham's Melbourne is a deeply personal exploration of Australia's cultural capital, weaving together history, architecture, weather patterns, and personal memoir to reveal how a city shapes its inhabitants and vice versa. Through walks across the city and reflections spanning decades, Cunningham captures Melbourne's unique character.
Out of My Mind
by Alex Ng
“Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper is a poignant narrative that explores the life of Melody Brooks, a young girl with cerebral palsy. Despite her physical limitations and inability to speak, Melody’s extraordinary intellect and determination challenge societal perceptions of disability.
The Color Purple
by Alex Ng
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is a powerful, deeply moving narrative about the life of Celie, a young Black woman in the early 20th century American South. It explores themes of racism, sexism, sisterhood, and self-discovery, told through poignant letters.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by Alex Ng
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
We Were Liars
by Alex Ng
“We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart is a gripping and emotional tale of friendship, love, and tragedy. It follows Cadence Sinclair as she unravels the dark secrets and lies surrounding a life-altering accident that occurred during her fifteenth summer at her family’s idyllic private island.
The Hate U Give
by Alex Ng
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas is a powerful novel about racial injustice and activism. It follows Starr Carter, a Black teenager, who navigates two worlds and becomes an advocate for justice after witnessing the police shooting of her unarmed friend, Khalil.
Holes
by Alex Ng
“Holes” by Louis Sachar is a unique and intriguing novel that combines adventure, mystery, and social commentary. It tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to a juvenile detention center and discovers a series of mysterious events linked to his family’s curse.
Daisy Jones and The Six
by Alex Ng
“Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel styled as an oral history, chronicling the rise and fall of a fictional ’70s rock band. It explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of creative collaboration, set against the backdrop of the dynamic music scene.
Thinking Fast and Slow
by Alex Ng
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman is a groundbreaking exploration of human psychology. It delves into how our two systems of thought – the fast, intuitive, and emotional, versus the slow, deliberate, and logical – shape our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors.
Strategy: A History
by Alex Ng
“Strategy: A History” by Lawrence Freedman is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of strategy in various realms, from military to political and business. Freedman combines historical context with insightful analysis, providing a deep understanding of strategy’s role in shaping outcomes across different eras and fields.
Why Nation Fail
by Alex Ng
“Why Nations Fail” by Acemoglu and Robinson examines the deep-rooted factors influencing nations’ prosperity or poverty. It argues that inclusive political and economic institutions foster success, while extractive ones lead to failure, blending historical examples and economic theory to explain the divergence in global economic fortunes.
The Art of War
by Alex Ng
Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’ is a seminal work on military strategy and tactics. Written in ancient China, its principles on warfare, leadership, and psychology remain relevant today, transcending military theory to offer insights applicable in various fields including business, sports, and conflict resolution.