Notable Reads: November 16, 2011

We have history lessons in pictures, leadership wisdom, one of the funniest anti-self-help books around, and more in this week’s Notable Reads…

7 Habits of a Highly Ineffective Person
A humorous spin on the bestselling self-help novel Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, this version suggests that maybe it’s not so bad being you…? The book shows that the only thing we have to fear isn’t fear itself, but something much simpler, like an interruption of our On Demand TV service. The tome by Aaron G. Niz takes the power back from the self-help gurus and gives it back to the people by suggesting that to become more ‘zen-like’, we should continue reaching for the remote and Twinkies instead of trying to attain the Hollywood-perfect bod.

A History of the World in 100 Objects
Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, has selected one hundred man-made artifacts, each of which gives us an intimate glimpse of an unexpected turning point in human civilization. The book stretches back two million years and covers the globe. From the very first hand axe to the ubiquitous credit card, each item has a story to tell; together they relate the larger history of mankind, revealing who we are by looking at what we have made.

EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches
Running a business is one thing, but inspiring your team to be great is a key component that isn’t exactly focused on in school. Business guru Dave Ramsey shows whether you’re sitting at the CEO’s desk, the middle manager’s cubicle, or a card table in your living-room-based startup, anyone can take advice from this practical step-by-step guidance on implementing meaningful changes to inspire, unify and succeed.

The Art of Simple Food
Alice Waters presents simple but inventive dishes that focus on a passion for flavor and locally produced, seasonal foods to keep each meal colourful, economical and unique. The book includes delectable, approachable recipes that are balanced in texture, colour and flavour, as well as indispensable kitchen etiquette, like properly stocking your kitchen and cutting useless calories to make better, healthier lifestyle choices. We know this one’s an oldie, but it’s a must-have.

LIFE 75 Years: The Very Best of LIFE
This 75th anniversary publication of LIFE Magazine celebrates its history and publications that changed photojournalism. Each picture and article highlights the best war photos, Hollywood photos, sports pictures, space shots and funniest images ever published. The 200-page spread captures jaw-dropping pictures of the best of the snapshots over the last 75 years that’s worth a spot on anyone’s coffee table.