kurtliske's reviews
47 reviews

The Truth Detector, Volume 2: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide for Getting People to Reveal the Truth by Jack Schafer

4.25

Extremely actionable. Slightly unnerving due to how simple elicitation appears after reading this book. A lot to ponder, skills/tactics to incorporate. A book I’ll be thinking about during numerous future conversations no doubt

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

3.75

Interestingly and unexpectedly engaging. A semi-slow burn that ratchets up steadily in intensity. Enjoyed several of Fitzgerald’s lines and word play. 

Sales Pitch: How to Craft a Story to Stand Out and Win by April Dunford

4.25

Exceptionally insightful. I’m not in the tech industry but the concepts outlined can be rolled into most any B2B interaction/pitch. Took lots of notes, which I’m confident will shape future transactions. 

Touch the Wounds: On Suffering, Trust, and Transformation by Tomáš Halík
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.

Solid content, took several notes and provided valuable insights on the “triune God” but very dense. Became a slog, which makes me a bit sad because I liked the content. 

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink

4.0

Great read. Especially timely to read this now (Dec. 2023) as AI/Large Language Models are taking over the world. D. Pink provides as close to a roadmap forward as can be hoped for.

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz

4.0

Very good. Thought provoking and provided a new perspective to look at situations in life. Big take away: stop being a maximizer and start being more of a “Satisficer” in order to better enjoy life. 

Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America's Whiskey by Reid Mitenbuler

informative

3.5

 Fascinating. Confirms that people want stories more than they want facts. 

All Marketers Are Liars: The Power Of Of Telling Authentic Stories In A Low Trust World by Seth Godin

informative inspiring

3.5

 Good, thought provoking. Truth vs. lies, it makes no real difference, that matters is what people believe. 

Difficult Mothers: Understanding and Overcoming Their Power by Terri Apter

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad

5.0

 Eerily relevant, helpful, will read again 

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring

5.0

Finished reading aloud to the girl. Unexpectedly ended up crying like a baby. Snuggling  on her bed, reading the last 4 pages as Sam learns that Frodo  is leaving him behind.

"This is too good. I don't like this ending. If feels like they were my friends and they're gone now." Said Eliza sobbing.

Love this girl. Such a rewarding, screen-free, undertaking.