On Our Santa Letter: 5 of the Blinkist Team Choose Their Favorite Books
It’s mid-December and most of us last-minuters are racking our brains over gifts to get our loved ones this holiday season. To give you some ideas, we asked some of the Blinkist gang to recommend the books that they love. Each of these can be found on the Blinkist app, but they’re also popular nonfiction books that will look dreamy all wrapped up under the tree.
1. Brainfluence
by Roger Dooley
Brainfluence
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
“This book helped me become a better marketing manager by giving concrete examples on how to be more effective at getting a target audience’s attention. A great set of tools that applies to all industries. Awesome read!”– Clément, Senior Performance Marketing Manager
Clément’s pick explores how we make unconscious decisions and what really motivates us. It’s a fascinating investigation that can help you to sell — or buy — better. It’s the perfect gift for the marketer in your life.
2. The Design of Everyday Things
by Donald A. Norman
The Design of Everyday Things
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
– Eveline, Product Manager
One of the world’s favorite podcasts right now is the design show, 99% Invisible. It takes its name from the idea that if design is really good, you probably shouldn’t notice it. How often have you thought about the design of most of the things around you? From the doors you walk through, to the containers in your fridge, to the way your supermarket is laid out. This book will heighten your awareness and give you a new appreciation for the world you inhabit.
3. A Peace to End All Peace
by David Fromkin
A Peace to End All Peace
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
– John, QA Analyst
Current conflicts in the Middle East can trace their roots back to colonial interests in the wake of World War I. If you — or a loved one — are eager to understand the complex recent history of the region, this book is an essential read.
4. Sonic Boom
by Joel Beckerman with Tyler Gray
Sonic Boom
- 9 min reading time
- audio version available
“Sonic Boom is an eye/ear opener. It describes how sound and music trigger memories and affect your emotions. It not only provides interesting insights about how businesses make use of it but also how you can use sound for yourself to boost productivity and make your life more enjoyable. Listen closely!”– Stefanie, Workplace Circle Lead
We all have our favorite songs that trigger memories or dance moves. But have you ever thought about how sound more generally affects your day-to-day? Sonic Boom dives into the power that sound holds over us, and looks into how you can use it to boost your professional or personal spaces.
5. Daring Greatly
by Brené Brown
Daring Greatly
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
“This book is an essential read for anyone who does creative work, or just wants to be their most authentic self. It looks at how shame holds us back, and how embracing vulnerability is the secret to creativity and connection.”— Carrie, Managing Editor of Blinkist Magazine
You may already have watched Brené Brown’s TED Talks on the power of vulnerability. Any person who puts creative work into the world will know the moment at which you either choose to face the terror or never create anything at all. If you, or someone you love, has been trying and struggling to make something, this book will hit the nail on the head.
At Blinkist, we love books. There’s no greater joy than unwrapping a title you know will take you on a journey, teach you, and open you up to new ways of thinking. Why not pass that gift along this year?
