12 Books of Christmas Give The Gift of Reading

12 Books of Christmas Give The Gift of Reading I imagine that someday in the not-too-distant future, traditional books will have met their demise.  Already, theres Kindle and Nook and a host of lesser-known options.  Sure, its nice to be able to carry dozens of books in something the size of a note pad.  But isnt there something just irreplaceably delicious about curling up with a real, live book?  Why not consider the gift of reading this year? As Editor  and one of the writers for Ms Career Girl, there are a lot of books that cross my desk for potential review.  Ive gathered together a list of 12 that I think would make great gift ideas to all  readers.  One book, or two . . . or hey, a book a month for the next year!   Ive linked them all to Amazon for your convenience, but you can get them in lots of places.  And whether youre like me and like the physical copy or prefer the digital version, theres plenty of time to get your hands on them or have them delivered in time for the upcoming holiday.  For all kinds of literary tastes, here are my Twelve Favorite Books of 2016 The Assertiveness Guide for Women by Julie De Azevedo Hanks After defining assertive as a reflection of confidence, good communication skills, and the willingness to take action, Julie then skillfully breaks down what it takes to be assertive.  But its not about embracing what we normally would consider masculine.  Its about owning all of who you are as a woman deserving of your place in relationships, work, and life. Build Your Dream Network by J. Kelly Hoey Yes, its even more true now than it ever was.  Who you know is critical to  your future in almost every way.  Have you been one of those who at first detested networking as just using other people for your own benefit?  And if you got past that, does the how-to of networking in the connected digital age just seem to elude your best efforts?  Kelly will take you by the hand and open your eyes to the power of ethical, honest networking. Earning It Hard Won Lessons From Trailblazing Women at The Top by Joann S. Lublin Imagine if you had the chance to get inside the mind of 50 of the most successful business women in the world.   Imagine the insights, the inspiration youd come away with to help create and achieve your own career path.  Imagine no more, Joann shares all that and more from her own journey with the Wall Street Journal and that of 50+ other women who have soared right through that glass ceiling we all know about. Fulfilled! Critical Choices: Work, Home, Life by William A. Schiemann Happiness.  Inner peace.  Its those feelings you get when you reach the end of the day, or year, or your life, and joyfully reflect on what youve done and been blessed with.  In what Id call a practical guide to the age-old questions about the purpose of life, William helps you examine your own passions, dreams, and desires and fashion them into a practical plan that leads to personal fulfillment. Habit Changers 81 Game-Changing Mantras To Mindfully Realize Your Goals by M. J. Ryan Most of us have used affirmations at some time or another in our lives.  Heres an updated application of the techniques typically used in affirmations, but with fresh perspective.  Chanting So-and-so is going to stop being a jerk will probably have no real effect.  But how about taking care of what youre really able to, namely. your reactions to his being a jerk?  Heres help in tackling 81 of lifes most common annoyances, habits, and trip-ups. The Language of Sisters by Cathy Lamb While Ive never been the romance novel kind of girl, I cannot resist the story that feels so familiar and comfortable that I might as well be in it myself.  These are the books I usually cannot put down and end up getting one or more nights of very little sleep because, you know, Im just going to read a couple more pages . . .   Since I lost my sister a few years ago, it was easy to engage this comfy story of the love, life, and laughter of sisters, and of family. The Leaders Mindset: How to Win In the Age of Disruption by Terence Mauri Ive always called it thinking outside the box.  If youre familiar with that term, then lets up the ante.  How about thinking way outside the box.  Maybe even where no woman has dared go before.  THAT is the place where todays leaders take us.  To see the making of their dreams into our realities.  Disruption is about scratching across the expected answer and going beyond.  Terence takes a look at that process, and challenges you to engage in a new way. Life, Incorporated A Practical Guide To Wholehearted Living by Haley Bock Remember the time you drove from one place to another, and when you arrived you couldnt remember the time in between departure and arrival?  Its almost spooky.  But in our crazy, too-busy world, thats what were doing every day.  Rush, rush, rush . . . and another year is gone.  The achievements are hollow, the accolades are but shadows of an unfulfilled life.  If youre ready to reconnect with life, yourself, and those you love, Halley will show you how. (R)evolution: One Mans Leadership Journey by Anna Conrad Weve all seen or worked for the person who was a real jerk. Or worse.  Given that many of us will spend at least part of our lives in some kind of managerial, supervisor, or business owner position, thats not the role model we want to use.  Annas book may be relatively short, but it gives a sometimes poignant look at what a good leader is like, and will have you examining yourself to measure up to the boss you wish you had. Touched The Caress of Fate by Ellisa S Amore It was a dark and stormy night . . .  Okay, now you know why I dont write fiction.  But Ellisa is writer extraordinaire. This gripping romantic fantasy will take you on a journey that has been described as seductive as Meet Joe Black, as mysterious as City of Angels, and as powerful as Twilight.  If thats not enough to entice you, then savor the possibility can love conquer death?  Get your glass of wine and favorite blanket, and curl up by the fire. Unsubscribe: How To Kill Email Anxiety, Avoid Distractions, and Get Real Work Done by Jocelyn K. Glei I really hate it when my day starts with a shriek from my own mouth.  Are you kidding me!?  Or other things definitely NOT G-rated when I open my email and theres a million items in the inbox.  Having started my career before email really took hold (stop doing the math!), I was bound with  a pager that I was required to answer.  Jocelyn has put together what Id call the 12-step program for email-a-holics.  Read it, and take the pledge! You Negotiate Like A Girl by Amy Trask Alphabetically, this one is here at the bottom.  But while all of this list are favorites, this one was captivating.   Amy didnt just break into any old boys club.  She broke into THE boys club, the NFL.  Nothing but pure satisfaction danced in my head as she recounted a lifetime of working with the Raiders.  Sometimes referred to as the Princess of Darkness by her boss Al Davis, she gained not only the respect of the guys but became a league-wide legend. Image credits. Main.  Fireplace.