Good Reads: The Invisible Gorilla by Christopher Chabris & Daniel Simons

Do you ever feel like your mind is playing tricks on you?

You’re not crazy – your instincts are deceiving you (those bastards).

My latest rental from the library, The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons, provides a jaw-droppingly fascinating perspective into mental illusions that influence our every word, action, and thought.

Chabris & Simons, both established cognitive psychologists, are best known for their “Gorillas in Our Midst” study (click the link to try it for yourself!). Their gorilla study (and namesake for the book) is used to illustrate the first of 6 everyday illusions: the illusion of attention. In subsequent chapters, the other 5 illusions are explained in detail: memory, confidence, knowledge, cause, & potential.

What we intuitively accept and believe is derived from what we collectively assume and understand, and intuition influences our decisions automatically and without reflection. Intuition tells us that we pay attention to more than we do, that our memories are more detailed and robust than they are, that confident people are competent people, that we know more that we really do, that coincidences and correlations demonstrate causation, and that our brains have vast reserves of power that are easy to unlock. But in all these cases, our intuitions are wrong, and they can cost us our fortunes, our health, and even our lives if we follow them blindly. — Page 231

Admittedly, the book may sound like a bit of a downer, but I found it to be extremely intriguing. Included with the extensive explanation of each illusion, Chabris & Simons provide straightforward info on how to break these illusions for yourself. As you might expect, the key is to stop & think before you speak or act, ensuring you are acting from a perspective from of misconceptions.

When you think about the world with an awareness of everyday illusions, you won’t be as sure of yourself as you used to be, but you will have new insights into how your mind works, and new ways of understanding why people act the way they do. Often, it’s not because of stupidity, arrogance, ignorance, or lack of focus. It’s because of the everyday illusions that affect us all. — Page 242

If you have a curiosity for psychology & the instinctual functions of the human mind, I’m quite sure you will enjoy The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us as much as I did.

Good Reads: The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney

Two months ago, I wrote a post for Ode Magazine’s website on a subject I deeply relate to: introversion. I’m still amazed at the many personal & thought-provoking responses I received for that post.

For introverts (like myself), it is easy to feel like an island, lost all alone in your head. The replies from Ode readers were heartwarming & honest, proving that the 1 in 4 of us that are introverts aren’t alone.

After writing said post for Ode, I request a related book from my local library: The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney. Having just finished the book a few days ago, I am eager to share its brilliance with you, my dear readers.

A book like this should be required reading in all schools, probably around middle-school-level. The concept of being an introvert is widely misunderstood, and author Marti does a downright phenomenal job at debunking those myths. From page 19:

Introversion is at its root a type of temperament. It is not the same as shyness or having a withdrawn personality, and it is not pathological. It is also not something you can change. But you can learn to work with it, not against it … The strongest distinguishing characteristic of introverts is their energy source: Introverts draw energy from their internal world of ideas, emotions, and impressions. They are energy conservers. They can be easily overstimulated by the external world, experiencing the uncomfortable feeling of “too much.”

For a more relative analogy, Marti writes on page 20:

Introverts are like a rechargeable battery. They need to stop expending energy and rest in order to recharge. Extroverts are like solar panels … Solar panels need the sun to recharge – extroverts need to be out and about to refuel.

After an intelligent introduction to the differences between introverts & extroverts, Marti goes on to cover evolutionary & biological reasons how & why the two key personality types developed. While psychology is an important element when talking about introverts, Marti provides detailed information about scientific documentation introversion, extroversion, and how the differences affect our thought processes. Finally, she wraps up the book with 3 full chapters with tips, tricks, and advice on how to live a full, progressive introvert life.

I can’t say enough about how impressive this book is. While I had a feeling I was a bit of an introvert, reading The Introvert Advantage only stood to cement the concept. Many folks I’ve met just don’t understand me & I’ve never really known what to tell them. Thanks to Marti’s book, that has all changed. For the first time in my life, I’m not terrified by the concept of socializing because I know, thanks to what I’ve learned, I know how to handle any situation that comes along in my life … in my own introvert-style way.

Curious if you are an introvert? Take the Self-Assessment for Introverts (also available in The Introvert Advantage) to find out (My Score: 24 out of 29).

You Tell Me: Do you see yourself more as an introvert or an extrovert? WHY?

Good Reads: Do It Gorgeously by Sophie Uliano

“Clueless is out and Crafty is in,” says Sophie Uliano. I couldn’t agree more!

The concept of DIY (do-it-yourself) hasn’t been this popular since DIY was our only option (and we all still lived on farms … etc.). With rising environmental concerns & money woes, learning how to be even mildly self-sufficient is more chic than ever.

Author of the popular Gorgeously Green and The Gorgeously Green Diet, Sophie Uliano is back with her 3rd book, titled Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products. A homemade guide for the entire home (kitchen, bathroom, garden, nursery … you name it!), this book puts the “fun” back in functional.

I can’t even begin to list all of the great simple tips & recipes this book contains. After reading the ingredients for making your own vitamin C face cream, cough drops, or pesto sauce, you’ll wonder a) why you never made them before & b) why companies make it seem so complicated! Sewing, cleaning, exercise, massage, even cutting your own kid’s hair; I’m still dumbfounded that Sophie was able to cram so much useful info into just one book.

Simply put, Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products by Sophie Uliano is a useful & delightful addition to any woman’s bookshelf. You’d have to buy six different books to get all the same information!

Bonus: 10% of all the profits from the sale of Do It Gorgeously will be donated to Canswerlink, a non-profit that provides non-toxic cleaning supplies & services to cancer patients in treatment.

Good Reads: My Autobiography by Charles Chaplin

Anyone with a genuine interest in movies knows the name Charlie Chaplin. By any measurement, he had a very successful career, vibrant social life, and emotional personal life. In addition to being an actor, writer, director, producer, and composer, he was also an author. All of his books were about various aspects of his life & career, but the most notable is My Autobiography, published in 1964.

Written nearly 20 years before Charlie Chaplin passed away, the book is an engaging and passionate recount of his scattered life. I’m personally impressed that he can remember so many elements of his life, especially childhood – I can’t even remember my teachers’ names!

Engrossed in all 500 pages, I find My Autobiography is a unique and delightful chance to peer into the heart & mind of one of the founders of cinema and comedy. It would be quite easy to keep gushing about Chaplin’s talent, intelligence, or creative drive, but words don’t do him justice. Read My Autobiography by Charles Chaplin; you’ll be glad you did.

+ My Autobiography from Penguin UK

+ Various imprints of My Autobiography on Amazon

Good Reads: Suddenly Frugal by Leah Ingram

Our lives are full of opportunities for insight & inspiration – we simply need to be open to them. Author Leah Ingram & her family found themselves in deep debt. It was time to cut back on spending by getting creative on a budget. With a little research & some straightforward changes, they saved $25,000 in one year.

Yes, $25,000 … that is the average low-to-middle class income for an entire year!

Leah has been chronicling her enviably penny-pinching on her Suddenly Frugal blog for nearly 3 years. The site is a progressive resource for affordable ideas, events, recipes, & oodles more. On Monday, January 18th, Leah is taking her frugal ways to a new audience with the release of the Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier & Healthier for Less book.

I’m delighted to have read the book already and … are you ready … this book R-O-C-K, ROCKS ROCKS ROCKS! Leah’s writing style is friendly,open, and informative. Having grown up in a frugal family in a small Indiana town, living well for less is familiar territory. Though I was already aware of a number of the concepts Leah shares, it is uber-helpful to have them all in one book. My blue highlighter was very busy, yet I was still about to finish the book in 2 days.

Thanks to Suddenly Frugal, I’m finally going to start doing DIY things I’ve been attempting for years, like:

+ Making my own laundry detergent

+ Using my AAA & Borders Rewards discounts

+ Buying microfiber clothes & using less paper towels

+ Renting more DVDs from the library & trying Redbox

+ Look for more affordable-to-free local events

If you still think that saving money means living a dull life, check out the book’s introduction. Here, you’ll find the truth behind the 4 most common myths about frugality – you can still have fun, eat well, go shopping, and keep the kids happy.

Bonus: Add Leah Ingram on Twitter & get more new tips on how to live “suddenly frugal!”

BIG NEWS: Just last week, Leah announced that she is working on a second Suddenly Frugal book, titled CASH FOR CLUTTER: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Getting Organized and Making Money from Your Stuff. The book it scheduled to hit stores in Fall 2010!

Good Reads: 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s by Libuse Binder

Being a 20-something is today’s society is, frankly, a royal nightmare. On the cusp of striking out on our own, this is the first chance we have to identify ourselves as individuals – not just another one of your parent’s kids.

There’s a lot of pressure, financial concerns, emotional growth … but the most important factor is how we spend our time. Our careers & our hobbies define us more than anything. They can also have the biggest impact on the environment & unforeseeable future.

Currently 25, I can deeply connect with Libuse Binder’s 1st book, 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s. This time is the beginning of the rest of our lives – the best time to find your passion & run with it. Hitting shelves this week (visit your favorite local bookstore!), Libuse does an exceptional job of rounding up the ever-growing options of how us young people can make a true difference.

This book also captures a vital part of the sustainable/ethical/sociological movement that I consistently promote – every little thing counts. Basic things like sending emails & cooking can be turned into impact-having actions!

Libuse includes concrete information on the benefits of volunteering, reducing waste, conscious traveling, how to find your passion & turn it into a career … and oh yeah, lots more. Each action she describes is rated in 3 categories: time, cost, & lifestyle impact. These graphics are a great way of getting a visual idea of the difference you can really make (& who doesn’t like cute little icons?).

We are the future & we need to use our influence for the biggest impact possible. 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s is a comprehensive book that should be required reading in every high school worldwide.

Bonus: Visit the 10 Ways… blog & Twitter account for more ways to make a difference!

Good Reads: Country Living’s Simple Country Wisdom by Susan Waggoner

Another visit to the library, another book I want to buy for my very own.

My adoration for Country Living Magazine is indefinite, so it didn’t come as a surprise that I highly enjoyed their newest book: Simple Country Wisdom by Susan Waggoner.

The title pretty much says it all – the book is full of random, simple but uber-useful tips for every part of your home. Starting off slow at first, I was worried my adoration of Country Living was waning. After the first 3 chapters, encompassed in a section called “The Home that Welcomes”, the book gets more specific, offering advice for cleaning, laundry, cooking, baking, general kitchen organization and more. These are the kinds of tips you’d get from your grandmother or great-grandmother … things that seem so basic, they escape us daily.

More than a few times, I started to reach for my highlighter, until I remembered I had rented the book from the library to “test drive” it. Well, the book is great and there are more than enough tips in it to make it worthy of plunking down $19.95 for it. Country Living Simple Country Wisdom will be a handy reference guide for me (and probably you) as the months, years, and decades continue to roll past. No matter the era, simple is best.

(For Country Living’s other 68 books [holy crap!], visit the Sterling Publishing website.)

Good Reads: The Chocolate Cake Sutra by Geri Larkin

I’ve been putting off writing this review for over a week. Why? Because the book is bad? Because I don’t know how to say anything nice? Not at all – the complete opposite actually! The Chocolate Cake Sutra by Geri Larkin is so freakin’ fabulous, I don’t even know how to begin explaining it. I suppose there are worse things …

Since I rented the book from the library, I didn’t have the benefit (or joy) of highlighting my favorite passages. Instead, I simply wrote down the page numbers. Of the book’s 182 pages, I noted 68 different pages that made me feel enchanted, inspired, and enlightened. For math geeks, that over 1/3rd of the entire tome. So yeah, it’s a “good” book.

Before I rave on about its greatness, let me give you an overview. The word “sutra” in the title no doubt makes you think of Buddhism, and that is what this book is about … sort of. Author Geri Larkin, an ordained Dharma teacher (who doesn’t have a website; shocking!), loves chocolate cake – she has been known to eat it for breakfast (now that’s modern Buddhism for you).  She uses the metaphor of a cake recipe & its preparation to describe the mental and spiritual elements we need to embrace. These “ingredients” will lead us into a modern-day nirvana, no chanting required (but that can be fun).

Like M.J. Ryan, Geri Larkin has a pleasing, conversational tone that makes you feel like she is right there with you. Buddhist or not, spiritually seeking or otherwise, The Chocolate Cake Sutra can (and should) be enjoyed by readers the world over. I plan on buying the book, reading it again, and highlighting like mad. Then, whenever my life feel off-track, I’ve got all I need to get on the “right” path again.

Sleeping Naked is Green Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone to entered my very first giveaway here on my brand new blog!

Without further ado, the 2 lucky folks who will be getting a free copy of Sleeping Naked is Green (& the one eco-friendly change they would never imagine doing) are:

Meghan T.

Going without a gown at the doctor’s office… I am a big fan of the nakedness and the beauty of the human form but there is something about the lighting in a doctor’s office that just makes me cringe- eek

Jeremy L.

I could never imagine getting a permanent laser hair removal. I like having a smooth face, but sometimes side-burns make me feel like a bad-ass. =]

CONGRATS to you both! I hope you’ll share your opinion of the book after you read it.

Good Reads: Sleeping Naked is Green by Vanessa Farquharson (+ Giveaway!)

If you fancy all things eco-related, then you probably know of Vanessa Farquharson … though maybe not by her name. She’s the Toronto gal behind the now-infamous Green as a Thistle blog, where she pledged to make one green change every day for an entire year. The irony: she picked a leap year.

While you can still read about her daily experiences from that year in the Green as a Thistle archives, Vanessa’s new book, Sleeping Naked is Green: How an Eco-Cynic Unplugged Her Fridge, Sold Her Car, and Found Love in 366 Days, hits stores on Thursday, June 11th (my 25th birthday, haha). It gives readers a true behind-the-scenes view that you won’t read about on her blog.

I had the delight of getting my hands on an early copy of Sleeping Naked is Green. Three words: honest and hilarious. Vanessa gives a brutally authentic view at the constant conundrums of being a sustainable consumer, all the while trying to live a “normal” life of work, friends, and family. I can’t even begin to describe how much I enjoyed the book, being able to read many of the thoughts & frustrations that I have regularly, knowing I’m not the only one.

My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer. Only about half of the changes that she made each month are talked about in the book. Looking at Vanessa’s full list of eco-changes, I’m tempted to go through and note which ones I already do & ones I’m thinking about taking on … but you don’t want to see all that.

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

Here comes the fun part. I’ve got two copies of Sleeping Naked is Green to give away! All you have to do is post a comment with the one eco-friendly change you would never dream of doing (check Vanessa’s list if you need some inspiration). Make sure to include your e-mail address in the space provided or I can’t contact you if you win.

The contest will run from now until next Friday (June 19th). Since my blog is new, please help spread the word about this contest – Tweet it, Facebook it, Stumble it, even mention it on your own blog … whatever you like. An early thank you & good luck!