{"id":17574,"date":"2024-09-23T19:14:51","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T16:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/?p=17574"},"modified":"2025-01-28T18:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T15:05:20","slug":"railsware-recommended-reads-autumn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/railsware-recommended-reads-autumn\/","title":{"rendered":"Railsware Recommended Reads: Autumn Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Autumn is back with crunchy leaves on the streets, students rushing to their classes, and the scent of cinnamon rolls. Although fall is no longer a time for Railswarians to return to studying, many of us still find inspiration in the season. And it’s the perfect time of year for cozy reading, so let’s explore the latest book recommendations from our team!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From making coffee to the history of humankind, our colleagues are bold with their book choices this season. So, whether you’re up to exploring new topics, questioning what you already know, or just looking for an insightful book to read next  \u2014 we hope some of these top picks will land your reading list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind<\/a> is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about progress, culture, and the nature of our species. Harari spans 70,000 years, exploring human history from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blending history and science, he challenges conventional narratives, links past to present, and creates a multidisciplinary view of human development. Harari’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex historical and scientific concepts understandable to a general audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

This book speaks to me on a very profound level. Reading this book really made me reflect on how we humans can be so smart yet so foolish, so powerful yet so fragile. It\u2019s fascinating \u2014 and a bit unsettling \u2014 how we\u2019ve managed to transform the face of the earth without fundamentally changing who we are. We strive to be better, to make progress, but often we end up causing more harm than good. We invented money to fund scientific discoveries, but then used that same science to create weapons for destruction. It\u2019s like we\u2019re constantly balancing between trying to survive and make a lasting impact while simultaneously erasing ourselves. Sapiens is a great read if you\u2019re looking to gain some humility and question the illusions about yourself as a human.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Victoriia Ivanenko <\/p>\n \n

\n Content Manager <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Within the 88 years since its release, How to Win Friends and Influence People<\/a> has sold over 30 million copies. The book focuses on improving one’s social skills, enhancing relationships, and becoming more effective in both personal and professional interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carnegie draws upon his experiences as a salesman and public speaking instructor to offer practical advice on human relations. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and genuine interest in others as foundations for successful relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

It\u2019s no coincidence that this book first published in 1936 continues to appear on recommended reading lists today. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a truly eye-opening read, filled with time-tested and timeless wisdom. The principles it covers, from simple yet powerful ideas like the importance of smiling and remembering people\u2019s names, to the deeper art of making others feel genuinely important, are as relevant now as they were then. This book helps people connect better both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Aleksandr Kunin <\/p>\n \n

\n Full Stack Engineer <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chris Voss, drawing from his experience as an FBI hostage negotiator, wrote Never Split the Difference<\/a> in collaboration with Tahl Raz, an award-winning journalist. The book aims to provide readers with actionable strategies that can be applied in various scenarios, from high-stakes business deals to everyday interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The book’s title itself encapsulates Voss’s core philosophy. Rather than compromising or “splitting the difference,” negotiators should aim for solutions that fully meet their objectives, using psychological insights to navigate complex human interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

It’s an amazing book that explains the psychology of decision-making in very simple terms. It gives tons of advice about communication, negotiation, and persuasion. Are you a mom trying to negotiate with a 5-year-old child or a manager wanting a promotion? Maybe you’re a policeman who faces kidnappers and has to rescue their hostages? This book gives you tips that will help you in any situation. Comprehensive, practical, and a must-read for each and every one.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Ira Vylko <\/p>\n \n

\n Link Building and Outreach Specialist <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

Representative Men by Ralph Waldo Emerson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Representative Men<\/a> is a collection of essays written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America’s most influential philosophers and essayists of the 19th century. In “Representative Men,” Emerson profiles six historical figures he considers archetypal “great men” who embody particular human traits and virtues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these biographical sketches, Emerson explores his ideas about human nature, genius, and the potential for greatness in all individuals. He uses these historical figures as examples to illustrate broader philosophical concepts and to encourage readers to recognize and develop their own innate capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Have you ever wondered what an article on Plato would look like if it had been written by Roger Ebert? Neither have I, but I got the feeling it would look something like the chapter from Emerson’s Representative Men. Emerson provides six chapters on six great men (Plato, Goethe, etc.) that all feel like mighty good prefaces \u2014 the ones that get you hyped for the book ahead. And being a sucker for solid prefaces, I got taken in by this book in no time. It’s written in Emerson’s usual fashion, not often straight to the point, but once he gets to the point, he makes you feel like it all makes sense. Even if you’re not a fan of Plato, Emerson will make you want to give him a read, and he does the same for every person he writes about in the book. Overall, it’s like an extra perspective from a great man on other great men, which made me feel not so great, but in a good way.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Ivan Djuric <\/p>\n \n

\n Technical Content Writer <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

How to Make the Best Coffee at Home by James Hoffmann<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Make the Best Coffee at Home<\/a> by James Hoffmann is a comprehensive guide to brewing excellent coffee, written by a world-renowned coffee expert and World Barista Champion. This book is designed to help coffee enthusiasts elevate their home brewing game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James Hoffmann, known for his popular YouTube channel and expertise in the coffee industry, shares his wealth of knowledge in this book, which covers a wide range of topics related to home coffee brewing. Whether you\u2019re just starting your journey or looking to increase your existing knowledge \u2014 this book will accompany you at every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

I wasn’t a coffee drinker. After unsuccessful tries to brew coffee for our guests, I wanted to figure out coffee chemistry. So my wife gifted me this book, and I\u2019m so glad she did! Whether you’re a science lover, you already enjoy drinking a good cup of coffee, or are simply curious about what this whole deal is all about, this book is a great place to start your journey. I have to say, mine wouldn’t have felt so special without James. He has a fun, relaxing tone when discussing these topics and never tells you what’s ‘the right way’. Instead, he lays down the cause-effect relations along the way, and from that point, it’s up to you to decide what you enjoy or would rather stay away from. This very book introduced me to his YouTube channel as well, portraying coffee from a variety of fun, creative, and educational angles that I didn’t think were possible. I am a coffee lover now.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Catalin Baciu <\/p>\n \n

\n Full Stack Engineer <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m Glad My Mom Died<\/a> is a memoir by Jennette McCurdy, an American actress known for her role in the Nickelodeon series “iCarly.” The book offers a candid and deeply personal account of McCurdy’s life, focusing on her complex relationship with her mother and her experiences as a child actor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McCurdy’s writing style is described as raw, honest, and at times, darkly humorous. She provides insights into the less glamorous side of child stardom and the impact it had on her personal life and development. While the memoir deals with serious subjects, it’s also been praised for its moments of humor and ultimately hopeful message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

This is the best autobiography I\u2019ve read lately. I\u2019m Glad My Mom Died is an emotional memoir that chronicles the dangers of child acting and Hollywood fame. It’s the life story of Jennette, a child actor who grew up in an poor area of LA. Jennette was pushed into acting by her abusive mom and spent years fighting her way out of the industry. Her journey to reinvent herself is inspiring to read, and I enjoyed the dark humor too. A must-read for this autumn.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"
\n

\n Leonie Lacey <\/p>\n \n

\n Technical Content Writer <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

Wrapping up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While educating yourself on work-related topics is important, exploring other areas of knowledge matters too. It not only gives you the joy of learning new things and getting more \u201caha!\u201d moments but also allows you to look at various aspects of life from different perspectives. Some non-fiction books may be practical, some \u2014 more inspiring. Still, they are worth reading, as every great book has something to teach you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n More book selections from Railswarians<\/span>\n \n