1. Rock This! -Chris Rock 85%
Chris Rock was one of the most successful standup comedians in 1990s, while this book is a collection of his standup materials. Much can be learned about the topics and punching skills of this brilliant man. The only issue is the book was published in the 90s of last century in USA, while quite an amount of the materials and topics seemed quite far beyond me.
2. Steve Jobs -Walter Isaacson 100%
I finished it for the second time. In addition to my comments from last time (click here for the details), a strong cause-effect oriented writing and analyzing style mesmerized me one more time. I am once more convinced that one’s thinking and behaving style would determine his future in a significant, if not overwhelming, way.
3. How to Win -Mark Cuban 85%
Mark Cuban is an outstanding, outspoken and honest entrepreneur, blogger and the owner of NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. This is a small collection of his previous blogs in addition to some secret mantras toward his success. Again, his thinking and behaving style pushed him towards what he has achieved.
4. Who Moved My Cheese -Spencer Johnson 65%
You probably heard about this book and what it is about before. I like the book’s conclusion, but did not learn too much from the reading. Probably because I am a pessimist, who’s always open and trying to prepare for potential changes.
5. Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending -Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton 95%
The conclusions of this book are a must to know. The authors edited a big number of psychological research outcomes and came to five yardsticks (Buy Experiences, Make it a Treat, Buy Time, Pay Now, Consume Later, Invest in Others) to measure the happiness people can gain from the spending against. A brand new but critical way looking at the relationship between spending and happiness with sincere guidance for people to be happier.
6. Sophie’s World -Jostein Gaarder 100%
This is a fantastic introductory book of philosophy in the form of an unbelievably well designed story. It was in junior high that I read the book for the first time. It enlightened me with philosophy, psychology and sociology, while guiding me to think critically and understand the world, society and people around me in different ways. It is the most influential book to me. I just finished reading it for the second time and appreciated it even much more than 15 years ago.
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For more about the books I have been reading, please click:
Fun in My Life 
I agree that Sophie’s World is a great book. I read the Chinese version when I was in college and read the English version when I am in MSU. This author’s other novels are good as well. I love his idea in his novels for kids —- to let kids know that it is always good to think, think a lot and in different ways, and to inquire (Adults should do so as well!). Great ideas and amazing books!
Glad you like Sophie’s World too! That could be a profound book for anybody. Thanks for your comments!