The Book Blawg

Fired! : Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized, and Dismissed by Annabelle Gurwitch

A while back I reviewed We Got Fired! : . . . And It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us by Harvey MacKay. Let's compare the two. We Got Fired! is an inspirational book, full of encouraging stories by people from all walks of life (mostly famous, though) who were fired, and how everything turned out for the best. Fired! on the other hand, is primarily funny stories, written by actors, writers, comedians, and so forth (Tim Allen, Bill Maher, Bob Saget), not all of which have happy endings. There is a definite sarcastic tone to the book. It also contains some strong language, including liberal use of the F-word, if that is of concern to you.

These two books actually make for a nice study in networking. MacKay has written a book (or two) on networking, and does it quite well. He managed to get such heavy hitters as Donald Trump, Michael Bloomberg, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, Lee Iacocca, and Larry King to contribute their stories. Annabelle Gurwitch, on the other hand, is an actress and writter whose claim to fame is that she was once fired by Woody Allen. So it's her network that contributed stories to the book.

Of the two, I am going to recommend the MacKay book over the Gurwitch book. If you get fired and you need to laugh, read Gurwitch. If you need encouragement, read MacKay.

Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done, by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan

I don't know why I read so many books on management and marketing. I don't work outside the home; I'm not in the business world. I am a lawyer but I don't practice corporate law. I guess I was attracted to the phrase "getting things done" in the title.

Anyway, on the back cover, Michael Dell says "If you want to be a CEO - or if you are a CEO and want to keep your job - read Execution and put its principles to work." I'm not a CEO, and I'm guessing you aren't one either, so I'm not generally recommending this book. I found it dull with only a few small nuggets for "the rest of us". Even if you are a small business owner, not much here for you.

Overcoming Underearning: Overcome Your Money Fears and Earn What You Deserve by Barbara Stanny

This book explores the emotional and psychological reasons why women in particular work for less than they are worth. Since I'm not employed right now, I gave it a light reading, but at some point I intend to really work through the issues presented. The author has also written a book titled Secrets of Six-Figure Women which I want to read as well.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, by Malcolm Gladwell

There has been a lot of hype about this book lately. I would say it is worth about 80% - 85% of the hype. Put it on your "to read" list. It may not change your life, though.

Unclutter Your Home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas, by Donna Smallin

If I were going to write a book about organizing and decluttering, this is the book I would write.