Best Independent Books October 24
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
FICTION
Camilla Learns to Shine
by Elizabeth Connell Lewis and Mark S. Lewis
Camilla is no ordinary cuttlefish. She looks different from the others and cannot swim as fast as the cuttlefish and squid around her. Worried about her appearance, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Along the way, Camilla learns to appreciate her special body type and unique abilities as she meets new friends near her ocean home. As she navigates the vibrant underwater world, she encounters various sea creatures who teach her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. Through her interactions, she discovers that her differences make her special and that true beauty comes from within.
This charming tale not only entertains but also educates young readers about marine life, fostering a love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Camilla’s heartwarming story celebrates diversity, resilience and the joy of helping others.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1637353219
NON-FICTION
Your True Power: The Key to Your Amazing Life
by Trissa Tismal-Capili
In this book, 14 ordinary but remarkable women come together to share the stories — 100 percent raw and authentic — of how they overcame their biggest and darkest challenges by embracing their true power.
With richly vibrant voices from many backgrounds illustrating one and the same message, there’s plenty of inspiration to help people unlock their lives. The women tell of going from being an overwhelmed high achiever to moving into the state of flow; finding infinite possibilities after losing everything; going from treating the body as a burden to treating it as a guide; pivoting from seeking externally to looking within; going from saying “I'm not enough” to declaring “I am the answer”; finding freedom from codependency; and going from stating “This is the end” to proclaiming “The best is yet to come!”
The women featured are Suyen Angbetic Bailey, Leslie Sandra Black, Debbie Shuman Espinoza, Heather Ann Fink, Fiorella Garibaldi, Dawn Gomez, Sandra Ann Grant, Aurora Hood Hammond, Judith Krug, Barbara Harumi Otis, Silvia Rios, Dionnie Simone, Trissa Tismal-Capili and Gale Ziccarelli.
Honors: seen on CBS and NBC
Category: Self-Help
ISBN: 978-1637353110
The Cybersecurity Spiral of Failure - and How to Break Out of It
by Jean-Christophe Gaillard
This book is a deep dive into the persistent issues plaguing cybersecurity practices in large firms. Despite massive investments, these practices have stagnated for 20 years.
The author argues that the root of the problem lies not in lack of funds or awareness, but in a culture that prioritizes short-term thinking and treats security as an add-on rather than a priority. Using real-world examples, the book illustrates how crises often lead to knee-jerk decisions that undermine long-term success. It posits that the solution is not in new products, but in a thorough examination of past failures, gaining stakeholder buy-in and executing cohesive plans over the medium-to-long term.
Security leaders will find practical guidance on assembling empowered teams, articulating visions and maintaining momentum even when priorities shift. For top executives looking to break the cycle of frustration and breaches, this book offers a blueprint for establishing a governance model that safeguards the organization for years to come.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352496
Luminary Leadership
by Alinka Rutkowska, Fadwa Albawardi et al.
This book delves into the essence of luminary leaders — individuals who, despite having no set title or singular creed, command attention through their sheer presence and instinctive leadership.
Bringing together authors, speakers, business owners and entrepreneurs, this book serves as a comprehensive roadmap to discovering and mastering leadership characteristics. Through a rich tapestry of personal narratives, business insights and hard-earned wisdom, the authors draw on extensive and varied career experience to illuminate a pathway towards success. The book delves into the core components of leadership in the context of global pandemics, supply chain shortages, war and a declining global economy. It provides guidance on how to incorporate various communication styles, software upgrades and sales strategies into an existing business structure. It also explores why the concept of leadership has changed for good and what role that will play in shaping the next generation of high-functioning professionals. Real-life case studies highlight the efficacy of leveraging leadership talents and investing back into a team.
The book offers insights on how to optimize the daily operations of a business, offering leaders the freedom and flexibility to chase down the next big innovation. Finally, it presents the key questions leaders should be asking if they want to maximize their leadership potential for the greatest impact.
So many amazing stories and applicable lessons... a treasure chest of knowledge, wisdom and leadership lessons — Readers’ Favorite
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352014
Brain Habits: The Science of Subconscious Success
by Phillip John Campbell
This book takes a revolutionary look at how the principles of neuroscience can radically reshape the way people understand how they think, learn, and adapt.
Using relatable stories, the author unpacks the enigma of the brain and all it can become. This is a book for the curious, whose minds are unsatisfied by limitations. The author describes the nature of conscious mind habits and subconscious thinking habits, and explains how they shape cognitive derailers and cognitive strengths. He tells why fluid thinking is the secret ingredient that propels performance and underpins adaptability and learning agility.
This book is an invitation to understand the enigma of the brain, the reality of brain balance and how fluid thinking impacts sustained behavioral change, adaptabilit, and learning agility.
Campbell writes in accessible language and provides intriguing frameworks and stories to help readers understand brain science better. — Readers’ Favorite
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Science & Math
ISBN: 979-8990151703
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
NON-FICTION
Tax And His Friends: The First Lessons On Tax Education For Your Children
by Maria Claudia Hoepers
In this engaging and accessible book, the author introduces young readers to the world of taxes. Through relatable characters and relatable scenarios, children learn about the significance of taxes and their impact on society.
From health and education to security and infrastructure, this book demystifies complex concepts. It explains the meaning of taxes. It tells of the importance of taxes in terms of returns to the population — health, education, security, infrastructure and other social rights, reinforcing lessons of ethics and citizenship.
The author has set out to clarify the general concepts related to the tax system in a simple way. She believes that this knowledge can be a good seed for a better, fairer and more transparent future, especially if it is planted in childhood.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1637353165
The Revenue Catalyst: Mastering the Art of Sales
by Geoffrey M. Reid
This book is a compelling exploration of the often-neglected art of sales, positioning it as the crucial fifth dimension of business. The author delves into the evolution of sales strategies and their critical role in business success.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the psychology of sales and effective team development to leveraging data and KPIs for predictable outcomes. It challenges conventional wisdom and fills the gaps left by traditional business education. The author unpacks the science of sales, helping readers understand the psychology behind decision-making and persuasion. He provides strategies for selecting and nurturing top sales talent to build high-performance teams, utilizing KPIs to enhance predictability and efficiency and leveraging practical insights through real-world applications, case studies and hands-on techniques.
This is more than a book; it’s a strategic tool for anyone looking to excel in modern sales, including proactive business students, inquisitive sales professionals, budding entrepreneurs and seasoned executives.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352793
UNLEASH the potential and make it happen
by Patrick Steiner
This guide to thriving in the digital world is tailored for businesses and leaders. A practical handbook, it demystifies the digital landscape with real-world solutions, such as the Digital Success Canvas and the Digital Pulse Check, for evaluation and planning.
More than just a book, this is a toolkit for transformation. Featuring pragmatic levers and modules for digital success, it converts theory into action, providing a structured approach to implementing digital strategies. It demonstrates how to navigate complexities with ease and make informed decisions.
This guide is an accessible companion for turning digital challenges into victories. It shows not only how to survive but to thrive in the digital age, leveraging every opportunity with confidence and clarity. The book is not an endpoint but a gateway — a gateway to a world of digital excellence, collaboration and continuous growth.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-3952598818
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf: A Young Woman’s Journey with Liver Cancer
by E. Adrienne Wilson
The book invites readers into the world of Adrienne Wilson, a brilliant teenage artist, poet, and sister who chronicled her thoughts and emotions while battling liver cancer.
This journal reveals her innermost reflections on life, love and friendship and the delicate dance of being young, gifted and terminally ill. Her words shine with a rare combination of humor, wit and raw honesty as she navigates her relationships and captures the beautiful, gritty essence of Los Angeles, her adopted hometown. Within these pages, readers will find her award-winning artwork in full-color reproductions, each piece illustrating her unique perspective and showcasing her talent. Her voice is infused with the vibrant spirit of the late 90s, offering a deeply nostalgic glimpse into the music, culture and language of the era.
Adrienne's story is not one of sadness alone, but of a life lived fully and passionately. She reflects on the meaning of existence, expressing an infectious humor and wisdom that belie her years.
In this quietly powerful and touching text, a young artist and poet, details her moving life account battling liver cancer. — Pacific Book Review
Honors: Honorable Mention, Young Adult Non-Fiction, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Biographies & Memoirs
ISBN: 979-8989552405
7-Figure Minds: How to Grow and Lead A 7-Figure Business
compiled by Alinka Rutkowska
The book asserts that the greatest weapon in any entrepreneurial arsenal is not money but mindset.
Through a tapestry of authors, the book reveals the power of tapping into personal core programming to manifest success in new ways. It teaches specific tactics and strategies for resilience in the face of setbacks. It shows how to develop an impenetrable entrepreneurial mindset and how to explore the value of failure in developing creative problem-solving solutions.
The book emphasizes the importance of orienting in the right direction before unleashing a business plan. It provides guidance on how to save time, energy and resources by completing due diligence upfront. It explains that persistence is not always a strength in business endeavors; sometimes, quitting is both necessary and useful.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637350072
We trust that your readers will enjoy our hand-picked selection.
For more bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector, please go here.
Warm regards,
Alinka Rutkowska
CEO, LibraryBub