Book Reviews

Book reviews

We hadn't intended to have a Book Review theme, but in beta testing we discovered that several of you had gone hunting for it. With our whizbang new site it was quick work for us to make the changes so that you can now easily find both fresh and archived reviews.

Newcomers will find a number of reports on books relating to Positive Psychology, which remains an abiding interest of ours at Professionelle. We cover wider territory, too: women in governance, advice on redundancy and finance, and (Sarah's favourite) an anthology of essays on Pride & Prejudice. That review, you'll find, is liberally illustrated with images of Colin Firth. 'Cos we all need a little fluff sometimes...

Latest articles

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  • 12 August 2010 By Galia-BarHava-Monteith Comments: 0
    The Time Paradox by Philip Zimbardo and John Boyd

    Are you someone that can’t seem to let the past go? Or are you a person that is always living in their minds, forever planning the future? Our psychological time orientation is unconscious, yet influences just about everything we do. If this sounds intriguing, we strongly recommend Galia Barhava-Monteith’s review of Professor Zimbardo’s book – The Time Paradox. You’ll never view time in the same way again!

  • 06 August 2010 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 1
    Bird on a Wire by Theresa Gattung

    A few months ago, Theresa Gattung published her autobiography of her life to date (she's still in her forties, let's not forget!). She remains a unique figure in the New Zealand business landscape, as the only woman so far to head an NZX Top 10 listed company. It will come as no surprise to Professionelle readers that we were keen to read her book and to review it here for you.

  • 21 July 2010 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 1
    The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma

    Drawn by the intriguing title and with repeated sightings in airport bookshops of promotions for this 'self-help/spirituality' book, Sarah finally sat down with it. Looking past its clunky prose, she was mildly surprised to find precepts that closely echoed tools and techniques of Positive Psychology.

  • 26 December 2009 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 0
    What You Can Change - and What You Can't by Prof. Martin Seligman

    It's New Year and once again you're contemplating well-intentioned changes to yourself. Will you eat less, exercise more, work on your irrational fears and vow to control your temper? More importantly, will you succeed this time? Seligman's book will give you important clues drawn from robust, outcome-based studies and for some problems the news is not good. His objective, however, is not to destroy people’s optimism about change, but to try to point that determination at goals we all have a much better chance of reaching.

  • 24 November 2009 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 0
    Women at the Top by Frances Denz

    This handbook for aspiring women directors is written by a woman who has triumphed over adversity to become a director duly accredited by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and now engaged on a number of Boards. At Professionelle we are working to demystify the paths to the board room and whether you know a lot about governance already or are embarking on your journey, there is likely to be something in this handbook for you.

  • 25 October 2009 By Jacquie Sherborne Comments: 0
    How to Keep Your Cool if You Lose Your Job by Kathryn Jackson

    is a low-key, easy to read and practical resource for those finding themselves facing redundancy or in similar circumstances. It is a book you can dip into based upon your needs or interests; it describes itself as a 'workbook for those surviving redundancy' and contains practical tools, templates and thought-provoking questions to set you on the path to finding a suitable and enjoyable role.

  • 10 June 2009 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes & Galia BarHava-Monteith Comments: 0
    Interview with Gill South: Because We're Worth It

    Gill South is a freelance writer in Auckland and also the mother of two young boys. Her first book, which she describes as a "Where To for Working Mothers" seeks to encourage all women who want to continue the careers and work roles they enjoy - after having children. You can choose to listen to our live interview with Gill in either the short or long version!

  • 12 April 2009 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 0
    A Woman's Place is in the Boardroom by Peninah Thomson and Jacey Graham with Tom Lloyd

    This 2005 book was recommended to us by Philippa Reed, Chief Executive of the EEO Trust. It's about how and why there are so few women in Boardrooms and senior teams in the big companies and what can be done about it. In the process, it also sets out the business case for why Board Chairs, CEOs and their shareholders should care - a topic close to Professionelle's heart, as many of you will know!

  • 01 March 2009 By Tanya Thomson Comments: 0
    Why Women Should Rule the World by Dee-Dee Myers

    This book by Clinton White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers sent our reviewer Tanya into a bit of a spin with its "serious-lite" tone. Its first two sections were fine, addressing why women don't rule the world and why they should. The third section - what to do about it - was where the apparently superficial treatment of a serious issue kicked in. Nevertheless, this 'well-researched and easy to read book' is one a lot of working women will relate to.

  • 15 December 2008 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 0
    Flirting with Pride and Prejudice, edited by Jennifer Crusie

    Ms Crusie's introduction to the book is short and sweet. She describes this anthology of twenty five essays as a series of Dates with Jane, "where some writers were serious about her, some were looking for a good time and some, frankly, took advantage of her." It's an excellent assessment. For the next couple of minutes, grab a coffee, put your brain in neutral and drift off on a little escapist fantasy. To Pemberley. The pond at Pemberley. The pond at Pemberley on a hot summer's day...