Welcome to Quick Lit, where we share short and sweet reviews of what we’ve been reading lately on the 15th of the month.
My reading life has suffered lately, largely because of my looming deadline. Isn’t it ironic that writing books hasn’t been great for my reading life? I’ve also been reading lots of backlist and ARCs for Volume II of One Great Book, coming June 21. I’m looking forward to sharing those titles in good time.
Today, I’m happy to share three recent reads I loved. (I thought about making this a longer list and sharing the mediocre as well, but the thought of writing about them after suffering through the reading of them made me want to go back to bed.)
I hope you’ve read some good books lately. Tell us your favorites in comments?
Little Fires Everywhere
Act Like It
Celine
What have YOU been reading lately?
P.S. 40 great book club novels, 6 fascinating books about an unlikely favorite subject, and 12 great books that celebrate the power of female friendship.
P.P.S. If that Lucy Parker caught your eye, don’t miss 10 romance novels that are perfect for summer reading.
112 comments
Lots of books I loved this week! https://neverenoughnovels.com/2019/06/10/reading-roundup-55/
Thanks for this link up! I’m waiting for the new Peter Heller at the library!
Come visit me at my Cozy Burrow:
https://katiegilley.com/2019/06/15/books-that-im-loving-june-2019/
This month I’m reviewing a hilarious and relatable essay collection and four novels—one that I enjoyed but didn’t LOVE as much as everyone else seems too, and a few that are deserving of much more attention than they are getting.
https://kendranicole.net/quick-lit-reading-wrap-up-part-two-june-2019/
I’m finishing up Little Fires Everywhere this weekend!
One of my favorite authors is Martin Walker. Just about to finish The Body in The Well. I love France, French cooking and French policemen.
I love these books, too. You feel like you’ve had a little trip to France.
I’m reading David Lebovitz’s Sweet Life in Paris, it’s got a ton of recipes!
Yes. I’m reading that right now.
The Mister by E. L. James. My second reading. it’s as good as Fifty Shades. A. Real page Turner.
I did not love Little Fires but I am in the minority for sure. I am dying to read The River and now also this one from Heller. Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations! I want to read Celine—it sounds great!
I shared my last few months of reading here: https://livingalearninglifestyle.com/recommended-reads-what-ive-read-lately/
And here are my audiobook picks:
https://livingalearninglifestyle.com/recommended-reads-audiobook-edition/
I’m reading Before They Were Yours (loving it, but it makes me cringe) and My Not So Perfect Life (meh, so far). I now have The River on my hold list; waiting my turn at the library!
Here are 7 books I really love from what I recently read:
https://www.lisanotes.com/books-i-recommend-may-2019/
I love your site- so much great nonfiction!
Thanks, Laura! I enjoy great novels, but nonfiction is my first love. 🙂
I’ve always been fascinated by human nature–that’s why I studied psychology in college. It’s always fun for me to find books that offer insights into the bottomless pit of the human psyche. I made a list of a few favorites.
https://purplecrayonyourworld.com/sometimes-understanding-human-nature-will-change-your-life/
A bit of a mini-Bookbag this month … 11 mighty fine creativity, reading, and writing links I’ve scooped up in recent weeks
http://www.lindastoll.net/2019/06/the-bookbag-link-love.html
;-}
I read 17 books in May, but I didn’t love all of them. I did do brief re-caps of all, though.
I just finished Way Down Deep by Ruth White and thought it was precious (middle grade fiction) and have just started Where the Crawdads Sing. I’ve also got The Secret Life of Bees going as a reread!
I read Dream Within a Dream by Patricia MacLachlan this week and loved it! It was precious too. I’ll check out Ruth White – thanks for the recommendation!
Ooh, Celine sounds good! I’ve been waiting for my hold to come in on The River after hearing you talk about it on WSIRN so maybe I’ll see if this is available in the meantime.
It’s been mostly historical fiction for me so far this month:
http://readeatrepeat.net/2019/06/15/books-in-progress-what-im-reading-right-now-june-2019/
All my books this month have been 4.5 or 5 stars. Fiction, nonfiction, everything was a winner! Pretty unusual for me, but I’ll take it 😉 http://goteamotto.blogspot.com/2019/06/what-weve-been-reading-lately-june-2019.html?m=1
I loved Little Fires Everywhere! So excited for the upcoming TV series!
I hit peak sleep deprivation last month since my son was born in April, so I only made it through two books: https://www.marilumorgan.com/what-i-read-in-may-2019/
Ive been reading a great of books for myself and little ones lately. It’s looking like a good bookish summer so far!
https://abookishhome.com/2019/06/11/what-ive-been-reading-9/
I wasn’t crazy about Little Fires Everywhere. I have to pickup The River at the library on Monday! Looking forward to reading that. Right now I’m reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz and find I can’t put it down.
I got in extra reading time on vacation this month!
https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2019/06/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
I had two five star reads in this one! 🙌🏻 http://www.tbretc.com/etc/readingweek61019
I am just finishing The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey. It’s the 2nd in the Perveen Mistry series. I really like this series so far. Although I did enjoy the first more than this one. I also will pick up from the library The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan. I loved, loved her book called The Chilbury Ladies Choir. Excited to see if this next one holds the same charm.
I re-read a childhood favorite, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, before a trip to NYC and The Met, where most of the book is set. I loved it just as much as I remembered! The rest of my recent reading is here: https://creatingthislife.com/book-report-quick-reviews-of-what-ive-been-reading-4/
I read a few books at the beach last week. And I’m currently listening to Bad Blood by John Carreyrou about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.
https://anovellook.com/home/2019/6/12/beach-reading-recap-2019
I just finished The Time in Between for my book in translation for the reading challenge! Loved it!
I recently finished “We Must Be Brave” by Francis Liardet, and “The Baker’s Secret ” by Stephen P. Kiernan. Both are WWII fiction, and I thought both were fantastic.
Hi Anne!
I have requested “The River” from the library, and still a few more people ahead of me, but cannot wait to read it! Currently I am reading an ARC of William Kent Krueger’s new novel coming out in September – “This Tender Land”….loving it!!
I was sooo happy to snag Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb at my library this week!! I can hardly put it down!!
It was a great reading month for me.
https://shannanenjoyslife.com/2019/06/14/quick-lit-next-page-please-may-2019/
This month’s reading included Alice Walker’s quirky memoir on being a “chicken mommy” and the fictional memoir of a famous literary monster.
https://susandcook.blogspot.com/2019/06/quick-lit-june-2019.html
~Finished up Lovely War by Julie Berry and loved the unique way the difficult stories of 4 young lives affected by WWI and racism was told! Excellent and quick read!
~I almost gave up on “The Printed Letter Bookshop” by Katherine Reay but the ending had some great redeeming qualities. It was a bit predictable but I’m happy I read it.
~And I’m hopeful of finishing Jane Austen’s Emma by this weekend! It’s only taking me 6 months…. I started it on audio and decided to just pick up the book and finish it as my audio listening has been sparse lately.
~I’m currently reading a YA ARC of Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood. I wasn’t feeling any flow to the story when I got started but I’m about 30% in and it’s starting to gain traction.
Vacation is next week so I’m getting my stack of TBRs ready to take with me!
I’ve read 8 books since May 15. Of those, my favourites were:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It was a l-o-n-g wait for my public library hold to come in, but I finally got to read this one. A bit slow, but a nice change from my usual list of fast-paced mysteries and thrillers. A mystery element, but not a real page turning one. Verdict: A satisfying read, that was worth the wait.
Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson. I had to order this hard cover from the UK, and waited about six weeks with bated breath. A surprisingly dense little book that packs a strong message around social connections, memory, hope and creating a life for oneself. Epistolary format. And a link to archaeology. What’s not to like! (My first university degree was in Anthropology). Verdict: A place on my all-time favourites bookshelf.
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum. I’m usually not a big YA reader. Too long past that age, I guess. And coming of age tales, especially ones involving snarky, self-centred teenagers, turn me off. This is not that. Three-dimensional characters and a likeable teenage protagonist had me racing through this book. Verdict: A place on my keep for now bookshelf.
Note that two of the three were recommended by Anne! I wouldn’t have read them if I hadn’t heard about them here, so I am grateful for her blog and podcasts. Looking forward to the next round of One Great Book!
Next up: The River by Peter Heller, from the public library. I’ve read and enjoyed The Painter, also by Heller. As a Canadian, I am looking forward to the northern Canadian wilderness setting in this one.
I’ve been on a romance kick lately, and have found some really great books, like “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker and “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren.
I am reading Palisides by Alan Brennert (goal to read all of his), then the Gown for Book Club!
I just finished Celine and loved it! I am looking forward to Heller’s latest book when my turn comes up at the library. Thanks for recommending his work in the Summer Reading Guide. I listened to Celine because you liked his writing so much. Thanks!!!
I’m reading the book about spy Kim Philby. Fascinating. Then I read Ex Pats which I think you spoke of on a recent episode. Apparently I’m going thru a spy phase. Also reading The Kitchen Counter School- a first for me. I don’t cook… jury still out!
I love when you share what you read it always enriches my readinglife. I am currently reading Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
I loved Lost Lake!
It is also fun to see what you are reading! I am sharing eleven books that my daughter and I read recently. We have been reading a mix of fiction and nonfiction. https://fromourbookshelf.com/latest-book-reviews-10/
Little Fires Everywhere was wild and insightful. I really appreciated that one. I am definitely going to check out the other two! Here’s my list: https://erikashirk.com/2019/06/12/at-the-coast-and-otherwise-quicklit-may/
Still on the waitlist at the library for the newest Heller. But I think I have to read Celine too. My reading has picked up for the summer. Check out my reads https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2019/06/what-i-read-june.html
This has been a book-filled four weeks for me–I’ve had the library holds working overtime!
The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The River by Peter Heller
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
A Deadly Divide by Ausma Zehanat Khan
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
I just finished The River by Peter Heller! It took a little bit for this plot-driven reader to get into it, but I ended up loving it!
I finished A Place for Us. Wow! Truly as Anne says, a slow burn, but so worth it. If anyone is an enneagram nerd like me, I saw my 4 son in Amar. So hard for the 4s to fit in and to feel as if they belong and equally as hard as the parent to make them know that they are loved and have a place with us. This one hit close to home even though my life looks entirely different, the feelings are the same for parents and kids every where.
It has been a great book month so far! I have read “A Jane Austen Education” by William Deresiewicz, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers, “Love Walked In” by Marisa de los Santos, and “A Gentelman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. Loved all but “Loved Walked In”, which I found to be so-so. I thoroughly enjoyed “I’ll Be Your Blue Sky” when I read it last summer, so I am glad I read it first.
I am currently happily reading through “Suprised by Oxford” and “Ex Libris” (some laugh-out-loud moments in there), with “Sleeping Giants” ready to go on my kindle app.
Trying to get out of my reading slump, so in the past week and a half I have read:
Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell
and
The Time Travellers Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
Not sure what to go onto next so I think there’s a well-needed trip to the library in my upcoming week (the three listed above are off of my shelves). Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m trying to avoid books that are sequels or in series, etc, so that I don’t get into a slump waiting for access to the next book.
Where the Crawdads Sing if you haven’t read it.
I just finished reading The Cactus by Sarah Haywood and I enjoyed it very much.
I’m currently reading a different kind of book than my usual. Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor, is the true story of an Episcopal priest and her journey. I’ve struggled being a part of the corporate church for a while and that’s one of the reasons I’m reading it. Just wonder where it will take me.
That’s such an interesting book. Her book An Altar in the World (which is sort of like a collection of essays about different places we can find God in the world) is also very good.
I added Act Like It to my TBR!
My summer reading has been coming and going, some weeks have been good, others not! My full recap
here!
I just finished The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth, which I really liked. On audio, The Best Cook in the World by Rick Bragg is making me laugh out loud and making me think about why an Appalachian Alabaman’s past reminds me so much of my immigrant Pakistani Texan childhood! Also, I just finished the first Lord Peter Wimsey book and really enjoyed how Dorothy Sayers builds all her characters so completely through their conversation.
What’s next depends on what arrives at the library hold shelf!
I am reading Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. It is so good!
Just finished The Silent Patient!!! So good so good!!
I’ve been planning to read Little Fires Everywhere–everyone seems to love it, and Everything I Never Told You was a pretty good book…although I think it’s one that wouldn’t stand up to re-reading because knowing how it ends would make it less interesting.
This month I read 3 novels and a book on human sexuality to myself, and 2 science fiction books to my 5-year-old.
Currently reading Mrs Everything,
Just finished The Cactus. Recently read and loved This is how it Always Is.
I just started The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Before that, I read A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny.
I’ve been in a reading slump for a while now. I’ve been trying to read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine now for over a week, but after only 100 pages, I just can’t seem to get interested. I keep telling myself that I need to continue reading with the hope that it will get better. Has anyone read this book? I’d be interest in knowing whether or not I’m the only one struggling with this read. Thanks! I love coming here and hearing about what others are reading. I
I ended up dnfing that book I just couldn’t get into Eleanors head. So much of that book goes on in her mind so if you don’t like her I would quit. Lots of good books out there I would put it down and find something else to read.
Thanks,Susan! I think you’re right. It’s time to put that book down and move on to something else….
There was something about listening to it on audio that really helped with that book.
Thanks to all of you and the Reading Guide, I seem to be reading more lately – the Finisher Completer in me I think. Finished Accidental Beauty Queen which was a nice, easy book to read and would be great for a beach read. I didn’t like its predictability and the character development. I wasn’t really cheering for them. Reading Save Me the Plums after finishing Sapphires and Garlics which I loved, funny, sharp writing with a great message and reminder to stand up for ourselves. Finished Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and Book of Dreams by Nina George – books and characters that have stayed with me. I am still processing Book of Dreams. It was very different from her other books and I llove her writing style. The story and message are deep and I feel I am still working on what it meant for me. I really enjoyed Bel Canto – while you knew how it would end in general (she gives you strong foreshadowing), the final ending was a surprise. I have been looking for interviews with the author to find out what she was thinking there. Starting reading Bookstore of Yesterday a couple days ago, I just couldn’t resist it as bookstore in Phillie (Shakespeare and Co). Starting The River on audio this week and finishing up Sapphires as the Library wants it back.
I loved Little Fires Everywhere, too. Ng is so good at depicting the inner lives of all her characters.
My Quick Lit post includes books by Wendell Berry, Lori Gottlieb, Esme Wang, and Henri Nouwen: https://prinsenhouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/june-2019-quick-lit-what-ive-been.html
So cool you got to interview Celeste Ng! Loved both of her books❤️ My latest reads: http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/2019/06/books-i-read-in-may.html
Upon your recommendation (and because I like the cover), I read The River. Loved it so much I am now listening to Celine. I’m from Colorado and I can’t believe I didn’t know more about Peter Heller–I’ve heard of some of his books but didn’t put everything together until WSIRN? Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. His writing is beautiful and the story lines are thrilling! Can’t wait to read more.
I loved Celine! It’s actually the only Peter Heller I’ve read (I couldn’t quite get into The River; I’m clearly in the minority here!).
Read some great reads in May…head over to my post to check them out!
http://www.anopenbookblog.com/what-i-read-may-2019/
I read “The Guest Book” recently, in preparation for meeting the book’s author, Sarah Blake, at bookclub a few nights ago! It’s a dense book, full of lots of plot lines and complex characters. A great read for vacation time, I highly recommend!
I absolutely loved The Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz. Here’s my review: https://writethemonmyheart.com/2019/05/23/the-magnificent-obsession-book-review/
So far this month I have read
My Ex Best Friends Wedding I loved it!
Sunset Beach which I thought was just alright
Queen Bee I really enjoyed
The Friends We Keep I really liked a lot!
The Accidental Beauty Queen was great fun!
The View From Alameda Island was a great book that has a heavy subject matter.
Now I am reading The Summer Guest so far so good.
I’ve been savoring Sarah Dessen’s new novel The Rest of the Story. It may be my new favorite or second favorite. She realistically captures the angst and dilemmas of teenagers, and she delivers a positive message of communication and support, especially from family.
I’m currently reading “We Must Be Brave” and I’ve enjoyed it so much! Will be sad when I finish it!
News of the World: A Novel….!!
Any of Donna Leon’s Commasario Brunetti Venetian police novels. So literate and characters are so well drawn.
I just finished Little Fires Everywhere and loved it! I really want to read Peter Heller, I think my son and husband might like that too. The post about romance novels was timely, I got so sick of them and swore them off, but now think I might get back in there! Also, I’m hoping one of your amazing readers might help me… A book was mentioned on one of your podcasts. The word Betrayed or Betrayal, with a woman’s name was in the title. About a female spy, I believe. I have searched high and low and cannot come up with this book! Help, please.
My May Reading Wrap Up…..
https://readingladies.com/2019/05/31/may-reading-wrap-up/
Summer is the time that I read older titles I’ve missed. I think all of these are books that Anne (or one of her guests) have recommended on her podcast. On deck: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry; Gilead and Lila by Marilynne Robinson; Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson; The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman; Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi; The Brothers K by David James Duncan; and Greenwillow by B.J. Chute. My one departure: The River ( I love Peter Heller – The Dog Stars was excellent!)
I just finished The Gown and Waiting For Tom Hanks – thank you for those #summerstooshort recommendations! My recent favorite is Symphony For the City of the Dead: Shostakovich and the Seige of Leningrad. This was excellent on audio! I also read What Remains by Carole Radziwill. It took me several years to find this one, but I am so glad I did!
Best with your deadline!!
I just read and loved City of Thieves by David Benioff (the audio was so good), so I’ll have to pick this up because I’d like to learn more about Leningrad (or do I? It was pretty brutal). Also, Anne, the 4 reading guide picks I’ve read so far have all been great! Thanks for contributing to a summer of good books.
Hi!
I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog, podcasts and, of course, the Summer Reading Guide,especially the one for this year 2019, so long and inspiring!
Thanks for providing avid readers with such a good set of reading stuff, excellent quality posts and book recommendations!
^^
Thanks for this!
So intrigued by Peter Heller I am going to have to give him a try. And, Celine sounds like a wonderful beginning. Might have to give Act Like It a try, also. Here is what I read in May: https://susanbowers.typepad.com/in_the_storm/2019/05/a-reading-odyssey-may.html
I loved Little Fires Everywhere! Here are my recent enjoyable reads. https://alwaysmorepie.weebly.com/blog/what-ive-been-reading-recently2518628
My reading life has slowed waaaay down lately, but for all good reasons: my sister just completed her flight training in the Air Force, another sister just moved in two houses down from us, and another sister had her sweet baby girl this week! 💛💛💛 But I’m slowly working my way through Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
Here’s what I’ve been reading lately…http://mynovelife.com/2019/06/17/reading-reflections-month-reviews-recommendations-4/
I finished The Gown and Again, But Better and LOVED them both!!
This was a good month for reading. Here are some of my favorites for the month.
http://www.tjsmusing.com/2019/06/habits-renovation-and-finding-next.html
As a huge fan of Joshilyn Jackson’s work, I was thrilled to get an ARC of NEVER HAVE I EVER. It was excellent! And so was Charlie Donlea’s SOME CHOOSE DARKNESS. I’m a big fan of his books, too. 🙂
Two middle grade novels I read recently – and loved! – AUGUST ISLE by Ali Standish and EXTRAORDINARY BIRDS by Sandy Stark-McGinnis.
I’ve had a decent reading month for June.
Beyond the Point – Loved everything about this one
How Not To Die Alone – Okay
The Wife Between Us – Couldn’t put it down (Glad my book club chose this one.)
Swimming Lessons – Loved the structure and premise, didn’t love the characters
From Scratch – audiobook
Starting ‘Ask Again, Yes’ tonight.
I too loved LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. I had both great and mediocre reading in the last month. http://www.sincerelystacie.com/2019/06/quick-lit-mini-reviews-of-some-recent-reads-june-2019-edition/
My favorite books for summer http://afreshstartonabudget.com/30-must-read-books-for-summer-2019/
I just read Lucy Parker’s The Austen Playbook on a plane this last week! I enjoy her romances – Act Like It is still my favorite though!
Just finished The River, moments ago. Based on your recommendation . Sooooo Good! Definitely need more Heller.
Did you want more from “The River”?
I found it left me unsatisfied…. I am reading The Past Is Never by Tiffany Quay Tyson. I cannot put it down!!
I just finished The Truffle Underground today, and liked that it was lite-ish true crime. Also made me hungry. Speaking of hungry, I also read my first legit romance Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors which was a nice spin on Jane Austen’s famous novel. It also was centered on food! Will definitely be looking at your not too steamy romance recommendations.
I’m finishing up Such A Perfect Wife by Kate White and loving it. It is my first book by her. I also just finished By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank and loves it as well…it was a first also. Recently finished listening to another first author, Sally Hepworth and the Mother-in-law and re ally enjoyed it. So many books to read and not enough time!!
Just read “The Paper Wasp” by Lauren Acampora. Oh my goodness, I couldn’t put it down. Its about two childhood friends that grow apart and reconnect as adults. I’ve never read anything like it before. Give it a try!
My reading life has also suffered lately, though mine is mostly due to health reasons. I’ve got a LOT of reads I’m super excited about though on my summer reading list, and so I’ve at least started a couple of those (including Lisa See’s latest The Island of Sea Women and James Clear’s Atomic Habits).
https://www.toloveandtolearn.com/2019/06/18/loving-and-learning-lately-15/
I just picked up Girl, Stop Apologizing after a friend recommended it. I am so happy I did!
I finished Save Me the Plums last week on Audible and loved it. Does anyone know if there’s a way to find the recipes in print form? I’m currently listening to (I mostly listen to fiction and read non-fiction) Journey to the Center of the Earth – I’ve never read it or anything by Jules Verne.
I have the hardcover of Save Me the Plums and it has the recipes in it. Sometimes audio versions have supplements that contain the printed information referred to in the book, so it’s worth checking to see if your version does.
Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series – should they be read in order?
(All are available on ebook through my library, but I’m likely to get Pretty Face before Act Like It!)
Never mind! Act Like It became available last night and I’ve checked it out. Hooray!
I just read and loved, loved, loved The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin. Read it if you’ve not. Also, found Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman very compelling too. I was surprised by the depth of it and the feelings it evoked. I’ve not read Celine or Act Like It but will add them to my list. Little Fires Everywhere was one of my favs from last year.
I just finished Act Like It and loved it! Such a fun read with likable characters and a great story.
Oh, adding these to my want to read list!
My current read is “Princess Academy”. Yes, I am a grown woman. 😉 You can read more here: http://www.thephilosopherswife.net/2019/06/summer-reading-our-library-bag-7.html
I haven’t read any of those but Little Fires is on my TBR. My current reads: https://beachwoodschoolhouse.com/recent-reads-listens-and-watches-2/
“Principles are fundamental truths that serve as the foundations for behavior that gets you what you want out of life. They can be applied again and again in similar situations to help you achieve your goals.” There’s plenty of other lessons that I took away from the nearly 700 pages in Principles, but I’ll leave those for you to discover on your own. If you’re crunched for time, I found the “Life” portion of the book that comes first to be the most helpful. The “Work” section seemed to repeat some of these common themes. You can check it out for yourself here .