Best Independent Books March 12
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
NON-FICTION
Impact Shift: the art of pivoting for meaningful change
by Rahul R. Prasad
Success does not always lead to fulfillment. In this book, the author explores what happens when accomplished professionals begin to question whether their work truly aligns with their purpose.
More than a personal memoir, this book offers a thoughtful framework for readers seeking to align their passions with real-world impact. At the center of the book is a formula that passion + purpose + impact = meaning + legacy. Through real experiences and practical insights, he demonstrates how professionals can rethink traditional ideas of success and design lives that contribute to something larger than themselves.
In this book, the author draws from his own journey, sharing how he transitioned from a prestigious career in nuclear fusion research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to working directly with vulnerable young people in India and South Africa. His story illustrates how meaningful change often begins with small but intentional shifts in direction. By writing about his experience, he has provided business leaders with both inspiration and a grounded approach to turning personal values into meaningful action.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 979-8994069608
Shit Life to Self-Made: a real talk roadmap for the lost and ambitious
by Jani Havunen
What does it take to rebuild a life when everything seems broken? In this book, the author delivers an unfiltered exploration of personal transformation, resilience and responsibility.
Drawing from his own experiences with addiction, trauma and self-destruction, the author offers a candid account of what it means to confront the patterns that keep people trapped in survival mode. Rather than presenting motivational shortcuts, he focuses on the deeper psychological and behavioral forces that shape decisions, identity and long-term change. Through powerful insights and hard-earned lessons, readers are challenged to examine the ways trauma, impulsivity and self-sabotage can quietly direct their lives. The author explains why discipline alone rarely creates lasting transformation and how genuine change requires understanding the structures behind our habits and beliefs.
Both reflective and direct, this book speaks to anyone who feels stuck in repeating cycles or searching for a path forward. It offers clarity without clichés and encourages readers to take ownership of their past while building a stronger future grounded in self-awareness and responsibility.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 979-8994069608
Habits of Success:
what top entrepreneurs routinely do in business and in life
by Christina Alva, Muhammad Arif Anis et al.
This insightful book, co-authored by a team of successful entrepreneurs, provides a rare glimpse into the routines and behaviors that contribute to success in both business and life.
Drawing from the experiences of more than 40 industry leaders, this book offers practical advice on defining success, taking risks, adapting to change, planning for collaboration, and embracing personal growth.
Whether just starting out or looking to elevate current endeavors, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to emulate the habits of top entrepreneurs. More than just a motivational read, it serves as a toolkit for those ready to rethink their routines and create meaningful progress.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637350379
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
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
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
NON-FICTION
Your VIP Biography:
how to write your autobiography to land a Hollywood deal
by Kenneth Atchity and Alinka Rutkowska
There’s a big market that’s hungry for a wide variety of personal stories, yet for all the memoirs that grab Hollywood’s attention, many, many more fail to make a mark. Why do some stories get passed over while others are snatched up by Hollywood producers? This book explains why.
USA Today bestselling author Alinka Rutkowska and Hollywood producer Kenneth Atchity together share what a memoir is and what it’s not; what a character is and how to craft a character readers and viewers identify with; how to craft a conflict that will keep your reader glued to the pages and how to up the stakes to keep the reader on the edge of her seat; and what a structure scene and theme are and how they make up a story worthy of Hollywood.
This book is essentially a guide to turning a personal story into a bestseller and then that bestseller into a movie deal!
Honors: seen on ABC, CBS, NBC and Yahoo
Recognition for Author: Bronze Medal, Business/Finance, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, 2016
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386697
Designed to Win: what every business needs to know to go truly global (DHL's 50 years)
by Po Chung
This book, written by the co-founder of DHL, reveals the industry secrets that were used to build a worldwide network that now operates in more than 200 countries and territories.
The author explains how caring about things bigger than ourselves drives effective leadership. He shows how a unique marriage between Eastern and Western values inspired an intercultural leadership model. He reveals why it’s important to address leadership needs rather than management needs. He tells how to design, develop, and lead a global service network.
In this book, the author describes the reasons why superior leaders practice noble visions, competence, character and care. He delights to convey the message that happy people led by happy leaders run like a well-oiled machine.
Honors: seen on ABC, CBS and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386505
The Financially Independent Millennial: how I became a millionaire in my thirties
by Rick Orford
This book shares how one regular millennial became a millionaire by the age of 35! The author currently operates the Surplus Academy, an online community that helps people to achieve financial independence., and this book is an extension of that program.
The author describes the steps necessary to becoming financially free. He explains how being broke can teach you how to be wealthy. He shows how to examine your cash flow and improve it. There is detailed guidance on budgeting, cutting expenses, and building a surplus account.
The author also gives well-informed advice about business projects that can form part of the journey to financial independence, including buying and selling real estate, investing in stocks, and operating successful side hustles.
A book filled with actionable steps... The writing is simple and the voice is bold. — Readers’ Favorite
Honors: seen on ABC, CBS and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386482
Shepreneur: business lessons for the determined female entrepreneur
(I Can. I Will. Watch Me!)
by Kristin Cripps
This book tells the story of how the author — a former bartender and massage therapist — became a real-estate mogul and millionaire before her 30th birthday.
The author explains that what people think and do every day defines them and their future. It’s important to identify ambitions and aspirations precisely, and then to pursue them with determination. She cautions against letting fear dictate; the female entrepreneur shouldn’t hold back but must break through.
The author outlines six types of self-investment that are essential. With this approach, anyone can build an empire, as long as she has a clear vision of the life he wants to live and the drive to find and seize every opportunity to make it a reality.
Imbued with positivity, excitement about life itself, a certain lust for life and humor — Readers’ Favorite
Honors: seen on Bronze Medal, Biography, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386796
FICTION
Nine Days in Rome
by Julian Gould
The story begins when Atticus Winterle, a laid-off senior executive from the U.S., accepts a temporary job chaperoning 16 high-school students and their teachers from Atlanta during their visit to Rome. Despite the chaos that ensues, Atticus uses his skills and local resources to keep the group on track and out of trouble.
The book offers a profound exploration of the impact of bad parenting on America’s youth, reflected in the students’ behavior during the trip. Amidst the challenges of managing a group of teenagers, romance finds a way to bloom, adding a touch of sweetness to the tumultuous journey. While the events chronicled in the book may seem like a wild weekend in Las Vegas, the experiences lead to significant personal growth. The characters in the novel learn and grow in response to challenging circumstances. The book demonstrates how surprising bonds can form and connections can be made when people from different spheres are brought together.
The author’s captivating descriptions of Roman landmarks, art and architecture transport readers to the heart of Rome, making them feel as if they are exploring the city alongside Atticus and his group. The trip, however, is not without its crises. Factors common to teenagers worldwide, such as drugs, hormones and depression, unleash a series of challenges that Atticus must handle.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-1637350119
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
