Best Independent Books May 8
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
FICTION
A Climate of Chaos: This Parched Earth
by Nawtej Dosanjh
In a near-future world in which water equals power, climate expert Mark Wells is running out of time. His revolutionary water-sharing network in East Africa offers hope to millions struggling to survive devastating droughts. When Wells stumbles upon a deep-rooted conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of global power, he finds himself in a battle not just for his project but for his life.
From Ethiopia’s barren landscapes to Washington’s corridors of influence, from desperate water refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border to Russian satellite deception, Wells must navigate treacherous international intrigue while dodging assassins and facing betrayals that threaten to unravel everything. As waves of climate refugees trigger worldwide instability, those determined to control Earth’s most precious resource will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power.
Blending cutting-edge science with electrifying suspense, this gripping political thriller portrays a disturbingly plausible future, in which water is humanity’s most sought-after and deadly weapon.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-1637353776
The Inevitable Loss of Innocence: From Girl to Real World
by Zara D. Macias
In this book, the author writes of the joy and pain of growing up as reflected through one specific rite of passage — the college experience.
This story of a Mexican “Kentucky girl” pursuing higher education in the hallowed halls of White University in the national capital is a testament to the power of youth to seek out authentic experiences, even through the disillusionment that may come with it. The narrator feels doubly out of place at White University, as a girl from Kentucky and a Latina among the many wealthy and sometimes snobbish students. Nevertheless, she does her best to fit in, even if her wealthy roommate’s ability to spend lavishly on overpriced cocktails far outstrips her own. She quickly finds herself the subject of male attention but yearns for the type of meaningful connection that the young men she meets aren’t necessarily inclined to reciprocate or able to.
Written from the perspective of an outsider to the affluent milieu of an elite university, this novelette is both a paean to the hope and reality of chasing one's youthful dreams and a lyrical ode to the highs and lows of the college experience. The author’s distinctive voice and viewpoint radiates authenticity as she tells the story of a small-town girl who finds herself in a world of privilege far different from the comfortable surroundings of her Kentucky upbringing.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-1637351925
NON-FICTION
The Learning Revolution: AI's influence on Intelligence and Education
by Dr. Sarah Chardonnens
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we learn, think, and adapt. In this book, the author explores the intersection of AI and cognitive science, offering a groundbreaking perspective on how education must evolve in the digital age.
This book provides an innovative framework for understanding the synergy between AI and human cognition. The author examines the differences between human and artificial intelligence, introducing the Synapse model — a fresh approach to how the brain learns and adapts. She offers practical insights into how AI impacts sensory input, memory and emotional regulation, while exploring strategies to foster self-regulation, motivation and curiosity in AI-driven education.
Beyond learning techniques, the author delves into the ethical implications of AI in education, questioning its effects on creativity and cognitive diversity. As technology reshapes the way people acquire knowledge, this book empowers educators, students, and tech enthusiasts to rethink the future of learning.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Education
ISBN: 978-3952422076
Why They Buy: A Bulletproof Method to Closing Any Sale
by David Fuess
Companies spend thousands of hours and millions of dollars annually teaching their people how to sell instead of investing in answering the only question that ever matters to the bottom line — why they buy.
Whether selling goods or services, this informative play-by-play guide explains how to close any sale.
In this book, the author describes how to become highly attuned to the people that are being sold to; how to present ideas to target customers in a way that they are inspired to sell themselves; and how this art of the sale creates customers for life.
Why They Buy is the ultimate guide that will show how to take sales from where they currently are to where they need to be.
Honors: seen on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386321
Next Level Selling: The Definitive Guide to Closing High Dollar Deals
by Tom Fedro
This book, written by an award-winning sales leader and CEO, is a master work that reveals the steps of the Million Dollar Framework. It explains the eight critical steps of the framework — identifying the ideal customer profile, engaging the prospect, asking quality questions to establish the pain, establishing the authority, ensuring the money is there, creating a compelling proposal, then implementation, followed by growth and renewal.
The author introduces “a smart gal named PAM” as a mnemonic for pain, authority and money — the criteria for establishing whether there is a sales deal to be made. He shows how the PAM sales process has identified, closed and delivered high-value deals with the largest, most respected brands on the planet, including American Airlines, ASUS, Cisco, Comcast, Dell, GoPro, HP, Logitech, Microsoft and Toshiba.
This book shows how to identify, qualify, and close valuable opportunities while developing long-term relationships with target audiences.
Honors: Bronze Medal, Business/Finance, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386529
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
NON-FICTION
The Why Whisperer: How to Motivate and Align Teams That Get Your Strategy Done
by Hans Lagerweij
This book is a practical roadmap for aligning teams with a clear and compelling direction. Drawing on decades of international leadership experience, the author demonstrates how to connect purpose, vision and strategy to daily execution.
The author explores how to clarify mission, vision and goals for maximum impact while crafting an organizational direction that resonates with teams. He shows how to align strategy with daily work to drive results, master purposeful communication, and implement reverse elevator speech to inspire and motivate. Using the Six Cs model, he guides leaders in fostering a culture where all team members understand their role in achieving success.
This resource is essential for leaders seeking to transform uninspired teams into high-performing organizations. It challenges readers to rethink their approach to leadership, emphasizing collaboration, motivation and lasting organizational change.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 979-8310573062
Plainify AI: Simple For A Novice, Useful For A Pro
by Cupid Chan
This book explores the world of artificial intelligence, using relatable analogies and a mix of humor and insight. It turns complex AI ideas into everyday conversations, making artificial intelligence clear and practical for everyone.
The author helps leaders understand AI’s impact and how to apply it in the real world, delivering clear explanations and relatable examples. In Chapter Two, he even uses a food analogy to explain data feeding, making complex concepts easy to digest and fun to learn. For those who want to dig deeper, there are profound insights into the field.
This book masterfully demystifies AI, transforming intricate concepts into crystal-clear insights. This isn't just another technical manual — it's an enlightening journey that makes the transformative power of AI accessible to everyone.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637353455
How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes: Survival Guide for the Frequent Business Traveler
by Brandon C. Blewett
Written with well-traveled professionals in mind, this book is a hilarious take on the trials and tribulations of frequent flying.
The author, who has driven more than $210 billion in global transactions and boasts "Million Miler" status, draws from his extensive travel experience and impressive career to offer witty observations and practical advice. From identifying the six habits of highly annoying travelers to turning those encounters into professional growth opportunities, this guide is filled with hilarious anecdotes and reflective questions. He describes the nuances of air travel and its parallels to professional life through real-life examples of patience, readiness and humility paying off.
Packed with valuable lessons on leadership and career advancement, this book offers guidance about the importance of building strong teams and seeking critical feedback.
Blewett’s book is most entertaining when it’s at its snarkiest. — KirkusHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 979-8339626329
The Elon Musk Method: Business Principles from the World's Most Powerful Entrepreneur
by Randy Kirk
In this book, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author Randy Kirk looks at what lies behind the business success of Elon Musk.
He exposes 16 secret principles that guide Elon Musk in his entrepreneurial decisions. He sees Musk as a visionary entrepreneur shaped by an approach consisting of curiosity, observation, expertise, analysis, asking big questions, breaking rules, setting goals, leading, networking, valuing people, ability to execute, taking risks, overcoming obstacles, creating quality, insisting on incremental improvement, passion and persistence.
Filled with dozens of Elon Musk quotes, this is a rare opportunity to gain proven principles and methods that are unlike anything to be read elsewhere.
Honors: seen on ABC and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386444
Disruptive Leadership: 8 Counterintuitive Secrets for Running a Successful Business
by Christopher Catranis
In this book, the author reveals eight successful approaches to running a business that might seem counterintuitive. He shows how to improve performance by embracing failure.
The author explains how he learned from the mistakes and failures of several of his enterprises. He details how to build, sell, and rebuild businesses. An essential part of this learning process is an understanding of the need to leave behind egotistical approaches to leadership and an appreciation of the importance of guiding others with humility and thoughtfulness.
This book contains dramatic case studies from the author’s business life in the Middle East and West Africa. Not only is it a stimulating book on leadership, it’s also a thrilling memoir.
The value of this book is the frank and warmly humorous manner in which Christopher delivers his principles of enlightenment, success and change... This is a fresh approach to leadership and one that deserves wide attention. — GoodreadsHonors: seen on ABC, CBS and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386468
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
