Best Independent Books September 25
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
FICTION
Manhattan: The Rising War (Studio Edition)
by Sal Cosenza
In this book, the author reimagines the iconic Manhattan skyline as a battleground of myth and power, blending epic storytelling with the visual grandeur of his acclaimed painting series. This unique edition invites readers to experience both the sweeping narrative and the creative process behind it.
Lady Liberty emerges anew as a colossal tower of hope, while the ancient deities Schist and Pegmatite embody life’s resilience and nature’s fury. Manhattan itself becomes a character — visionary, unyielding and ever-evolving — caught in a war of creation versus destruction.
Beyond the novel’s gripping battles, the studio edition unveils never-before-seen sketches, concept drawings and production notes along with five monumental paintings crafted over nearly two decades. This rare fusion of literature and art offers a front-row seat to the imagination that shaped this mythic world.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 979-8990118164
NON-FICTION
Ordinary Founder: A Grit-and-Profit Playbook for Entrepreneurs
by Pavel Danek
This book is a brutally honest, no-fluff guide that every entrepreneur needs, but rarely gets. The author pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a business from the ground up, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the grit, heartbreak and hard-won victories that define the entrepreneurial journey.
This playbook isn’t about polished success stories or overnight wins. It’s forged from failure, perseverance and real-world lessons that actually work. The author shares how to rebuild after crushing setbacks, master finances while staying purpose-driven, and transition from solo hustle to aligned leadership. His insights are grounded in experience and backed by proven frameworks, tools and data that help founders grow smarter and stronger.
With powerful storytelling and practical strategy, this book empowers entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort, lead with clarity and build businesses that thrive. It’s a guide for those who want more than hype; who want results rooted in resilience
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-8011069674
It Began in Africa: A Banker's Memoirs from the Heartland!
by Rizwan Haider
In this book, the author, an accomplished international banker, offers a compelling memoir that blends personal reflection with professional insight. This memoir is set against the vibrant backdrop of Africa, the author having moved there from his native Pakistan in 1979.
The author’s journey unfolds through evocative storytelling and sharp observations, revealing the continent’s cultural richness, historical depth and economic complexity. From bustling cities to remote villages, he explores Africa’s diverse communities, sharing stories shaped by resilience, tradition and transformation. He guides readers through the intricacies of African banking and finance, offering a rare insider’s view into a sector often overlooked yet vital to the continent’s progress.
This memoir captures the echoes of Cold War legacies, the enchantment of local myths and the pulse of innovation driving Africa’s future. The author’s narrative is both enlightening and entertaining — an invitation to see Africa not just through numbers and markets but through the lives and dreams of its people.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Biographies & Memoirs
ISBN: 978-1637353431
CIONET Cookbook No. 2: Recipes for Digital Success
by Hendrik Deckers
Digital sits at the heart of every successful organization, whether in the public or private sector.
For digital leaders, the requirement for constant change brings opportunities and challenges. Modern technology chiefs — be it CIOs, CTOs or CDOs — need exceptional skills to overcome any obstacles they encounter and to deliver a brighter future for their businesses. Help comes in the form of this book, which showcases the very best in European digital leadership.
The recipes within this book reveal the unique stories of digital leaders. They show how successful technology chiefs use an eclectic and enticing set of ingredients to produce delightful and delicious digital transformations.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352038
The Happy Leader: A Leadership Fable About Transformation in Business and in Life
by Shawn Sukhraj Johal
This book is a captivating story about a successful CEO who faces a personal and professional crisis.
The protagonist meets a mysterious mentor who guides him through a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Along the way, he learns the secrets of happiness, forgiveness and leadership. This book is more than just a fable. It is a practical guide that offers valuable insights and tools for those who want to improve their well-being and performance.
At its heart, this is a story that teaches that happiness and success are within reach. All that people need is for someone to nudge them in the right direction.
An inventive, impactful book on leadership — Readers’ FavoriteHonors: Finalist, Business/Finance, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637350515
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
NON-FICTION
Profit Generating Pipeline: A Proven Formula to Earn Trust and Drive Revenue
by Leslie Venetz
In today’s competitive B2B landscape, building a reliable pipeline isn’t just about hitting numbers; it’s about earning trust, leading with purpose, and creating sustainable growth. This book offers a no-nonsense, proven framework for sales leaders who want to drive consistent revenue without relying on outdated tactics or flashy gimmicks.
With a clear and actionable approach to outbound sales, the author helps teams generate qualified leads, improve buy-in, and establish repeatable processes that stand the test of time. At the heart of this guide is the “Earn the Right” mindset. That powerful philosophy fosters respect, builds credibility, and transforms how leaders engage with their teams and prospects. The author shows how to build a top-of-funnel pipeline that converts, implement scalable systems for long-term success, and lead with confidence in a way that inspires trust and performance.
This book is a roadmap for leading with purpose, selling with confidence, and growing with consistency. With practical insights and a refreshing dose of honesty, the author proves that selling with integrity isn’t just possible; it’s profitable.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 979-8998527036
The Black Belt in Leadership: 20 Tested Lessons from the Dojo to the Boardroom
by Aslak de Silva
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or charisma — it’s about discipline, presence and the ability to perform under pressure. In this book, the author, a world-champion martial artist and an acclaimed business leader, draws from nearly 100 full-contact fights to deliver a powerful guide for leaders who want to sharpen their mindset and lead with purpose.
Through 20 tested lessons, the author blends gripping personal stories with practical frameworks and actionable exercises. He reveals how the principles forged in the dojo — resilience, focus, emotional control and clarity in conflict — translate directly into the boardroom. He teaches how to cultivate a fighter’s mindset, influence with empathy, and lead with calm confidence in high-stakes environments.
This book challenges leaders to embrace discomfort, push through adversity, and evolve beyond conventional approaches. Grounded in real leadership experience, not just theory, it’s a blueprint for leading with clarity, grace and unstoppable momentum.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-9528804901
Own Success: A Proven Method to Succeed in Business with a Franchise
by Dan Citrenbaum
In this book, the author explores the key concepts necessary to actualize the dream of starting a business.
By conducting a high-level overview assessment of the characteristics, common pitfalls and requisite tools of success, the author explains what often seems inexplicable. He explores the inherent risks of traditional, salaried employment and why statistics showing this risk are only becoming more relevant with time. He outlines the resources and tools needed prior to purchasing a franchise or business operation. He shows how to evaluate current employment conditions against future earnings and financial milestones to create a clearer picture of personal business prospects.
This book contains the knowledge and insight for exploring franchise and other acquisition opportunities.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352533
Overcoming Obstacles: From Elite Athletes To Everyday People, the Unlimited Possibilities of Modern Sports Medicine and Research
by Rakshith Srinivasan
This enlightening book offers a fresh perspective on the transformative power of sports medicine and research.
Communities around the world often exclude large sections of their populations from sports. Scientists and medical practitioners in the field of sports science are making a different choice. Pioneering work in the areas of neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, bionics, human kinesiology, injury prevention, biochemistry and orthopedics have been rewriting the statistics and equalizing the starting line.
This book details why people should be optimistic about a future world in which athletic excellence and peak sports performance are a life choice to make and not necessarily a gift people are born with. This book is a testament to the unlimited possibilities of modern sports medicine and research.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Science & Math
ISBN: 978-1637352267
Work Done Right: Using Systems Thinking to Guide Your Digital Transformation
by Matthew Kleiman
This book provides a practical path forward for the built world to take advantage of a systematic approach to amplify personnel bandwidth and ensure that all work is always done right.
The book is a concise primer of problem-solving techniques and contains a crash course on how to use systems thinking. The author uses his expertise to help readers understand how to digitalize and improve their productivity by boosting their ability to detect and prevent errors and reduce rework.
The book is a guide for those seeking a systematic approach to problem-solving, including industrial facility and construction project owners and managers, for those responsible for quality, productivity or efficiency at their job sites and for individuals seeking to improve their operational efficiency.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352915
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
