Book Review

18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done
By Peter Bregman

Many of us can identify with the stories related to time management, procrastination, and motivation that Peter Bregman discusses in his book, 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done. Bregman encourages readers to “focus your year on the five areas that will make the most difference in your life.” He provides a practical approach to being successful in your work and/or personal life by taking small bits of time out of your day to check in with yourself to make sure 95% of your actions are in your areas of focus. We often try to get it all done when in reality, it is impossible to get it all done. One particular thought stands out for me:

“The secret to surviving a buffet is to eat fewer things. And the secret to thriving in your life is the same: Do fewer things.”

The author challenges the reader “to choose the one thing you’ve read from this book that will make the most difference in your life and do it” and then see what happens. 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done is available from the Ministry Health Science Library. Contact Deb Knippel if you would like to check out this book from the library.

New Book in the Library: The Relativity Diet: A Diet Theory of Everything

Written by Surgeon Shaun J. Melarvie, MD, on staff at Door County Memorial Hospital

"The Relativity Diet: A Diet Theory of Everything" is in its second printing and has been well-received by its readership since publication in January of this year. The author, Dr. Shaun Melarvie, has been pleased by the feedback he has received, with the consensus being that the book is fun to read and about as page-turning as a "diet book" could be. The truth is that the book isn't written like a conventional diet book. It is more like a philosophy of food and energy, based on science and personal experience, which is written in a conversational narrative that carries the

reader along from the beginning to the end. One reader commented, "The author uses a logical, step by step, scientific approach to a healthy lifestyle, debunking myths and pseudo-science. From the smallest detail, it reveals the mysterious world of quantum physics, re-caps chemistry, and eventually achieves Nirvana." Others have described the book as; "very well written", "a beautiful book" and "I found myself laughing out loud."

You can learn more at the Relativity Blog at www.relativityblog.com or contact a Ministry Librarian to borrow the book.

Book Review: "Generations at Work"

One of my library patrons recently checked out "Generations at Work" by Ron Zemke, Claire Raines, and Bob Filipczak. The book was returned with a note that said "Good Book...unfortunately it doesn't look well used". I have also perused this book and would agree with this patron. "Generations at Work" outlines four generations that are currently in the workforce; Veterans(1922-1943), Baby Boomers(1943-1960), Xers(1961-1980) and Nexters(1980-2000). General traits of each generation are discussed as well as strategies to consider using when interacting with co-workers from each of the generational groups. The book also discusses how to have a strong cross-generational workplace. A must read for anyone who is looking to improve workplace communication and harmony. If you would like to check out this book, contact Deb Knippel at 65091 or Deb.Knippel@ministryhealth.org.