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The Little Liar by Mitch Albom

My wife and I typically read very different types of books. She enjoys romance and contemporary novels, while I gravitate toward non-fiction and historical fiction. So when she bought a collection of books from Indigo, I had no intention of reading any of them.

The only book that caught my attention was The Little Liar by Mitch Albom, a historical novel set during World War II. However, having previously read other WWII-themed books like The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, I initially felt too fatigued to dive into another story from that era.

Fast forward a couple months… I was preparing for a 4-week vacation and needed to choose a book to bring along. Since I hadn’t purchased any new books for myself and wanted something small and lightweight, I decided to pack The Little Liar. It turned out to be my favorite read of the year.

The plot centers around 4 main characters whose lives intertwines during World War II. Nico Krispis, who begins the story as a 11 year old boy who has never told a lie. Sebastian Krispis, Nico’s older brother, who is in love with Fannie and envious of Nico’s natural charm and the affection Fannie has for him. Fannie, a close family friend and neighbor, who has a crush on Nico. And lastly Udo, a high ranking Navi officer who deceives Nico into tricking others onto trains bound for Auschwitz, setting off a tragic chain of events.

What makes The Little Liar unique is Mitch Albom’s masterful narration. The story is told from the perspective of Truth itself, which adds a layer of depth and insight you wouldn’t get from a typical narrator. This choice allows the reader to see beyond the surface of events, understanding the characters’ inner conflicts and motivations in a profound way.

Each of the four characters is thoughtfully developed, with Mitch Albom displaying different layers of their personalities to show how their experiences shape who they become. The book shows how one’s action affects not just themselves but those around them. It captures both the cruelty of war and the ways people cope, whether through resilience, denial, or self protection.

The Little Liar is a page turner that kept me engaged from start to finish. Reading it made Mitch Albom my new favorite author. I’ve already bookmarked several of his other works because I thoroughly enjoyed his writing style.

Around the same time, I visited the Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. The exhibition was thoughtfully structured, guiding visitors step-by-step through history with a mix of artifacts and survivor interviews. It was a reminder of why history and stories like this are important, so we can remember the past and ensure the same mistakes are not repeated.

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The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to His Son by J D Rockefeller

My parents often share informative videos with my brother and me. Truth be told, I tend to ignore most of them, not wanting to spend the time it takes to absorb the shared content. However, when I saw a short clip about a book detailing advice from one of the most successful businessmen to his son, it piqued my interest.

It was only after I began reading The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller that I realized John D. Rockefeller was not only one of the wealthiest people in history but also built his fortune through his oil refining business. Over the years, Rockefeller wrote 38 letters to his son, sharing insights and guiding him through life’s challenges. These letters allow readers a unique window into his career experiences and the thoughtful advice he imparted to his son. Below, I’ll share my three main takeaways from the book.

Letter 4: Opportunity Comes from Taking Action

Rockefeller emphasizes that opportunity rarely just appears – you have to go out and create it yourself. He advises taking risks and seizing opportunities when they arise, rather than waiting for them to come to you. He also acknowledges that life often feels overwhelming, with too many tasks and too little time, so it’s critical to focus only on the work that will yield the greatest results.

This advice resonates strongly in my own career. I see colleagues, myself included, sometimes feeling discontented with assigned projects, waiting for that big opportunity to showcase our worth, or hoping a manager will fulfill a long-promised career boost. But it’s important to remember that we have various avenues to pursue: seeking projects that interest us and gathering enough data to ensure they get prioritized, following up with our managers for specific commitments, or even exploring new job opportunities both internally and externally. Ultimately, we are in control of our career paths.

Letter 9: Confidence and Determination Lead to the Top

Rockefeller notes that while most people aspire to reach the highest level of success, few possess the confidence and determination needed to get there. Because many people doubt their ability to succeed, they often choose paths that keep them at an average level, limiting their potential.

To reach our goals, it helps to look closely at those already performing at the level we want to achieve and identify the gaps in our own skills. Why can’t we perform at that level today? By being specific about the skills we need to improve, we can often identify practical steps to bridge those gaps. Once the concrete steps are clear, all that remains is to apply the effort and determination to achieve them.

Letter 38: How Can I Do Better Today?

Rockefeller asks, “How can I make my work more efficient today?” This simple question serves as a powerful daily exercise.

Often, we get so accustomed to our routines that we operate on autopilot, following the same patterns day in and day out. But taking a little time each month to assess our daily approach can reveal ways to become more productive and intentional in how we spend our time.

In summary, I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated how J.D. Rockefeller used personal stories to communicate key lessons to his son. Advice delivered through storytelling often has a stronger impact, making it more relatable and memorable. This is a good read for anyone looking for inspiration presented in a unique format.