Here are 29 books that Unblock fans have personally recommended if you like Unblock. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Leadership and Self-Deception

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Author Of Maneuvering Monday

From my list on improving your work life one small step at a time.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are two leaders of teams who work in the intersection between people and technology and are obsessed with the human factor in organizational transformation. We have developed the Maneuvering Monday universe to create a space where we discuss topics around leadership, organizational design, and transformation with other thought leaders and experts around the world, and love to nerd these topics to better understand different perspectives and, not least, share tactics to make work better. We spend so much time at work, so it has to be meaningful. All the books on this list have inspired us to improve as leaders, colleagues, and employees. We hope they will inspire you too!

Ivanna and Anne Kathrine's book list on improving your work life one small step at a time

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Why Ivanna and Anne Kathrine loves this book

This book made me, Ivanna, rethink how I approach my colleagues.

The premise of the book is that you can choose whether you attempt to understand people’s motives or if you only view a situation from your own perspective.

When I was reading it, I was having a conflict with a colleague at work. It had been spiraling for months. I had lost the ability to assume good intentions from that colleague. After having read the book, it made me consider which intentions the person could have that may not have had anything to do with me.

This book got me unstuck.

By The Arbinger Institute ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Leadership and Self-Deception as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Since its original publication in 2000, Leadership and Self-Deception has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Its sales continue to increase year after year, and the book's popularity has gone global, with editions now available in over twenty languages.

Through a story everyone can relate to about a man facing challenges on the job and in his family, the authors expose the fascinating ways that we can blind ourselves to our true motivations and unwittingly sabotage the effectiveness of our own efforts to achieve success and increase happiness.

This new edition has been revised throughout to make the story even more compelling.…


If you love Unblock...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Magnetic Nonsense

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Author Of Maneuvering Monday

From my list on improving your work life one small step at a time.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are two leaders of teams who work in the intersection between people and technology and are obsessed with the human factor in organizational transformation. We have developed the Maneuvering Monday universe to create a space where we discuss topics around leadership, organizational design, and transformation with other thought leaders and experts around the world, and love to nerd these topics to better understand different perspectives and, not least, share tactics to make work better. We spend so much time at work, so it has to be meaningful. All the books on this list have inspired us to improve as leaders, colleagues, and employees. We hope they will inspire you too!

Ivanna and Anne Kathrine's book list on improving your work life one small step at a time

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Why Ivanna and Anne Kathrine loves this book

We enjoyed reading Magnetic Nonsense because of the way it calls out the corporate bullshit bingo and challenges the management trends that are dominating organizations across the world.

For me, AK, it even challenges some of my own perceptions of concepts that I have spent a lot of time on at workfor instance, cultural valueswhich was refreshing and thought-provoking. I thought it was a fun read too, and I like that the book’s points and arguments are based on a collection of research, data, and case studies. The author is aggressively passionate about cutting the rubbish and enabling a better work future for all.

The reading experience felt a little uncomfortable for me (because it forced me to reconsider some of my beliefs) in the best and most inspirational way possible, and therefore, I absolutely recommend this book.

By Paul D. Sweeney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Magnetic Nonsense as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For millions of us work feels like The Office - only less funny. We’re drowning in nonsense whilst pretending it’s all perfectly rational.Endless management fads and the soundbites of self-proclaimed gurus promise to improve everything. But they never do. It’s just more pointless and annoying bullshit.But where did all this nonsense come from? Why is it so universal? And how do we make it go away?This is the story of how we got here, why we keep falling for the same rubbish, and what we can collectively do to change our belief systems and enable a better work future for…


Book cover of The Learning Mindset

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Author Of Maneuvering Monday

From my list on improving your work life one small step at a time.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are two leaders of teams who work in the intersection between people and technology and are obsessed with the human factor in organizational transformation. We have developed the Maneuvering Monday universe to create a space where we discuss topics around leadership, organizational design, and transformation with other thought leaders and experts around the world, and love to nerd these topics to better understand different perspectives and, not least, share tactics to make work better. We spend so much time at work, so it has to be meaningful. All the books on this list have inspired us to improve as leaders, colleagues, and employees. We hope they will inspire you too!

Ivanna and Anne Kathrine's book list on improving your work life one small step at a time

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Why Ivanna and Anne Kathrine loves this book

The author’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through this book and make it an enjoyable read, especially if you are interested in learning as a capability in human beings and organizations like we are!

I, AK, think that she has managed to make a complex topic engaging, and I felt inspired by her practical ideas for how to nurture a learning mindset in an age of artificial intelligence and technological advancement.

I think it’s a well-researched book with many great examples from real life on the topic of building a sustainable learning environment and continuous improvement in both individuals and corporate settings.

By Katja Schipperheijn ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Learning Mindset as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER: getAbstract International Book Award 2025 - Learning Impact Developing a learning mindset is essential in a rapidly changing world. But how can you adopt this approach? What qualities do you need? What role do technology and neuroscience play? How can it boost innovation, problem-solving and collaboration? The Learning Mindset has the answers. Written by an international learning expert, this book explains what a learning mindset is and what the benefits are for individuals, teams and the wider organization. It covers the competencies needed for this approach such as imagination, curiosity, consilience, empathy and openness. This book shows how these…


If you love Jurriaan Kamer...

Ad

Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of Unbound

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Author Of Maneuvering Monday

From my list on improving your work life one small step at a time.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are two leaders of teams who work in the intersection between people and technology and are obsessed with the human factor in organizational transformation. We have developed the Maneuvering Monday universe to create a space where we discuss topics around leadership, organizational design, and transformation with other thought leaders and experts around the world, and love to nerd these topics to better understand different perspectives and, not least, share tactics to make work better. We spend so much time at work, so it has to be meaningful. All the books on this list have inspired us to improve as leaders, colleagues, and employees. We hope they will inspire you too!

Ivanna and Anne Kathrine's book list on improving your work life one small step at a time

Ivanna Mikhailovna Rosendal and Anne Katrine Carlsson Sejr Why Ivanna and Anne Kathrine loves this book

This is not a traditional business book.

In this book, the author shows how aligning yourself with your needs and being able to express them leads to more effective communication. This is in the context of being a woman who has a very narrow acceptable definition of wants that we are allowed to have.

For me, Ivanna, reading this book opened up my eyes to the times when I have failed at negotiating. It helped me understand how to effectively communicate the needs that I have in a negotiation.

By Kasia Urbaniak ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Unbound as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Stop being a servant of the life you're living and become a creator of the world you want. Electrifying lessons in power, influence and persuasion to equalise women in an unequal world.

Why do so many women feel they're too much yet not enough? How can you feel 'good and mad' yet reluctant to speak up in a meeting or difficult conversation? What causes women to freeze at critical moments?

Kasia Urbaniak spent 17 years studying to become a Taoist nun. To foot the bill for her studies, she worked as a high-paid (and extremely successful) dominatrix in dungeons around…


Book cover of The Mini ADHD Coach: Tools and Support to Make Life Easier--A Visual Guide

Catherine J. Mutti-Driscoll Author Of The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls: Understand Your Neurodivergent Brain, Make the Most of Your Strengths, and Build Confidence to Thrive

From my list on understanding ADHD in girls and women.

Why am I passionate about this?

After 37 years of being undiagnosed with ADHD, I was so grateful to get my diagnosis! Once I had an inkling that I had ADHD, I began devouring books about it :-) The books in this list are five of many that have helped me understand myself and my brain, and I want to help others have access to them and to the inspiring, affirming, and empowering self-knowledge they provide! These books will help you figure out if you might have an ADHD brain and then, from there, help you work with and celebrate that brain.

Catherine's book list on understanding ADHD in girls and women

Catherine J. Mutti-Driscoll Why Catherine loves this book

This book is a lovely and practical guide since it communicates information about ADHD easily using visuals. It is an excellent choice for someone who wants to learn more about ADHD and is a visual learner! I also enjoy this book's "day in the life" theme, where it tackles ADHD-related issues and challenges as they arise throughout a day in the life of an ADHDer.

By Alice Gendron ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mini ADHD Coach as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An inclusive guide to ADHD that explores its diverse types, symptoms, diagnoses, and misconceptions, and shares how to work with your ADHD brain to fully understand yourself.

Diagnosed at 29, Alice Gendron offers full and supportive insight into life with ADHD, addresses common challenges and hurdles, and provides tips and ADHD hacks that will help you to get things done and live a more peaceful daily life. This illustrated and informative guide is a must-have for anyone looking to better understand ADHD and how to thrive with ADHD. 

Through Gendron’s motivational voice and relatable illustrations, The Mini ADHD Coach will…


Book cover of Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life

Shelly Marshall Author Of Escaping Myself: Lee B's Biography, a true story of sobriety and his best tall tales

From my list on turning sobriety into a super power.

Why am I passionate about this?

Most drunks struggle to accept that they have a disease called “alcoholism” and feel shame, intertwined with fear, having to admit it. I, on the other hand, embraced it. Being alcoholic meant I wasn’t “crazy” after all like Grandma. At 21, I embraced the disease along with 12 Step recovery, thanking my lucky stars that there was something I could do about my chaotic hippied lifestyle. “Don’t pick up the first fix, pill, or drink and you can’t get drunk.” Could the solution be so simple? It is. From the moment I set down the drink and drugs, I knew I had to share this amazing revelation with others and my writing career began.

Shelly's book list on turning sobriety into a super power

Shelly Marshall Why Shelly loves this book

Full disclosure, I know Bill Hanlon and we exchanged books at one of several speaking engagements together.

I cherish this book and have a signed copy featured in my collection. It is a simple straightforward ingenious way to disrupt destructive patterns in all relationships. And it works! Being in the mental health field, I would make this wonderful book mandatory for all counselors to read, if I had that power.

Full of examples on how to modify micro-behaviors, results could not be more life-changing. I found that I had the power to alter destructive patterns in my life by reacting differently in any given situation! Bill’s book explains how to do it.

By Bill O'hanlon ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Do One Thing Different as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"If you do one thing different, read this book! It is filled with practical, creative, effective, down-to-earth solutions to life's challenging problems."-Michele Weiner-Davis, author of Divorce Busting

The 20th anniversary edition of a self-help classic, updated with a new preface: Tapping into widespread popular interest in highly effective, short-term therapeutic approaches to personal problems, author Bill O'Hanlon offers 10 Solution Keys to help you free yourself from "analysis paralysis" and quickly get unstuck from aggravating problems.

Tired of feeling stuck all the time when you're trying to solve a problem or are facing conflict? Do you get easily flustered or…


If you love Unblock...

Ad

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking

Brittany Hodak Author Of Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates

From my list on turning your customers into superfans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about customer experience because it’s the number-one reason businesses succeed or fail. Regardless of the size (or budget!) of your company, you can set yourself apart—and create superfan customers!—by focusing on being exceptional in the areas that really matter. I grew up watching my dad prioritize customer service, first as a fast-food restaurant manager and then at a car dealership, and I know firsthand that how you treat your employees and your customers makes all the difference! 

Brittany's book list on turning your customers into superfans

Brittany Hodak Why Brittany loves this book

Jon Acuff is one of my favorite authors. His book Soundtracks is about the stories we tell ourselves. More precisely, it’s about how to challenge the repetitive negative self-talk so many of us are plagued by—talk he refers to as “soundtracks” playing over and over in our heads—with new soundtracks, aka positive talk. If you don’t believe that you deserve superfans, it’s going to be very hard to create them. Jon proposes this simple framework for over- coming negative thoughts: “Retire. Replace. Repeat.” As someone who became a keynote speaker kind of accidentally, I’ve experienced a lot of self-doubt. Jon’s book has truly helped me manage my overthinking and regain confidence. I’ve probably ordered close to 30 copies of Soundtracks off Amazon to give to people because I love it so much!

By Jon Acuff ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Soundtracks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Overthinking isn't a personality trait. It's the sneakiest form of fear.

It steals time, creativity, and goals. It's the most expensive, least productive thing companies invest in without even knowing it. And it's an epidemic. When New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff changed his life by transforming his overthinking, he wondered if other people might benefit from what he discovered. He commissioned a research study to ask 10,000 people if they struggle with overthinking too, and 99.5 percent said, "Yes!"

The good news is that in Soundtracks, Acuff offers a proven plan to change overthinking from a super problem…


Book cover of The Wishmakers

Amanda Hamm Author Of Beyond Wisherton

From my list on fantasy to read with your kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My favorite books—to read and to write—have always been funny Christian romances. But all four of my kids prefer fantasy. They want me to read with them, and they’ve been asking me to read nothing but fantasy for years. Now I can say it’s my second favorite genre. In fact, I learned to like it so much I eventually started writing a children’s fantasy series of my own, in between all the mushy stuff. Beyond Wisherton is the first in that series.

Amanda's book list on fantasy to read with your kids

Amanda Hamm Why Amanda loves this book

There is a fine line between silly and slapstick. This book manages to stay just barely on the good side of that line. Basically, we have two kids with genies being chased by bad guys. The danger motivates the kids to make wishes. The wishes are unlimited, but so are the consequences. Little wishes have little consequences while a big enough wish comes with death. Reading about the kids being forced to hop up and down, clap their hands and make weird noises as a result of the wishes is highly entertaining. But there are also a lot of openings for serious discussion as the kids try to negotiate smaller wishes to achieve similar results.  Which consequences would you accept?  

By Tyler Whitesides ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wishmakers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

"Looking for a fantastically fast-paced and funny read? Your wish is granted!" -Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Twelve-year-old Ace's life is about to change in the most unexpected and magical ways-all because of a peanut butter jar.

When he opens it, he inadvertently releases a genie named Ridge. Now a Wishmaker, Ace is given a week to complete a seemingly impossible quest, and if he fails the world will end in the most tragic (but cuddly) way imaginable.

Luckily, Ridge can help by granting Ace an unlimited number of wishes...as long…


Book cover of Wasted Words

Amy Oliveira Author Of Love Me, Maddie Mendoza

From my list on friends-to-lovers romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a complete bookworm and romance addict. I love to see the old tropes being written with a fresh feel, and I’m a true believer that romance is so hard to write because everyone knows the end, but it’s up to the writer to bring you on a worthy journey. After reading countless friends-to-lovers novels, I can say with certainty I have the list with the best books written by the contemporary romance rock stars. Let’s get to it!

Amy's book list on friends-to-lovers romance

Amy Oliveira Why Amy loves this book

This one is a retelling of the ultimate friends-to-lovers novel: Emma by Jane Austen. It will give you a contemporary feel, but Staci Hart managed to keep Emma’s soul alive in this book. Cam is sure her six-foot-six football player of best friend will never go for a girl like her. And even when things between them change, she’s not ready to see how it will work. Honestly, you’ll want to shout at Cam many times, but her frustrating moments are written so beautifully that is worth the ride. And the book is set inside the coolest bar/book store you’ll ever imagine.

By Staci Hart ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wasted Words as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Some universal truths refuse to be ignored.Peanut butter and jelly are a match made in heaven. Spaghetti and meatballs are best friends forever. And guys like Tyler Knight don’t go for girls like Cam Emerson.She knew from the second she met him that he didn’t belong on her bookshelf, the six-foot-six ex-tight end with a face so all-American, it could have sold apple pie. So she shelved him next to the supermodels and rock stars and took her place on her own shelf — the one with the flannel-clad, pasty-faced comic book nerds. Most of her boyfriends have existed between…


If you love Jurriaan Kamer...

Ad

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Ex-Heroes

C.T. Phipps Author Of The Rules of Supervillainy

From my list on superheroes not from Marvel or DC.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, my name is CT Phipps, and I am a crazy nerd from Ashland, Ky. I'm married with two dogs and love superheroes. I mean love. I used to wallpaper my bedroom wall with Spider-Man comics in their polybags. I've been a lifelong superhero fan and just love all the melodrama, hilarity, and weird science as well as magic that are the undercurrents of the genre. I've never lost my love of the characters and their stories, so when the MCU first came out, I ended up writing this book as well as its sequels. I’ve also written a bunch of other humorous sci-fi/fantasy books but this is the series closest to my heart.

C.T.'s book list on superheroes not from Marvel or DC

C.T. Phipps Why C.T. loves this book

Superheroes and zombies seem like a terrible combination, but Peter Clines makes a fascinating story of zombies destroying the Earth but for a collection of superhero guarded survivors.

It's a bit like The Walking Dead combined with the Justice League, though the power level of the people involved is closer to Marvel's street level. The first book has some crass jokes that get dropped from the sequels but not enough that I didn't enjoy it. I have to say my favorite characters are Saint George (a Superman analog) and Stealth (a female Batman).

By Peter Clines ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Ex-Heroes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book One in the EX Series

The Mighty Dragon. Stealth. Gorgon. Regenerator. Cerberus. Zzzap.

They were superheroes fighting to make Los Angeles a better place.

Then the plague of living death spread. Billions died, civilization fell, and the City of Angels was left a desolate zombie wasteland.

But the ex-humans aren't the only threats the heroes face. Another group is amassing power . . . led by an enemy with the most terrifying ability of all.


Book cover of Leadership and Self-Deception
Book cover of Magnetic Nonsense
Book cover of The Learning Mindset

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in management, fear, and leadership?

Management 170 books
Fear 61 books
Leadership 455 books