6+ Favorite Books on Education and Learning (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on education and learning (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
$9.49

In Talent Is Overrated, Geoff Colvin flips the script on the common belief that natural talent is essential for greatness. He argues that what really matters is deliberate practice, intrinsic motivation, and starting early. I found his insights refreshing, especially the idea that superior performance relies more on sustained effort than on innate ability. Colvin’s takeaways emphasize that anyone can achieve mastery if they’re willing to put in the work. Honestly, I loved this book—it's practical and data-driven, making it a must-read for teens and young adults looking to excel.
Pros:
Data-backed arguments make the book credible.
Emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice over innate talent.
Offers useful takeaways for achieving mastery and fulfillment.
Cons:
Nothing - amazing book that is a must-read for teenagers / young adults.
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02/17/2026 10:04 pm GMT
Now You See It: How Technology and Brain Science Will Transform Schools and Business for the 21st Century by Cathy N. Davidson
$16.99

In Now You See It, Cathy Davidson tackles how the digital age reshapes our lives, work, and learning. Starting with an experiment at Duke University involving free iPods, she highlights how technology can enhance education when embraced correctly. I appreciated her optimistic view and exciting examples of innovative learning environments. However, I felt she glossed over the potential downsides of technology, unlike other works that urge caution. Reflecting on the last decade, it’s clear that not all tech is beneficial, and it’s crucial to adopt it thoughtfully rather than jumping on every new trend.
Pros:
The book is optimistic and hopeful about technology's potential.
It presents big ideas worth testing in education and work.
Davidson encourages embracing new ideas and collaboration.
Cons:
There is insufficient attention to the downsides of technology adoption.
The book seems to advocate for technology for its own sake.
This review reflects a long-term concern about the mixed impact of technology.
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02/18/2026 02:01 pm GMT
Well Educated Mind: Guide To The Classical Education by Susan Wise Bauer
$15.34

In The Well-Educated Mind, Susan Wise Bauer offers a roadmap for adults eager to enjoy reading while also enhancing their knowledge. The book breaks down five literary genres—fiction, autobiography, history, drama, and poetry—and provides practical tips on how to approach each one. I appreciated her focus on the trivium approach, which encourages memorization, critical thinking, and personal expression. The annotated reading list is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to dive deeper into classic literature. Overall, it’s an excellent resource, especially for parents wanting to enrich their kids' education. I really didn’t find much to critique!
Pros:
Excellent educational resource for parents wanting to enhance their kids' education.
Provides a clear guide to classical education for adult readers.
Offers detailed instructions for reading various literary genres.
Introduces the trivium approach to reading, promoting critical thinking.
Includes an annotated reading list of significant works from the Western tradition.
Cons:
Not a whole lot - excellent resource.
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02/18/2026 03:00 pm GMT
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
$10.72

In The Art of Learning, Josh Waitzkin shares his journey from chess prodigy to world champion martial artist, emphasizing the mental processes behind high-level performance. The review highlights how Waitzkin's honest storytelling offers valuable insights into skill development, focusing on the importance of deliberate practice and the internal experiences that fuel mastery. While the book is rich with applicable lessons, it does slow down during the Tai Chi sections and might leave readers hunting for clear takeaways. Overall, it’s a thoughtful read for anyone interested in personal growth and performance.
Pros:
The book is honest and not ghostwritten, providing authenticity.
It offers plenty of applicable analogies and lessons for everyday life.
The story extends beyond chess, showcasing experiences in other fields.
It includes unique experiences that happen only to those at the top of their field.
Cons:
The Tai Chi section needed more editing and was slow and boring.
You have to actively look for lessons and takeaways; it's more memoir than self-help.
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02/17/2026 05:02 pm GMT
Beyond The Bake Sale by Anne Henderson
$13.47

Beyond The Bake Sale by Anne Henderson focuses on the importance of strong partnerships between schools and families to boost student success. The book highlights that education isn't just about grades; it's about fostering meaningful relationships. I appreciated the practical approach, filled with success stories and actionable strategies, making it a useful resource for educators and parents alike. However, I found it a bit lengthy and overwhelming at times, as the effort needed to create a supportive school environment can feel daunting. Overall, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone involved in education.
Pros:
The book is a practical guide with success stories and strategies.
It provides a clear framework that is consistently used throughout.
It highlights universal problems in schools that are solvable.
It shows how increased involvement can create a positive cycle.
Cons:
The book is long, dense, and can be boring.
It presents a daunting amount of work needed for a welcoming school atmosphere.
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02/17/2026 10:03 pm GMT
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
$7.88

In The Gift of Failure, Jessica Lahey dives into how parents can raise resilient kids by letting them experience setbacks. Letting your kids fail is awful and counter-intuitive...but also necessary to raise the kids everyone wants (resilient, independent, thoughtful, gracious, kind, brave). The key is understanding the difference between failure and catastrophic failure. The former prevents the latter. And catastrophic failure usually comes from never learning basic failure skills in the first place. She encourages a hands-off approach, giving practical advice on everything from homework to friendships. Lahey emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them, promoting independence and self-esteem through responsibilities. I found the book to be a fantastic resource—it's a must-read for parents who want to nurture confident, capable children. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike; it’s just that good!
Pros:
Thought-provoking approach to parenting
Concrete solutions for raising resilient children
Emphasizes the importance of embracing failure for growth
Encourages autonomy and independence in children
Provides targeted advice on various parenting challenges
Promotes supportive parenting over controlling parenting
Valuable resource for parents looking to equip their children for life's challenges
Cons:
Nothing - brilliant book.
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02/18/2026 04:04 am GMT
Ultralearning by Scott Young
$14.99

In Ultralearning, Scott Young focuses on how to improve your learning skills and get better results from your efforts. He lays out a practical nine-step strategy that emphasizes self-directed and intense learning. I found the book's themes—like focus, feedback, and experimentation—super helpful for anyone looking to boost their skills faster than traditional education allows. Young argues that self-education is the key to future success, and I couldn't agree more. Overall, it’s a concise and tactical read that I highly recommend for anyone eager to learn more effectively.
Pros:
The book teaches effective learning strategies.
It provides a nine-step strategy for Ultralearning.
The content is concise, tactical, and useful.
Cons:
Nothing - great read.
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02/18/2026 02:05 am GMT
How To Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster
$9.80

I recently read How To Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster, and it really hit the mark. The book offers a fresh perspective on reading, making it feel more like a skill you can develop rather than a chore from high school. Foster's approachable style and practical framework help you connect different works of literature, which I found super helpful. I loved that he even included a list of books to tackle in increasing difficulty. Honestly, I think this book should be required reading for all literature classes—it could change how we view literature entirely.
Pros:
Fast and interesting read
Author is approachable and empathetic
Provides a framework for reading any book
Cons:
There's nothing about the book that I didn't like
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02/18/2026 02:06 am GMT