Books Recommended by Alexandra Stroe

My favourite business book is The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. I think this book is the one that helped us find a viable business model for Bookster by testing different hypotheses and pivoting when needed. We still use the knowledge from this book in everyday projects. You would hear colleagues asking in the office: how does an MVP (minimum viable product) look like? Did you apply the Build-Measure-Learn theory? What is your value proposition? I recommend this book to anyone starting a business or even starting any kind of project.

The author talks about two types of mindsets: a “fixed mindset” and a “growth mindset”. A “fixed mindset” means that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static, therefore we cannot change them in any meaningful way. The “fixed mindset” encourages striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs. A “growth mindset,” on the other hand, thrives on challenges and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as an opportunity for growth and broadening our existing abilities. While we were growing up, we were encouraged to always look for the right answer and to avoid failure. This book helped me realize that failures are actually opportunities for learning. It gave me courage to take on new projects and be more open to admitting when I make mistakes.

I am trying to bring some daily habits into my life, such as meditation, that would help me stay balanced and present in everyday moments. One of the books that helped me understand more about the practice of meditation is The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe. After reading this book, I understood that meditation does not have to be some sacred, difficult practice that lasts for hours on end. It’s enough to dedicate 10 minutes a day in order to relax and get at ease with my thoughts and emotions.

One of my favorite non-business books is When Nietzsche Wept by Irvin D. Yalom. His books combine psychotherapy, philosophy and science fiction and they address issues like death, growing old, love and the meaning of life in a very honest way. Many of his books give you an insight into the conversations between the psychotherapist and his patients and the interaction between them is always human and sincere. The therapist makes mistakes, sometimes says the wrong thing and this makes the story exciting and extremely real.