Book Review: ‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth

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Updated 08 June 2024
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Book Review: ‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth

In “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” Angela Duckworth challenges the idea that natural talent is the sole recipe for success.

Duckworth argues that a powerful combination of passion and perseverance, which she terms “grit,” is a far more reliable predictor of achievement.

Duckworth delves into the concept of grit through captivating stories of West Point cadets, spelling bee champions, and everyday individuals. She weaves together research and personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of long-term goals, sustained effort, and bouncing back from setbacks.

Grit is not just about blind hard work; it is about working smart and strategically. Duckworth emphasizes the power of deliberate practice, a focused approach to honing your skills and mastering a craft.

The book offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on the path to success. It acknowledges the role of talent but underscores the significance of dedication and a never-give-up attitude.

“Grit” is a motivating read that will inspire you to identify your passions and pursue them with unwavering determination.

Duckworth also equips readers with tools to cultivate their own grit. She provides a self-assessment quiz to measure your current level and offers practical strategies to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges.

“Grit” is more like a call to action. It leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the power of human potential and the transformative potential of hard work.


What We Are Reading Today: Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn

Updated 18 December 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn

‘Family of Spies’ is a gripping family memoir and nonfiction account that uncovers one family’s shocking role as spies aiding Japan in the lead-up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“An amazing and gripping tale, full of suspenseful twists and cinematic details,” said a review in The New York Times.
Author Christine Kuehn chronicles the fruits of her decades-long research, revealing her grandparents’ secret espionage activities in pre-World War II Germany and their life in Hawaii, where they gathered intelligence.

Interweaving historical detail with personal narrative, Kuehn shares her own harrowing journey of discovery — sparked by a mysterious letter from a screenwriter — and the emotional toll of confronting this buried past. 
She draws extensively on conversations with her father, Eberhard, who had long remained taciturn about his family’s history, shielding her from questions growing up.