How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

7 out of 10

Written in 1936, this friendly book influenced many people at the time and continues to be iconic nearly a century later.  Carnegie tells real-world anecdotes of people displaying principles such as positivity, genuine interest in others, sympathy, praise, and encouragement.  While reading, I often couldn't help but jokingly think, "No shit Dale, that's what it means to be friendly."  It's hard to criticize a book that advises against criticism, but I think HTWF&IP ought to have been edgier--though as noted it can be unbecoming for me to talk too much about myself.