Tag: audiobooks

  • Book 2: The Let Them Theory

    The Let Them Theory: The Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

    by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins

    No Subtitles
    English Subtitles
    Subtítulos en español

    I must say

    For example, I must say, I was a little bit sceptical at first because the idea is so simple, but…


    To be caught up in (something) / To get caught up in (something)

    We often use it to describe when someone becomes involved or entangled in a situation, often by accident or without intending to. Especially if the situation is negative, for example if it is difficult, complicated, confusing, scandalous, or dangerous.

    We can also be caught up in a positive situation or moment, for example, when we are influenced by the atmosphere or circumstances.  

    It can also mean to be so focussed on something that you lose awareness of other things. 


    To let someone down

    A phrasal verb that can mean different things depending on the context.

    In this case, it means to disappoint someone or fail to support/help them in the way they had hoped or expected.

    For example, If you’re worried about letting someone down.


    To deal with people/someone

    This is a general expression referring to interacting with people, manage relationships, or handle situations involving others.

    A related expression is to to deal with something, referring to how we manage (or handle) a situation.

    For example, This book has some useful strategies for dealing with manipulative personalities.


    To keep your boundaries / to maintain your boundaries

    An expression that refers to the attitudes, behaviour, and rules in an relationship. Defining your expectations from a relationship, what attitudes and behaviour you will and won’t accept. How you treat yourself and how you expect to be treated by others.

    Related expressions: to set boundaries.

    For example, This book talks about how you shouldn’t give your power away to other people. How you should respect them but also keep your boundaries.


    To highly recommend (something / someone)

    We often use the expression to highly recommed something/someone to express a strong endorsement or positive opinion. The combination of words is a typical “collocation” (words that are often used together).

    For example, I highly recommend reading this book // I highly recommend this book.


    Brand new

    An expression that means completely new. This is also an example of a collocation.

    For example, I wish I had read it years ago, but it is brand new!


  • Book 1: Slow Productivity

    Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

    by Cal Newport, a New York Times Bestselling Author.

    No subtitles
    English subtitles
    Subtítulos en español

    Knowledge-based work

    Knowledge-based work, refers to activities primarily relying on cognitive skills, expertise, and information processing rather than physical labour. 

    Knowledge workers are people whose main asset is their knowledge and the ability to apply it to solve problems, create new information, and contribute to organizational goals. 

    For example, this book is particularly interesting if you are a knowledge-based worker.


    The lost art of (something)

    An expression that refers to a skill or practice that was once common or valued but has become rare or uncommon due to changing times, technology, or cultural shifts. 

    It often implies a sense of nostalgia for a time when such skills were more prevalent and may be associated with a decline in quality or depth of experience. 

    For example, The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout


    Burnout

    Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion.


    To switch off

    A phrasal verb meaning to disconnect, relax, or disengage


    To recharge your batteries

    An expression meaning to energise yourself, usually by resting and relaxing in order to regain energy and strength


    Drowning in (something)

    An expression used to describe being overwhelmed or consumed by a large amount or number of something, often to the point of feeling stressed or unable to cope. 

    For example, so, for anyone that is drowning in too many projects, this is the book for you!


  • Summer Reading (& Listening!)

    No subtitles (& an out-take!)
    English subtitles
    Subtítulos en español

    Here in Spain, summer is well and truly here! And depending on the industry you work in, for many of us, that means a welcome break from work – at least for a week or two.

    For anyone who enjoys reading, the summer holidays are the perfect time to catch up on some reading whilst relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, or finding somewhere cool and shady to hide from the sun.

    Reading Is a Great Way to Improve Your English Language Skills

    If you are a non-native English speaker, reading is not only a very pleasurable way to spend some leisure time, but also an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills.

    Reading is a fantastic way to develop your comprehension skills, broaden your vocabulary by learning new words and expressions, and a chance to improve your grammar effortlessly as you repeatedly read a variety of grammatical structures.

    Choosing the Right Book

    However, in order to really enjoy the experience and feel like you’re improving, it’s very important to choose the right book. On the one hand, trying to read a book that is too challenging can be frustrating and demotivating, but on the other hand, a book that is too easy, may be boring.

    Fiction or Non-fiction?

    In the video above, I explain why I think non-fiction books are generally a better option for non-native English speakers than fiction. And in the following video blogs, I share a selection of book recommendations for adults and teenagers that cover a range of interesting topics.

    Audiobooks

    Nearly all of the books I recommend are also available as audiobooks on many Apps. Personally, I love listening to audiobooks at the gym, in the car, or when I’m cleaning, or going for a walk. Then, if I really like the book I’ve listened to, I usually buy them as a paperback or hardcover so I have a physical copy that I can read again.

    Podcasts

    If you have any great recommendations for books, audiobooks, or podcasts that you’d like to recommend, let me know!

    Leave a comment below or Send me a message via the contact page – I’d love to hear from you.


    Well and truly

    An expression that means completely / thoroughly.

    For example, the summer is well and truly here!


    To steer clear of (something/someone)

    An expression that means to avoid or stay away from

    For example, I would recommend steering clear of novels


    Without further ado

    An expression that means immediately / without delay or fuss.

    We usually use this when we are speaking rather than writing, and it is often used during a speech or presentation as a transitional phrase to introducing someone or something.

    For example, So, without further ado, I’m going to share some recommendations with you.