Four books that might interest you

Restricted freedom

Aspects of libertarian authoritarianism.

• Authors:inside: Oliver Nachtwey and Carolin Amlinger
• Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2022
• Pages: 480
• ISBN: 9783518430712

Rainbow flags waving next to Reichstag flags; anti-authoritarian-minded educated citizens demonstrating with a Jewish star on their chest against a supposed dictatorship of opinion or defaming the wearing of a mask as the "new Hitler salute": You can dismiss this as absurd theater. Or you can analyze why people from the progressive center drift into authoritarian, conspiracy-theoretical thought patterns. Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey expose the concept of freedom in current protest movements without presenting their protagonists as freaks. Definitely worth reading.

Does it also come in green?

See through industry tricks, buy sustainably.

• Authors: Kerstin Scheidecker and Katja Tölle
• Publisher: Campus Verlag, 2024
• Pages: 256
• ISBN: 9783593518374

"Climate-neutral", "regional", "natural cosmetics" - what is supposed to make us feel good when shopping is often not much more than hot air. The authors know this better than most. At Öko-Test, they have been scrutinizing the industry for years and have compiled their concentrated knowledge in this book. With meticulous research, they explain clearly and thoroughly what the problem is with the tomatoes on our ready-made pizza and the pictures of happy cows on the milk carton. Terrifying, but extremely worth reading.

Let the fear go

Break the cycle of worry and live free of fear.

• Author: Pia Callesen
• Publisher: Beltz Publishing Group, 2021
• Pages: 286
• ISBN: 9783407866202

Anxiety disorders are usually treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. This involves those affected analyzing their worries and fears with psychotherapeutic support and thinking about their causes. This is the wrong approach, says Pia Callesen. In her opinion, excessive thinking and analysis creates or reinforces the anxiety disorder. She recommends passively observing your own fears and simply letting them pass by. In her book, which is rich in exercises and examples from her own practice, she offers an alternative view of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Speak Up and Shine

Vocal empowerment for more presence and assertiveness.

• Author: Monika Hein
• Publisher: Campus Verlag, 2024
• Pages: 256
• ISBN: 9783593518497

At work, women tend to play down, speak quietly or keep their mouths shut more than men. This is partly due to traditional role models, says Monika Hein. Speech training is therefore not enough: if you want to speak louder, you first have to learn to set boundaries, endure conflicts and stand up for yourself. In addition to psychological advice, the coach also has more specific tips for intonation, expression and pronunciation. Anyone who wants to improve their own presentations or speeches in meetings will be well served by this guide.