Nerd Know-How

Following the excellent "Release Your Inner Nerd," Beth Ziesenis documents the apps everyone is talking about and then, without resorting to needless jargon or complication, explains how to get the very best from each and every one of them. However, while the 27+ apps in the title get the headlines, Beth never assumes that those particular choices are best for the audience, so the book also details out dozens of competitive, alternate options for the reader. Throughout the book the language is accessible, the advice tangible, and the choices are superb. The book covers everything from organization to collaboration, sharing to design, creation to travel, and apps that help you outsource your tasks. There's a special section on Google too, helping readers get the most from the 500lb gorilla in the app room. A handy reference lists all the major apps and their alternatives, and any book that has a sleeve-note from Seth Godin gets my attention every time. Full disclosure: Beth asked me to write a small section on one of my favorite tools, which I was happy to do. This doesn't affect my opinion of the book.