"Nonviolent Communication" might be a bit eyeroll-inducing, the concept of "When you X, I feel Y" statements are a cliche at this point. But push through it, this book is invaluable in improving communication skills.

I'm not sure any book has had as much of an impact on my ability to communicate effectively with other people. True, it's not "in my nature" but I'm hoping to fake it until I make it with this stuff, because I've noticed a marked difference with how coworkers seem to view interactions with me after employing the skills this book teaches, not to mention improved communication with my wife and even better parenting with my children.

It really is a game-changer, it takes work to think and operate this way but the payoff is huge. Hopefully with time this will become second nature to me (fingers crossed) but until then even being slow and deliberate with how I talk to people (including myself) to make sure I'm following the steps in this book is worth the payoff, everyone seems to really enjoy this manner of communicating, but I don't feel like a pushover. Even though my wife hasn't read the book, I can guide her through the feelings-based thinking when she's struggling with other people and it winds up really being useful.

The book itself is a little long-winded, it takes a bit too long to get to the point at times and you can feel things being repeated over and over. This may be to ensure that all readers have a chance to understand everything but it can be slightly frustrating when you feel like you get the material and want to keep moving on. Nonetheless this book is essential reading, I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend it to. Approach with an open mind and you'll be better for the experience.