Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the ever-evolving landscape of data-driven decision-making, Jordan Morrow's book, "Be Data Analytical: How to Use Analytics to Turn Data into Value," stands out as a beacon for professionals seeking to unlock the hidden potential within their data. With clarity and insight, Morrow guides readers through the intricate world of analytics, emphasizing the strategic conversion of raw data into actionable insights.

The Four Levels of Analytics

Morrow's approach centers around the four levels of analytics: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive. Each level plays a crucial role in transforming data into value:

- Descriptive Analytics: Like a doctor diagnosing symptoms, descriptive analytics provides a snapshot of what's happening. It answers the "what" questions, laying the groundwork for deeper analysis.

- Diagnostic Analytics: Moving beyond symptoms, diagnostic analytics delves into the "why." It uncovers patterns, correlations, and causal relationships, helping us understand the underlying causes.

- Predictive Analytics: Here, Morrow draws parallels with medical research. Predictive analytics forecasts outcomes based on historical data. Just as doctors recommend treatments, predictive models guide decision-makers toward informed choices.

- Prescriptive Analytics: Finally, prescriptive analytics prescribes actions. Imagine a doctor prescribing medication to alleviate symptoms. Similarly, prescriptive analytics suggests optimal strategies for achieving desired outcomes.

- Data Visualization: Beyond Numbers
Morrow wisely emphasizes that data visualization is not the end goal but a powerful means to an end. Visualizations breathe life into data, making it accessible and impactful. They bridge the gap between raw numbers and actionable insights, enabling decision-makers to grasp complex information intuitively.

What sets "Be Data Analytical" apart is its blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom. Morrow shares relatable experiences, making the journey from data to value relatable. Whether you're a seasoned data analyst or a curious beginner, this book offers valuable takeaways.

In a world awash with data, Morrow's book serves as a compass, guiding us toward meaningful insights. "Be Data Analytical" empowers readers to navigate the analytics landscape, turning data into actionable intelligence. As Bernard Marr, Founder & CEO of Bernard Marr & Co., aptly puts it: "A must-read for anyone looking to harness the power of data."

I’ve recently been taking a course of Data Analytics, so I decided to read Be Data Analytical to give myself a little bit of a deeper dive into the topic. Be Data Analytical is full of great information on collecting and using data! This would be a great book for someone starting out on their Data Analytic journey, but for more experienced professionals, it may be lots of review with a few new tips and tricks scattered in.

Written for the layperson, this book is a clear description of what data analytics is all about. The author gives many examples of how data is gathered, used, and finally can make predictions on what can happen next. If you know next to nothing about this process, I highly recommend this book. If you are a data professional, you might get some tips, but this might be too elementary for you. I'm kind of in the middle, and being so, I learned a lot and skimmed a lot.

A must have if you work in the tech industry. This book helps explain how companies can make the most of their data to help their businesses thrive using all levels of analytics: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive. This book helped me expand upon my wealth of knowledge in the UX research domain. I highly recommend.