Be Data Literate is the essential guide to developing the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking necessary to make anyone data literate, without needing a data science degree.

Be Data Literate by Jordan Morrow provides a basic introduction to data literacy, recently updated in 2024 to include a chapter on AI. While the book aims to make the subject accessible, its overuse of rhetorical questions and repetitive structure detracts from clarity and engagement. The content feels overly simplistic, with many references pulled from dictionary definitions, indicating that this is more suited for beginners who may have never encountered the concept of data literacy.

Despite the book's emphasis on effective communication of data, the author's own presentation falls short. The data visualizations are uninspired, and the anecdotes often feel bloated, diluting the key points. Additionally, tediously repeating the same framework for each chapter with some long-drawn-out explanation to address the chapter topic became tiresome. I questioned whether I had inadvertently jumped back in the text and was re-reading earlier sections.

The key takeaway I got from this vaguely boiled down — to doing the right thing at the right time with the right people. This surface-level insight offered little depth beyond standard self-help advice like finding mentors and continuous learning. The book provides few practical insights for anyone with a background in data analytics. It could have been better suited to a series of blog posts for students curious about the general scope of data science and analytics. I wouldn’t recommend it to professionals looking for more than a cursory overview of data literacy.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of Be Data Literate in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Be Data Literate is an essential guide for everyone in a our data-drive world. This book is an accessible read that breakdown data concepts and making it understandable for any readers from beginner to data specialist looking for a refresher. Clear and engaging writing breaks down the terms and is packed full of useful tips and insights to enable the reader to deepened their understanding of data literacy and how to make it applicable in their daily lives.

This is a comprehensive and compelling book on data written with good values in mind.
The final chapter is the highlight that offers excellent best practice tips and advice to analyse data and put the previously discussed information and values to practice, and Morrow’s prose is engaging and accessible.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jordan Morrow’s Be Data Literate is an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate the data-driven world of the 21st century. This book is a comprehensive and accessible resource that demystifies data literacy, making it approachable for readers from all backgrounds.

In Be Data Literate, Morrow outlines the critical skills needed to understand, analyze, and communicate with data. The book is structured around the four levels of analytics—descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive—and provides practical steps for developing data literacy.

While the book is non-fiction, Morrow’s engaging writing style brings to life the stories of individuals and organizations that have successfully harnessed data literacy to drive innovation and make informed decisions. These case studies serve as both inspiration and practical examples of how data literacy can be applied in different contexts.

Morrow’s writing is clear, concise, and engaging. He has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms without oversimplifying them. The book is filled with practical tips and actionable insights, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of data literacy.

Be Data Literate explores themes of empowerment, innovation, and the democratization of data. Morrow argues that data literacy is not just for data scientists but is a crucial skill for everyone in today’s digital age. The book highlights the transformative power of data literacy in driving better decision-making and fostering a data-driven culture within organizations.

Jordan Morrow has crafted a must-read guide for anyone looking to thrive in a data-centric world. Be Data Literate is not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging readers to embrace data literacy as a means to unlock new opportunities and drive meaningful change. Whether you’re a business professional, educator, or simply someone interested in understanding the power of data, this book is an invaluable resource.