I’ve fallen out of love with non-fiction reading over the last couple of years. Most of the new books that come out tend to have too much repetition and examples in them. It’s almost as if they are perfect for a long form essay, but the author has really dragged it out so it can be a book.
Take Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice as an example. I love the concept. Being the best at something is a combination of talent, circumstance and effort – and actually the latter two play a bigger part and are in our control. It was useful to have further context, evidence and examples. But, I reached a point where I was like ‘I get it – just give me practical advice and I’m out of here’. I couldn’t finish the book.
Podcasts have also taken a much larger share of my time. I probably listen to 5-10 hours a week. We have free access to some of the smartest people on the planet and podcasts are an amazing way to tap into that – whatever you’re interested in.
That said, for the first time in a while, I’m reading a book that I’m really into, and have quite a few lined up on my kindle I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into.
I’m currently reading The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Super easy to read and insightful.
And here are the books I have in my kindle queue:
Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Raising Resilient, Wholehearted & Empowered Kids by Nick Polizzi & Pedram Shojai
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Ravenous: Otto Warburg, the Nazis, and the Search for the Cancer-Diet Connection by Sam Apple
The Science and Technology of Growing Young by Sergey Young
The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds – Not Crushes – Your Soul by Brad Stulberg
A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life by Heather Heying & Bret Weinstein
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favours the Brave by Ryan Holiday (released 28th Sep, 2021)
Will by Will Smith & Mark Manson (released 9th Nov, 2021)
The Cold Start Problem: Using Network Effects to Scale Your Product by Andrew Chen (released 7th Dec, 2022)
Hard Work Pays Off: Transform Your Body and Mind with CrossFit’s Five-Time Fittest Man on Earth by Mat Fraser (released 4th Jan, 2022)
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