Reading in 2018 + tips 📚

So you think you don’t have enough time for reading?

Try this short recipe:

1. Take your smartphone

2. Go to settings.

3. Click on Battery/Screen time

4. You’re welcome

I had a smaller heart attack while conducting point 3. - I always knew time can fly while staring at the screen but not as tragically.

I’m not a big fan of audiobooks and can only consume shorter batches like 30 min podcasts so hacking books via audio is not my cup of tea. It’s hard to concentrate and I always feel that to make an actual impact within the brain, the experience of visual stimulation while reading is crucial. Especially non-fiction stuff. (Ok I just found out Dan Stevens recorded a dozen of audiobooks so I need to rethink O:))

It’s only this year I realized certain patterns in my relationships with books. Here are few of them - I’m super interested in yours and the way you’re consuming content these days! Hope you can leave a comment so we can start a discussion. :)

1. Reading biz books

The pace of change is almost unbearable in the last couple of years. When it comes to any kind of business/marketing/digital books, check the publishing date first thing. Of course, there are ‘evergreens’ such as Peter Thiel’s Zero to One but reading a random book from 2014 might not be such a brilliant idea in 2018. 😄 Beware!

Considering this fact, I never buy a paperback. Strangely enough (or maybe not), reading this genre on iPad has been a pure pleasure. Firstly, I always make notes in my Moleskine- it’s somewhat practical not to have 2 actual books. Secondly, the layout and colours make it easier to highlight, access and consume the whole thing. I remember more.

1. Kindle romance

My 2012 Kindle is still in good health. However, from all of the stuff I started, it was only fiction I managed to finish up until the very end. I don’t tend to go back or make notes - a troublesome action to handle on kindle.

1. Paperback specials

Buying a physical book is the very last option. I enjoy the experience from time to time but the second part of the problem is dealing with additional space required for storage. The real pain comes with moving so I do really think 5 times before I buy an actual book.

When does that happen?

• when the book is written in my native language by the native author

• coffee table books I always get back to looking for inspiration

• certain types of workbooks

• or when I just can’t get my hands on some title in other formats 🙂

What I read and what I’m still cracking on this year?

Intercom on Marketing

The Growth handbook

Intercom on Starting Up

I can't recommend these enough! (Especially if you have something to do in B2B SaaS.) Intercom has been sharing their learnings for years. Book publishing has been an integral part of their marketing. I had the opportunity to work with the product itself and all I can say is that these guys really know what they're doing. They constantly deliver great products, innovative, usable features and are excellent at product marketing. Check all of their publications here.

Alan Klement - When Coffee and Kale Compete

JTBD handbook that feels a bit like a textbook, which is not a bad thing. Currently reading. I'm planning to read the Intercom's take on JTBD and Product until the end of this year. Will probably share some outtakes once I'm finished.

Bag design by Fashionary

Well constructed workbook and guide all things bags.

The Celestine Prophecy

I'm not the biggest fan of New Age stuff but I certainly enjoy spiritual novels. It's been 11 years since I binge-read (almost) the entire work of Richard Bach. Although this book is not written very well, it contemplates a topic of 'energy' and how we can use it to our benefit. There's certainly something uplifting about it.

Laurent Gounelle - Dieu Voyage Toujours Incognito

I read this in Czech and loved it. A fun, inspiring book to go through - especially if you're on the mission of expanding your limits. Excellent writing. Surprisingly, it influenced my mindset pretty heavily considering I now have the key outtakes permanently stuck on the background of my brain.

Originals by Adam Grant

Massive disappointment. Will probably suit someone at the beginning of their careers or the ones that are only starting with psychology/biz books.

Mark Manson - The subtle art of not giving a f*ck

I've been reading Mark's blog for ages and was curious how will he approach putting together a whole book compared to shorter articles he's become popular with. The result is just splendid, fun, sometimes brutally honest read. A message that we all need to hear in this day and age. Haven't finished the entire book yet, so will keep you posted.

Sourdough by Robin Sloan

I started reading this book because I haven't read a good fiction novel from this day and age. (Please send recommendations). It's a slow read I find somehow boring - and that's probably why I haven't finished it yet.

The Working Woman's  Handbook

A workbook I came across on Instagram via Phoebe Lovatt. An inspiring take on how to manage creative work as a freelancer. Useful for brainstorming, defining your goals and setting up the structure for day-to-day work. Staying sane while working for yourself is not that easy. This handbook will help.

If you made it down here, thanks for your time - let me know what are you reading right now in the comments below! 📚

Should I share key outtakes from any of above?