Books I like
This page is a work in progress - it’s not linked to from anywhere, so well done for finding it.
I occasionally listen to audiobooks on the walk to work or when out exercising. In no particular order:
Ted Forsyth - Bodega Link to heading
A short but hilarious book in a universe made up by Ted Forsyth, better known as Pflax from the Triforce podcast. What initially started as some fun chapters read on the podcast blossomed into it’s own book by popular demand. My favourite chapter was the one with the planet who’s entire economy was based around everyone litigating against eachother.
Tiago Forte - Building a second brain Link to heading
Convinced me to totally re-organise my ~1400-file Obsidian vault into the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resourecs, Archives). Still rocking it a few years later, so I’d say the advice was pretty good.
James Clear - Atomic Habits Link to heading
Motivating, actionable summary of the principles around Habits and habit formation. Good one to revisit every now and then.
Philip K Dick - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Link to heading
The inspiration for the Blade Runner films. Great audiobook.
Derek Sivers - 27 Ways to live your life Link to heading
This book was single-handedly the best self-help book I have ever read, even if calling it “help” is a bit of a stretch. I came out with more questions than answers. And this is a great thing! I recommend listening through it once to get thoroughly confused in your sense of self and what is important in life, and then again through a second time with a fine comb to really pull out the bits you resonate with.
Don Norman - Design of Everyday Things Link to heading
I came out of this with a better appreciation of the thought that goes into design, from User Interfaces to Stovetops and revolving doors.
If your design needs a label, consider another design.
Oliver Burkeman - 4000 weeks Link to heading
David Thomas, Andrew Hunt - The Pragmatic Programmer - 20th Anniversary Edition Link to heading
Peter Brown, Henry Roediger III, Mark McDaniel - Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Link to heading
David Epstein - Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Link to heading
This was written pre-LLM-takeover. Does it still ring true? Dunno. TODO write a blog post about this maybe.
Stephen Covey - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Link to heading
Given to me by a family member. Actually genuinely good advice the whole way through, would recommend.
Other ones that I found quite interesting but wouldn’t necessarily try ram down your throat to read Link to heading
Thomas Sowell - Basic Economics Link to heading
At 28 hours of listening, it was certainly a commitment, but man was it good. I did feel that it leant too heavily into the idea that a free-market economy is the answer to every economic issue.
Sun Tzu - The Art of War Link to heading
Reads closer to poetry than concrete implementation, but a fascinating read nonetheless.
“All warfare is based on deception.”
Cal Newport - Slow Productivity Link to heading
The successor to Deep Work, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I found the arguments thought-provoking but more relevant to a solopreneur or academic with more ability to choose their own schedule.