"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."
Mark Twain
PRODUCTIVITY
Deep Work by Cal Newport
The best guide I've read on how to navigate the current landscape of constant distractions that we impose on ourselves. Newport makes the case for limiting your exposure to all kinds of online distractions and instead do the work. You can't afford not to read this one.
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SPIRITUALITY
Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
A fantastic book about a young gymnasts spiritual journey and awakening. Read and re-read. Makes you ponder what really matters in life.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
The story of news-anchor Dan Harris and his discovery of meditation as a way to handle his anxiety and increase overall satisfaction in life. Many people start out as sceptics when it comes to the area of meditation or spirituality in general. Therefore Harris' story is incredibly helpful as it shows in real-time how the author is convinced about the utility of the practice.
Don Miguel Ruiz - The Four Agreements
Spiritual must-read. Don Miguel Ruiz highlights what behaviors we all should nurture — and which ones to abolish.
My notes on the book (PDF)
BUSINESS
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
I recommend the audio version of this book, read by Sivers himself. This is a short listen, not much more than one hour, but packed with so many valuable lessons about building a company with customer satisfaction as the main goal. Even just the insights in the chapter "Why I gave my company to charity" is worth your money for this one.
The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker
The framework offered by Drucker applies to more people than you might think. Drucker's definition of an executive is basically anyone that makes decisions in an organization. The parts on how to get the right things done also applies largely to anyone working for themselves.
What I like is that the focus on the strength of individuals, rather than on the weaknesses. There are many concrete recommendations. For example for promoting employees, where Drucker says to ask these four questions to oneself regarding the employee:
What I like is that the focus on the strength of individuals, rather than on the weaknesses. There are many concrete recommendations. For example for promoting employees, where Drucker says to ask these four questions to oneself regarding the employee:
"What has he [or she] done well?"
"What, therefore, is he likely to be able to do well?"
"What does he have to learn or to acquire to be able to get the full benefit from his strength?"
"If he had a son or daughter, would I be willing to have him or her work under this person?"
"If yes, why?"
"If no, why?"
My notes on this book (PDF)
BIOGRAPHIES
Open by Andre Agassi
Agassi was drilled by his ruthless father from a young age to become the best tennis player in world. He succeeded. This is the story of what it cost. Agassi's rebel mentality is an inspirational light in a surprisingly dark story.
FICTION
Stoner by John Williams
A beautiful, epic, slow-moving tale of the life of a scholar and teacher. Shows just what a life can be — full of disappointments, but also with glimmers of hope and moments of pure joy.