Though I love to read, I’m probably like most: I go through cycles. At my pique performance I’m consuming about 6 books per month, but that means the weather is bad or the story is too good to set down. Usually, I’ll pace around 4 books each month, switching back and forth between books that will influence my business life, and novels that inspire, inform, or entertain.
In the last two-ish months, I’ve read:
We all want Apple’s silver bullet, and what I got from this was some silver buckshot. While I didn’t walk away with the secret to living an Apple life, I did get a few fun morsels that I’ll keep with me. While a good Steve Jobs anecdote can make anyone happy, I got more from the flow of business decisions that took Kocienda through his career, past and present.
Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Life
by James Victore
As a creative that leads a creative team, I needed Victore’s frank speak just as delivered. It’s refreshing to read something designed, as opposed to simply stories in chapter form, and his grit and humor landed solidly for me. “Run From Comfort” is a theme I try to practice and will never master, so experiencing another designer’s journey first hand through his own words was a delight.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
This was recommended to me by a friend that shared with me it had life changing powers. With an eleven year old in the house, I figured I could use all the help I could get. It simultaneously challenged me and affirmed my own points of view, and yes, I’ve used some of my learning.
Hilarious, unpredictable, and only for entertainment, an account of Obama and Biden’s time travel exploits and adventures in comic book form. Only for the fans of Obama, NOT for children.
A quick read on concepts that will sound too jargon-y to be used on non-marketers: Information Architecture and UX, How to Make Sense of Any Mess contains two sections that I’ll reference later on charting and categorizing content. I won’t use it every day, but I’ll remember it when faced with a certain-shaped-marketing-riddle.
The Keeper of Lost Things: A Novel
by Ruth Hogan
As one that attaches meaning to objects large and small, this novel promised to be fascinating. I found the story line sweet but not saccharinely so and enjoyed its loveliness for the time of the read.
Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs
by Monty Don
This novel combined my two passions: gardening and dogs. Monty is a heroic British television personality that I adore, and his ability to coin a phrase is remarkable. The writing was emotive but not difficult, and the topics are favorites. It was over too soon.
Next Up...
What’s On Order, On the Nightstand or Next in the Lineup
If Beale Street Could Talk, James Baldwin
The Missing Of Clairedelune, Book Two, Chirstelle Dabos
Every Tool’s A Hammer: Life Is What You Make It, Adam Savage
The Complete Claudine, Colette
I Ain’t Sorry for Nothin’ I Done: August Wilson’s Process of Playwriting, Joan Herrington
The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture, Scott Belsky
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