We’ve all heard the statistics about how the most successful leaders and innovators are also avid readers. I think the saying is: “Leaders are readers.” Well, I don’t always have time to read, so I make time to listen. In fact, I listen to about 25 books a year, thanks to Audible, and I try to read at least 5 actual books. I know that my reading goal is a really low one, but it works for me.
When to buy the book
And if I listen to a book that I really love, and want to have a deeper relationship with it, then I buy a physical copy to read, mark up, take notes, and refer to later. This is actually the highest compliment that I can give to a book and its author. Well, that and recommending it. You can bet that if a book really had an impact on me, I am going to want to tell everyone about it.
I also take my book recommendations very seriously, which means that only the ones that truly inspire me or resonate with me in some big way will get a recommendation.
What I like to read and/or listen to
My favorite kinds of books generally are those having to do with:
- Creativity
- Writing or the writing process
- Art
- Music
- Publishing
- Marketing and branding
It’s what I like to read and/or listen to. And, I especially love Biographies. I just finished listening to “Leonardo da Vinci,” which was so awesome, and I am now listening to “Einstein,” both of which were written by Walter Isaacson.
What about fiction
People ask me all the time, “What about fiction? Don’t you like to read novels?” I do like novels, but there is a higher risk that I will not be quickly engaged, and thus they will lose my attention before the end of the first chapter. I have many books on my shelves that fall into that category. So, no, I don’t read or listen to very much fiction…I am definitely a non-fiction girl!
Recommended reading
As for my recommended reading, there are several books that I have read or listened to in recent months that I really loved. Apart from the biographies mentioned above, here are some of my favorites. And yes, I DID buy the books!
“The Revenge of Analog,” by David Sax. I have written extensively about my own return to my analog roots, so this is a book that I found very validating.
“Steal like an Artist,” by Austin Kleon. It is marketed as a “manifesto for the digital age.” Not only am I a fan of this book, but I am a fan of Austin Kleon. He also has a great weekly newsletter, which I totally recommend. Check out his website to take a deeper dive into his creative world: www.AustinKleon.com.
“Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts,” by Ryan Holiday. This is an awesome book about how to make and market work that lasts (just as the title suggests). There are so many great takeaways in this book. And yes, you should follow Ryan Holiday. This guy is a reading writing rock star!
What inspires you
What about you? What inspires you? Have you read anything lately that you would recommend? If so, please share! I am always looking for fresh, inspiring ideas!