My books in 2020
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In a modern interconnected world, it is not trivial to put concentrated work into the professional regimen. An ability of people to immerse into this thin layer of complete focus takes practice and sacrifices. So does the book is about, where author describes the deep work, requires substantial attention and continuous thinking processes.
Professor Cal puts effort to demonstrate the value and importance of deep work for knowledge related fields, and how it can affect to boost the professional expertise in the given area compared to the predominant shallow works which are in our daily obligations. To support argumentation, several stories and rituals of famous writers, scientists advanced in the their careers are provided. The intensity multiplied by the time spent, the equation to assess the quality of their work makes pure sense then.
And again, no dissapointment from already the second book from Newport series in my shelf.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book unleashes a little more than biographical background of South African leader. It as well describes the political situation in South Africa, apartheid, the oppression of Black African folk for long years which preceded Mandela lead protests and subsequent improsonment.
Rare of today, it is of abilities of great human to be ready to die for principles. Being taken freedom away for 27 years and yet to stay full of hope, energy to still fight and positive approach to life takes a huge work on someone’s mentality and patience. Putting the freedom of brothers and love to countrymates above self to overcome pain and constant struggles is truly extraordinary.
Would recommend the book to anyone interested in the topics of racial equality, biographies of courageous figures and those doing research on South African politics, economy and history of 20th century.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Some analogous thoughts have been bouncing around in my head for a time until I stumble upon the book of Mark Manson, which puts everything into a single title. Here I would like to rather emphasize on the “Subtle art” part, since it really is, and so has to be treated and practiced that way.
The book suggests to once more realize a few life concepts I thought important, such as no one is special, redefinition of own’s values and inevitability of death. Although we may hear these ideas separately of each other, author recompiles as a sole organic product into our attention. It is evident the author formulated strong beliefs after series of personal incidents and unique life experiences that brought him into mental transformation.
Yes, I was smiling broadly during the paragraph about St. Petersburg and the frankness of russian people, which may sound rude to westerners. Very true. I would like to have another piece of reading from the author.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life / The Little Book of Lykke / Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living by Hector Garcia Puigcerver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I did not notice how, but since recently (last 4 years) during the time I do doctorate, a few Japanese terms of their ancient culture was slowly calling more interest thereby growing bias neural connections in my mind. I link that situation with adore to their patience, passion for perfection and community sense mindsets. This is how one day I was introduced to 生き甲斐, ikigai. The work of H. Garcia and F. Miralles was often mention on Medium, while researching more about the roots of ikigai.
Happiness and longevity were always criteria I valued high. Hence it was fascinating to read several interviews from the longest living people of earth. Some of them who struggled many decades have worked out resilient and even self-ironic attitude. It really makes your problems fade away or diminish when you hear wisdom of those who saw two wars, hunger, unemployment in their lifespan and still laugh continuing to smoke. So incredible.
Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons In Life by Richard Branson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is a core philosophy if you look closely into each of self-made billionaires (so as the title of the author’s). Richard Branson, starting the first business in the late 60s, is unique example to scrutinize for modern willing entrepreneurs. His passion, adventurous and energetic virtue to create and live the life to the fullest made me drop the jaw a few times. In the age without internet and fast communications he is an interesting model who built grand success.
I especially admire his sense of responsibility to take decisive actions towards tackling environmental, social and health issues. It shows he cares and prioritizes global village after gaining enough of financial assets and the powerful network. Examples of company’s green initiatives, programs in South Africa, negotiations in Middle East for the safety of countrymates, all fall into this category.
Despite of the image created in the media of him, I could truly see depth of his continuously active mind. Credits to extreme life experiences which this wonderful businessman pulled through and shared in this book.
The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although the audience for this content is suitable for everyone, I think it may greatly be of use to startups, and/or big company managers on the path to utilize so-called disruptive technologies. The author provides foundational basis: terminology, reasons, consequences and guidance on potential solutions to resolve Innovator’s dilemma.
Throughout chapters I was driven by historical episodes of success/failure stories of known companies, lessons learnt and case studies with necessary charts that illustrate concepts related to disruptive technologies.
At the end of each chapter, author provides extensive notes and references to each of important statements discussed. Reader can deepen into further readings and learn on the topic with the directions given from the author’s side, be it a reference to an academic article, short historical excerpts or notes from personal experience or interviewing experts’ opinions on the field.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is the apprehension basically on different level when veteran of entrepreneurship writes. The book with key lessons taken from real life and own experience. Therefore it is better to be twice attentive and take notes on every insight shared in this piece of golden material. Peter Thiel, the cofounder of Paypal, Palantir and the early investor of famous startups (Facebook, SpaceX, LinkedIn) imprints the whole idea and the secret ingridient for every startup to become successful: to follow “Zero to One” principle.
The book is simple to digest, without overwhelming terminology and economic/business concepts. At the same time, the great entrepreneurial wisdom is clear to observe. Author provides real-world examples to explain, going smoothly from macro to micro, and micro to macro scales. Being of engineering background, and not having ever taken any of business courses, I felt very excited and comfortable throughout the whole book.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is of something that made me reconsider my sleeping ritual. I took it for granted as just necessity we cannot avoid, and often sacrificing hours. It would be worth to say that material has serious volume and depth, since author seems to deliver results of thorough academic research conducted for many years.
The book starts by describing each stage (deep, light, REM) of sleeping process, and their essential advantages to our brain activities. Then, for the next few chapters author argues of medical and aging effect of sleep, examining Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, cancers, reporting negative correlations. Education, where our brain is involved the most, is also affected. Our ability to memorize, store and understand is skewed with deficiency and quality of sleep.
In general, I would recommend this reading for audience who prioritize health, and willing to soundly acquire principles of sleeping mechanism.
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book having in the title the word “art” not by chance, is actually narrating how happiness is considered as something that can be achieved with practice from the perspective of his holiness the Dalai Lama, the carrier and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
Co-author, H. C. Cutler, the western psychiatrist asks well-guided questions, gives thorough interpretations on Dalai Lama’s responses and additionally provides examples from personal professional experience to establish connections for understanding from the western viewpoint.
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book is a light read, and rather a guide to acquire navigation principles for ever changing emotions, and to start questioning own mind. It is also a real-life story in which a man shares practical lessons learnt during the period of ashram stay. Through primitive lifestyle, struggling and patience helped author to adapt living purposefully, on service.
Service, apart from harsh and single lives, is a unique feature of monk. Teaching yourself to help, work onto the prosperity of other creatures will roll toward inner peace and happiness, sometimes with the sacrifice onto the oneself.
We are all influened by hundreds of different thought processes occuring every second in our brains. In that sense, it is important to delegate a control to the monk, not the monkey minds to live a long and prosperous life. For that reason, we better train, serve and meditate, the author suggests.
A great book!
One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have heard of term “kaizen” a few times in life. If I am not wrong, the first time I remember was during one of our high school classes when teacher gave a small paragraph to read. Also met the concept in modern books with resonating topics, like lean startup. The book itself is pocket-sized and short. Depending on reading speed/quality average adult can finish up under 3-4 hours.
In the modern society where obsession for quick and greater results is injested into our minds, author brings back to the power of taking small steps. The heart of kaizen lies in rolling continuous incremental improvements rather than stochastic peaks of productivity. The importance of tasting small, but successful result and giving tiny rewards for yourself are key elements to enjoy the work and encourage the further progress.
Would be good to return to this book from time to time. So i do allocate a tiny spot on my shelf for Dr. Maurer’s tips.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book uncovers simple truth of people with extraordinary achievements. Not only how much they do, but also how intense/newly efforts they put into the process. Especially insightful for me were case studies of real people’s experiences, sometimes successful, and not so at others. On how to balance, guidelines to avoid early traps, and a few career advices are suggested. The importance of gaining sufficient career capital before jumping out straight into solving the real world problems is unveilished fully.
No matter what you do and whether you have so-called real passion for the job, but rather, how you do it and the right attitude are the key takeaway of the book for me. I even have special tag for it: “the ultimate monk mindset”.
Glad it reached my reading list.
My Life And Work by Henry Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
That is and totally sounds like an original telling of some true engineer, the maker of engines, and the father of automobile manufacturing lines. Sensible, and constructive approach to several matter of things on a few topics, the breadth of which go beyond the “Ford” company originations.
We shall not forget any non-fiction book published a century ago may at least indirectly represent historical changes, reflect the conditions and lifestyle of average men living in that period. Henry Ford, however, was an exceptional visionary in these terms, to whom modern people share common vision with, and even crediting for major manufacturing beliefs we are inheriting today. A simple example I kept remembering, is putting focus on the productivity of workers, by limiting working hours, increasing wages, and multi-shifts on plant to operate several machines. Being pacifistic views, he understood the prosperity of nations starts from peace and the capability to consume necessities. Thanks to him, “hello”, cars stopped being luxury class privilege much earlier in the US, and then pushing worldwide.
The book is a fine read for everyone interested in the evolution of cars, manufacturing processes of early 20th century, and to those curious minds simply willing to know more about the life of the noble industrialist.
Hackers & Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age by Paul Graham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I respect smart people who would have some background on their shoulders building something great. I relate Paul Graham, known as cofounder of Y Combinator and PhD graduate of computer science at Harvard (PhD is nowhere easy, but that place, heard, is tough as hell), to one of these few. Okay, enough about the author.
Soon I recognized the book is literally collection of most essays from his personal website: http://www.paulgraham.com/articles.html. Those wondering taste of some may firmly proceed with the link and find out exactly same contents saving extra money. As for me, I would anyway purchase the hardcopy, since not all, but some essays are pure brilliant in terms of creativity, depth of human thinking and wide-angle perspective due to life experience the author had to overgo.
Charming, but try to read essays online first :)
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed listening the “Outliers” audiobook. Not sure about same, but it gave me pretty deep dive experience into the ideas author argues when compared to paperback one.
To start with, the study itself and the approach taken to look at extraordinary people was creative and strong to make sense with several well-constructed case studies. Famous rockstars, software wizards, world-level athletes are definitely smart and diligent people, but there is something else. I encourage reader to go through the book and apprehend what this “else” really is. It is because personally for myself, I think I may nowadays if not doubt, but at least consider other factors into making assumptions and laying perspectives towards in the situations when I next time hear about some person/community being so special.
Powerful idea. Powerful ending.
The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Author has probably done a great job on introducing the term and extending the concepts of lean proccesses. Me, however, as general purpose reader, who is not very close to the business related operations felt sometimes odd, but kept reading. Maybe that’s my fault not doing enough of research on its reviews.
I mean there are certainly things to grasp from the first reading. For example, now I got interested in learning more about ensõ circle, Toyota company’s internal organization and clearly see advantages of build-measure-learn loops. However, I did not always feel captivated and resonated with the overall flow of the book.
Recommend only to readers with specific training.
The Way I Am by Eminem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For some, the G.O.A.T. of rap, being the huge fan of Em, I was more interested in his inner nature and the becoming. What were/are the experiences which formed him and more importantly, his attitude to the things shifting.
It is so deep sometimes as if Marshall talks directly into your head with personal sad stories in own narration and tone. At other times comes the funny humour, especially his known mastery of using “f*ck” with everything.
Last pages of the book are golden: collection of handwritten lyrics on the draft papers of his future hits are presented. Inspiring.