This practice is inspired by Derek Sivers. I’ve been taking book notes for a few years now, and taking a lead from the likes of David Perell and Nat Eliason, I am providing my own takeaways here.
To see my notes, click on the linked title. I’ve included a short review to give you an idea what the book is about.
Atomic Habits by James Clear (10/10) One of the best books on self-improvement I’ve read. This is a book I’d recommend to anyone. There are so many actionable tactics throughout that anyone reading will find some benefit. Whether you’re trying to quit a bad habit or start a healthy or more productive one, James Clear navigates from conception to integration to application. This was a mindset-shifting book for me.
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell (10/10) This book/interview made me realize that I have been unconsciously trying to live like Luke Skywalker my entire life. A wonderful exploration of mythology and how it continues to affect our lives. Follow your bliss, baby.
Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon (9/10) A fantastic book on the importance of creating art in the open. Whether a social media page or a website like this, create a place to share your work.
First, We Make The Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson (8/10) A beautifully written account of dealing with anxiety and figuring out what is important in life. Sarah Wilson takes you along on her own dealings with anxiety across her lifetime.
How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big by Scott Adams (8/10) A defining book for me that shaped many of the ways I organize my life and consider what I spend my time doing. It comes at you from a few different angles, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and practical skill development and then telling of the importance of mindset. Great book for anyone beginning a creative or professional endeavor.
Beyond Order by Jordan B. Peterson (8/10) A follow-up to his wildly popular 12 Rules For Life. I found this book to be more engaging and relatable. It covers similar themes as the first book, hammering home his main philosophies of responsibility, self-awareness, and understanding the complexities of human nature in a similar way. As with the preceding book, this one is verbose and overwritten at times. But within its pages, there are many solid nuggets of wisdom. Chapters 4, 9, 10, & 11 are especially insightful.
Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday (7/10) A great book for anyone aspiring to live a creative life. Ryan Holiday outlines the potential roadblocks ego can cause you along the three stages of any goal in life: aspiring, success, failure. A good reminder to remain humble and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
If This Isn’t Nice, What is? by Kurt Vonnegut (7/10) A collection of commencement speeches spanning 23 years that contain nuggets of wisdom and truth about how to live a good life.
Down & Out In Paris & London by George Orwell (7/10) The first of Orwell’s non-fiction novels. I find Orwell’s ability to convey his lived-experience through words incredible. This is a detailed and visceral account of his time as a dishwasher in Paris and tramping around London. It paints a picture of a different world–life in the late 1920s. It is compelling and beautifully written.
Do The Work by Steven Pressfield (6/10) The follow-up to the incredible book, The War Of Art. More of the same straightforward goodness that I’ve come to expect with Pressfield, without packing quite the same punch as the first book. It becomes more niche and less accessible to the average reader. Still, a fantastic book if you’re looking to lead a creative life.
Skin In The Game by Nassim Taleb (6/10) A book on the importance of having tangible stakes in your endeavors in life. Without risk, we will not be fully committed to the challenges that will inevitably arise. Invest in people and institutions that are affected by the outcomes of their practices. If there is no accountability through skin in the game, you can bet there won’t be true accountability, in general.