What to read September ‘23

A curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page

‘What to read’ is my end-of-the-month recommendation and round-up of the books I read last month, which I think you would enjoy during your coffee breaks. 

It is a short, curated list of books that don't just fill your shelves—the kind of books that sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

These could be the books which provoked:

• The ideas that changed my mind unexpectedly (and could do the same for you)

• The reflections that inspired me to see the world a little differently

• Curiosity. You should know that curiosity not only boosts creativity but also helps you live longer, according to recent research...”¹

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Best discoveries from September ‘23: 

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman 

Burkeman's book reveals why productivity systems often fail: they're built on the fantasy of infinite time.

Read this if: 

• Your to-do list assumes you have unlimited time

• Your productivity system needs its own productivity system

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Knowledge workers spend 47% of their day on shallow tasks. Newport's, now, ‘productivity classic’ shows how this destroys our ability to think deeply.

Read this if:

• Your focus feels like a muscle you've forgotten to use

• Your workday is a collection of thousand notifications

​​Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Here's what attention research shows: we make 35,000 decisions daily. Most drain our energy without moving us forward.

The most fascinating finding is that people who identify one daily priority accomplish 326% more meaningful work than those who maintain multiple "top priorities."

Read this if: 

• Your calendar has no blank space

• Your "urgent" list takes over your "important" list

• You're ready to stop managing time 

That’s my list, what is yours? You know me, I’m always eager to get good book recommendations. What have you been reading the past month?

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/tracking-wonder/202312/curiosity-is-key-to-boosting-work-engagement-and-creativity

https://thiscuriouslife.uknica.co.uk/the-curious-path-to-longevity-how-being-curious-can-help-you-live-longer-and-better/#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20one%20study%20published,than%20those%20who%20did%20not.&text=While%20it%20may%20be%20tempting,Better%20Age%20positive%20photo%20library.