These blog posts are short, daily ideas on reading deeply, taking notes, and applying the ideas. Each post is written by Eddy Hood with the goal of encouraging readers to pick up a book in favor of technology.
I don’t think Fyodor Dostoyevsky could get a publishing deal today. Agents want easy-to-digest stories with “pacing” and direct prose. I’ve been to writing conferences where you pitch your story ideas to agents, and they all want the same thing: something that will sell. It no longer matters if it’s good; it only matters ifContinue reading Fyodor Dostoyevsky Couldn’t Get Published Today
Take a moment to stand up and walk over to your bookshelf. What do you see? Each book represents a neatly packaged set of ideas, beautifully designed and ready to connect with you. Your bookshelf is a reflection of your interests and passions. Now, scan your books and find one that catches your attention. OpenContinue reading Visit Your BookShelf
Sönke Ahrens, author of How to Take Smart Notes, says, “You can start working and developing ideas immediately by taking smart notes. Complexity is an issue, though. Even if you don’t aim to develop a grand theory and just want to keep track of what you read, organize your notes, and develop your thoughts, youContinue reading The Purpose of Taking Notes
Anne Lamott got it right by saying, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” The reboot function fixes most phones, computers, and other electronic tomfoolery. If it’s running slow, shut it down and relaunch. When I read a book each day, that’s my reboot switch. I unplugContinue reading Read a Book – Reboot Your Life
In her fantastic book, Reader Come Home, Maryanne Wolf describes a time in her adult life when she longed to read books like she had as a child. She was hungry for something substantial after realizing that a life full of 140-character tweets, digital media providing non-stop sensory overload, and “hollow” reading experiences, left herContinue reading How to Fix Your Reading Brain
When was the last time you slowed down to do something really well? I’m talking about those moments where you tell yourself, “I’m going to give my all to this project!” For some reason, when I do this, I feel a sense of excitement. I’m leaving behind the race, tired of skimming ideas, half-assing myContinue reading Decide to Do Something Well
The Bible almost got it right. Ecclesiastes 3:4-5 should have read, “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to listen to audiobooks and a time to read paper books…” Audiobooks are a more passive form of learning; they lend themselves well toContinue reading Are AudioBooks Better Than Paper Books?
I’m almost 44. I have two college degrees (Accounting and an MBA), and I’ve read hundreds of books. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on things. Then, I went back to college for a degree in philosophy with a minor in English. I’m three weeks in and just submitted my first paper, anContinue reading I’m Not As Smart As I Thought
I recently finished a book by Yasmine Mohammad called Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam. Her story is one of complete courage in fighting for her freedom and life. I loved this book for two reasons. First, she exposes the harsh truths of living in a home governed by fundamental religious beliefs, forcing herContinue reading Unveiled by Yasmine Mohammed
A few people in my book club are behind on their reading books. Let’s talk about that. First of all, it’s perfectly fine to get behind. We’re not machines, and we’re never going to be. Second, I record every meeting so you can watch at your own pace. That way, you won’t have spoilers asContinue reading Behind on Reading Books?