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.
Let’s discuss the difference between shallow reading and deep reading. I picked up these definitions from Cal Newport’s book, Deep Work. Deep Work: Activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limits. These efforts create new value, improve your skills, and are hard to replicate. Shallow Work: NoncognitivelyContinue reading Shallow Reading vs Deep Reading
This book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, taught me about Existential Overwhelm. It’s a very real feeling that I get daily. Here’s the definition: Existential overwhelm happens when we’re faced with too many options for how to spend our time. It’s the idea that you could spend your evening learning to cook, readContinue reading Is Existential Overwhelm Real?
Have you come across the term “Brainrot” yet? It comes from our lifestyle of busy living, screen swiping, and “working in a state of semi-distraction” (Newport 43). We’re swamped with shallow work, the kind of tasks that do little to feed the growth of our brains. We spend most of the day checking email (shallow),Continue reading Battle Your Brainrot with Books
I was thrilled to get this message in my inbox today. I host my podcast with Buzzprout, a popular platform for distributing podcasts. According to their stats, The Read Well Podcast is in the top 5% of shows for 2024 according to listener support. That’s you! You’ve been listening and it shows. Thank you forContinue reading Thank You for Listening to The Read Well Podcast
Morning routines don’t work because of their complexity—they work because you show up consistently. In my new YouTube video, I take you through my simple reading-focused morning routine. It’s not just about setting intentions or clearing my mind—it’s about starting the day with purpose and the things that truly matter. Curious about how I doContinue reading A Simple Morning Routine That Fuels My Day
Yes, I have a Shakespeare strategy. I know, I’m a nerd. He’s a writer who gets even better with discussion, and I’ve always wanted to read him with friends. So, I’ve decided to make 2025 the year of the Shakespeare for myself. To make this work, I found a college course titled “Studies in Shakespeare”Continue reading My Shakespeare Strategy for 2025
Sunday is quiet. It’s the best time of the week to wake up early, make a cup of coffee, and watch the sunrise. Winter is setting in here, so much so, that my fingers and toes are aching with cold. It feels nice to wrap my hands around a hot cup and feel the steamContinue reading The Pleasure of Sunday Morning
Dr. Michael Huemer is considered one of the most prolific living philosophers today. Yes, there are living philosophers, and yes, I got to interview him! I’m currently editing this interview and will post it next week on my YouTube channel, but there’s a quote from the show I have to share today. Dr. Huemer said,Continue reading Editing My Interview with Dr. Huemer
I get a lot of comments from readers across my blog, YouTube channel, podcast, Facebook, and Instagram. One of the most common remarks has always been, “I can’t focus.” If you feel the same, let’s do a quick mental exercise. First, consider the fact that your focus is a skill you need to develop. FocusContinue reading Create a Focus Routine
You really are what you read. Let’s explore… If you only read poetry, you’ll probably dabble in poetic verse yourself. You may walk a little slower, smell the flowers, and write about them before you go to bed tonight. If you only read cookbooks, you’ll spend most of your time in the kitchen throwing doughContinue reading You Are What You Read