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.
Improving focus seems to be a major theme around here. A few months ago, I lost my AirPod case and thought it was the end of the world. I’m the kind of guy who loves filling every possible second with interesting information. My AirPods gave me a way to always learn with audiobooks or YouTubeContinue reading A Quick Tip for Improving Focus
Warning: Today’s post is rosy-eyed and overly optimistic. If you would rather be in a bad mood, then skip this one. Call me romantic or even naive, but I love a fresh start, so the New Year is my favorite holiday. I giggle (yes, giggle) over the prospect of designing the next 12 months ofContinue reading LIVE DEliberately (As a Reader) in 2025
As a reader, I thought you might appreciate this quote. “When I dance, I dance; when I sleep, I sleep.” This wisdom comes from Michel de Montaigne, the French essayist (1533 – 1592). He was obsessed with the experience of life and found that writing about his phenomenon was the best way to know himself.Continue reading Michel De Montaigne on Dancing
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