Do you think it’s a coincidence that some of the most influential business leaders in the world are also avid readers? Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Bill Gates are just a few examples.
Bill Gates says, “reading is still the main way that I both learn new things and test my understanding.” Warren Buffet is known for being an avid reader and says everyone should carve out time each day to sit, think, and read at least 500 pages (that sounds like a second full-time job!). While most of us can’t spend that much time reading and reflecting, there’s no denying the power that reading has.
There are compelling and transformative reasons for why we choose to read, such as:
- When you read, you gain clarity and give color to your own understanding.
- Reading illuminates and dramatizes our daily lives, giving us inspiration to draw from in the mundane.
- Books can transform our beliefs and opinions, sparking change even when it’s unintentional.
- Reading can help us broaden our worldview, and we can gain humility in the process.
- Reading teaches us to be better writers and communicators.
At redfox visual, we have a handful of avid readers on our team that would like to share their top books with you on marketing and creativity, life, and wellbeing. Because most of us are on the go, we’ve also included some of our favorite podcasts too.
Marketing, Creative, and Career
Building a Story Brand
Donald Miller uses the framework of the hero’s journey to tell your brand’s story. In this book, you’ll learn how to make your customer the hero, help identify their pain points (the villain), and lead them to see that transformation is possible by giving them the vision to follow. Building a Story Brand is an easy-to-understand guide for any business that wants to resonate with its customers.
The Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman addresses the everyday struggle of using poorly designed things. Door knobs, burner controls, and light switches that aren’t intuitive might not seem like a big deal, but they have a cognitive cost. Rooted in the principles of cognitive psychology, Norman reveals the relationships between control and functionality- showing that having an attractive AND usable design is possible. It’s a powerful book showing why some products intuitively satisfy customers while others leave them frustrated.
The Elements of Typographic Style
As a reference guide for designers worldwide, The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst combines practical, theoretical, and historical typographic knowledge into one useful book. It’s a must-have classic for everyone in graphic arts.
The Dip – A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (And When To Stick)
Bestselling author Seth Godin helps you navigate the tricky question of when to quit and when to keep going. He talks about how to figure out if you’re in a dip that’s worth your time, efforts, and talents. Winners learn when to quit, and quitters sometimes win. The key is knowing when!
Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women
Former White House Press secretary Dana Perino gives young career women everywhere a boost of reassurance in her book Everything Will Be Okay. She goes over common questions about relationship management, career path planning, and imposter syndrome.
Fiction, Non-fiction, and Life
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mark Manson brings a refreshing dose of realism to the modern positivity culture. He honestly professes that life is just hard sometimes, and instead of turning lemons into lemonade, we should be learning how to stomach lemons. Only when we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties can we begin to find the courage, perseverance, and curiosity we seek. Manson helps you learn what truly matters in your life because there are only so many things we can give a f*ck about.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a distinguished author, botanist, and citizen of the Potawatomi tribe. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer introduces us to the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers and asks questions about nature using the tools of science. “She takes us on a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise.” (Elizabeth Gilbert). When we can hear the languages of other beings, we will be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth and learn to give our own gifts in return.
The Carbon Almanac: It’s Not Too Late
The climate is one of the biggest issues of our time, and we’re at a crossroads. Modern media and marketing are filled with competing feelings of fear, optimism, and skepticism. The Carbon Almanac is a collaboration between hundreds of writers, researchers, and thinkers that focuses on the facts of what we know, what has come before, and what might happen next. Use the interactive cartoons, tables, and illustrations to learn the facts and a basis for a global movement to fight climate change.
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery
The now-famous ancient personality system, the Enneagram, is explained once again in this book. With undertones of spiritual mysticism, you can learn more about your tendancies through your assigned type. Peer into all nine personality types to better understand how people think, feel, and act.
It Ends With Us
In the mood for a touching romance novel? Follow the story of Lily- a small town girl who moves to the big city to start her own business. She meets a mysterious man who makes her curious about his past, and question her own in the process.
Midnight Sun
Nope, the Twilight saga isn’t dead yet! Hear the dark twist from Edward Cullen’s perspective and re-live the iconic love story all over again.
Podcasts
Or listen to our favorite podcasts:
- How’s Work? with Ester Perel
- Mystical/Cynical
- State of Demand Gen
- Kiss My Aesthetic
- Crime Junkie
- What We Said
We hope you gathered some inspiration for your next read!
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→ The Ultimate Local Online Marketing Guide You Need in 2022
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