

6 Books That Helped Me Build a Daily Reading Habit | EP 91
Struggling to read more consistently? Discover practical strategies to integrate reading into your daily life effortlessly. The discussion highlights classic literature's power, featuring impactful works like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Animal Farm.' Delve into influential nonfiction, including Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations,' which introduces philosophy. Learn about productivity insights from 'Flow' and 'Deep Work.' Finally, grapple with the dangers of complacency through a thought-provoking look at '1984' while celebrating personal reading milestones.
17:09
Building a Daily Reading Habit
- Establish a consistent daily reading time.
- Start small, even just 10 minutes, and gradually increase duration.
Enjoying Reading
- Make reading enjoyable, not a chore.
- Pair reading with a pleasurable activity if you struggle with motivation.
Patience and Persistence
- Be patient with yourself; it takes time to build a reading habit.
- Expect initial challenges with focus and attention, but persist.
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Intro
00:00 • 7min
Exploring Classic Literature: Powerful Protagonists and Relatable Characters
07:12 • 2min
Exploring Ethics and Influential Nonfiction Reads
09:20 • 2min
Exploring Nonfiction: Flow and Deep Work for Enhanced Productivity
11:04 • 4min
The Dangers of Complacency and a Celebration of Reading
15:05 • 2min

#3
• Mentioned in 745 episodes
Meditations


Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

#99
• Mentioned in 107 episodes
Flow
The Psychology of Optimal Experience


Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.
' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback.
The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.

#1
• Mentioned in 883 episodes
1984

George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

#2
• Mentioned in 793 episodes
Atomic Habits


James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results.
Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation.
The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

#2175
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Reader Come Home

Dr. Marianne Wolfe

#155
• Mentioned in 82 episodes
Animal Farm

George Orwell
Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism.
The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones.
After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism.
However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against.
The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

#6
• Mentioned in 356 episodes
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World


Cal Newport
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.
The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'.
Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

#657
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Jane Eyre


Edmund Morrison Wimperis


Edmund H. Garrett


Jant van der Weg-Laverman


Charlotte Brontë
The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall.
There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice.
The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.

#2177
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Flowers for Algernon


Daniel Keyes
The novel tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a 32-year-old man with an IQ of 68 who is chosen for an experimental brain surgery designed to increase his intelligence.
Through his progress reports, Charlie's story unfolds as he gains intelligence, recovers forgotten memories, and grapples with the complexities of human relationships and the temporary nature of his newfound intellect.
The novel explores themes of mental disabilities, human nature, intelligence, and love, culminating in a tragic conclusion as Charlie's intelligence begins to decline, mirroring the fate of the lab mouse Algernon.
Most people want to read more but struggle to stay consistent. I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple ways to make reading part of my life without forcing it. I’ll share the strategies that worked, the six books that kept me hooked when my motivation dipped, and how to handle common mistakes—like getting stuck in books that feel impossible to finish.
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