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#472: Books I've Loved — Debbie Millman

Oct 9, 2020

Guest

Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman, a renowned designer and host of Design Matters, shares her literary journey and the impact of reading on her life. She reflects on how limited childhood television sparked her love for books, which provided comfort and shaped her identity. Millman delves into the emotional ties between branding and human connection, drawing from influential literature. She highlights transformative titles like 'Pattern Recognition' and 'Hunger,' illustrating how literature can redefine personal connections and inspire innovative storytelling.

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ANECDOTE

Early Reading Habits

Debbie Millman's love for books started with Golden Books and Scholastic Book Club as a child.
Limited TV time fueled her reading, exploring diverse genres, even sneaking into her father's library.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Rediscovering a Treasure

Millman rediscovered a cherished childhood book, "The Little Golden Book of Words," after a long search.
The book, with illustrations by Gertrude Elliott, sparked her interest in words and color.

insights

INSIGHT

Tristram Shandy's Innovation

Laurence Sterne's "Tristram Shandy" is a forerunner of stream of consciousness and self-reflexive writing.
Published in 1759, it employed innovative techniques like blank chapters and playful typography, predating modernism and conceptual art.

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Nostalgia for Books: A Childhood Journey

04:16 • 4min

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Exploring Life Through Influential Literature and Design

08:11 • 5min

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The Emotional Landscape of Branding and Belonging

12:54 • 4min

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Exploring the Transformative Power of Literature

17:04 • 4min

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Essentialism

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Greg McKeown

In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default. ' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.

The Tao of Seneca

Practical Letters from a Stoic Master

Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)

This book is a compilation of Seneca's letters, known as the *Epistulae Morales* (Moral Epistles), which provide practical advice on Stoic principles. It covers topics such as the importance of living in accordance with nature, the dangers of external influences on happiness, the value of self-control, and the pursuit of virtue. Seneca's writings emphasize the need to focus on inner strength, endurance, and the cultivation of a sound mind, rather than seeking happiness through external goods like fame and riches.

The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody 'Bod' Owens, a young boy who escapes his family's murderer, known as the man Jack, and finds refuge in a graveyard. There, he is adopted and raised by the ghostly residents, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, and protected by the mysterious caretaker Silas. As Bod grows up, he learns supernatural abilities and faces various dangers both within and outside the graveyard. The book follows Bod's adventures and his eventual transition into the world of the living, exploring themes of identity, family, and the intersection of life and death.

Pattern Recognition

William Gibson

Published in 2003, 'Pattern Recognition' follows Cayce Pollard, a marketing consultant with a sensitivity to corporate symbols, as she navigates a world of global marketing, internet subcultures, and the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The novel explores themes of pattern recognition, the human desire for meaning, and the impact of technology on society. Cayce's quest to uncover the origin of enigmatic video clips takes her through London, Tokyo, and Moscow, delving into the complexities of contemporary culture and the blurring lines between art and commercialization.

Building stories

Chris Ware

Building Stories is a 2012 graphic novel by Chris Ware, composed of fourteen printed works including cloth-bound books, newspapers, broadsheets, and flip books. The work, which took a decade to complete, focuses on the life of an unnamed female protagonist with a missing lower leg, along with other inhabitants of a three-story brownstone apartment building in Chicago. The stories can be read in any order and delve into themes of loss, relationships, and the human experience. Ware's meticulous hand-drawn compositions manipulate time and space, creating a profound emotional impact on the reader. The physical aspects of the book, such as paper quality and binding, are also carefully considered to enhance the storytelling experience.

Hunger

A Memoir of (My) Body

Roxane Gay

In 'Hunger: A Memoir of (my) Body,' Roxane Gay delves into her personal struggles with food and body image, using her own emotional and psychological experiences to explore broader societal anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. The memoir recounts her childhood, including a devastating act of violence that significantly impacted her life, and her journey towards self-care and healing. With candid vulnerability, Gay discusses the tensions between desire and denial, self-comfort and self-care, and what it means to be overweight in a society that often marginalizes larger bodies. The book is a powerful exploration of food, feminism, trauma, and the quest for visibility and acceptance.

A General Theory of Love

Sir Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon

The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman

Laurence Sterne

Laurence Sterne's masterpiece, 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman', is a novel that defies traditional storytelling. Published in nine volumes from 1759 to 1767, it follows Tristram's attempt to narrate his life story, which is constantly interrupted by digressions and philosophical musings. The novel is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and its exploration of themes such as family, philosophy, and the nature of storytelling itself.

Love in the Time of Cholera

Gabriel García Márquez

Gabriel García Márquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera" is a sweeping epic that tells the story of Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza's enduring love affair. The novel spans decades, following the characters' lives as they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Márquez's writing style is characterized by its magical realism, blending fantastical elements with realistic portrayals of life in Colombia. The novel explores themes of love, fate, and the passage of time. Its lyrical prose and unforgettable characters have made it a beloved classic. The novel's exploration of love's enduring power and its ability to transcend time and circumstance has resonated with readers worldwide.

The Voice That is Great Within Us

Hayden Carruth

Edited by Hayden Carruth, this anthology includes works from renowned poets like Robert Frost, Wallace Stevens, and Gwendolyn Brooks. It provides a chronological overview of American poetry from the early 20th century, offering brief biographies and a diverse selection of poems.

The Little Golden Book of Words

Gertrude Elliott

Selma Lola Chambers

The Little Golden Book of Words, published in 1948, is a charming educational book that pairs small pictures with specific words to help young children learn. The book features illustrations by Gertrude Elliott and covers topics like numbers, people, animals, and seasons. It is a rare, out-of-print gem that reflects the aesthetic and cultural norms of its time.

Tibor Kalman: Perverse Optimist

Tibor Kalman

Peter Hall

Michael Bierut

This book is a definitive document of Tibor Kalman's eclectic and influential career in graphic design. It includes over 600 illustrations and essays from notable contributors, offering insights into Kalman's approach to design, which spanned magazines, advertising, and more. The book highlights his work with M&Co and Benetton's Colors magazine, among other projects.

Books I've Loved — Debbie Millman | Brought to you by Audible.

Welcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is my job to sit down with world-class performers of all different types—from startup founders and investors to chess champions to Olympic athletes. This episode, however, is an experiment and part of a shorter series I’m doing called “Books I’ve Loved.” I’ve invited some amazing past guests, close friends, and new faces to share their favorite books—the books that have influenced them, changed them, and transformed them for the better. I hope you pick up one or two new mentors—in the form of books—from this new series and apply the lessons in your own life.

Please note that this episode was recorded in late 2019.

Debbie Millman (@debbiemillman) has been named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company, and she is the host ofDesign Matters—a great show and one of the world’s longest running podcasts. She is also Chair of the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts and Editorial Director of Print magazine, and she has worked on design strategy for some of the world’s largest brands.

“Books I’ve Loved” on The Tim Ferriss Show is brought to you by Audible! I have used Audible for many years now. I love it. Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks on the planet. I listen when I’m taking walks, I listen while I’m cooking… I listen whenever I can. Audible is offering Tim Ferriss Show listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to Audible.com/Tim and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs. Then, download your free title and start listening! It’s that easy. Simply go to Audible.com/Tim or text TIM to 500500 to get started today.

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