As the year is drawing to a close ( and while I'm waiting for my render queue to finish ) I wanted to share the 5 best non-fiction books I read this year that I think are useful, interesting or both for creative people- or just about anyone.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
I think the best way to describe this book is that it dispels the myth of ''talent'' when it comes to people that manage to find success in business, sports or art. Instead it describes a compelling hypothesis that what really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. If like me you've ever had to argue with people about the concept of ''talent'' and need some new ammo- you should read this book.
SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
This book had probably the biggest impact on my personal life out of these five. I've always liked exercise in it's different forms but thought that aerobic exercise is mostly good for your body, heart, lungs etc. Using latest scientific research this book opened my eyes to the fact that instead it's our brains and minds that benefit the most from exercise. This book really helped me take my running regimen to the next level and I think it is worth a read for anyone.
Sapiens: The Brief History of Human Kind
I've always had a huge interest in history and consume tons of literature about history each year. That said, I think this one was the best non-fiction history book I've read in many years. Like the title describes this book spans the entire history of human kind starting at the dawn of our species and ends looking forward where we might be going. Compellingly written and endlessly fascinating it's easy to recommend this one for anyone.
Timely especially now at the start of the new year when many of us are trying to kick bad habits and start new good ones this book is an invaluable tool. Based on an impressive mass of research this book is an entertaining and fascinating look at how habits are formed and how to change them. If you've ever struggled to kick a bad habit this is worthy read.
The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time
Out of all these probably the most geared towards creative people this book addresses a lot of the same topics as the first book on this list but from a different angle. Throwing out the myth of the lone creative genius that creates masterpieces out of thin air by harnessing divine inspiration, this book shows that that simply isn't true. Recent research has shown that there is a predictable science behind achieving commercial success in any creative endeavor and as such I think this is worth a read for any creative person.
