How do you curate your reading list?

You're missing out on the good stuff if your reading list is based on the clearance table at the Dollar Store. Not judging, but just saying.

I have met people that consume books quicker than eating a tic-tac and have no concept how they hold the information in their brain. I enjoy reading two or three books at a time, and it takes time for me to dwell with the concepts before moving on to the next book. Therefore, I need to cull the list of titles that hit the major reading lists if I am going to make good use of my reading time.

Maria Popova, Al Mohler, Derek Sivers, and Ryan Holiday fall into the category of voracious readers. These kind folks are also willing to regularly share the love, and their perspectives, on the written word they have devoured.

These reading lists cut across time and genres to deliver a "best of" list that goes beyond the New York Times or Amazon rankings. I have stumbled across recommendations that are out of print and require rooting through dusty bookshops hoping beyond hope; I will be the guy to find a copy.

How have these public reading lists impacted your personal reading list? What close friends enjoy the printed word, and provide recommendations? How have these close relationships influenced your reading diet?

Book publishers spend a significant amount of money, time and effort to focus your attention on the latest offerings. Authors hit the book signing circuit and do a round of podcasts to spread the word. It becomes a media blitzkrieg. What books have you bought as a result of this marketing frenzy? My most memorable response was hearing Peter Thiel speak following the launch of Zero to One. I find myself pondering several of his points every week.

Going Further? What recommendations have you disagreed with and why? What have you found to be a trustworthy source of books? What was a favorite recommendation? How have you expressed your gratitude to these list makers?

What book needs written?

The best books are written, the greatest songs are sung, and the end of the Internet reached. Put your pencils down; we are done.

One side of the brain declares this must be true; after all how many more books, songs and web pages are needed? The other side of the brain states that this is inconceivable, and there is much more to be created.

Who would have thought that a young wizard named Harry would turn the modern literary world on its head with massive book sales.

Apparently, the ways to set"I love you" and "I hate you" to music are legion, as each week new albums are released with the same themes, but new arrangements.

Google estimates the global Internet web page count at about 475 Billion today. There is a margin of error of at least 1; it depends on when I hit "post."

The concept of self-publishing has lowered to barriers to entry for getting your material onto the published page. Our excuses for not letting our voice be heard continues to evaporate.

So, what book needs to be written?

The answer may be your spouse, partner, friend, those leading your tribe, or the one whose teeth you brushed this morning. Asking this inquiry of your community may open up opportunities for a fresh perspective to be brought to bear, and change at least your little corner of the world.

No one ever has been able to bring the same perspective to a topic as you can deliver. It would be a missed opportunity to slip silently away and take your ideas with you. The public awaits to hear your voice as either a writer or an encouraging voice to those around you. Make your voice heard.

Going Further: Where is the literary world silent? What book do you need? What questions have not been answered? How can you contribute your voice? What voices around you need to be heard? How can you support those that need to be heard?