On Writing Well
William Zinsser
I’m only just now reading this book, but it was a bit like discovering an old friend you didn’t know you had. Zinsser’s is the kind of casual, unassuming writing that sounds effortless, but isn’t.
Mobile First
Luke Wroblewski
The sixth book from A Book Apart features data-driven techniques and best practices for designing for mobile from the inimitable Luke Wroblewski. It also represents the best kind of short book: packed with information and a delightful read.
Designing for Emotion
Aarron Walter
Aarron Walter joins the A Book Apart rainbow of knowledge with this short book on designing for humans. A mix of psychology and case studies show how designing for emotion works, with guidance on the small or large steps you can take to start doing it.
Human power
On Working
Working
Studs Terkel
Terkel interviewed people of all walks of life (though mostly the working kind) about what they do and how they feel about it. The result is a massive collection of failed dreams, despair, hope, and pride.
How to read in an age of abundance
On I Read Where I Am
I Read Where I Am
Geert Lovink, Mieke Gerritzen & Minke Kampman
A collection of short reflections on the future of reading, including those from Ellen Lupton, James Bridle, Erik Spiekermann, and N. Katharine Hayles.
The in-group
On Trickster Makes This World & The Comedy of Survival
Sacred
On Trickster Makes This World
Trickster Makes This World
Lewis Hyde
Trickster shows how our most playful, devious stories are also (perhaps not surprisingly) our most revealing.
Disaster capitalism
On The Shock Doctrine
OMG
On The Information
Old words
On The Information
The Information
James Gleick
Glieck’s loosely organized tome details the many ways we’ve organized and communicated information over the ages; or, as is more often the case, failed to do so.
Managing Oneself
Peter F. Drucker
An essay turned pamphlet, short enough to reread regularly. Drucker’s advice comes down to knowing yourself well enough to make the right decisions.
To be a tourist
On The Names
The Names
Don Delillo
A dense novel, concerning a small group of American ex-patriots and a series of cult murders. Strange and beautiful.
Change
On the occasion of the release of the fourth book from A Book Apart.
Responsive Web Design
Ethan Marcotte
Marcotte’s methods are smart, and his storytelling and guidance even smarter.
What Technology Wants
Kevin Kelly
Kelly’s analysis of technology’s needs vis-à-vis our own is an insightful approach to making choices about technology in our own lives, now and into the future.