Reading has been an issue for me. I am so busy with work, hobbies, and family that it is very hard to allocate time needed to read any decently sized book. Thanks to my recently acquired car stereo I came up with a solution: I am reading e-books during my commute. This works out perfectly since commute is the only time when I don’t get distracted by my other daily chores.
I usually get a book from the library. So far there hasn’t been a single title that I couldn’t get for free. Before I read however I always go to the local Barnes & Noble store to get familiar with the author and his/her style. My kids love the place too since they have a children corner which makes going to the book store so much easier. Here are the books I have been listening to recently.
Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki follows the style of Rich Dad Poor Dad in this “sequel”. Just like in the original story the author uses a lot allegory which makes the book fun to read. Just like in his first book in Cashflow Quadrant Robert Kiyosaki highlights the benefits and the importance of owning the system or means of production (a business), rather than being an employee of a system, which for him is the necessary factor in achieving the financial freedom, the state when your passive income exceeds your expenses.
You should not however over-idolize the book (this is more of a note to myself). The author gives a lot of useful advise but it is more of a philosophical nature. Ultimately only you yourself can write your own plan to financial freedom.
Buyology by Martin Lindstrom
The new technology era has multiplied our information consumption and radically changed the driving forces behind marketing. What will the commercials of future look like? In this book the author takes on a large brain-scanning research funded by “some of the most respected companies in the world” with the sole purpose of studying effects of advertising on the brain.
I am just one third in the book right now but I love the style and the facts I learn. The guy is an advertising history expert and quotes some amazing facts from the real-world business, especially interesting for rookies like myself (ever heard of Pepsi Challenge?)
Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
This is the kind of book I have meant to read for a long time. Why property prices change from area to area? Why workers salaries differ depending on the business industry? Do tariffs really protect American steel industry? You will find answers to these and many more questions in this book which is written in a very simple language. Consider it as close to the “for dummies” series as teaching economics can be.
I have just read a few chapters from the books but I already look forward to listening to all of it. The same author recently published Applied Economics which I also plan to read, but first thing first! :-)
What books are you reading? Do you like them? Please share your list in the comments!
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