There are books that I read for energy. I’m addicted to the Danielle’s language in The Desire Map because it’s zesty, sexy, and every other kind of energetic.
There are other books I read for clarity. They make me feel focused, knowing, powerful, discerning, eloquent, and in touch with the more complex bits of life. In that moment, I am a genius. I am a modern philosopher with a sense of humour. It’s as if they’ve taken some of the interesting and jumbled thoughts I had a million fold, and turned it into short essence-capturing paragraphs. How to Think More About Sex (on our underlying beliefs about sex, affairs, porn, and love) and Nudge (on improving decision-making in health, wealth, and happiness through subtle tweaks) are two examples.
I realise my value of synthesis and brevity also draw me in here. Authors that give me a sense of clarity have a way speaking simply about complicated topics. They can be clear and specific at the same time. I leave remembering stories in vivid color accompanied by a quote that brings it all together. Who’s writing makes you nod fervently? What do you find yourself quoting with gusto?