The main theme is that the ability to perform deep, undistracted work is becoming as rare as hen’s teeth, at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable – which means the few people who cultivate this skill will thrive. If you’re struggling with productivity and need a gigantic kick up the butt, this is the book for you.

In no particular order: Deep Work – Cal Newport These are the books that blew my mind, made me howl, or filled my notebook to overflowing. If you’d rather buy them, use the links below to send a few pennies to support this site, at no extra cost to you ( read more here). Note: The public library will loan you these books for free. Since most people don’t have this luxury, I hope I can provide a small public service in filtering out the tastiest morsels that have passed through the bristle-like gill rakers encircling my giant, unhinged jaw. It’s been another self-indulgent year of funemployment for yours truly, which means I’ve had the time to read as much as I want basically cruising around the library with my mouth open like some sort of bibliophilic basking shark.

The best books to read 2017