What book are you reading? Right now. Post up!

[Madame Peccato]

I just finished re-reading 1984 by George Orwell yesterday. I read it in Italian about a year and a half ago, and in English this week.

Now I'm re-reading Wuthering Heights, plus I'm reading The Count of Monte Cristo for the first time on my Paperwhite. Next will probably be The Master and Margarita, another re-read.

Shorter reads for next week are The Little Prince and Animal Farm.

If anyone is looking to get started into reading fiction, hit me up! Unless you want Sci-fi, because then I can't really help you

There are a lot of books I want to re-read, plus more I bought a while ago but never got around to reading. I won't buy new ones until I finish my backlog (big fat lie knowing myself).

Non-fiction is an afterthought for me nowadays, I feel like most are all the same. Though I will read The Great Rat Race Escape sometime next month. I've read the book's intro so I know it's not strictly non-fiction, but you know what I mean.

I almost finished reading Fumitake Koga's The Courage to Be Disliked. The book compares Adler's psychological system (teleology) with Freud and Jung's (etiology). It's set up as a Socratic dialogue, and I found it very interesting. Better than 99% of the self-help feel-good junk out there.

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[Antifragile]

I appreciate the value and a message of Orwell’s 1984 but still hate how it makes me feel so down. When I was reading it at night, I was just bummed out. I now stay away from these books.
@Madame Peccato how are you finding this?

I’ve been focusing on actionable books, and right now reading (almost done) Sleep Smarter. Excellent advice, trying out already with some success.

 

[MTF]

Got bored of non-fiction books.

Non-fiction is an afterthought for me nowadays, I feel like most are all the same.

Same for me recently. I'm still reading some non-fiction but I'm finding it hard to read it for more than 20-30 minutes before needing a break. Fiction is way more engaging now, plus it's actually work for me since I'm learning how to write fiction and need to read a lot to improve my skills and understanding of the market.

 

[Madame Peccato]

I appreciate the value and a message of Orwell’s 1984 but still hate how it makes me feel so down. When I was reading it at night, I was just bummed out. I now stay away from these books.
@Madame Peccato how are you finding this?

It just doesn't affect me. I imagine a colorless world when I read books like 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and The Handmaid's Tale, but I don't let it influence me.

Some people are more affected than others by dark movies, books, and music. I don't know why. I guess we're wired differently?

Spot on @MTF, fiction is way more engaging. I don't know if it's because we've read a lot of non-fiction over our lives (hell, you've written some!). But what I do know is that it's gotten boring. I can't keep focused on it.

The stories in these books are always the same. The language is always the same plain English. It's so unimaginative.

I prefer to read philosophy if I want a difficult read nowadays. At least it challenges me to think things through.

EDIT: we should probably move this discussion to another thread, lol.

 

[TimOR]

Currently reading:
Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the world. by Peter H Diamandis.

He talks about exponential technologies and how much quicker entrepreneurs can get an idea up and running and how much faster you can effect change in society.

 

[Antifragile]

Currently reading:
Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the world. by Peter H Diamandis.

He talks about exponential technologies and how much quicker entrepreneurs can get an idea up and running and how much faster you can effect change in society.

I read his book “Abundance” but it was so-so for me. Seemed a little out there… but maybe he’s right and soon we’ll have nuclear cells for our flying cars…

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[t15]

Deploy Empathy

Deploy Empathy

Deploy Empathy book. Read 10 reviews from the world's largest community for readers.

www.goodreads.com

 

[Jlaugh]

In 2019 I resolved to read two non-fiction titles a year, and that has been good. I've been able to keep it up as well, and since I didn't burden myself with any unrealistic target, I'm also able to read fiction. So it's been a good mix of fiction and non-fiction since 2020 for me. Currently reading:

1. Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist: just had to read this to see what the fuss was all about. It used to be one of the most recommended books even just a few years back. I've even seen it on the coffee table in physiotherapist's waiting room, and somehow its popularity put me off. Add to that the reviews that suggested this was not serious writing, but pandering. Past mid-way point now, and I quite like it. I do get both sides of the argument though: I can see why it was compelling for so many and exhausting for others.
2. A 2014-feature by The Wired on Ed Snowden - looked up material on him after the recent Pegasus revelations, and the man wasn't wrong about the future of snooping, was he? Interesting read, albeit a bit dramatic.

 

[Mattie]

The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt

THE DIP by Seth Godin

Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy

Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life By Tim Russert

I try to read 2 books per week, just 1 of my goals.....

I can't get this book here, but it sounds like a good book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HW0O3W/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

 

[Pink Sheep]

42 rules for sourcing and manufacturing in China.
Pretty useful if you think you'll interact with a factory over there. Why some of them are shady, why it may or may not matter, why some will just ignore you, why some will say yes to anything, then fail miserably. In fact, they don't say no, barely ever. According to the book.

 

[Walter Hay]

42 rules for sourcing and manufacturing in China.
Pretty useful if you think you'll interact with a factory over there. Why some of them are shady, why it may or may not matter, why some will just ignore you, why some will say yes to anything, then fail miserably. In fact, they don't say no, barely ever. According to the book.

You will find a lot more information in my AMA thread : GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

I possibly know China better than Rosemary Coates does. I began exporting to China in 1978, and after 9 years of exporting I began importing. I have visited China countless times, which is why I am able to devote a chapter of my book to cultural differences in business and social behavior.

Rosemary says among other things: "China’s experience in manufacturing is still developing. It will be a few years before the majority of manufacturers are up to world standards."

I can tell you that having visited quite literally hundreds of factories there since 1978 I have seen China's manufacturing develop to the point that in many industries it is way ahead of Western capabilities.

The contrast between what I first saw in 1978 and what I have seen recently is astounding. Factories that once were dirty, dangerous workplaces are now state of the art, clean, and run like clockwork, with much of the work done by robots.

Below is a list of contents of my book PROVEN GLOBAL SOURCING. Let me know how it compares.

WALTER
P.S. I forgot to mention that my first job after high school was with a shipping company. I also would like to mention that yet again in my thread linked above I have today posted an important update for my book readers. Does Rosemary give frequent updates, or at least does she provide annual revisions as I do?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1. Taking The Mystery Out Of Importing. It’s easier than you might think.
2. Getting Started
3. Rules And Regulations You Don’t Need To Learn. Security resulting from small payments to experts who know the rules.
4. Freight Explained And Scams Avoided. Learn to avoid the widespread increase in freight scams.
5. Caution Regarding Agencies And Distributorships. Beware of the many false promises.
6. Standards - Learn the Rules? Or Ask Experts? Save time for only a small cost.
7. Safe Product Sourcing, Including Due Diligence. Carelessness can cost you plenty.
8. Global Sourcing Sites & The Changing World Scene. Source from 41 countries +.
9. How To Get Suppliers To Come To You. But don’t invite a blizzard of emails.
10. Assessing Suppliers – Safe? Reliable? Helpful? Ignore what B2B sites tell you.
11. Cultural And Language Differences. Avoid misunderstandings. Build relationships.
12. Samples And Small Orders – Buy Less Than MOQ. MOQs are often set by guesswork.
13. Vietnam The New China.
14. Samples And Small Orders – Buy Less Than MOQ.
15. Calculating Actual Costs. Do this before you order!
16. Payment Terms. What is safe and what is not.
17. Traveling To Source Supplies. You can’t beat face-to-face contact, or tax deductible holidays.
18. Order Procedure And Checklist. Established procedure reduces risk.
19. Thousands Of Suppliers Chosen For You By Big Retailers. Thoroughly vetted suppliers.
20. “Just In Time” Ordering System. Higher freight cost for Lower inventory cost.
21. Sources Of Free Information. Banks are a good source.
22. Fulfillment Services. No need to handle your inventory.
23. Agents, Traders, Wholesalers – Definitions. They are not always what you expect.
24. Manufacturers Not Wholesalers – Why? PRICES! (and smaller orders!!)
25. Business Registration and Tax ID. Your call.
26. Buying Locally. Security, logistics, accountability, local sales appeal, V extra cost.
27. Capital Requirements For Importing. From a few hundred dollars if bootstrapping.
28. Inspection Services. For safe quality assurance.
29. Certificates. Genuine or not?
30. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), Haggling, and Discounts For Big Orders
31. Quality. Four pages about this important subject.
32. Public Holidays. Expect delays, so order early.
33. Glossary Of Terms. A handy reference covering more than just INCOTERMS.
34. Incoterms. With explanation of new terms.

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[JimPeak]

Telling Lies
The Complete Jim Rohn Library
The Great Rat Race Escape

Just finished re-reading TMF and Unscripted .

I want to re-read Dune before the movie comes out (I hope it’s good!) and I’d love to read it with my kids but I don’t think either will happen. I still haven’t watched The Book Thief because I want to first read the book. We tried reading that as a family, but did not make it far.

These days, non-fiction with clues to wealth, fitness, productivity, better relationships- that always seems to get to #1 on my list.

 

[inabox1]

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.

It's a great read - I'm finding the lessons it preaches to be very valuable for both my biz and relationships.

 

[glongshadow]

Having just re-read TMF and Unscripted immediately prior to Ratrace Escape, I've found myself not actually wanting to read for a while but to execute instead.

I have however after some deliberation decided to fix some weaker areas, hence I'm currently on the 4th lecture of Timothy Taylor's "Economics, 3rd Edition" on Audible. It's essentially a degree course in economics in 36 lectures.

I view it as a worthwhile trade: ~18 hours of university level economics for 1 Audible credit, which I can absorb while I'm doing other things which require time but not too much concentration.

The real trick is finding books about economics and finance which are educational but not spouting the Slow Lane. If anyone has any recommendations on books which will give me a solid but more or less impartial grounding please let me know!

 

[Fox]

The 12 week year.

Really like it so far and planning to put it into action before the end of this month.

 

[glongshadow]

The 12 week year.

Really like it so far and planning to put it into action before the end of this month.

I liked the concepts, but the ending annoyed me as it tries to funnel you into their multi-thousand dollar training program.

There are some important points made, but it's very much the author's fastlane rather than honestly trying to help people

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[Andy Black]

I liked the concepts, but the ending annoyed me as it tries to funnel you into their multi-thousand dollar training program.

There are some important points made, but it's very much the author's fastlane rather than honestly trying to help people

I just Googled it and saw it was over 200 pages. I think I understand the concept from the title.

 

[alabhyajindal]

12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson

 

[Fox]

I just Googled it and saw it was over 200 pages. I think I understand the concept from the title.

Ya, this could have been a 60-80 page book and have just as much (probably more) value.

It does have some solid points but you can tell they stretched it a little to make it have more size.

 

[t15]

Having just re-read TMF and Unscripted immediately prior to Ratrace Escape, I've found myself not actually wanting to read for a while but to execute instead.

I have however after some deliberation decided to fix some weaker areas, hence I'm currently on the 4th lecture of Timothy Taylor's "Economics, 3rd Edition" on Audible. It's essentially a degree course in economics in 36 lectures.

I view it as a worthwhile trade: ~18 hours of university level economics for 1 Audible credit, which I can absorb while I'm doing other things which require time but not too much concentration.

The real trick is finding books about economics and finance which are educational but not spouting the Slow Lane. If anyone has any recommendations on books which will give me a solid but more or less impartial grounding please let me know!

When using Audible, how do you retain the pertinent lessons?

 

[Antifragile]

When using Audible, how do you retain the pertinent lessons?

Funny thing, I use Audible and IF i enjoy the book enough to take notes, I buy a Kindle version and fly through it to look for things to highlight. Worse yet, I then write it down in my notepad. My thinking is it is better to really absorb lessons from one great book than read 50 and not recall or apply a thing from any.

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[inabox1]

When using Audible, how do you retain the pertinent lessons?

I got this idea from $100 Million Deals and it's worked really well for me:

You read the book / (ebook) while listening to the audiobook. More information is stored in more places in your brain, and I also find that it's easier to stay disciplined and keep reading when you've got two sources coming at you at once (as opposed to only listening to audible where it's easy for your mind to wander)

 

[glongshadow]

When using Audible, how do you retain the pertinent lessons?

I carry a notebook with me and note the points I need to. I also discuss salient points in detail with the single person I know who is also on the Fastlane, and frequently refer back to the hard copy.

The great advantage of Audible is the ability to absorb information while busy doing other things - a favourite of mine is cutting the grass, it nets me around 2 hours of uninterrupted learning time (something hard to come by with two children!)

 

[Antifragile]

A real page turner! 70% done so far but would definitely recommend. Easy read, amazing story. Fastlane? Haha… fast for sure but then the guy is at large.

 

[Runum]

The Complacent Class by Tyler Cowen

Book mixes stats, sociology, psychology, economics, and politics to look at where America has been and maybe where we are going. I thought it was a good read. Greatest invention over the last 50 years - algorithms. We are being managed/pacified by algorithms.

Mr. Cowen also has a podcast on spotify.

Amazon.com: The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream (Audible Audio Edition): Tyler Cowen, Walter Dixon, Gildan Media, LLC: Audible Books & Originals

 

[Dogstar]

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Cialdini

The Beatles: All These Years Vol 1: Tune In - Lewisohn (audiobook)

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)

[alexson]

I am Reading "The Poet X" book.

 

[David Fitz]

I'm listening to Muhammad Ali's autobiography on Audible. It's really well put together.

 

[gryfny]

Some books I finished over the previous weeks.

Eckhart Tolle - the Power of Now: A real interesting book about living in the present moment, and not identify yourself with things outside.
James Nestor - Breath: I stopped after a few chapters, but picked it back up after my yoga teacher kept talking about it. A short and interesting book about the power of breathing and chewing on the shape of our face and it's effect on our health.
Eben Alexander - Living in a Mindful Universe: A brain surgeon found out about spirituality when he had a near death experience. He babbles on quite lengthy about how love is at the center of the universe. I've forgotten most of what I've read already, but I got a few insights from reading this and his previous book (Proof of Heaven).

 

[Speculatooor]

Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises - Ray Dalio