Summer is a great time when it’s easier to find time to read: sit with a book in the park or on the beach where your loved ones dragged you. However, you probably won't want to wade through a how-to guide to analytics. On vacation, it’s more pleasant to read about self-development or how everything works.
I hope my selection of books to broaden your horizons will help you with this. I have already written about some of them, some are new. At the end of the article there are a few words about how to organize a reading system.
Ryan North. How to invent everything. Create a civilization from scratch
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An intelligent person is often distinguished by a subtle understanding of the world order. The book “How to invent everything. Create a civilization from scratch" will just help you better understand how humanity moved from hoeing and subsistence farming to high technology and the ability to buy cola in the nearest supermarket.
The book will also tell you how to filter water, create antibiotics, assemble a radio and a steam engine. And he’ll even give you a beer recipe! In general, an indispensable book in the household. And in the event of a sudden apocalypse, he will also help restore civilization with his own hands.
Personal productivity
"Genius Mode" (Daily Rituals). Mason Curry
Once again, I recommend this entertaining selection of mini-biographies of famous people: writers, artists, architects from the point of view of how their working day was structured. The main idea is clear from the first pages: in order to create something significant, you need to stick to a daily schedule (some creators used amphetamines at night, but also regularly). The book helps you look at your day from the outside and begin to fight inefficiency.
In Russian, in English.
"Implementation of ideas." Scott Belsky
The founder of Behance speaks on the topic of personal and team productivity, including the organization of the work process.
In Russian, in English.
"Essentialism. The path to simplicity." Greg McKeon
A book about personal and team productivity. The main idea - to do less, but better - is considered from different angles (planning, day structure, working with a team, and so on). The author does not give detailed recipes on how to implement the approach, but offers many methodological recommendations and examples. An average between a motivational and instrumental book.
In Russian, in English.
Paulo Coelho. Archer
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Paulo Coelho is a master of heartfelt prose. For several decades now, his books have become a revelation for those who are looking for the meaning of life and trying to understand their nature. Coelho’s new work “The Archer” is written in the best traditions of the Brazilian writer. This is an inspiring philosophical parable about finding your place in life, touching and poetic.
The plot centers on the great archer Tetsuya and his young student. The master shares the rules that must be followed by a person who decides to become a shooter. Of course, a bow, arrows and a target are a metaphor for the life of each of us. The book will tell you how to walk your great path without fear and regret.
"Emotional Intelligence" - Daniel Goleman
A person's intellectual skills directly affect his success, but what about the emotional component? It would seem that terms such as “intelligence” and “emotions” are something incompatible, however, this is not so. Scientists prove that it is the ability to control emotions, that is, emotional intelligence, and not the level of IQ, that determines a person’s entire life.
The book has become one of the biggest psychological bestsellers of the last ten years. It is scientifically based, but at the same time written for a general audience and easy to read. Daniel Goleman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American psychologist and science journalist.
“Emotional intelligence” is useful for those who want to better understand the nature of human emotions and learn to control their own.
Oliver Sacks. The man who mistook his wife for a hat
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Have you always wondered how the human brain works and what illusions it is capable of? Then The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a must-have on your bookshelf. Its author, Oliver Sacks, is a famous British neurologist who also has a talent for explaining complex biochemical processes in a simple and interesting way.
The book "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" includes several case histories of Sachs' patients. The doctor explains in accessible language how a damaged brain can change the perception of the world and how the lives of people with similar diagnoses turn out. The book is interesting not only from a scientific point of view - many of the stories will not leave you indifferent.
“Write, shorten” - Lyudmila Sarychev, Maxim Ilyakhov
The book will be a good helper for those who want to learn how to express thoughts briefly, clearly and convincingly, without linguistic garbage, falsehood and cliches. It will be useful for everyone who works with text: copywriters, authors, editors, designers, programmers, managers, entrepreneurs and executives.
The authors show with examples what is good and what is not in informational, advertising, journalistic and journalistic texts. By following the recommendations outlined in the book, you will learn to write clearly and engagingly.
Even if your profession is not related to the processing and dissemination of information, but you want to learn how to competently organize and express your thoughts, then “Write, Reduce” will be a good impetus.
Vladimir Nabokov. Pinhole camera
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Nabokov was nominated four times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. The writer's books are famous for their unpredictable plots and subtle work with the emotions of the characters. The novel “Camera Obscura” fully corresponds to Nabokov’s signature style and can rightfully be considered one of the most outstanding works of the 20th century.
The main character of the novel “Camera Obscura” is art critic Bruno Kretschmar. His life was wonderful: an outstanding career, beloved daughter and wife. However, everything changes when Bruno meets a poor young girl working as an usher at the cinema. He falls in love and this feeling seems to him to be the only real one in the world. However, the name “Camera Obscura” is not accidental - everything that happens is just a distorted and inverted image of reality.
Memoirs about work
"How to write books." Stephen King
King's autobiography will be of interest to fans of his books and to all those who are curious about how the writer's head works. The biography is supplemented with valuable craft tips. By the way, King churns out more than a thousand words every day, without weekends or holidays—everyone would do the same.
In Russian, in English.
"Craft". Sergey Dovlatov
Another writer's memoir about craft - but this is a completely different writer. A short, tragicomic piece, like all Dovlatov’s books. We are so accustomed to Dovlatov’s “theatrical realism” that it is difficult to believe in the authenticity of events. It looks like that's exactly what happened.
In Russian.
"Notes of a district surgeon." Dmitry Pravdin
Doctors are traditionally one of the best memoirists: smart people who observe life and death every day will always find a topic for a story. Especially if it happens in Russia. In the 90s. In the Far East. In a small town. Toughness that would make even Game of Thrones characters hiccup is complemented by comic and lyrical plots. A sincere text about Russia as it is.
In Russian.
Jane Hawking. Be Hawking
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We are sure that you are familiar with at least one work of Stephen Hawking. If not, we recommend starting with A Brief History of Time. This unique book opens up the opportunity for the average reader to understand astrophysics. But now we want to recommend to you the publication “Being Hawking,” written by the first wife of the brilliant scientist after his death.
The book tells the story of Stephen Hawking as his family knew him. Despite his health problems, the scientist was able to build an outstanding career, teach millions of people about space from a scientific point of view, and raise a family. “Being Hawking” helps you look at life from a new angle and understand that the real obstacles to happiness and development are only in our own minds.
Maintain digital hygiene
Analyze what you read in the news feed and on social networks. If this content undermines your self-confidence, makes you feel bitter and envious, it is quite logical to replace it with something that will bring you new knowledge, inspire you to work on yourself and become better, and simply make you laugh and relax.
Calculate how much time you generally spend on social networks. If you stay glued to your phone for several hours a day, use services that limit the time spent in certain applications. And figure out how to replace this bad habit. Maybe it will be books, crafts or podcasts - any simple activity that will help cope with boredom and anxiety.
John Fowles. Magus
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“The Magus” is the fundamental work of the outstanding British writer John Fowles. You can re-read it again and again and each time find new meanings laid down by the author. The novel tells about the secrets of the Greek island of Thraxos, where an eccentric millionaire conducts merciless psychological experiments.
John Fowles himself said that “The Magus” adapts to the reader and can be interpreted in any way. However, this does not stop the author’s fans from searching for the true meaning and makes them re-read the novel again and again. Can you solve the mysteries of the island of Fraxos? And what will meet you at the end of this adventure?
Educational games for attention, thinking and memory
These games were developed jointly with Russian scientists from the research center:
Game 5. Flank task
The game "Flank Task" develops attention. The main point of the game is to indicate where the bird in the center of the flock is flying.
In this game, a flock of birds is flying across the sky, you need to determine where the central bird is flying. You can answer using the cursor located at the bottom of the picture. Look carefully where the bird is flying, it changes its movement every time.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 6. Visual search
The game “Visual Search” develops attention. The main point of the game is to find a figure that is not similar to the others.
In this game, look carefully, different geometric shapes are given, you need to find among all the shapes one that is different from the others.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 7. Scab Revolution
The game "Stroop Revolution" develops attention. The main essence of the game is to find a card whose inscription does not match its color.
In this game, two cards are given; you need to choose a card whose color does not match the inscription on this card. If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 8. Comparison of objects
The game “Comparing Objects” develops attention. The main point of the game is to compare the right and left pictures.
In this game, two windows are open, in these windows there are different images, you need to look carefully and compare whether these images match or not. If the images match, answer "yes", if they do not match, answer "no". You can answer using the “yes” and “no” buttons located at the bottom of the picture.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 9. Numerical Reach Revolution
The game "Numeric Span Revolution" develops memory. The main point of the game is to remember the numbers on the screen and dial them correctly.
In this game, look carefully, the numbers open, you need to remember them, then the window closes, you need to type these numbers in the empty window from memory.
If you answer correctly, you score points and move on, but if you get the numbers wrong three times, the game ends.
Play now
Game 10. Find the coin
The game “Find a Coin” develops memory and attention. The main essence of the game is to click on the cell and find the coin.
In this game a city is drawn, you need to find coins in the houses. Houses are drawn on the screen, in these houses you need to find a coin, you cannot click on the same house twice in a row.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 11. Pathfinder
The Pathfinder game develops memory. The main essence of the game is to remember the tracks of animals and repeat them.
In this game, animal tracks appear on the screen, look carefully and remember in what order the tracks appear. Then you need to show which trace appeared first, and which second.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 12. Find the changes
The game “Find the Changes” develops memory and attention. The main essence of the game is to remember objects, then they change, you need to compare what has changed after they changed.
In this game, objects appear on the screen for a few seconds. These objects must be remembered, then the objects will change. You need to remember what objects were, and indicate which object has changed.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 13. Super memory
The game “Super Memory” develops memory and attention. The main essence of the game is that every round a new object appears on the screen; you need to indicate it by clicking on it.
In this game, a round starts and a picture appears on the screen, in the next round another picture appears and the old picture is saved. You just need to click on the new picture. Each next round one picture will be added.
If you answer correctly, you gain points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 14. Fruit math
The game "Fruit Mathematics" develops thinking and memory. The main essence of the game is to quickly count the fruits on the screen and answer the question.
In this game, fruits are drawn on the screen and a question is written on top. Read the question carefully, count the fruits on the screen, then answer the question. You can answer using the “yes” and “no” buttons below.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 15. Letters and numbers
The game "Letters and Numbers" develops thinking and memory. The main essence of the game is that there is an object on the field; you need to quickly indicate its property using the “yes” and “no” buttons.
In this game, look carefully, there is an object on the field and a question is asked. Use the “yes” and “no” buttons to answer the question. These buttons are at the bottom of the picture.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
Game 16. Operations
The game “Operations” develops thinking and memory. The main essence of the game is to choose a mathematical sign so that the equality is true. This game gives examples, look carefully and put the desired sign “+” or “-” so that the equality is true. The “+” and “-” signs are located at the bottom of the picture. If you answer correctly, you score points and play further.
Play now
Game 17. Complex geometric switches
The game “Complex Geometric Switchings” develops thinking and memory. The main essence of the game on the field is an object whose property must be specified.
In this game, look carefully, a geometric figure or any other object appears on the screen. Read the question on the screen and answer it using the “yes” or “no” buttons located at the bottom of the screen.
If you answer correctly, you score points and continue playing.
Play now
David Lynch. Catch a big fish
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There will definitely come a time in your intellectual development when you will need to catch the “big fish.” It can be anything: inspiration to create a brilliant work, a business idea that will bring in millions, or courage to change your own life.
The famous director David Lynch figured out the secret to catching the “big fish” and wrote a book about it. According to him, the key to changing reality lies in transcendental meditation. Lynch has written a meditative book that will help everyone get acquainted with this practice and develop creative abilities. Together with the author of Twin Peaks, you will see what previously remained invisible, hear what has always been beyond the audible and open a door whose existence you did not even suspect.
Online trainers
Train right now on this page, for free and without registration.
Game 1. Anagrams
Start with anagrams, they will help develop such qualities as: attention, concentration, speed of thought, speed reading. In this game you have to choose 1 option out of 4, in which only those letters that are part of the given word are mixed. Each round a new word is given. Remember that time is limited! The faster you look for the answer, the more points you will get at the end of the game.
Game 2. Schulte tables
The Schulte table is one of the most effective exercises for developing the brain, attention, concentration, and accelerating visual search. This exercise is also the most popular exercise for developing speed reading. Schulte tables usually consist of randomly placed numbers or letters. The number of cells in tables also varies and most often they are 5x5 elements in size.
Erich Fromm. To have or to be?
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Erich Fromm had a significant influence on the development of sociology, psychology and philosophy of the 20th century. Most likely, you are familiar with his book “The Art of Loving,” where the scientist explores the phenomenon of love and tells how to love and be loved from a psychological point of view. “To Have or to Be” is an equally interesting work, where the focus is on a materialistic society and relationships formed according to the principle “You - to me, I - to you.”
Fromm explores the difference between being and having. The first implies true experiences of every moment of life in its entirety, the second puts material culture at the forefront. Erich Fromm, in his work “To Have or to Be,” tries to understand what is more important and to help the reader understand this issue.
"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" - Mark Manson
The book by American entrepreneur and writer Mark Manson became a bestseller due to the vitality of the questions it raises. Namely, about the imposition by modern culture of unrealistic ideals and expectations: high grades, only perfect appearance, cutting-edge gadgets, cool work and bright photos on social networks.
Due to the tendency and desire for impossible perfection, people experience stress and pressure. The book is intended for those who want to learn to constructively perceive the world around them, and also highlights the meaning of negative experiences. After all, it is important to learn to soberly assess what is worth worrying about and what is better not to pay attention to.
According to the author, the law of reverse effort has its name for a reason: if you stop wanting something, everything starts to happen the other way around. If chasing the positive is negative, then chasing the negative creates positivity. The pain you experience in the gym creates better health and fills you with energy. Failure in business helps you better understand what it takes to succeed. Frankly admitting your weaknesses paradoxically makes you more confident and pleasant to people.
Medicine for smart people. Modern aspects of evidence-based medicine for thinking patients
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Forewarned is forearmed! This also applies to health. The book “Medicine for the Smart. Modern aspects of evidence-based medicine for thinking patients” was written by the best Russian doctors about the most common diseases that active young people may encounter.
“Medicine for smart people. Modern aspects of evidence-based medicine for thinking patients" will help you better understand how the body works, and therefore maintain health and youth for as long as possible. The book will help you achieve a comfortable life and understand the latest advances in medicine. It contains recommendations from doctors of almost all specializations, including endocrinologists, cardiologists, neurologists, dermatologists and others.
"Sapiens. A Brief History of Humankind - Yuval Noah Harari
The author of the book is Dr. Yuval Noah Harari, professor of history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The book analyzed the history of the human species, its development, the emergence and fall of great empires.
The work does not resemble a dry collection of historical dates or a history manual. In it, the author asks many questions and reflects on alternative options for the development of our civilization. Already today, with the help of genetic engineering, scientists have managed to extend the life of a worm six times; does this mean that in the future people will be able to live almost forever and remain young all the time?
The book is accompanied by jokes and irony, with which the author dilutes serious questions and reasoning. It will be useful for those who want to plunge headlong into history and philosophy, but without a bunch of dates and incomprehensible information.
Article sites and magazines for self-development
Article sites are sites that publish informational articles on a narrowly focused (or broad) niche. Reviews, answers to popular questions, instructions, etc.
Magazines are approximately the same as article books, but only a whole team of specialists works on the content, while often one person works on the article book.
Self-development
No. 1. Star Collector
Main direction: Stories, parables and poems
As the description says, “Star Collector” is a site about cultural social life. This is a place where magic, depth and inspiration come together.
The magazine consists of thousands of materials on different topics. For example, here you will find articles on topics such as:
- Personal growth;
- Love;
- God;
- Zen.
Go to website
No. 2. Niksy.net
Main focus: Articles, collections, advice, education
“Niksy.net” is an educational blog aimed at the harmonious development of personality in the modern world. Inside you will find about 200 original articles that will help you achieve any of your goals.
This blog will be useful to those who want:
- self-development;
- live according to conscience and in harmony with yourself;
- achieve happiness, wealth and success;
- realize your inner potential.
Go to website
No. 3. Lifemotivation
Main direction: Materials on human development
Lifemotivation's mission is to benefit readers, support happy lives, and help people who are facing challenges in life. All articles are written by experienced psychologists and specialists in their field.
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No. 4. VitaMarg
Main focus: Quotes, parables, motivators, life hacks
Translated from Latin, “VitaMarg” means the path of life (“vita” - life, “marg” - path). This site contains the best material on psychology and self-development.
In a nutshell, VitaMarg content covers all important aspects of our lives.
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No. 5. Wikihow
Main focus: Step-by-step instructions
Wikihow is a project of several thousand people, united by a common mission: to help and simplify the lives of others.
The uniqueness of Wikihow is that you can contribute to the development of this resource. For example, correct the material, create a new page, remove unnecessary links from articles, etc.
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Psychology
No. 1. PSYCHOLOGIES
Main direction: Articles and tests on psychology
The magazine "PSYCHOLOGIES" was created in France. Since 2005, it began to be published in Russia, and then it was created, which I will now briefly talk about.
All the topics that “PSYCHOLOGIES” touches on cannot be listed on one hand - there are so many of them. This:
- Loneliness;
- Antistress;
- Career and self-realization;
- Jealousy;
- And etc.
The most interesting thing is that on the site you can choose a personal psychologist, take tests, express your opinion and discuss issues of concern.
Go to website
No. 2. Psy-practice
Main direction: Articles on psychology, consultations with a psychologist
If you are interested in the topic of psychology, on the site you will find many psychological articles in various areas.
And if you encounter problems, here they will find you a family psychologist, child psychologist, coach, or psychotherapist.
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No. 3. Sherbakova.com
Main direction: Articles and tests on psychology
“Sherbakova.com” is the author’s blog of psychologist Natalya Vyacheslavovna Shcherbakova. You don’t have to worry about the quality of the content offered, since the author has many years of experience as a psychologist.
Over the years, the author has already published more than 350 articles on topics such as research in psychology, health psychology, communication psychology, personality, etc.
Go to website
Relationships
No. 1. About love
Main direction: Author's materials about relationships
"Olubvi" is a site about relationships between men and women, love, romance, and family.
Funny and sad stories will make you cry or, on the contrary, lift your spirits. Fairy tales and parables about love will inspire you to find your soulmate. Love poems and letters will help you choose the right words for compliments. And thematic groups and discussions - where you can discuss painful issues.
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No. 2. Mr. Smile
Main direction: Articles and courses on competent communication
The creator and editor-in-chief of the site is Andrey Fedyaev, author of the book “5 secrets of communication in a big city.” This is how he himself describes his own project:
“Mr. Smile” is about a Russian sincere smile, when your soul sings, so you smile.
On this site you will learn how to build healthy relationships with others.
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Health
No. 1. Grace Force
Main direction: Articles about healthy lifestyle
"Grace Force" (translated as "Grace and Strength") is a blog about a healthy lifestyle. On the pages of this blog you will find articles on topics such as fitness, healthy eating, lifestyle, etc.
You won't immediately become a fitness bikini after reading a few articles. But with 100 percent probability, you will change your view on maintaining health.
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No. 2. Live
Main direction: Materials dedicated to fitness
“Live” is a real community for a healthy lifestyle. The site brings together people who live or want to live according to the principle of a healthy lifestyle. If you want to actively spend your time and receive useful fitness tips, I recommend going to the site.
Also on this resource you can make an appointment with the best fitness and healthy lifestyle specialists.
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No. 3. ZDRAVBUD
Main direction: Publications about health
With the ZDRAVBUD site you will always be healthy, but only if you adhere to the rules that are dangerous in the articles. Fortunately, there are a lot of them and all on different topics:
- Physical education and gymnastics;
- Bad and good habits;
- Healthy food recipes;
- Ecology;
- And others.
Go to website
Finance
No. 1. Forbes
Main direction: Investigations in the business world and discussion of the latest news
Forbes is one of the most authoritative economic publications in the world.
In this online magazine you will find stories of successful businessmen and companies, ratings of the world's richest people, business advice and discussions of sensational news.
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No. 2. bbf.ru
Main direction: Articles about everything related to business
BBC's mission is to help, motivate and develop people in financial matters. Due to various calculators, services, articles and quotes, they do their job perfectly.
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No. 3. Fingram.pro
Main focus: Articles on financial literacy and investments
If you want to study financial literacy, but don’t know where to start, start with the Fingram blog. All materials are copyrighted and represent answers to questions, as well as life stories.
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