Yesterday I took off from the office a little early and had myself a field trip in search of some stimulating reads related to art, design, business, technology… whatever caught my eye. In the past, I’ve made a handful of trips to the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, which is world famous for its Rem Koolhaas designed building. It’s a beautiful place and I do admit that just being there makes me feel creatively inspired!
I rarely go to the library looking for anything specific — I find the sections that interest me and then browse through the titles until I settle on something or spot something I had heard about from someone else. My inspiration to seek out inspiration was sparked after watching Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose Discuss Their Top 5 Must-Read Books on the 4-Hour Work Week Blog.
I ended up with 3 finds that I’m really excited about, the first a graphic novel I have been meaning to read for YEARS, but haven’t gotten around to it, Blankets. I started this last night and quickly plowed through the first 320 pages before falling asleep on it. The story and artwork of this novel is just beautiful! If you’ve never read a graphic novel and the whole phrasing gives you visions of capes and cowls – you’d be completely wrong about Blankets! No superheroes, no villans, just a story of childhood, first loves and some real genuine emotion!
Next was the only Seth Godin read left on the libraries shelves and one that I haven’t read! (it was a sign) All Marketers Are Liars. This book excites me, it’s all about marketing with an authentic voice – something I think is a paramount part of building a strong brand! This book I can see already is going to go hand-in-hand with the 3rd title I picked up, Design Issues by DK Holland. This book was suggested earlier this year by kick ass designer and my good friend, Kristine Johnson.
I’ll let you guys know about these books as I get further into them.. and I’m planning to make this library adventure a monthly feature – so if you have idea’s for books I should keep my eye on leave a comment and let me know about it!
PLUS, check out some of my photos from this library visit on Flickr.
Hey Liz,
I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson (the guys from 37signals). It’s an awesome business/entrepreneur/creative thinking book, and it’s pretty short and to the point (a bit like 37signals products really, no fluff).
Also, since I see you’re recommending The Whuffie Factor on your reading list there, you should read the book that inspired it, which is Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow. It’s sci-fi, but not like aliens and space ships style sci-fi.
Oh, and since you like reading, you should join Goodreads which is a social network for book lovers. Nerdy.