Books I've Been Reading

I've been trying to read more physical books lately, putting the phone down in the evenings and picking up something printed. Here are a few that have stuck with me recently.

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bunge Stanier

This isn't really a book about coaching—it's about how to have better conversations by asking better questions. The core idea is simple: instead of jumping in with advice, ask "What's on your mind?" and then actually listen to the answer.

I've been trying this at work when teammates come to me with problems. Instead of immediately offering solutions, I ask follow-up questions. It's surprising how often people work through their own issues just by talking them out.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Newport argues for being more intentional about technology use. The book came at a good time for me—I was feeling overwhelmed by notifications and social media.

His suggestion to do a "digital declutter" resonated. I removed most apps from my phone and only added back the ones that serve a clear purpose. Email and messaging apps stayed, but Twitter and Instagram are gone. I check them on my computer now, if at all.

The result? I read more books, take longer walks, and feel less anxious about staying up to date with everything happening online.

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

This is Saunders breaking down classic Russian short stories and explaining what makes them work. It's technically a book about writing, but it's really about paying attention—to language, to people, to the small moments that matter.

Saunders has this way of making deep observations feel conversational and accessible. Reading his analysis of Chekhov made me want to write more carefully and notice more details in daily life.

What's Next

I picked up Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Both have been sitting on my shelf for months. Time to stop buying books faster than I can read them.

There's something satisfying about finishing a physical book—closing it, setting it down, seeing the stack of completed books grow. Digital books are convenient, but they don't give you that same sense of accomplishment.

What have you been reading lately? I'm always looking for recommendations.