You're missing out on the good stuff if your reading list is based on the clearance table at the Dollar Store. Not judging, but just saying.

I have met people that consume books quicker than eating a tic-tac and have no concept how they hold the information in their brain. I enjoy reading two or three books at a time, and it takes time for me to dwell with the concepts before moving on to the next book. Therefore, I need to cull the list of titles that hit the major reading lists if I am going to make good use of my reading time.

Maria Popova, Al Mohler, Derek Sivers, and Ryan Holiday fall into the category of voracious readers. These kind folks are also willing to regularly share the love, and their perspectives, on the written word they have devoured.

These reading lists cut across time and genres to deliver a "best of" list that goes beyond the New York Times or Amazon rankings. I have stumbled across recommendations that are out of print and require rooting through dusty bookshops hoping beyond hope; I will be the guy to find a copy.

How have these public reading lists impacted your personal reading list? What close friends enjoy the printed word, and provide recommendations? How have these close relationships influenced your reading diet?

Book publishers spend a significant amount of money, time and effort to focus your attention on the latest offerings. Authors hit the book signing circuit and do a round of podcasts to spread the word. It becomes a media blitzkrieg. What books have you bought as a result of this marketing frenzy? My most memorable response was hearing Peter Thiel speak following the launch of Zero to One. I find myself pondering several of his points every week.

Going Further? What recommendations have you disagreed with and why? What have you found to be a trustworthy source of books? What was a favorite recommendation? How have you expressed your gratitude to these list makers?