Chapter 1: The Challenge of Choosing Books

With an overwhelming number of books available, it's easy to feel disheartened. For avid readers, the reality that only about 6,000 out of 130 million printed books can be read in a lifetime can be daunting. This highlights the need for a "quality filter" in curating our reading lists.

In the past, I lacked such a filter and often selected books based on eye-catching titles or attractive covers. I was easily swayed by flashy designs and intriguing names. However, I soon discovered a few hard truths:

• Attractive covers do not guarantee quality content; often, the most impactful books have plain covers.
• Titles that pique your interest do not always correspond to engaging narratives.
• Time invested in certain books, particularly those by entrepreneurs, can yield minimal value, resembling a mere collection of recycled blog posts. In many cases, listening to an author’s podcast can provide the essential insights without the time commitment.

Without a strategic approach to selecting worthwhile reads, I found myself sifting through a lot of mediocre material, just like many other readers. However, it’s the transformative books—the ones that reshape our understanding of the world—that truly ignite our passion for reading.

Tyler Cowen refers to these transformative reads as "Quake books," which fundamentally alter our perspectives. They are often not the most enjoyable reads but are packed with enlightening moments that leave a lasting impact.

So, how do we discover more of these enlightening titles? With countless new releases each year, it’s easy for these impactful books to be overshadowed by the deluge of average publications. In my experience, only about 1 in 20 books I’ve read could be classified as a quake book, pointing to a flawed selection process.

The Tim Ferriss Approach

To uncover more of these influential books, I've adopted a question that Tim Ferriss poses to his podcast guests:

“What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why?”

This simple yet powerful inquiry often reveals books that have deeply influenced others. As John Green aptly noted, some books inspire an almost evangelical zeal, compelling readers to share them with everyone they know.

My Journey with the Question

A few months ago, I began integrating this question into my interactions. Whether at a café or chatting with a stranger, I would ask what they were reading and then pose the Tim Ferriss question.

Most people are initially taken aback, but their excitement in sharing their recommendations quickly emerges. This has led me to a treasure trove of titles.

Of course, asking random people sometimes leads to amusing encounters. For instance, during a train ride, I noticed an elderly woman engrossed in her Kindle. After some hesitant small talk, I asked her what she was reading.

“Fifty Shades of Grey,” she revealed, beaming.

I responded, “Oh, I think I’ve heard of that—didn’t they make a movie?”

“Yessss!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

To steer the conversation, I asked her about the book she’s gifted the most. Without missing a beat, she replied, “A Much Younger Man, by Mia Fox.”

I smiled awkwardly and promptly exited at my stop.

A Continuous Exploration

While not every attempt leads to profound insights, I persist in asking this question. More often than not, I uncover titles that I had never encountered before, and I end up enjoying them immensely.

This approach has encouraged me to explore genres outside my comfort zone, exposing me to books that have broadened my horizons. Currently, I’m delving into "Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes" by Daniel L. Everett, recommended by a polyglot I met during a language exchange.

Now, I steer clear of choosing books based on trends or hype. Instead, I focus on those that have profoundly impacted others—their quake books.

I encourage you to try this method yourself; you might meet fascinating individuals along the way.

So, I pose this question to you, dear readers: “What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why?” If you have any quake book suggestions, please share them in the comments. Follow me on Medium for weekly insights and tips!

Chapter 2: The Impact of Community on Reading Choices

Section 2.1: Engaging with Others

Asking others about their favorite books fosters connections and opens up new literary avenues.

Subsection 2.1.1: The Power of Recommendations