I went nuts at Strand and Barnes and Noble last night. All together I spent almost $100 on books. But every one of them I absolutely cannot wait to read! I read the forward of each book, and I was sucked in to all of them. I don’t believe in buying books and having them around, hoping that somehow they will make you smarter. I think the American Way is to buy first and ask questions later. I see people (especially myself) spending money on things like books, computers, cameras or software and they think it will actually make them a music genius, software programmer, or… rich and famous. Its SO EASY to spend money, it feels good, and it feels like you’ve accomplished something. However, I’ve realized that if you buy a book you should intend to read it. If you buy anything, you should use it for its intended purpose. Books aren’t sculptures. Anyways, all of this is me just feeling bad that I spent $100 on books that I can’t read all at once. But you know what… I’m going to read them. I started already. So there.
Here’s the list:
The following books I first heard about on ken rockwell’s site:
Photographic Composition by Grill and Scranlon
So I can step my photography game up. A steal at $7 for the hardcover at strand.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
I’ve always wanted to learn how to draw better, and Ken talks a lot about how photography is about being attentive to composition. Composition is everything, the equipment is secondary.
National Geographic Photography Field Guide
This looked good and it was at strand. I started reading it in the store and I was sucked in right away. It covers basics but also composition, which I need to work on. It also covers different kinds of film and the differences between APS and 35mm. Not so useful to me but its cool anyway.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Apparently this is one of the all time self help classics. Looking forward to reading it.
You Can Negotiate Anything by Herb Cohen
I’ve started to read this first. Its funny and good so far. Kinda dated but really awesome and inspiring. I’m only on chapter 2!
These are books I picked up because I’ve been meaning to pick them up anyways.
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
I read Omnivore’s Dilemma, and it was really really good. In that, he analyzed the different ways people get their food, and what you shouldn’t eat. In this sequel, he talks about what you should eat.
Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinetar
I’ve been meaning to read this for a while. Looks great. It was recommended to me by a really good friend.