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Derek Sivers's Reading List

Author and entrepreneur (CD Baby founder). Publishes detailed book notes with 0-10 ratings at sive.rs/book.

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Derek Sivers's 10/10 Books

Books rated 10/10 by Sivers — meaning he believes every random person should read them.

Source: sive.rs

Cover of The Waste Books
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg · 1800 · Buy on Amazon
"This collection of aphorisms and observations, written over decades, fits Derek Sivers's interest in concise wisdom and the power of distilled thought. It aligns with his own practice of sharing detailed, reflective notes."
Cover of You Can Negotiate Anything
Herb Cohen · 1980 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's focus on practical negotiation strategies for everyday situations aligns with Derek Sivers's interest in actionable advice for broad personal application. It fits his emphasis on universal principles for improving one's life."
Cover of The Listening Book: Discovering Your Own Music
W.A. Mathieu · 1991 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's exploration of deep listening and self-discovery aligns with Derek Sivers's focus on personal growth and understanding, a recurring theme in his own writing and entrepreneurial philosophy. It fits his interest in practical wisdom for living a more intentional life."
Cover of The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
Ichiro Kishimi · 2013 · Buy on Amazon
"Its focus on individual agency and unconventional wisdom to achieve happiness aligns with Derek Sivers's philosophy of self-reliance and challenging norms. This book likely resonates with his exploration of practical, actionable advice for personal growth."
Cover of Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives
David Eagleman · 2009 · Buy on Amazon
"This collection of short, thought-provoking philosophical tales fits Derek Sivers's interest in unique perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and offer new ways to view life."
Cover of The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children
Alison Gopnik · 2016 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's exploration of child development and the limits of parental control aligns with Derek Sivers's focus on individual agency and unconventional approaches to life. It likely resonates with his interest in effective learning and personal growth."
Cover of Playful Parenting
Lawrence J. Cohen · 2001 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's focus on understanding and responding to children's emotions through play aligns with Derek Sivers's broader interest in practical, empathetic approaches to human interaction and self-improvement. It offers actionable strategies for fostering connection, a common theme in his highly-rated picks."
Cover of On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
William Zinsser · 1976 · Buy on Amazon
"Its clear, concise advice on effective communication aligns with Derek Sivers's emphasis on practical, actionable insights for entrepreneurs and creators. This guide to writing nonfiction fits his focus on distilling complex ideas into understandable forms."
Cover of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield · 2002 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's focus on overcoming creative resistance and shipping work aligns with Derek Sivers's entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on action over procrastination. It fits his interest in practical advice for building and creating."
Cover of Stumbling on Happiness
Daniel Gilbert · 2006 · Buy on Amazon
"This book on the science of happiness and our flawed predictions about it fits Derek Sivers's interest in practical philosophy and understanding human behavior. It aligns with his focus on actionable insights for living a better life."
Cover of The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Michael E. Gerber · 1995 · Buy on Amazon
"This book's focus on systematizing small businesses to prevent owner burnout aligns with Derek Sivers's entrepreneurial journey and his detailed notes on building sustainable ventures. It's an expected read for someone exploring how to make businesses work without constant personal intervention."

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