I Studied Hundreds of Successful People — And Wrote a Book About What I Learned: What is “Social Reading” and why should Libraries care?

I Studied Hundreds of Successful People — And Wrote a Book About What I Learned: What is “Social Reading” and why should Libraries care?

There’s an old saying that claims every person should do the following three things in their lifetime: Plant a tree, have a child, and write a book. The idea behind this saying is that all three will live on long after we’re gone. Writing a book allows us to leave a piece of ourselves behind, to share our thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others. But what does it take to write a truly impactful book?

I realized that the highest performers don't use "tricks" or "hacks" to achieve greatness. They use mental frameworks that fundamentally change the way they see the world. These frameworks are not about imitating others but rather about learning from them. Idolizing traps you into imitating ‘perfect’ versions of imperfect people. Learning, on the other hand, allows you to observe, synthesize, and pave your own path. There is no perfect human being, but I believe that we can all learn from each other’s most fulfilling successes—as well as our most devastating failures.

One area where learning and sharing ideas can have a significant impact is in the world of social reading. Social reading is the concept of people wanting to share what they have read with others and receive feedback about their thoughts and ideas. It goes beyond solitary reading and allows for better idea formation and explanation through shared writing and thoughts. Traditional book clubs have long been a way for individuals to come together and discuss their thoughts on a shared book, fostering social interaction over a common interest.

Online book clubs have also emerged as a popular way for readers to connect and discuss books. These clubs attract a diverse group of participants, primarily adults between the ages of twenty and forty who are internet-savvy and have at least a medium reading level. However, one downside of online book clubs is the unpredictability and lack of interactivity that comes with membership. It can be challenging to create a sense of community and engagement in an online space.

In recent years, e-readers like the Kindle have introduced features that aim to bridge the gap between solitary reading and social interaction. One such feature is "popular highlights," where phrases in books that multiple Kindle readers have highlighted are marked with dotted lines. This feature allows readers to see what others found interesting or noteworthy in a book, sparking conversations and discussions around specific passages. Another feature introduced by the Kindle is the ability to lend a book to a friend after finishing it. This feature not only encourages sharing but also allows for the personal, physical connection to a book that e-books often lack.

While e-books and online book clubs have their advantages, it's important to recognize the value of physical books and the connection they provide to the past. As one writer puts it, "books that we’ve known and handled often have a personal, physical connection to the past that e-books won’t be able to capture." There is something special about holding a book, flipping through its pages, and feeling its weight in your hands.

So, how can we take these insights and apply them to our own lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of learning from others: Instead of idolizing and imitating, focus on learning from the successes and failures of those around you. Take inspiration from their achievements and use their experiences as a guide to pave your own path.

2. Engage in social reading: Join book clubs, whether online or in person, to connect with others who share your love for reading. Engaging in discussions and sharing your thoughts can deepen your understanding of books and foster a sense of community.

3. Embrace both digital and physical reading experiences: While e-readers and online book clubs offer convenience and accessibility, don't forget the value of physical books. The tactile experience of holding a book and the connection it provides to the past is something that e-books can never fully replicate.

In conclusion, writing a book and engaging in social reading are both powerful ways to leave a lasting impact. By embracing the power of learning from others, participating in book clubs, and appreciating both digital and physical reading experiences, we can enrich our lives and connect with others in meaningful ways. So, plant a tree, have a child, and write a book. And don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas along the way.