Just done reading my first book of the year.

1: Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by K. Anders Ericsson, Robert Pool.

This book summarizes the research of the late K. Anders Ericsson, psychologist and researcher, who studied for decades the practice of professional performers (e.g. musicians, athletes, surgeons, etc.)

Brilliantly redacted, and directed towards regular people, "Peak" seeks to answer all the major questions behind the science of mastering a skill or discipline.

What makes a practice really effective? How much time does it take to master a skill? What's the role of innate capabilities in such process?

"Anyone who wants to get better at anything should read [Peak]"

• Fortune

17. Firebird by Mark Doty

I just finished The Fires of Heaven, book 5 in The Wheel of Time.

This was my favorite book when I read the series the first time and it still is, so much character development happens and there are even character deaths. Originally I made it halfway through book six then went to college so I stopped reading, so once I pick up book 6 I'll be in all new material after a certain point.

Next I'm going to read The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine, then I'll do book six The Lord of Chaos.

34. Radio Free Albemuth - Philip K Dick

Not nearly as good as VALIS, the book it would be rewritten as, but still damn fine PKD.

Read 2, my goal is to read 10, so 8 more I guess

Starting my read-through of the Chronicles of Narnia with The Magician's Nephew!

Having watched the trilogy first, I understood what was going to happen. And by reading the prequel it would help me understand what Lewis was going with.

And honeslty, I am amazed how he handled it. I really enjoyed Polly and Uncle Andrew, by far my favourite characters. When writing a prequel to explain why X and X happens, it sort of loses the magic of "it's there in the first place" - as seen with star wars.

But somehow he still retains it, the sense of whimsy when magic happens. And I'm all here for it.

28. Martha Wells - System Collapse

Well I'm out of books in that series, time to find a new hyperfixation...

Finished reading "The Quilting Cruise" by Miranda Hathaway (actually it's by two sisters writing under a pseudonym).

Another cozy mystery read on the 372 pages podcast.

You dont have to have a dream - Tim Minchin

It's weird, I went into the bookshop picking a present for mum. When I found this book, it instead called to me. Prolly but selfish, but I got a bit distracted.

This book has every single life advice you need. Seriously.

Go read it.