A non-exhaustive list of books I find myself returning to time and again. I often get asked for recommendations, particularly around creativity and ideas. I admit I bend corners and add pencil marks. But I like to dip in and out of books I know well and get straight to the bit that jolted my thinking or surprised me.
alan fletcher
'This book attempts to open windows to glimpse views rather than dissect the pictures on the wall. To look at things from unlikely angles.'
When I'm stuck on a problem, any problem, I open this book on a random page and start exploring. It reminds me to think differently about the problem or ask better questions. It is a random collection of drawings, ideas, facts and quotes that graphic designer Alan Fletcher gathered in notebooks over his working life. He has grouped them into themes and made this book which is the essence of creativity and creative thinking. And a reminder that you can't bullshit yourself when genuinely creating.
RAiner maria rilke
'For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks..'
Ten letters the writer Rilke wrote to a young man eager for his feedback on poems written in the early twentieth century. Rilke offers wisdom and advice on listening to yourself and looking honestly at the motivation to write. It's Rilke's sensitivity and plea for authenticity, to see things as they truly are, that makes the letters so powerful. It speaks directly to the soul even now.
kathryn schulz
'Since we think our own beliefs are based on the facts, we conclude that people who disagree with us just haven't been exposed to the right information..'
The Ignorance Assumption, Unconscious Bias, our ability to convince ourselves that we're right - it's all here. I am often stunned at how sure some people are about their beliefs. And I envy them. But our beliefs and ideas change over time and inevitably at some point or other we're going to discover we got it wrong. It's being open to that and what we do with that knowledge that's interesting. No great conclusions, but a fascinating exploration of error.
Louise bourgeois
'My early work is the fear of falling. Later on it became the art of falling. How to fall without hurting yourself. Later on it is the art of hanging in there.'
The notebooks, interviews and selected writings of sculptor and artist Louise Bourgeois. Her thoughts on dealing with fears, creativity, sexuality, self-expression, the significance of spirals and the relation of an individual to his or her surroundings are full of wisdom and insight. There is an intensity, an obsessive, compulsive nature that she writes about in detail that I find helpful. She knows and understands herself well. I frequently return to this book without quite knowing why.
STUDS TERKEL
'The danger of being curious, of being inquisitive, is the voyeur lurking in the shadows.'
Terkel is one of my favourite broadcasters. For 46 years he had his own public radio show in the US. He listened with such sensitivity and honesty, he brought out the best in whoever he was talking to. He is best known for his oral histories of everyday people but these interviews are from film and theatre. He loved entertainment and his questions are full of knowledge and enthusiasm. For me, I love seeing his questions written down.
susan cain
'Stay true to your own nature...If you enjoy depth, don't force yourself to seek breadth.'
It can feel like we're living in a world where everyone is talking over each other which is a nightmare if you are naturally sensitive and quiet. Quiet allowed me to consider my own introvert and extrovert tendencies and in what environments those sides of my personality reveal themselves. You don't need to get swept away by the people shouting the loudest - passion, conviction and being true to your own nature can carry you where you want to go.
david mamet
'If you've got something to say, say it, and think well of yourself while you're learning to say it better.'
I've read much of his writing on theatre and movies, but this is the one I return to most often. It's a short series of snappy essays on acting, staging plays, writing, the audience and talent. It's focused on performing but I find it relevant to broadcasting and making creative work more broadly. He's blunt and you don't have to agree with everything but it's full of delicious little pieces of advice that are worth bearing in mind.
pema Chödrön
'If we're willing to give up that insecurity and pain can be exterminated, then we can have the courage to relax with the groundlessness of our situation.'
You can pick up this book on any page and find something of value. A reminder of how our perceptions shape our experience. Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun and while she brings in religious thought, she does so with a light touch. She has a wonderful way of putting things that affirms yourself and your place in the world. She invites you look at all aspects of yourself, be curious about what arises and be gentle and good humoured with all the nonsense your mind throws up.
mason currey
'I wanted to show how grand creative visions translate to small daily increments; how one's working habits influence the work itself, and vice versa.'
A sprint through the daily routines of well known artists past and present. I like hearing about the nitty gritty of people's routines and rituals. It helps me reflect on my own and think of ways to improve. But the great thing about this book is the realisation that you can be an early riser or a late riser, work all day or just for a few hours, there is no 'magic formula' to being creative. The important thing is that you figure out what works for you and stick to it.