January Books: Driven to Distraction, The Reassembler and Product-Led Growth

📚 I read 3 books in January, all of them are quite good:

“Driven to Distraction” is a great book to start learning about ADHD (especially if you are lucky and don’t have it in any form).

“The Reassembler” is a fascinating journey into the world of disassembled objects and the intricate art of putting them back together (again).

“Product-Led Growth” is a great guide for startups and companies searching for a “good to-do list”. You might heard about all of the things mentioned in this book but it could be a great “table guide” to answer questions when you’re stuck at something.

Driven to Distraction

“Driven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder” by Edward Hallowell, and John Ratey, is a seminal work in the field of ADHD. The book is praised for its empathetic approach and its ability to make complex medical information accessible to a general audience.

When you’re starting reading you feel like — yes, it’s all about me, then you starting understand ‘not all, but some’.

Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have ADHD, offer personal anecdotes and case studies from their clinical practice, giving the book a personal touch that many readers find relatable and comforting.

Book is often recommended as a must-read for individuals with ADHD, their loved ones, and professionals working in the field. The book not only aids in understanding and coping with ADHD but also serves to destigmatize the disorder, emphasizing the strengths and unique talents of individuals with ADHD.

In some conversation last week after reading this book we decided that in the modern culture better to suggest that everybody have ADHD by default and be proactive with them in helping creating lists, proactively speaking about dviding tasks and building support. Do you agree?

The Reassembler

James May’s “The Reassembler” is a fascinating journey into the world of disassembled objects and the intricate art of putting them back together (again). Stemming from the BBC television series of the same name, the book captures the essence of James curiosity and deep appreciation for the engineering and craftsmanship behind everyday items.

What sets “The Reassembler” apart is May’s ability to turn what could be seen as a niche hobby into a captivating narrative about human ingenuity, patience, and the hidden beauty in the objects that populate our lives. Writing style is engaging, often infused with humor and a sense of wonder, making the technical details accessible and entertaining to readers regardless of their mechanical knowledge.

The book is not just a manual on reassembly; it’s a meditation on the relationship between humans and their creations, encouraging to slow down and appreciate the mechanics and stories behind the everyday.

Product-Led Growth

The last one was an Audible book, it was quite short and I might need to get the printed version as understanding everything from voice is sometimes hard (see book #1).

“Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself” by Wes Bush is a great guide for startups and companies aiming to harness the power of their products to drive growth.

Book is filled with real-world examples, case studies, and insights from companies that have successfully implemented PLG strategies.

“Product-Led Growth” is lauded for offering a transformative approach to growth that is more sustainable, customer-centric, and aligned with the way modern users interact with technology.

You might heard about all of the things mentioned in this book already (as it is 5 years old this year) but it could be a great “table guide” to answer questions when you’re stuck at something.

Next two are both “stories”: Founders at Work and The Innovators. Both of them are quite big, and I need find something non-tech to read in February.