Looking for some fresh reads to inspire you and level up your skills? Or maybe you just need to find some much-needed clarity. Here are seven books that’ll do just that—and maybe even make you look like a genius in the process. These curated picks by our team are the perfect way to keep your brain buzzing and your ideas flowing. Grab a coffee and dive in—you might just finish smarter than you started.

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Hyphens & Hashtags, The Stories Behind the Symbols on Our Keyboard, by Claire Cock-Starkey (192 pages)

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As graphic designers, we often geek out over the small typographic details and symbols that most people overlook—the ones that, though subtle, play a huge role in shaping how we communicate.

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Hyphens & Hashtags: The Stories Behind the Symbols on Our Keyboard by Claire Cock-Starkey is a delightful exploration of the often-overlooked symbols that populate our digital conversations. From the pound sign to the asterisk, Cock-Starkey uncovers the fascinating histories, quirks, and cultural shifts behind these everyday characters. Filled with fun facts, witty anecdotes, and rich storytelling, the book reveals how these small symbols have evolved and shaped communication over time. It’s an engaging journey into the hidden stories behind the symbols we use daily.

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Microstyle, The Art of Writing Little, by Christopher Johnson (256 pages)

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Do you struggle with creative writing? Or perhaps find yourself writing too much and never quite getting to the point?

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If so, Microstyle: The Art of Writing Less and Saying More by Christopher Johnson could be the perfect solution. This insightful book teaches you how to craft short, impactful phrases that convey big ideas with precision and style. Johnson shows how the art of brevity can be used in everything from branding to social media, helping you communicate more effectively and memorably. With practical tips and plenty of examples, Microstyle is an essential read for anyone looking to make their writing sharper, clearer, and more powerful.

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All Marketers Tell Stories by Seth Godin (240 pages)

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There’s a brilliant and simple analogy that explains the difference between branding, advertising and marketing:

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Marketing is getting the word out, to the right people.
Advertising is placing paid content in front of those people.
Branding is about making people feel something.

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Each plays a distinct role, yet they all share one unifying element: story.

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In All Marketers Tell Stories, Seth Godin explores this idea with sharp insight and engaging examples. He reveals that successful marketers don’t just sell products—they craft stories that align with their audience’s beliefs, sparking trust and emotional connection. Godin’s message is clear: mastering the art of storytelling is essential for building lasting relationships and thriving in today’s market. A must-read for anyone serious about marketing, branding, or advertising.

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Flow, The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (336 pages)

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Have you ever been so deeply immersed in an activity—fully in sync, almost like you’re riding a wave—that you lose all sense of time? That’s what renowned Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced Cheek-sent-me-high, you’re welcome!) calls a flow state. He’s best known for pioneering research into this phenomenon, which captures the essence of optimal focus and effortless engagement.

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His book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience is for anyone seeking to thrive by living intentionally and embracing the magic of the present. With engaging insights, the book reveals how to harness focus, align challenges with skills, and create moments of pure joy and fulfillment.

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The Creative Act, A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin (432 pages)

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You may not be a fan of Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but we’re certain you’ve heard some of their iconic songs. That may be in large part because of the influence of legendary music producer Rick Rubin, who is often credited as an instrumental influence in shaping the sound of modern music and artists across genres, from hip-hop and rock to country and pop. Ironically, Rubin himself says he knows nothing about music! Check out this viral clip of Rubin telling CNN’s Anderson Cooper why artists pay him.

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Beyond his production genius, Rubin is also celebrated for his philosophical and spiritual approach to creativity, which he explores in his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. His work transcends music, inspiring creators of all kinds to embrace authenticity and explore the depths of their artistic potential.

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Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown (304 pages)

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At Clear Space, we’re all about embracing minimalism, clarity, and the beauty of less. So naturally, we couldn’t resist diving into Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown.

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If you were inspired by Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, this book will feel like its philosophical counterpart. McKeown delivers a transformative guide to cutting through the noise of modern life, urging us to abandon the culture of busyness and focus solely on what truly matters. Packed with practical strategies and profound insights, Essentialism teaches you how to simplify decisions, reclaim your time, and channel your energy into meaningful pursuits. It’s an empowering read for anyone looking to thrive through clarity, intention, and purpose.

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Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles (208 pages)

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Why do you get out of bed every day? Do you feel like you need to find meaning? Purpose?

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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles offers a thoughtful exploration of how the Japanese concept of ikigai—a reason for being—can provide just that. Through interviews with centenarians from Okinawa, known for their remarkable longevity, the book reveals how aligning passion, mission, vocation, and profession can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant life. Filled with practical wisdom and simple yet profound insights, this book encourages readers to live longer, happier, and more meaningful lives. A must-read for anyone seeking deeper purpose and contentment.

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