Photo of me (Fred)

/shelf

My shelf

If I could only have a few things to regularly return to and lend to friends, these would be on it. Some of the threads of my tapestry.

Updated: 9th September 2025

— how many copies are on my shelf (how highly I recommend it, ~michelin stars)

📚Books

Falling Upward

Richard Rohr

A remarkable book about the two halves of life. Marmite, if it's for you, it's for you. It was for me.

When Breath Becomes Air

Paul Kalanithi

A beautifully touching book, written as only a gifted, dying author could.

Deep Work

Cal Newport

A foundational book on getting meaningful work done without the wastage of performance theatre.

The Power of Habit

Charles Duhigg

A wonderfully easy, insightful read on how habits are built. Changed my life.

Ready Player One

Ernest Cline

A gripping story of the ultimate computer game, recommended by someone who doesn't like fiction or sci-fi.

Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned

Kenneth O. Stanley

An averagely written book with a formative message, life is as much discovery as creation.

📝Articles

What if you tried hard?

Aaron Francis

This one's living rent free in my head. Am I trying hard enough?

💬Quotes

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”

Nelson Mandela

🎙️Podcasts

Introduction to VIEW

The Art of Accomplishment

A wonderfully insightful episode into the mindset that sells without selling.

Unedited: Joel Houston

Joel Houston

A raw chat about harder times in life, put me onto Richard Rohr's Falling Upward.


This is a curated list that I update from time to time. If you have recommendations, drop me a line.