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Spend More Time Reading Short Books: Small in Size, Big in Impact

Zadan Zarik
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Spend More Time Reading Short Books: Small in Size, Big in Impact

In a world that often equates value with size, short books are a refreshing reminder that brevity doesn’t mean a lack of depth. Some of the most profound lessons and life-changing ideas are found in books with fewer pages. Spending more time reading short books can enrich your life without overwhelming your schedule.

Why Short Books Pack a Punch

  1. Brevity Focuses the Message
    Short books are often distilled to their essence. Without the space for unnecessary fluff, every word counts, and every idea is purposeful. This focus ensures that the reader engages with the most impactful concepts without distractions.
  2. Easier to Digest
    A short book can be read in a single sitting or over a few days, making it more accessible for busy readers. Because the content is compact, it’s easier to absorb, reflect on, and integrate the lessons into daily life.
  3. Timeless Lessons in Concise Packages
    Many of the most influential works in philosophy, self-improvement, and literature are short. Books like The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl are concise yet deeply profound, proving that life-changing wisdom doesn’t require hundreds of pages.
  4. Encourages Reflection
    The brevity of short books invites rereading and contemplation. Since they’re quick to revisit, their ideas often stay with you longer, growing in relevance with each reading.

Advantages of Prioritizing Short Books

  1. Fits Into a Busy Schedule
    For those juggling work, family, or studies, finding time for a lengthy book can feel daunting. Short books, however, fit easily into the cracks of a busy day, turning moments of downtime into opportunities for growth and inspiration.
  2. Builds Reading Momentum
    Completing a book—no matter its length—provides a sense of accomplishment. Reading short books can help build momentum, reigniting a love for reading and encouraging the habit of finishing what you start.
  3. Diverse Learning Opportunities
    Short books often focus on a single idea, concept, or story, making it easy to explore a wide range of topics in a short period. This diversity keeps reading fresh and engaging.

Examples of Short Books with Big Lessons

  • “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: A fable about pursuing one’s dreams and finding purpose.
  • “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson: A simple yet powerful story about adapting to change.
  • “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck: A heart-wrenching tale of friendship and hardship.
  • “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: A guide to personal freedom and living authentically.
  • “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom: Lessons on life and love from a dying mentor.

How to Embrace Short Books

  1. Start with Recommendations
    Look for short books that align with your interests or come highly recommended for their impact.
  2. Pair Them with Long Books
    Alternate between short and long books to keep your reading journey balanced and varied.
  3. Reflect and Journal
    After finishing a short book, take time to reflect on its lessons. Write down key takeaways to ensure you retain and apply what you’ve learned.

Conclusion

Short books prove that you don’t need hundreds of pages to uncover profound wisdom, powerful stories, or life-changing ideas. By spending more time reading them, you’ll not only expand your knowledge but also make reading a more accessible and enjoyable part of your life. So, the next time you’re looking for a book, don’t overlook the slim ones on the shelf—they might just leave the biggest impact.

The Reign of Fear

Zadan Zarik
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The Reign of Fear

False evidence appears real, and I find myself imprisoned in the cruel clutches of harsh realities. Clad in torment and anguish, the world stretches before me, but it is veiled in darkness. The sun hides behind the shadowy sky, and the dove in its nest breaks down in despair. A crowd, lost on a shipwreck, is tossed and entangled in the tempestuous sea. The woman, hidden behind a rock amid war, tries to escape the violence surrounding her. An innocent child, once free in the playground, is stolen away, and a girl of five is sold for a handful of coins. The trees tremble under the violent thunderclap, their roots shaking in the storm.

A drug-addicted boy, left to endure his hell, undergoes a cruel form of eugenics, while a teenage girl, humiliated in broad daylight, bears the weight of shame in a world that judges her. Fear reigns everywhere. It lurks in the corners, gnawing at the edges of our existence.

The frail candle flame flickers as it melts away in the darkness; the mountain quakes and erupts with molten fury. Once bright in the universe, the stars now struggle against the encroaching dawn. The starved, tantalized by a few morsels of food, desperately cling to the hope of survival. Those who lie on deathbeds, deep in debt and despair, wait for a release they cannot find. People living in slums, abandoned by hope, shiver in the cold and the thunderstorms, their cries drowned out by the power of fear.

All of them, all of us, are suppressed by the necromancy of fear—an invisible force that haunts and enslaves, waiting in the silence to claim us all.

15 Most Critical Lessons from How To Live An Extraordinary Life

Zadan Zarik
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15 Most Critical Lessons from How To Live An Extraordinary Life

Anthony Pompliano’s letters to his children were written to share valuable lessons on building resilience, cultivating meaningful relationships, living with integrity, and achieving personal and professional fulfilment. These letters were intended as a family keepsake and developed into seven key themes in How to Live an Extraordinary Life.

Ethics as Bedrock of Character

Ethics form the bedrock of your character, guiding you through life’s challenges and helping you make decisions you can stand behind. However, adaptability is essential; your opinions should shift when new truths emerge. Building a reputation rooted in authenticity is crucial for staying steady in changing circumstances.

The Decision to Live Intentionally

Living intentionally often begins with simplicity, which creates clarity and resonates with others. However, this clarity requires flexibility, as holding onto outdated beliefs can trap you in the past. Let your values guide you as you adjust to new realities, allowing you to remain true to yourself while embracing the world as it evolves.

Choose Your Battles Carefully

Choosing battles carefully allows you to focus on what truly aligns with your values, creating a life shaped by intention, clarity, and unshakable principles. To take on challenges without feeling overwhelmed, start small and break them down into manageable steps.

Life Always Tests Us – In Unexpected Way

Life will test you with unexpected difficulties, but they often hold lessons. Learning to stay open to what comes next helps you face these moments with strength and composure. Focusing on the examples of those who inspire you and focusing on higher standards keeps you striving for your best.

Growth and Consistency are Interdependent

Growth is built through consistent, deliberate effort, as committed commitment to finishing what you start strengthens the habits that will carry you through future challenges. Small, steady actions lead to progress that lasts.

Human Connections are Dependent on Truthful Efforts You Put in it

The connections you build with others depend on the effort you put into them. Small acts of kindness, listening, sharing experiences, respecting others’ time, and focusing on meaningful relationships can strengthen bonds that matter most. By prioritizing care, attention, and mutual respect, you can create connections that help you grow while giving the same gift to those around you.

Action is Essential to Squeeze a Juice

Taking action is crucial for turning ideas into reality, as progress often comes from starting, learning as you go, and adjusting along the way. Building something meaningful requires focus and effort, and starting the day with energy and purpose can make the process feel lighter and more rewarding. Discipline is the bridge between starting something and seeing it through to the end, building confidence and strengthening habits that will serve you for a lifetime.

Fruitful Efforts Always Bring Value

Every effort should aim to create something valuable, whether it’s designing a product, solving a problem, or developing a skill. Success often comes from this mindset – consistently showing up, creating value, and taking pride in your work.

Taking Action is not Just Getting Things Done

Taking action is more than just getting things done; it’s about showing up with purpose, doing the work with care, and committing to finish. Leaning into the process builds momentum, turning even the most prominent goals into achievable realities.

Health is the Only Wealth

Health is the foundation for everything else in your life, and taking care of yourself allows you to give your best to the people and goals that matter most. Start with movement, such as walking or exercising, to clear your head and reconnect with the world around you. Sleep plays a critical role in physical and mental well-being, as it helps you stay focused, emotionally steady, and ready for the day ahead. Prioritizing quality sleep can transform how you feel and approach each day.

Your Environment Shapes You

The environment plays a significant role in shaping one’s state of mind. A clean and organized space can enhance focus and control, while a cluttered environment can lead to scattered thinking. Life’s impermanence allows for a sense of power and appreciation of life’s moments. Caring for one’s body, mind, and surroundings provides strength and clarity to handle challenges and embrace opportunities.

Mastering Finance Will Make You Financially Independent

Mastering finances is essential for independence, as it allows for flexibility and alignment with what truly matters to oneself. Investing strategically builds wealth, which can lead to exponential growth over time. Patience and a steady hand are often the greatest rewards. Learning is an investment in oneself, as each skill and perspective developed strengthens the ability to make thoughtful decisions.

Prioritize Meaningful Progress

Not every decision has the same impact; prioritizing effectively allows for meaningful progress without spreading oneself too thin. Financial stability allows for the alignment of resources with the life one wants to create. Reflecting on life’s lessons and observations can provide valuable insights.
Imagining life as a documentary can make even challenges feel worthwhile, as they add texture to the narrative. Photographs capture emotions and connections that shape one’s life, offering perspective and comfort as one moves forward.

Experiences are Your Beginning

Life’s journey doesn’t have to dictate where you end up; experiences are just the beginning. Trust that the bigger picture often takes time to reveal itself, and good ideas are worth saving.

Wisdom Comes in Pieces

Life’s wisdom often comes in pieces; holding onto what resonates with you can guide you through anything. By aligning actions with intention and integrity, staying adaptable while grounded in core principles, and cultivating resilience through small, consistent efforts, individuals can craft a life of clarity, purpose, and fulfilment.

The Highest Praise: Highlighting and Engaging with a Book

Zadan Zarik
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The Highest Praise: Highlighting and Engaging with a Book

For an author, the greatest compliment isn’t just hearing that someone read their book—it’s seeing evidence that their words resonated deeply. A book that’s been written in, highlighted, dog-eared, or otherwise “lived in” tells a story of engagement, thought, and appreciation. In contrast, a pristine book might seem untouched, leaving the author wondering if it was truly read or simply shelved.

Why Marking Up a Book Matters

  1. It Reflects Active Reading
    Highlighting passages, jotting notes in the margins, and underlining key ideas show that you’re not just skimming the pages but truly interacting with the content. It signals that the book has sparked your curiosity, challenged your thinking, or touched your emotions.
  2. It Makes the Book Personal
    When you mark up a book, you make it uniquely yours. The notes, highlights, and comments become a snapshot of your thoughts and feelings at the time you read it. For an author, seeing this personalization is proof that their work has made a meaningful impact.
  3. It’s Evidence of Value
    A well-loved, annotated book is tangible evidence that it has been studied, appreciated, and devoured. It shows the author that their words were worth revisiting, pondering, and cherishing.
  4. It Invites Dialogue
    Sharing a marked-up book with an author (or even with friends) is like opening a dialogue. It allows you to point out specific parts that moved you, confused you, or inspired you. For authors, this kind of feedback can be incredibly rewarding and validating.

How to Mark Up a Book Respectfully

  1. Highlight with Intention
    Focus on key phrases, arguments, or sentences that resonate most deeply. Avoid over-highlighting to preserve the impact of the truly important parts.
  2. Write Marginal Notes
    Add personal reactions, questions, or connections in the margins. These can be thoughts like, “This reminds me of…” or “I need to research more about this.”
  3. Use Post-It Notes for Non-Permanent Markings
    If you’re not comfortable writing directly in the book, colorful sticky notes can achieve the same purpose and allow for easy removal later.
  4. Keep it Authentic
    Don’t feel pressured to make your notes perfect or insightful. Authentic reactions—whether they’re bursts of laughter, disagreement, or moments of realization—are what truly stand out.

Why Authors Appreciate It

Authors pour their hearts and minds into their work, hoping it will resonate with readers. When you present a book marked with highlights, annotations, and well-worn pages, it’s like saying, “Your words mattered.” It’s a visual testament to the time, thought, and emotion you invested in their work.

A pristine book might look beautiful on a shelf, but a marked-up, highlighted, and well-worn book tells the real story of its impact. For an author, it’s the highest form of praise—proof that their words were not only read but lived with. So, don’t hesitate to engage with your books fully. Scribble your thoughts, highlight your favorite lines, and proudly share your “messy” book with its creator. It’s a tribute to their art and a testament to your connection with their words.

Parenting from the Inside Out – Review

Zadan Zarik
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Parenting from the Inside Out – Review

It was like sitting in a cosy workshop where someone gently holds a mirror up to your life. As a parent, I always look to read something similar, so that I can learn how to deal with my kids. So, I didn’t just read but always tried to experience it from the author’s perspective and wrestle with it.

This book will surely take you on a journey into your mind before asking you to step into your child’s world. And let me tell you, that the reading journey isn’t always comfortable. It usually happens when the author sugarcoats the facts. Siegel and Hartzell don’t sugarcoat the truth. We may or may not know that our childhoods leave fingerprints all over our parenting.

At first, it was jarring to recognize how often our automatic reactions mirrored my parents’ words or tone—things I swore I’d never say! I should be guilty or at least feeling guilty of what we used to say after facing the mirror. But instead of guilt, the book gave me tools to unpack those patterns and begin rewriting my script.

The book is grounded in science without feeling clinical, logic is easy to understand if you want to understand and pick the book to learn something instead of just for the sake of reading. The author was an authority on neurobiology and his insights demystify the connection between our emotions, brain development, and relationships, the 2nd author’s practical advice feels like a warm hand guiding you through a sometimes overwhelming landscape. For example, when they describe how unresolved childhood issues can impact how we react to our children’s tantrums or struggles, it clicked: parenting isn’t just about teaching children but also about healing ourselves, too. The damage caused to our childhood is something that also needs to be fixed.

he exercises in the book are simple. You can map out key moments from your childhood. It will be like piecing together a puzzle you didn’t realize was incomplete. Suddenly, you will understand why certain behaviours from your child trigger such strong emotional responses in you.

Just like all the Good Books, this book too doesn’t promise perfection in parenting, because no one needs that kind of pressure. Instead, it will offer you hope. The kind of hope that says it’s okay to stumble as long as you’re willing to reflect and grow. You will be reminded gently, that no matter how messy your story might be, you still have the power to give your children a foundation of compassion, understanding, resilience, bravery, kindness and everything they need to become a good human and good citizen to the world.

If you’re a parent like me, who is looking for more than just discipline tips or bedtime routines, or even if you are craving a deeper, transformative understanding of how your story shapes your child’s world, I would suggest you read this book as a workshop to learn and practice the learnings later on.

It’s not an easy read emotionally, but it’s one of the most rewarding ones. When you close the book, you will walk away with better tools for parenting. You will understand yourself before walking back into parenthood.

I walked away with a better understanding of myself. And that, as this book so beautifully argues, is the most important gift you can give your child.

A Farewell to the Unspoken

Zadan Zarik
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A Farewell to the Unspoken

You, girl in pink, I see the delight in your eyes, the ecstasy dancing on your lashes. “Adieus for good!”—I am here to say as the recollections of the past twelve months swirl around me. The inevitable memories of joyous moments we shared are imprinted on my mind, as is the first moment you hailed me. I am dying and have only a few words left to say. Come to me, for this last moment.

Every second spent with you, come to me now—to enfold the first sunlight of the last winter, the first shower of monsoon mocking my longing, the first jasmine of the garden spurning my request. Come to me, as the apparel of the eve on the sky kisses the peaks, the sea’s ebb and flow play in the full moon. Come, as the radiance of the sun calms the tempestuous sea.

I am dying, with just a few last words to say. Come to me, for every moment I must forget—raptures of spring, come to me again! Where are your enlivening songs, you birds in the air, searching for the melancholy of my autumn? The spectres in the cemetery give me a moment of clemency. I want to grasp you all, to hold onto what has slipped away.

You, girl in pink, I see the delight in your eyes, and I wish you for the last time, cherishing every moment of our journey together. “Adieus for good!”—I say it once more as I bid farewell to the seventeenth year of your life.

Easy Reading Hack: Carry a Digital Library in Your Pocket

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Easy Reading Hack: Carry a Digital Library in Your Pocket

In today’s digital world, making time for reading has become easier than ever. One of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure you always have something to read is by downloading an ebook or audiobook to your phone. Whether you’re stuck in a long line, commuting, or just relaxing during a break, having a digital library at your fingertips ensures you’ll never miss a chance to dive into a good book.

Why Download an Ebook or Audiobook?

  1. Convenience
    Unlike physical books, ebooks and audiobooks require no extra space in your bag. Your phone becomes your portable library, accessible anytime and anywhere. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or stuck in traffic, your next great read is only a tap away.
  2. Accessibility
    Digital platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, Audible, or free apps like Libby provide a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks across all genres. Many platforms also offer free classics, allowing you to explore timeless stories without spending a penny.
  3. Customization
    Ebooks allow you to adjust font size, background color, and brightness to suit your preferences, making reading easier on your eyes. Audiobooks, on the other hand, let you control playback speed, making it possible to finish books faster or linger on details when you want to savor the story.
  4. Hands-Free Reading
    Audiobooks offer a unique advantage for multitasking. Whether you’re driving, working out, or doing household chores, you can “read” without having to hold a book or look at a screen.
  5. Always Available Backup
    If you’ve ever left home wishing you had your book, an ebook or audiobook ensures you’ll never face that regret again. Even if you’re in the mood to explore something new, many apps allow you to download additional titles instantly.

Tips for Getting Started

  1. Choose the Right Platform
    • For ebooks: Platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books are user-friendly and widely accessible.
    • For audiobooks: Audible, Scribd, and Libby offer extensive collections, often including free options for library cardholders.
  2. Download a Variety of Titles
    Keep a mix of genres or topics so you’re prepared for any mood. You might want a gripping thriller for your commute, a self-help book for inspiration, or a light romance to wind down at night.
  3. Organize Your Library
    Many apps allow you to create collections or mark books as “favorites” or “to read.” Use these features to keep track of your digital reading list.
  4. Use Offline Mode
    Download your books in advance so you can read or listen even without an internet connection.

Balancing Digital and Physical Reading

While nothing can truly replace the tactile experience of holding a physical book, ebooks and audiobooks offer unmatched flexibility. They’re not meant to replace traditional reading but to complement it. When you carry both digital and physical options, you’re prepared for any reading scenario.

Conclusion

Downloading an ebook or audiobook to your phone is a simple hack that transforms how you approach reading. With a digital library in your pocket, you’ll never miss a chance to immerse yourself in a great story, learn something new, or escape into another world—even during life’s busiest moments.

The Sacred Struggle Between Reality and Imagination

Zadan Zarik
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The Sacred Struggle Between Reality and Imagination

From horizon to reality, my imagination weaves through ends and subtleties, through apprehensions. Entangled between questions of religion, I seek the sacred world of thoughts—my possession, my castle of spirits, where virtue and vice intertwine. Shadows, invisible yet ever-present, touch their reflections while moments of melancholy slip into oblivion.

I breathe life into words once thought dead, resurrecting forgotten recollections. Agony, nothingness, pain, and illusions bind me in their clutches, while sadness seduces me with its malignant pull. My spirit seeks freedom in silence, dreams, and anticipation.

I build within the fires of hell, searching for the peace of heaven, caught between mysticism and ethereal dogmas. In this virtual creation, I am lost and found between what is real and imagined.

Give a Book 3 Chances: The Three-Chapter Rule for Reading

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Give a Book 3 Chances: The Three-Chapter Rule for Reading

Reading is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but not every book will resonate with every reader. It’s perfectly normal to pick up a book with excitement, only to find that it doesn’t quite click. To save time and energy while still giving books a fair shot, consider adopting the Three-Chapter Rule: give a book three chapters to capture your interest. If you’re not engaged by then, it’s okay to set it aside guilt-free.

Why Three Chapters?

The first three chapters of a book often set the tone, introduce the main characters, and outline the basic premise. They serve as a window into the author’s storytelling style and provide enough context to help you decide if the book aligns with your tastes and expectations. While some books have slow starts, three chapters are usually sufficient to determine if the narrative, writing, or pacing will hold your attention.

Avoiding the Trap of “Guilt-Reading”

Many readers feel obligated to finish every book they start, even if they’re not enjoying it. This sense of obligation often stems from a belief that quitting reflects poorly on their patience, discipline, or appreciation of the book’s content. However, forcing yourself to trudge through a book that doesn’t interest you can sap the joy out of reading. It’s important to remember that your time is valuable, and there’s no shame in prioritizing books that genuinely engage and excite you.

Trusting Your Intuition as a Reader

The Three-Chapter Rule empowers you to trust your instincts. If a book hasn’t hooked you by the third chapter, it’s unlikely that it will later. Some exceptions might exist—certain slow-burn novels or complex texts may require more patience—but for most books, your initial reaction is a reliable gauge of compatibility. Trust yourself to know what works for you and what doesn’t.

Making Space for the Right Books

There are more books in the world than anyone could ever hope to read in a lifetime. By letting go of books that don’t capture your interest, you free up time and mental energy for stories that truly resonate with you. The Three-Chapter Rule ensures you’re not bogged down by mediocre or misaligned choices and keeps your reading journey exciting and fulfilling.

When to Break the Rule

While the Three-Chapter Rule is a useful guideline, it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. Some books—especially classics or complex nonfiction—may take longer to build momentum or reveal their full value. In such cases, consider whether the subject matter or the author’s reputation makes it worth pushing past the initial chapters. Conversely, if you’re absolutely certain you dislike a book from the very first chapter, you don’t have to force yourself through two more.

Reading should be an enjoyable and enriching experience, not a chore. The Three-Chapter Rule strikes a balance between giving books a fair chance and recognizing when it’s time to move on. Remember, life is too short to read books that don’t bring you joy, spark your curiosity, or meet your expectations. Trust your instincts, let go of guilt, and focus on discovering books that truly captivate you.

The Unspoken Weight of Existence

Zadan Zarik
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The Unspoken Weight of Existence

Unshed tears, unspoken words—life flows by quietly, relentlessly. Silence rests in graves, trembles in souls, an unseen weight that presses upon us. The power of necromancy and the nebulous realities of existence are subject to the kingdom of silence. Seasons come and go, but the land remains silent, waiting for the touch of a drizzle, like a desert yearning for relief. The moon, once merry, is eclipsed, leaving behind only the silent, dark canvas of the night.

Silence—this omnipresent witness to our existences—lingers in the background of every life. Auroras, penumbras, and nebulas swirl in the silence, enigmas of life that leave us wondering. The barren lands lie waiting, hoping for an estuary to join them, bringing meaning to their emptiness.

The autumn leaves fall like a silent prayer, longing for the rapture of spring’s renewal. But silence dies, and silence is reborn, an eternal cycle that never ends.

I walk this unpaved path of shattered dreams, my soul caught in the path of hurricanes—hurricanes of dying silence. Withered leaves fall around me, like my hopes, leaving nothing but the residue of what once was. A tempest approaches, or maybe it’s just the morning sky, and yet all I hear is silence—always, endlessly, witnessing existence.

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About

I am Zain Ul Hassan and Zadan Zarik is my pen name since 2007. I have written extensively on religions, social issues, politics and technology along with relationships, prostitutes, parenting and kids pscyhology. Explore the articles to learn more about my work.

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