Reading is my favorite hobby – but this year, I’ve cut back the volume of books to allow myself more time to explore new hobbies, build my network here in Chicago, take on interesting projects (like this blog!) and create room for serendipity.

One activity I’d like to begin is having more discussions around the books I do read. I didn’t realize what a privilege it was to have group discussions with smart people who have read the same material in college, but I wish I had more of them nowadays. Having those conversations always forced me to examine the core arguments more closely, develop an opinion and weigh it against others’, and ultimately retain more knowledge. In short, I left the discussions smarter.

So I’d like to use this post to share some of the books I’m planning on reading this year, in the hope of finding someone (or multiple people) willing to read them along with me and discuss them. Most are related to startups or business, and the conversation can be in person (if you’re in Chicago), via email, or whatever other medium works best. Here’s the current list for 2015 (open to suggestions):

• Crossing the Chasm
• The Design of Everyday Things
• Do the Work
• Give & Take
• Good to Great
• Hackers & Painters
• High Output Management
• Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger

If you’re interested in reading / discussing any of these with me, send me a tweet and we’ll figure out the logistics. Hope to hear from you soon!