89% of people say they trust recommendations from people they know.
That statistic isn't particularly surprising. In an era of option overload, where advertisements and algorithms compete for every second of our attention, recommendations from people we know often feel like the most reliable source of guidance.
When I'm looking for recommendations, I almost always turn to people I trust, especially my friends. Their suggestions provide the authenticity I crave because they're rooted in real, lived experiences rather than marketing or curated online reviews. Whether it's a restaurant, a movie, or a book, their insights often introduce me to perspectives I wouldn't have discovered on my own.
Books, in particular, are where I value recommendations the most. Reading requires a significant investment of both time and mental energy, and there's nothing more disappointing than finishing a book only to realize it wasn't worth the effort. Some of the most impactful books I've read came from recommendations, which made me realize just how valuable a trusted suggestion can be.
So, when this assignment asked us to conduct a poll and incorporate the results into a blog post, I knew exactly what I wanted to ask. I turned to the people around me with one simple question:
"Which book has had the greatest impact on your career, and why?"
Here are the books that made the cut.
1. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Recommended by Matthieu, Deep Work explores the increasingly rare ability to focus without distractions and how doing so can help you learn faster and succeed at your job.
Matthieu shared that the book provides advice that can be applied across a wide range of careers, particularly for those looking to get more out of their workday without sacrificing their personal lives.
Recommended by Gordon, Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life is a collection of quotations covering numerous aspects of work and life.
Rather than requiring a cover-to-cover reading, the book serves as a source of inspiration and perspective that can be picked up at any time. Gordon found that he frequently uncovers quotes that prompt him to re-evaluate his professional approach, goals, or the impact he strives to make.
Recommended by Akshay, Social Media Marketing helped him further solidify his expertise in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
He values the book for its approachable style, where complex concepts are distilled into clear insights. Akshay found that it provides tangible tools and organizational frameworks that he can immediately integrate into his daily professional workflow.
Recommended by Adam, Made to Stick explores why certain ideas endure while others fade from memory.
Adam explained that the book serves as a practical framework for crafting marketing communications, offering a valuable toolkit for ensuring messages truly resonate with their intended audience.
Recommended by Peter, The Strategy of the Dolphin is, in his words, "old but still brilliant." He explained that the book provides a philosophy and ethos that he has carried throughout his career.
The book categorizes common workplace archetypes to show how moving beyond rigid or passive mindsets in favour of a collaborative, adaptive approach can lead to sustainable organizational success.
Recommended by Conor, The Alchemist follows the journey of a young shepherd as he pursues his dream of finding treasure.
Conor said the book resonated with him because of its inspiring message about determination, following your dreams, and remaining open to the opportunities and lessons life presents along the way.
Recommended by Kiana, Real Artists Don't Starve challenges the stereotype that creative careers are inherently unstable or financially unsuccessful.
Kiana said the book changed the way she viewed a career in the arts. Its emphasis on building a strong creative community resonated with her and gave her the confidence to pursue painting as a legitimate career and source of income.
What I found most interesting was how these recommendations came from a wide range of professions, career stages, and personal experiences. Despite their differences, each book made a meaningful impact on someone's career, enough for them to recommend it.
Know someone who may find this article helpful? Copy the link below and share it with them.
Copy this article’s link:
https://www.jamescormier.com/blog/asking-my-network-for-books-that-have-shaped-their-careers
Follow Me on Social:
During the preparation of this blog post, I used Chat GPT in order to improve the readability, tone, and consistency. After using this tool, I reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content.
Please review my full blog disclaimer for important information regarding the use of this site's content.
/james-cormier-travel/images/CormierLogo_2025.png)