The Topic-and-Timeframe Method

How to Turn any Interest into a Reading List

Let’s do an experiment. Say you’re trying to figure out what to read next. All you need is a topic and a timeframe. For example:

• Topic: King Arthur

• Timeframe: One Month

Let’s assume you can read a book a week. That gives you four books. What specifically do you want to know about King Arthur? Are you starting from scratch or are you well-versed in Arthurian lore? If you’re starting from scratch, look for a good version that gives an overview of the entire legend. Don’t be afraid to start with a young adult book for that overview.

Next, let’s go a little deeper. What is the gold standard version of the work? Perhaps you discover that Sir Thomas Malory has the best version. That can be book #2 and you get the added benefit of working your way through a classic.

After that, consider another type of book on the topic. If Malory was prose, is there a version of poetry?

Finally, consider authors you enjoy who have written about King Arthur. How about reading what Tolkien, Tennyson, or Twain wrote about the Arthurian legends?

The timeframe puts some fire in your spirit. It also provides an easily attainable goal while limiting exposure should you sour on the topic.

Another example:

• Topic: Trees

• Timeframe: Two Months

Let’s assume you like trees, see them quite often, but don’t know a thing about them. In this case, we need to start with some sort of “trees for dummies” book. Something covering the absolute basics.

The Golden Fall Leaves of the Ginkgo Tree

Maybe you have a favorite tree. Mine is the Ginkgo tree. I’d next want to get a book about Ginkgo trees because I have a natural desire to learn more about those awesome looking leaves. I’m learning about trees through learning about a specific tree that I really happen to enjoy.

Next, dig in on a subject about trees that interests you. For me, I’ve heard that trees can somehow communicate with seeds that drop from their trees, even feeding them in mysterious ways. I don’t know if that’s true, but it sounds incredible, and it’s something I’d like to look into.

Finally, what better teacher than direct experience. What if I pick a tree in my yard, find out what it is, and get a book about its proper care. Here, I can immediately put into practice what I’m learning, solidifying that knowledge in my head.

A topic and a timeframe. Give it a go.