The 'Bookshelf Project': Reading Tips from a DJ

Lifehacker and the publishing house Mann, Ivanov and Ferber continue their exciting contest: send us a report about your company's bookshelves, and we'll publish the best in our special section. The authors of the best reports will receive 20 books as a gift from the publisher.

Today, Denis Yablonsky, founder of the Music Academy DJ school, shares how he committed to reading one book a week and how this habit helped him achieve success in his field. After all, the entertainment industry is still a business.

How I Started Reading One Book a Week

My book collection began back in 2009. Before that, my reading was sporadic and limited. Then I discovered Denis Matakov's blog, where he posted photos and descriptions of valuable books. Inspired, I decided to follow his example and read 52 books a year—one per week. Now, almost every week, I post a photo of the book I've read on my blog, along with its number in my "52-book plan" and a brief summary.

It was also through Denis Matakov's blog that I learned about the Business Bookstore, which led me to the Boffo store. Just this year, I have purchased books worth over $1,300 from them.

It's hard to pick favorites because all the books have passed a very strict selection process. I include high-resolution photos so you can clearly see each book's title.

Featured titles include "Advice Worth a Million," "Simplify Your Life," "Influence Psychology," "Millionaires from the App Store," "Drucker for Every Day," "Work Less, Achieve More," and "New Market Wizards."

How Books Have Helped Me

I want to share how this intense passion for books has impacted my life overall. In the past two years, I've achieved results surpassing those of the previous five or even ten years. These successes span both business and personal development, though the latter is best judged by my close ones.

Applying useful principles from these books has benefited my businesses—MusicAcademy.ru DJ school, "Svoya Atmosfera," a company creating and managing entertainment venues, and my marketing consulting in social media. Additionally, as a DJ who composes and performs music, expanding my horizons through reading has been invaluable.

Most importantly, my thinking has broadened significantly, and I have become more helpful to those around me. I often gift books to friends, family, and my team—choosing titles I believe will be especially useful to them at the moment. This means I frequently order multiple copies of books I trust completely.

An essential lesson I've learned is that reading is a workout for the brain.

In this photo, you can see "The Art of Business Writing," "Self-MBA," "Durov's Code," "Dream Company," and "Kamasutra for Orators."

When and How I Read

1. Morning Reading

I intentionally started waking up earlier. It takes me about half an hour to get ready, drink water, and brew a delicious cup of tea. Then, without distractions, I dive into reading. I dedicate 1–2 hours to reading in the morning, which turns out to be the most productive time for me. During the day, when work demands my attention, reading is less effective. Before bed, I prefer reading biographies, personal development books, inspiring literature, and fiction.

2. Highlighting Useful Insights

I keep a notebook and a highlighter nearby. It took considerable effort to start marking useful parts in books (I treat my books with care—dusting them off and buying protective covers, often pricier than the books themselves), but the benefits are immense. After some time, you can easily revisit the highlighted sections to refresh your memory. Next, I might start using the note-taking sections at the end of books, but for now, I prefer inserting folded A4 sheets with my notes to avoid marking the books themselves.

3. Keeping Books Organized

Since I spend most of my work time at home, books are scattered throughout the house. Thanks to recently decluttering a large cabinet, my books now have a dedicated place. The next step is to sort them by category.

Part of my active library is in the studio, accessible to both my team and students. However, they are not yet avid readers—but they promise to improve! I support them in this effort. In 2013, I plan to launch a book club for the team and students, featuring assignments and regular meetings to discuss books and draw conclusions.

Displayed books include "The Pixar Touch," "Don't Attack the Marmalade," "Storytelling," "The Pumpkin Method," "The Psychology of Optimal Experience," "Phenomenal Memory," and "Steve Jobs."

My advice to everyone is: start reading, follow a system, and read consistently. Encourage your children and loved ones to read—not by force, but by setting a personal example. Build a personal library, and positive changes in your work and personal life will follow. I sincerely hope my example inspires others and brings new, enriching hobbies or perspectives.

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