Favorite Books of Roman Skrupnik, Editor at Cossa and Instructor at Netology

The narratives shared by the heroes in this Lifehacker series motivate readers to pick up a new book, dive into its pages, and imagine their own library.

Roman Skrupnik

Editor at Cossa, instructor at Netology and Professura, and author of the blog “Editor’s Experience.”

1. Do you have a favorite author? Which of their books do you recommend?

The first three books by Carlos Castaneda had a profound impact on me: they seamlessly expanded my worldview and guided me toward answers about how to relate to myself and others. So, my favorite author is Carlos Castaneda. For me, his books are a concentration of valuable principles drawn from various religions and teachings—ideas applicable to everyday urban life.

There’s a saying: “It’s easy to be enlightened in a temple, but try being enlightened on a crowded bus.” Castaneda’s books are exactly about that.

It’s best to read Castaneda’s works in order; the first book is The Teachings of Don Juan. The story follows Carlos, a young anthropologist who travels to the Sonoran Desert. There, he meets Don Juan, an indigenous shaman. Initially, Carlos aims to study the peyote plant, but ultimately becomes Don Juan’s apprentice.

2. Which childhood book holds your warmest memories?

A collection of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, especially the story about the nightingale in a cage. The book included illustrations, and I used to enjoy flipping through it while basking in the sun on a glass-enclosed balcony. I didn’t grasp much meaning from Andersen’s other tales back then—they were beyond my understanding at a young age.

My love for reading suffered during school years, so I rarely returned to fairy tales by choice. I also enjoyed Neznaika on the Moon by Nikolay Nosov, though I never finished it.

At around 13, I developed an interest in the aesthetics of the Italian-American mafia. My bookshelf featured books with investigations and memoirs from mafia members and law enforcement. One biography, whose title I don’t recall, stood out, though it wasn’t fiction. Another was titled Mafia in the USA.

3. Which book inspired you most to take action?

Castaneda’s works, along with books on Zen and Sufism, helped me solidify principles that proved effective during challenging and confusing moments years later. At one point, I had the wisdom and strength to choose inaction. This wasn’t just about physical actions, but also about how I perceived the actions of others. Sometimes, in critical moments, doing nothing is itself an action.

4. Is there a book everyone must read, and why?

I believe there isn’t one. The importance of books in people’s lives is often overestimated. Videos, music, and video games influence personality just as much, if not more. Nowadays, it’s possible to live without books. No one needs to feel obligated to read anything; over time, everyone will find their own “right” book—or perhaps something else entirely.

5. What have you read recently, and why did you choose it?

Recently, I read How to Write a Movie in 21 Days by Viki King. The author, in a way, acts as a psychotherapist, gently yet confidently addressing the reader’s fears throughout the book. In the end, she emphasizes that the screenplay is just a small part of life—something trivial. But while reading, the reader enjoys the process. Is that a bad thing?

It’s just a movie. It’s not you. Life goes on whether you finish the screenplay or not.

Quote from How to Write a Movie in 21 Days

This book is light reading that inspires.

6. Which book has been professionally useful to you, and why?

Write, Shorten by Maxim Ilyakhov and Lyudmila Sarycheva. I recommend it to PR specialists, copywriters, and entrepreneurs who write articles themselves. I consider this book one of the most significant contributions to written communication culture in recent years. As an editor of an industry publication, clarity in articles is paramount to me, and this book teaches exactly that.

I also appreciate News Internet Journalism by Alexander Amzin—a treasure trove of insights about working in publishing. For me, this book is both an idea generator and a therapy when I get tired of the profession’s specific nuances. Reading it reminds me that my challenges aren’t unique.

Another is Author, Scissors, Paper by Nikolay Kononov. Although the book has its flaws, these very imperfections make me discover something new every time I read it. It’s a remarkable effect.

7. What good book have you read on someone else’s recommendation?

If a gift counts as a recommendation, then it’s Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher, a present from my wife. I have a hobby of collecting beer tastes and documenting the beers I try on Instagram*. I couldn’t put the book down.

8. Do you prefer paper books, e-books, or audiobooks? Why?

I prefer paper books because reading them helps me disconnect from my smartphone. I can’t go more than an hour without my phone, but with a physical book, I manage. However, I only read books in coffee shops since at home, I get distracted by my phone.

9. Do you take notes, save quotes, or write reviews?

At 17, I started a thick notebook to jot down striking thoughts from books on Zen, Buddhism, Sufism, and similar topics. Later, I added amusing yet wise quotes from everywhere. The notebook still exists, though I haven’t touched it for about seven years.

Publishers sometimes offer me books to review, but I rarely accept. When I do, I publish the review on my blog.

Related Reads

• Favorite Books of Illustrator Yana Frank →
• Favorite Books of Lyudmila Sarycheva, Editor-in-Chief of Modulbank and Co-author of ‘Write, Shorten’ →
• Favorite Books of Konstantin Panfilov, Editor-in-Chief of vc.ru →

*Note: Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are restricted in some regions.

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