A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

One of the many things that George Saunders explores in this book is why writing is so powerful. His conclusion is that books change your perspective on something ever so slightly, say by 1%. Of course, after 100 books, you're something of a new person.

The best books might change 5% or even 10% of one's psyche. I'd place A Swim in a Pond in the Rain at a solid 7%. Saunders might have restricted his subject to just writing, but I believe this book's lessons apply to all forms of expression. The Ruthless Efficiency Principle, the need for constant escalation, the wonders of omission, contradiction, and self-consistency. I daresay this book is a must-read for anyone creating anything.