Deep Work

The friendly urgency in Jeff Bottoms's narration is perfect for this multilayered advice on managing distractions and improving personal productivity. With diction that sounds both classy and conversational, he communicates like a helpful friend, which keeps this author's outsize intellect from sounding overbearing. A lot of the advice is certainly available from other management and mental health authors--suggestions such as minimizing distractions or working in blocks of uninterrupted time. But Newport's ideas sound more pointed because he places his recommendations within the context of the growing cultural pressure to multitask constantly and be connected to everyone. With fascinating studies and personal vignettes illustrating his points, this is a fast-moving and useful lesson for anyone who is struggling to get more done in any complex work setting. T.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine