What Are Things to Read When Bored?

Looking for something to read when boredom strikes? We asked 11 successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their go-to reads for those dull moments. From death care memoirs to biographies, discover their diverse and engaging recommendations to keep you entertained.

Death Care Memoirs
The Discworld Series
The Guinness Book for Entertainment
Architectural History Books
Instruction Manuals
Travel Guides
Travel Blogs
Fiction and Nonfiction Books
News Articles
Cookbooks
Biographies

Death Care Memoirs

I run a digital marketing company that works with funeral homes. While certain aspects of this directly involve death care-related content, much of the technical work is not industry-specific. That’s why I enjoy reading memoirs from people in the deathcare industry when I’m bored.

I’m particularly interested in the philosophical musings of these insiders. They witness death, memorialization, and mourning in a way that few others do. Far from being morbid, most of these memoirs are surprisingly uplifting and often quite humorous. They make for fascinating reading.

Temmo Kinoshita
Co-founder, Lindenwood Marketing

The Discworld Series

When boredom strikes, I often reach for Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. These books are a fantastic mix of fantasy, satire, and wit, and Pratchett’s unique brand of humor never fails to lift my spirits. There’s a certain kind of joy in delving into the quirky universe he’s created, where the world is a flat disc balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle.

Each Discworld book serves as a miniature escape, whisking me away to a place where humor collides with profound observations about our own society. Pratchett’s clever wordplay, memorable characters, and the way he uses humor to shine a light on human nature are simply unparalleled. Reading these books, I find myself not just entertained, but also enlightened—and never bored.

Martin Potocki
CEO, Jobera

The Guinness Book of World Records

The Guinness Book of World Records is always a great source of interesting facts, stories, and more. It can provide hours of entertainment when you’re bored. The information you can extrapolate from this book is vast and varied and makes for great conversation starters in social settings.

Amy Lee
Medical Advisor, Nucific

Architectural History Books

In my free time, I’ve been trying to learn more about architectural styles and history. I have several coffee table-style readers that cover different eras. Like anyone new to appreciation in a creative field, I know what I like, but I lack the vocabulary to describe it and develop deeper insights.

It’s a great way to take my mind off work, and it offers an always-ready conversation topic when I’m out with others and feel like talking about the structures around us.

Trevor Ewen
COO, QBench

Instruction Manuals

Instruction manuals or user guides may not be the most glamorous reading material, but they can be surprisingly useful when you’re bored. By reading manuals for gadgets, appliances, or other products, you can gain a deeper understanding of their features and capabilities. You may even discover new ways to use them that you hadn’t considered before.

Additionally, reading manuals for products you already own can help you troubleshoot issues and make the most of their functionality. So the next time you’re feeling bored, give an instruction manual or user guide a chance. You might be surprised by what you learn!

Ben Lau
Founder, Featured SEO Company

Travel Guides

While travel guides may not be the first choice for reading material when someone is bored, reading about different places and cultures can be a great way to escape boredom and learn something new.

Additionally, travel guides often include interesting facts and anecdotes about the places they cover, making them more engaging than some other types of non-fiction books. For example, Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist is a great read, offering stunning photographs and informative recommendation lists to inspire travelers.

Roy Lau
Co-founder, 28 Mortgage

Travel Blogs

When boredom strikes, I turn to travel blogs. They are a window to the world, offering glimpses of far-off places and diverse cultures. These digital narratives, accompanied by stunning photography, feed my wanderlust and provide inspiration for future travel plans.

Burak Özdemir
Founder, Set Alarm Online

Fiction and Nonfiction Books

I’m a bit of a bookworm, so I have a pretty extensive library at my house. When I’m bored, I’ll pick up an old classic—something like Pride and Prejudice or The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Sometimes it’s something more modern, like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

I usually read fiction because it’s fun to get lost in another world for a little while. But sometimes nonfiction can be just as exciting, depending on the subject matter. For example, if you’re interested in learning about how your brain works and why we feel the way we do, then books like The Psychopath Inside or The Emotional Life of Your Brain are great choices.

It all depends on what kind of mood you’re in!

Jaanus Põder
Founder and CEO, Envoice

News Articles

Staying informed about current events through news articles is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge and engage with the world. Reading news from reputable sources allows you to access well-researched and accurate information on a wide range of topics. Whether you have a specific interest in politics, science, sports, or entertainment, news articles provide valuable insights, analysis, and updates on the latest developments.

By keeping up with current events, you not only stay informed but also develop a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our society. News articles enable you to explore different perspectives, challenge your own assumptions, and engage in informed discussions. They empower you to be an active participant in the world around you and make well-informed decisions.

So, pick up a news article on a topic that captures your interest and immerse yourself in the fascinating and ever-evolving world of information and ideas.

Bill Lyons
CEO, Griffin Funding

Cookbooks

While reading cookbooks can be informative, it is not something that most people would think of as a leisure activity. However, reading about recipes and different cuisines can be a great way to pass the time and potentially inspire new culinary creations. Additionally, cookbooks often include personal anecdotes and histories of dishes, providing unique cultural insight.

Jason Cheung
Operations Manager, Credit KO

Biographies

When I’m bored, one of my favorite things to read is biographies. I find immense value in delving into the lives of remarkable individuals and learning from their experiences. Let me share an example:

One biography that captivated me is Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. This book offers a detailed account of the life and career of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. By exploring Jobs’ journey, I gained insights into his innovative mindset, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his ability to disrupt industries. Reading about Jobs’ successes, failures, and his unwavering passion for design and technology inspired me to think differently and embrace creativity.

Biographies like this one provide a unique window into the minds of extraordinary people, shedding light on their motivations, challenges, and the lessons they learned along the way.

Beth Worthy
President, GMR Transcription Services, Inc.