Engaging Reads of the Week #6

1. Scent Makes a Place - Katy Kelleher

In this beautiful piece, Kelleher explores how our sense of smell connects us to our surroundings. After moving to Santa Fe, she discovered that the desert—contrary to her expectations—has a rich and complex "smellscape" that changes with the seasons. Chocolate daisies release sweet scents in spring, while rain brings out the distinctive petrichor of the desert soil.

What struck me most was her observation that smell is our most underappreciated sense, yet it's crucial for truly experiencing a place. As she puts it, "Smellscapes are part of place-making," helping transform mere locations into meaningful places with emotional connections. By paying attention to scents, we develop a deeper relationship with our environment.

2. How to Be Lucky - Christian Busch

Busch challenges the common belief that luck is purely random. Instead, he argues that "smart luck" or serendipity is a skill we can develop through what he calls the "serendipity mindset."

The most valuable insight is that serendipity follows a three-step process: first, encountering an unexpected trigger; second, connecting the dots to see potential value; and finally, taking action to create a positive outcome. Busch offers practical advice for cultivating this mindset, like decluttering your life to create mental space, setting aside "me time," and reframing challenges as opportunities. His research shows that people who consider themselves "lucky" are actually more observant and open to unexpected connections.

3. Most Recommended Books

This isn't an article but a fascinating resource I discovered. The site compiles book recommendations from influential people across various fields—from Barack Obama to Naval Ravikant to Taylor Swift. It organizes recommendations by experts, lists (like "Best Mystery Books"), and series (showing books in order).

What makes this site valuable is its focus on quality over quantity. Rather than algorithmic recommendations, it curates books that have genuinely impacted notable thinkers. It's a refreshing alternative to the endless stream of "must-read" lists that often feel more like marketing than genuine guidance.

4. Searching for Outliers - Ben Kuhn

Kuhn explores how many important outcomes in life follow "heavy-tailed distributions"—where a small percentage of results dramatically outperform the average. From blog posts to jobs to relationships, the difference between good and great can be enormous.

His key insight is that when dealing with these distributions, you need to take many shots to find outliers. Most people make three mistakes: they don't try enough options, they underestimate how good the best outcomes can be, and they get demoralized by repeated failures. Kuhn advises focusing on "maybe amazing" rather than "probably good" when evaluating options, and developing an abundance mindset that keeps you searching until you find something truly exceptional.

What are you reading this week? Share your recommendations in the comments below.