Book Review: Lifehacker: The Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, and Better

A few weeks ago, I was roaming through a bookstore looking for something new to read. I picked up a copy of Lifehacker: The Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, and Better* written by Adam Pash and Gina Trapani. I am not sure I would have picked up the book if I was not already familiar with the Lifehacker Website. I also regularly listen to Gina Trapani on TWIG and All About Android. The book I picked up is a gem. I have already implemented a number of ideas and plan to implement a number of others in the coming days.

This book is a hefty reference of 476 pages. These pages are spread over 12 chapters, each including a number of “hacks” or very useful tips for becoming more efficient. Each of the hacks focuses on one specific time saving or efficiency tip and is supported with additional information from the Lifehacker Website.

Here are the topics covered:

• Control your email
• Organize your data
• Trick yourself into getting done
• Clear your mind
• Firewall your attention
• Streamline common tasks
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Get your data to go
• Work smarter on your smartphone
• Master the Web
• Hone your computer survival skills
• Manage multiple computers

Each hack begins by outlining the difficulty level, computer platform, and cost. Hacks are available for various platforms to include Windows, Macs, and Linux. I have also learned about a myriad of new programs that I am eager to try. Because I am constantly reviewing new software and technology strategies, I was pleasantly pleased with the number of tips I was already using. However, a number of these new techniques are already making a difference in my operations.

The book is extremely clearly written. I appreciate the attention to detail the authors took while writing this book. Each hack I attempted worked as written. The greatest majority of the hacks reflected current software applications; this can be tricky because software changes so rapidly. Many of the hacks are timeless strategies that can be used for different platforms or different software applications such as email clients.

All in all, I am very pleased with this purchase. It has already improved how I carry out many of my tasks. If you are interested in working faster and more efficiently or want to improve how you leverage your computer and smartphone, then this book is for you. The time you save with a number of these hacks will immediately result in dollars saved. If you check out this book, let me know what you think.

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