Want to nurture your creativity, sharpen your critical thinking or question your practices? Here is a selection of readings which don't seem to talk about communication... But which say a lot about our profession.
Cult novels, shocking essays and societal reflections: to slip into your tote bag for the summer (or on your bedside table all year round).
🎨 “Creativity. An art of living” – Rick Rubin
Why read it?
Rick Rubin, legendary producer (Johnny Cash, Adele, Beastie Boys, etc.), delivers a deeply soothing philosophy of creation. No ready-made methods, but a reminder: creativity, it is a state of mind to cultivate on a daily basis.
What it tells us today
Creativity isn't just for the "creative." It's in every project, every word, every image.
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🚫 “No Logo” – Naomi Klein
Why read it?
Published in 1999, this anti-branding manifesto analyzes how brands colonize our lives... and how consumers react. At a time when authenticity has become a requirement, rereading Klein is enlightening.
What it tells us today
A reminder: transparency and sincerity are better than storytelling too licked.
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🛍️ “Things” – Georges Perec
Why read it?
A cult novel from the 60s, Things X-rays a generation obsessed with consumption. A dive into desire, envy, and the outward signs of success.
What it tells us today
Brands don't sell things, they sell desires. Understanding that desire means understanding your audience.
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🌍 “Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind” – Yuval Noah Harari
Why read it?
Harari traces the history of humanity from the perspective of collective narratives: religions, nations, currencies... so many shared “fictions” that have shaped our societies.
What it tells us today
Brands also create collective narratives. The question is: which ones do we want to tell… and believe?
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💼 “American Psycho” – Bret Easton Ellis
Why read it?
Behind the horror lies a chilling satire of the 80s: the cult of appearance, an obsession with logos and “perfect” business cards. A merciless critique of corporate excess.
What it tells us today
When the obsession with image takes precedence over substance, communication loses its meaning.
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🧠 “A short treatise on manipulation for the use of honest people” – Joule & Beauvois
Why read it?
A classic of social psychology that deciphers cognitive biases and influence mechanisms. With humor and without cynicism, it invites us to convince without manipulating.
What it tells us today
Understanding the psychological levers of your audiences means communicating better... and avoiding ethical blunders.
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🔮 “Behind the trends” – Julien Féré
Why read it?
How do trends emerge? Why do some take hold and others disappear? Julien Fere explores the behind the scenes, between sociology, pop culture and communication.
What it tells us today
Before surfing on a trend, understanding its mechanics allows you to exploit it (or divert it) intelligently.
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🎭 “The Society of the Spectacle” – Guy Debord
Why read it?
Written in 1967, this seminal text denounces the transformation of the world into a permanent spectacle. In 2025, when everything becomes contained, it's hard to be more contemporary.
What it tells us today
Are our campaigns real experiences… or just another show in the feed?
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A library to change your perspective 👀
These books don't teach communication. But they offer keys to understanding the era, its desires, its excesses, and its myths. All this provides raw material to inform your briefs, your speeches, and your brand stories.
And you, what books enrich your communication skills? Share your gems in the comments and let's build the ideal professional library together.
Illustration visual: Freepik
