Deep Work

by Cal Newport
Deep Work cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Technical:
  • ID: 263
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9780349411910
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2016-01-05
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £17.99

Deep Work by Cal Newport argues that the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks is becoming both increasingly rare and valuable in the modern economy. Newport presents deep work as a superpower that enables individuals to produce high-quality work faster, master difficult skills, and achieve meaningful success. The book blends cultural criticism with practical advice, encouraging readers to cultivate routines and habits that foster deep concentration, such as quitting social media and embracing boredom. Through memorable stories—from Carl Jung’s retreat to build a stone tower for focus, to a writer flying to Tokyo to avoid distractions—Newport illustrates the transformative power of deep work. He offers actionable strategies for overcoming the shallow distractions of modern life, emphasizing that developing a deep work practice is one of the best decisions for anyone seeking to thrive professionally and personally in an increasingly noisy and distracted world.

Reviews
Oasis Human Relations · 2025-09-06
pragmatic 3.50

The reviewer finds Part 1 excessively long but appreciates the core message about cultivating deep work amidst a frantic world. They highlight the book's emphasis on the value of distraction-free concentration for professional success.

The reviewer expresses some frustration with the length of the initial section of the book, feeling it could have been more concise. However, they acknowledge the importance of the concept of deep work, especially in today's hectic and distraction-filled environment. They see the book as a practical guide to help readers develop the skill of intense focus, which they regard as essential for achieving meaningful and high-quality work in professional life.

Quick quotes

    Part 1 (all 72 pages) is in my opinion about 62 pages too long.

    If you need any convincing that learning how to cultivate deep work (in these epically frantic times) is important, this book will persuade you.

    Deep work is about distraction-free concentration that pushes your cognitive capabilities to their limit.

psychoblab.com · 2020-02-17
insightful 4.00

The review emphasizes the definition and value of deep work as focused, distraction-free, cognitively demanding effort that produces high-quality results. It also appreciates Newport's insights on how mastering this skill can lead to elite performance and personal growth.

This review praises Newport's clear articulation of deep work, describing it as the ability to concentrate on demanding tasks without distractions to produce excellent outcomes. The reviewer finds the book insightful and motivating, highlighting how Newport's approach helps readers understand why deep work matters and how it can be cultivated in daily life. They appreciate the practical advice and the emphasis on deep work as a critical skill for success in a distracted world.

Quick quotes

    Deep work is the ability to concentrate on cognitively demanding work with no distractions, to produce high-quality work.

    Mastering this skill is essential to thrive in a distracted world.

    Newport defines deep work as a superpower of the 21st century.

apieceofsarah.com · 2019-09-09
motivating 3.80

The reviewer appreciates Newport's thorough explanation of deep work, its significance, and practical advice on how to engage in it. They value the examples of successful people who used deep work to achieve great things but feel some points could be more emphasized.

The reviewer highlights how Newport carefully lays out what deep work is and why it matters, presenting compelling arguments for its importance in today's world. They find the guidance on undertaking deep work useful and inspiring as it links this focused practice to the achievements of notable individuals. However, while they agree with much of the content, they feel certain aspects could be expanded or given more weight. Overall, they see the book as a strong motivator to prioritize deep work but also recognize room for deeper exploration of some ideas.

Quick quotes

    Cal thoroughly explained what deep work is, its importance, and how to undertake deep work.

    Successful people who achieved great things have deep work as a key component.

    Deep work requires deliberate practice and commitment.

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