Deep Work

by Cal Newport
Deep Work cover
Good Books rating 3.38
Self-Help and Personal Development
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Paperback • £17.99
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  • ID: 263
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780349411910
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2016-01-05
  • Formats: 34
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Deep Work,' Cal Newport argues that the ability to concentrate intensely on a cognitively demanding task is becoming increasingly rare and valuable in today's economy. This book is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to achieve extraordinary results in a world filled with distractions. Newport combines cultural criticism with actionable advice, drawing on memorable stories and surprising suggestions to illustrate the importance of deep work. He advocates for practices like quitting social media and embracing boredom to cultivate a deep work habit, which he believes is essential for true fulfillment and mastery of one's craft. /n/n Newport's insights are backed by research and real-world examples, making 'Deep Work' a compelling read for knowledge workers, creatives, and anyone looking to improve their focus and productivity. The book offers practical strategies to help readers develop a deep work practice, ultimately leading to greater success and satisfaction in their professional and personal lives.

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.

Reddit - Productivity · 2024-06-17
excellent 4.00

They find Cal Newport's work to be an excellent source of no-nonsense wisdom. They believe it provides valuable guidance for focusing in a distracted world.

The reviewer highly recommends Cal Newport's 'Deep Work' for its practical advice on achieving focused success. They appreciate the no-nonsense approach and find the book to be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their productivity. The reviewer particularly values the wisdom offered, which they feel is directly applicable to their life.

Quick quotes

    Cal Newport's work is an excellent example of the no-nonsense wisdom I've needed in the areas of my life for which I was seeking guidance.

    I can't say anything about his book 'deep work', but I have two of his other works.

    Thoughts on Cal Newport and his concept of deep work?

Medium - Content by Design · 2023-01-12
dry 2.50

They find the book's academic tone dry and even boring, which they attribute to the author's background as an MIT-trained computer science professor.

The reviewer notes that 'Deep Work' is written in a very academic tone, which they find dry and sometimes boring. This style is attributed to the author's background as an MIT-trained computer science professor. While the content may be valuable, the delivery can be challenging for some readers. The reviewer suggests that the book might benefit from a more engaging and accessible writing style to reach a broader audience.

Quick quotes

    It's written in a very academic (i.e. dry, even boring) tone that makes perfect sense coming from an MIT-trained computer science professor.

    The book might benefit from a more engaging and accessible writing style.

    The content may be valuable, but the delivery can be challenging.

Lucy Dickens · Lucy Dickens · 2020-10-23
practical 3.50

They found the book challenging to get into initially but appreciated the practical tips in the second half. They believe it offers valuable rules for achieving deep work.

Lucy Dickens found 'Deep Work' somewhat difficult to get into at first, but she eventually appreciated the practical tips and rules provided in the second half of the book. She believes these rules are valuable for anyone looking to improve their focus and productivity. While the initial part of the book may be less engaging, the practical advice makes it worthwhile for those seeking to work more effectively in a distracted world.

Quick quotes

    I did find it quite a struggle to get into, but the second half of the book has a lot of practical tips (rules) for deep work.

    The book offers valuable rules for achieving deep work.

    The practical advice makes it worthwhile for those seeking to work more effectively.

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