cc.lib

In May 2020, I developed an a passion and obsession of reading everything and anything. It started off by reading a book that was gifted to me by my dear friend, Kenny Lin, and I was inspired by Henry Elkus (@elklist) to begin documenting each book after reading his exceptional book reviews on Instagram in early 2020.

Originally, I documented each book I read with my notes and reviews on my old bookstagram (cc.lib) and my Analogue, but then decided to transfer it to a website, which became the foundation of Sisilosophy. A move inspired by Bill Gates' gatesnotes.

  • On average, I go through a book and a half a week. At times, I would read 3 books a week. It is not unusual for me to read two books simultaneously.

    Books tend to be around 200 to 350 pages depending on the size.

    In one year, I finished 80 books. (May 2020 to May 2021).

  • I annotate books heavily, depending on my interest in them and the reason I'm reading them. Pictures of book pages in my posts will show the range of my annotations, anything from a few marks to a plethora of marks that would make you think it was a Jackson Pollock painting.

    Sometimes I will summarize the entire chapter in handwritten bullet points for easy review, usually a collection of the notes I made in the margins.

  • I would post on my old bookstagram as personal documentation and a form of holding myself accountable to reading. Unexpectedly, the page received a strong reception from my friends and other people.

    I began receiving books as gifts from friends based on their recommendations and they would also send me books on my wishlist.

    Some even made bookstagrams of their own.

  • After May 2021, I began slowing down in my reading due to a growing workload.

    I still continue to read and make annotations, however, I've put the brakes on posting.

  • This website served as real-time documentation of the books I’ve completed since 2020. Posting a book does not mean I endorse the author’s views.

Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

Milk and Honey

by Rupi Kaur

April 4, 2021 [12:47 PM — 1:11 PM]

Los Angeles, CA

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Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

Emotional Intelligence 2.0

by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

April 23, 2021 — April 27, 2021

Los Angeles, CA

Recommended by Dr. Thomas Gustafson (USC)

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Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

Invisible Cities

by Italo Calvino

March 8, 2021 [3:35 AM — 9:23 PM]

Los Angeles, CA

Recommended by Allen Ortega

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Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

The Prophet

by Kahlil Gibran

March 2, 2021 — March 3, 2021

Los Angeles, CA

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Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

Humankind: A Hopeful History

by Rutger Bregman

February 18, 2021 — February 27, 2021

Los Angeles, CA

Recommended by: A gift from Henry Elkus, Founder and CEO of Helena

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Kareem El-Sisi Kareem El-Sisi

Managing Oneself

by Peter F. Drucker

February 24, 2021 [12:00 AM — 12:25 AM]

Los Angeles, CA

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