Alive as Always: What I've Been Reading Lately (Other than Books)

If you know me at all or have been following this blog for a few years, you may notice that books are a huge part of my everyday life. I would read a book every chance I get. They help me relax, they wake me up, they widen my horizon and they keep me entertained. In fact, just three weeks ago I posted my Top 10 Books of 2020. However, books aren't the only things I enjoy reading. There are numerous publications—both online and offline—that will give me the same satisfaction as reading books. They give me knowledge, perspective and can often be enjoyed in smaller pieces. I love to read them in between tasks or during commute or, even, when I'm in the loo. Small bursts of inspiration, you know. They also aren't included in Goodreads database—with good reason. Here are a few such publications that I've enjoyed flipping or scrolling through lately.

Monocle

Here is a magazine about the quality of life that transports you all over the world without having to buy a single ticket. I think this is what appeals to me most about Monocle. It speaks of community and raising people up by putting spotlights on the everyday figures who strive for others—not for fame, not for wealth. It talks of experience and finding the balance in life, not in materialistic things. It highlights the good in communities and positive impacts being made as we speak, not endorsing selfish interests and criticising without solutions. To me, it is such a beautiful, refreshing and enlightening bundle of pages that it relaxes me to flip through its pages. The gorgeous photography and adorably whimsical illustrations surely help the eyes absorb it all. I recently got their January 2021 issue and cannot wait to dig in!

The New Yorker

As you must have, I, too, have heard many great things about this publication. Although I am in no position to purchase their issues, I have enjoyed some of their articles online lately. Usually, I would check out their latest writings through Google News. I love how unique the topics are that they touch on—this article, in particular, is my absolute favourite. Their articles also tend to be rather long—in fact, the one I just mentioned took me 3 whole days to finish. It would be rather tedious if their articles and writing style aren't packed with personality and wholly inspiring. It is also very quintessentially New York, so it sends me images of walking down Brooklyn or Lower East Side or getting on a subway while I'm reading it. Gives me a taste of a city I've never been to.

Harvard Business Review

If it wasn't for my Dad, I would never have heard of this genius publication. He sent me their COVID-19 section and it turned out to be greatly insightful. For months afterwards, I frequented the website regularly for work. They have such amazing tips and information on office-related aspects that I find could really be helpful and eye-opening for many companies—and people, really. A lot of the contents for my previous office's social media was derived from their articles a lot. I also looked up trending topics on human resources, business and the like by looking through their articles—also for work. However, after I moved office, I haven't read a lot of their articles, although I do see them on Google News too from time to time. I'd love to buy their printed issues at some point—their November-December 2020 issue was really intriguing.

National Geographic

We actually have a few older issues of this publication at home—although that's not the ones I've been reading. As with most of the publication on this list, I've also been reading this through Google News. There were so many great stories revolving the environment that I've been loving and I'm so happy to save and follow these stories. My favourite recent articles of them is this one, which gives me so much hope in 2020. Aside from environment-related news, I also really love learning about history, culture and people through their articles. Not to mention the jaw-dropping photography that always adorns every piece that they publish—I'm sure I don't need to remind you of this. Here's an intriguing article that I myself have yet to read, but have saved to read soon.

Arch Daily

Sometimes nothing relaxes me more than to look at beautiful buildings—bonus points when I can read about it. Did I mention that I used to be an Art History student? My favourite classes are always ones about architecture—Art Nouveau and Art Deco being my favourite period and style. I love looking at structures and figuring out exactly why certain beams are being used or a room is shaped a certain way or why the windows face this direction. Not only do we get to see aesthetically pleasing buildings from all over the world on Arch Daily, though, there are also several articles on innovations and breakthroughs as well. This article, for instance, speaks about freedom and sustainability in buildings. The publication really puts the spotlight on lesser known buildings from around the globe, including this one recently by my favourite architect.

The Economist

Not going to lie, the title of this publication alone was enough to repulse me for years. These days, though, I have a better understanding of economics and how it matters so much in our everyday lives—whether we like it or not. That wasn't the reason I started reading it, though, it was this compelling article. Truth be told, I haven't read a lot of their articles. Generally, they report on various current events, but now and then they offer such thoughtful pieces, as the one I just mentioned—and it stuck by me to this day. What intrigues me about their articles is when they accompany them with compelling, conceptual illustrations.

Creative Boom

Working in the creative industry, it is crucial for me to get up to speed on pretty much everything design. If I read Harvard Business Review for my last office, my current office encourages me to read publications like Creative Boom—also for social media content, mind you. Filled with all things design, this publication highlights a multitude creatives in varying fields—including graphic design, illustrations and fashion—as well as giving guides and tips on all things crafting. It conducts interviews and gives insights, such as upcoming trends in different creative disciplines, best online stationery shops, the difference between two kinds of designs, and many others. It is such a great place to be for all aspiring creatives—whether you're just starting or already in the game for years.

Reading is a huge part of my life. It has always helped me get to know various topics and connect with people through them. It has shown me a multitude of perspectives and broaden my horizon. However, I do not read just books—although they, too, serve the same purpose—yet I never talk about the non-books readings that I often do. In the past decade or so, as we all know, magazines are dying out. While some magazines do not offer substance and may have run its course, some—like the ones mentioned here, per se—are still so indispensable. There are so much information I wouldn't be able to acquire elsewhere and I'm glad these publications are still around. Mainstream media isn't the only one allowed to do all the reporting. If you want to start reading from sources you might like, try checking out Google News and see customise it to fit your preference—or browse along and find something new.