From August 21st through September 1st I finished 13 books, but I only read one. I listened to all twelve books, usually at twice normal speed. Peter Drucker stressed the importance of self-assessment and understanding how you learn most effectively. I learn best by listening and taking notes, so when I have menial tasks (like cooking, cleaning, or driving half-way across the continent) I double time audiobooks of all types.
On my recent trip to Wisconsin to celebrate my grandmother's 92nd birthday, I downloaded as many audiobooks as would fit on my device's hard drive, cranked the speed to double-time and learned about topics from life in prison (Orange is the New Black) to a daring 1914 Antartic expedition (Endurance); I learned about the hotel underworld from the perspective of front desk agent (Heads in Beds) and the lived vicariously as a Navy SEAL sniper (American Sniper).
You may wonder how this diverse group of books may help me become a better investor. You may question: "why don't you buy the Intelligent Investor audiobook, or chew up miles while delved into a book by Peter Lynch?" Reading (or listening) broadly provides context for a lifetime of investing. Though financial analysis is a necessary component of investing, less quantifiable aspects of investing, like understanding brand power or the strength of customer, relationships are just as important. By listening to Kitchen Confidential I gained a better understanding of the fickle nature of the restaurant business and I am a better investor for it.