3 Books With Neil Pasricha

241
Books #159

3 Books is a completely insane and totally epic 22-year-long quest to uncover and discuss the 1000 most formative books in the world. Each chapter discusses the 3 most formative books of one of the world's most inspiring people. Sample guests include: Brené Brown, David Sedaris, Malcolm Gladwell, Roxane Gay, Cheryl Strayed, Rich Roll, Soyoung the Variety Store Owner, Derek the Hype Man, Kevin the Bookseller, Shirley The Nurse, Vishwas the Uber Driver, Angie Thomas, David Mitchell, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Mark Manson, Seth Godin, Judy Blume, and Quentin Tarantino. 3 Books is published on the lunar calendar with each of the 333 chapters dropped on the exact minute of every single full moon all the way up to 10:37 PM EST on April 26, 2040. 3 Books is an Apple "Best Of" award-winning show and is 100% non-profit with no ads, no sponsors, no commercials, and no interruptions. 3 Books has 3 clubs including the End of the Podcast Club, the Cover to Cover Club, and the Secret Club, which operates entirely through the mail and is only accessible by calling 1-833-READ-A-LOT. Each chapter is hosted live and in-person at the guest's preferred location by Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Equation, Two-Minute Mornings, etc.For more info check out: https://www.3books.co

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Recent Reviews
  • theorginalracer
    Thank you so duck !!
    Love the interview, I was inspired!
  • -CCDeYapp
    Interesting and heartening.
    I love the podcast! I love the concept and I love books! 😁
  • Zinnia Sky
    Love the show
    Neil, you’ve honed your skills and were on point with the Nader interview. Well done! Looking forward to the next conversation.
  • Phoebe1207
    Love this show!!!!
    I’ve been listening to this show since 2018 and it is still the only podcast I will listen to without wanting to throw up. I took a break for a year or two thinking I didn’t like podcasts at all, until I gave it another try catching up with the episodes I missed and now I am a tried and true cover to cover member of our “club”. You can even call in, and I have!! A few times!! Astounding. I learn so much every episode. Thanks Neil!!!!
  • stitchinginheels
    Fan
    I love all the chapters. Only one problem, at 69, will I live long enough to read all the great books?! I’m getting a late start but I’m on it! Just finished the Johann Hari chapter and wow!! His intelligence is off the scale. The two Daniels were also so thought provoking. I now have to watch their movie with my 42 year old daughter who has ADHD. Can’t wait. Thanks Neil, keep up the good work!😍
  • ShariTX
    A feast for the soul
    Do yourself a favor and listen to Neil! His in-depth interview questions and insights are delightful and thought-provoking. I frequently laugh out loud while listening. My love for reading has been renewed. Neil considers his listeners to be his friends and I am thankful to be one of them.
  • Shanjv
    Stop interrupting
    These poor guests are battling CONSTANT and unrelenting interruptions - why do you bring people on if you only want to hear your own voice?? Good gravy, let them answer the questions!!!
  • Pediheart
    Good podcast but please stop with the creepy music
    Neil - please it’s such a good podcast but that creepy intro music you speak over for 2-5 minutes can’t possibly be many who like it - I know, it seems odd but I simply cannot listen with that creepy background stuff running - ya just have to stop…. Thanks
  • Siobbahn
    Feed Your Mind Soul
    This is not your typical book podcast. Neil Pasricha is one of my favorite podcasters. His endless curiosity and well researched discussions always uncover something fascinating about the guest and something new to ponder. The kind and respectful vibe of these conversations always brings out wisdoms and the best in the guest inspiring a greater love for books and reading, I think. To pull from a quote from Seth Godin: ‘Kindness Scales …..It can create trust and openness and truth and enthusiasm and patience and possibility.” You owe it to yourself to just dive in and listen to an episode (‘chapter’). You likely won’t stop there and The 3 Books Community looks forward to you joining us!
  • Everyone LookIn
    The conversations I’ve been missing
    I arrived late to the Podcast party but since arriving I’ve been enjoying trying on different podcasts. I’ve found a couple I listen to regularly. I was introduced to Neil while listening to the Holderness Family podcast. I was intrigued by the idea of his 3 Books podcast so I decided to have a listen. Like I do with books, I started at the beginning and I have not stopped. I have completed seven chapters so far but completely envision coming along for the entirety of the journey. As a stay at home mom whose focus is on the health, well-being and development of our family, sometimes my own intellectual evolution becomes overshadowed. Listening to this podcast has stirred within me a passion for reading that had been pushed aside by obligations, responsibilities and technology. Listening to this podcast has lead to me consciously decide to put down the phone and pick up a book instead when I have down time. Not only does my brain (and spirit) benefit but seeing mommy reading instead of scrolling will underscore to my daughter the magic and power of books! Thank you for this podcast and this quest you have taken up… I (and hopefully my daughter and anyone else I can enlist) will fall in line with you!
  • tingbling
    Wow
    This is everything I’ve been looking for in a podcast. I just listened to the interview with John Katzenbach and was moved/inspired and motivated to pick up reading again. I have been in a rut and wanted some inspiration and found this podcast and I’m telling everyone about it because there is nothing better than listening to people who have mastered language talk about what inspires them!!! This is the best
  • The Shakey T
    Long-time Loyal Listener finally Leaves Loving Review
    Like many listeners - I found Neil through Alie Ward’s Ologies (also an amazing podcast!). I’ve been listening since early 2020, at the height of pandemic and Neil and his awesome breadth of guests have brought me so much joy! I leaned on this podcast heavily in the pandemic and now that I’m a cover-to-cover member I eagerly await every new episode. I don’t often know the guests’ work prior to the episode and even when I’m less than enthusiastic I’m floored by how great the interview was and how many wonderful books I learn about. I’m in this for the long haul and appreciate that this exists out in the world!
  • jrockerdude
    Positively AWESOME!
    I found Neil’s podcast during the pandemic when I re-discovered the joy and goodness of reading. At the time I was searching for podcasts about authors I’d recently read, and Neil had one with Judy Blume (highly recommended). The format and exploration of authors and interviewees lives was so very affirming, joy-infusing and GOOD…and I’ve been on the 3 books journey ever since. In a world replete with negativity and naysaying, this podcast is a P O S I T I V E charge for the soul. Dive in - you’re sure to find some goodness for yourself…and for those around you, too!
  • TheKunadiun
    Intelligent interviews of an interesting ilk
    3 books is awesome!!! Beautiful way to discover truly formation books. Also the conversations are just so interesting. Neil is a fantastic host who really wants to understand what shaped his guests. I love it!
  • laird0
    Love it
    This podcast is so great—my favorite. Neil has great questions, he’s so real. And he interviews all types of people. AND—no ads!!!❤️❤️❤️
  • C'ville Reader
    Tremendous
    I was lucky enough to see Neil at a conference in Nashville just this past April. I’d not been familiar with his work but thought his energy in presentation and his idea of a two minute morning practice as quite refreshing. Of course, he mentioned 3 Books and I immediately started listening. He has interesting guests, a interview style that starts with curiosity and really gets to his goal of curation. I’ve recommended the podcast repeatedly and really appreciate the values of the show. It’s a must listen!
  • mickten13
    Incredible guests, just let them talk
    I really love this podcast and its concept and I think it really lends itself to unique and thoughtful conversations. The guests are always amazing and interesting, and for the most part I think Neil is an enthusiastic and engaging host with great questions. However, the amount he interrupts guests when they’re on a great thought is very frustrating. His interjections, as well-meaning they may be, are distracting for a listener at times.
  • AllisonMelissa
    Best Podcast Ever. Listen now, just do it !
    This podcast has truly changed my life. I cannot say that enough. It has reignited my passion for reading, and I have recommended this podcast to 50+ and have made amazing connections because of it, and because of BOOKS. I used to be a book nerd myself, growing up I loved books. In highschool life got busy and books weren't my go-to's anymore. This podcast has changed my routine, I have committed to writing a little everyday- I have challenged myself to stop saying I'm not a good writer, I just have to keep at it. As of a week ago (this is recent) I started 2 minute mornings (a process Neil crafted- listen to the podcast and you’ll see why it works!!) in my journal- which has increased my awakeness and level of happiness in the morning. One of my new dreams is to write a book. I don't know what the book will be about, but I know it will happen one day. I owe that to this podcast, the guests Neil has featured, and to Neil himself. Support this incredible podcast, all the people on it, your independent local book stores, and read read read !! Thank you Neil! For everything. I just ordered your new book “Our Book of Awesome” and “The Happiness Equation” from your favorite local bookstore Indigo Books.📚
  • KathyMartens
    Timely Wisdom
    This conversation with Gabor Mate is an important one. Such a deep dive into wisdom and understanding for difficult and complex times. Deep and crunchy and delicious and fun! Delightful + Substantial. Thanks Neil and Gabor!
  • Raasve
    Extraordinary
    The episode that Neil did with Gabor Mate is extraordinary. It feels more informal and personal than other interviews that Mate has done. Neil's willingness to be vulnerable and authentic makes this conversation so relatable! It's packed with good reflections and insights for parents. - Ramona
  • computer science newb
    Please reconsider spoilers
    This podcast was suggested by a friend. I listened to one episode and loved it so much I recommended it to others. But then, I started listening to another with someone I just love, and Neil started talking about the surprise ending of the book. I had read the book as a child, but did not remember the ending so I quickly stopped the show and quit listening. A podcast about books clearly will inspire listeners to read or re-read the books mentioned as formative. Come on! You don’t have to give everything away to have deep and meaningful conversations. Now it seems pointless to listen to this unless I can look ahead and read the books before I listen. But it’s the guest’s mention of the books and their reactions to them that inspires me to read or reread them in the first place. If I want just a list of book recommendations, there are lots of ways to find that without having the book spoiled for me. So I guess I didn’t find a new podcast to love after all.
  • jmvazquezjr
    Let Them Speak!
    Let me start off by saying I love the premise of 3 Books. The guests are intriguing and from all walks of life, so it’s very interesting hearing where they come from and learning what books they recommend. My big problem with the podcast is the host. Neil…for the love of all that is holy, LET YOUR GUESTS SPEAK UNINTERRUPTED! I just finished Chapter 34 with Kevin the bookseller and I lost count of how many times Kevin was speaking and Neil just jumped in throwing off Kevin’s train of thought. It was incredibly frustrating. I was so interested in hearing Kevin’s explanations, but so many times he was never able to finish them. This show could be so much better if Neil would just learn to be a better listener. I’ll continue listening, but not sure how much longer I can tolerate the unnecessary interruptions.
  • Kwaters612
    Great premise, but awkward interviews
    I listened to the Judy Blume and Anne Bogel interviews. So fun to hear their selections and more about them. But Neil was difficult to listen to—spoke too much, asked questions that felt unpredictable and too personal and would continue to pry when they’d already tried to answer, and just felt cringey in the way he spoke to them. I was exhausted by the end and felt bad for both Anne and Judy.
  • Marilyn098765
    Scavenger Hunt
    This podcast is such a gem! Neil’s conversations are my dream come true. I live vicariously through Neil’s ability to navigate from small talk to deep dives into how a person became the person they are in this moment because of books. The Top 1000 has inspired a scavenger hunt for me. I have listened to every chapter, and when a new one drops, I add the new titles to my handwritten list. Writing the titles down helps cement them in my memory. Then, whenever I come across a book from The Top 1000 in a bookstore, I buy it, even if I may not read it. This has become a really fantastic way for me to support local and independent bookstores. Part of my hunt is that I want to come across it in person, as opposed to ordering any of the titles online. It has become my “3 Books” collection, and I suspect it may be a life-long hunt! As I write this in June 2021, I have 114 books in my collection of the 241 titles on the list thus far. They range from children’s books and sports memoirs to science fiction and Chinese philosophy. I never thought I would be the kind of person that organized their books by color, but the variety of topics makes any other scheme difficult. It looks beautiful! Neil, I love when you ask the “fast-money”questions, especially the one about how the interviewee organizes their books. Whenever you have the time to do that, it is much appreciated by me! Keep it up, Neil, I love your passion project and it brings me great joy! -Marilyn from Smithfield, Virginia, U.S.A
  • Money $teve
    Insufferable
    Granted I only listened to one episode and it was the one with Juniper, the most insufferable person I’ve ever heard. I couldn’t stand how the host twice said, “I totally agree [with you]. Now what do you mean by that?” Seriously he said that twice, and that’s just a single example of many exchanges which were very hard to endure. I came for the focus on books. I’ll leave for the spineless patronizing interviewer and incoherent guest.
  • dragonflye
    A Brilliant Podcast for Booklovers Everywhere
    I’m so very happy to have found this bibliocentric podcast. While there are many podcasts out there, this one definitely checks all of my boxes for book talk, non judgmental conversation, guest diversity, knowledge dispersed and exuding the passion that bibliophiles experience. My TBR becomes bigger after each chapter. I’m striving to become a “cover to cover” member of the 3 bookers club. Neil is genuine, vulnerable, empathetic, and wonderfully generous. Thanks for no ads and no sponsor gobbledygook. Good luck in completing your mission to podcast until 2031 and reach 1000 formative books. I’ll be listening, God willing. May you and your family stay well and experience much love.
  • allieg4646
    The gift of words
    Listen to 3books! You will love it! 📚📚📚 I’m head over heels for this podcast and over all concept. Thank you for this beautiful artwork. I’m motivated to read, listen, and inspire more and I want to say thank you for “extracting” the best out of each human you come across. 💕✨🥰
  • Sandwich_Fan
    Thanks, Neil!
    I stumbled upon 3Books. I’m not a faithful podcast listener, sampling here and there, never really committing to any, but I was intrigued. Neil’s values and desires for the podcast resonated with me: no ads, the 2-channel recording, no book guilt or shame, and so on…. I scanned the 3Books chapters and decided to listen to half a dozen interviews with names I recognized. Then, Neil’s references to other chapters led me to names I didn’t know. I had no idea who Seth Godin was, but one reviewer remarked that although the Godin episode was long, it was worth every minute. “Oh, come on,” I thought. I gave Seth Godin a try – the reviewer was right and I shared that episode with many people. Seth took me to Vish, Vish took me to another…and by then I knew I had to start at the beginning and go one episode at a time. I’m hooked and well on my way to being a member of all three 3Books “clubs.” I’ve shared excerpts of the show with anyone who will listen. I have read and am reading a number of books from the list of 1000, expanding my reading life. I’ve learned about some really fascinating people on the show – I’m no longer limited to only those names I recognize. I appreciate and learn from every chapter. And the “end of the podcast club” is a bonus for any word and etymology geek out there. At first, I figured Neil was just another podcast ego, but he’s genuine. He doesn’t hesitate to say when he doesn’t understand something. He admits his mistakes (loved the Hard Times mix-up). He is sincerely interested in his guests, and his enthusiasm shows. He mispronounces words and sometimes corrects himself, sometimes doesn’t. In a nutshell – he’s real, relatable. AWESOME!
  • akshaya
    Added to my list instantly
    What an awesome idea! And beautifully executed. Neil is a very talented interviewer; allowing his guests to shine through while guiding and adding to the conversation seamlessly. I’ll be putting this podcast in rotation indefinitely.
  • Kates0730
    5 solid stars
    Adore this podcast. Truly one of the best book podcast out there. Fascinating conversation & incredible recommendations that prompt introspection while warming my bookish heart.
  • northgem
    Antidote to Propinquity Effect
    I have enjoyed every show. Late to join the Podcast series which gives me the opportunity to listen to the older shows as I await the new episodes. 3 Books is introducing me to books that I have read long ago, am reading now or have put on my list to read. What I love is that there is so much more to the conversations than just the books. 3books podcast is about love of books, words and reading from the point of view other than an author promoting their newest product. I am grateful for the technology that gives me access to a larger perspective. Thank you Neil !!
  • Michelle P. Teacher
    Great resource for inspiration and great books😊
    I love this Podcast! Neil is a very humble interviewer and shows such respect to his guests. He show such sincerity in his interviews. The premise is to find three great books in each podcast but learn so much more about success, survival, and how books can shape your direction in life. If you have never heard of Neil Pasricha I strongly encourage you to watch his TED talk - The Three A’s of Awesome and his numerous books - each unique approaches to the same ends - finding your way to get the most out of life. A great listen and source of new reading material. Enjoy!
  • Heather C SD
    “Books are Magic”
    Books are magic and this podcast is magic. I first started with some of the chapters featuring well known authors but quickly discovered each episode is equally interesting and calming. Thank you for sharing that there is no book shame and creating a podcast that shares recommendations I would have never heard before.
  • MimiMelisa
    This commuter’s caffeine!
    I LOVE your podcast, Neil! You have breathed new life into my 140 mile commute and ME! I can’t remember which podcast I heard your interview on (Most of what I listen to are functional medicine or nutrition with the occasional Mindvalley and TEDx) but listening to you kind of turned up the fire in my soul for something more. My first listen was chapter 48 with Michael Bungay Stanier. I went forward with you until chapter 51 and was so intrigued by your interviewing style (best questions and presence ever), transparency and conviction to be true to you and your vision, that I had to start at the beginning. I just finished chapter 28 with Mark Manson and wow! One of my favorites so far (right up there with Vish). Thank you for being my copilot on my commutes and bringing new energy to my life. You and your guests have opened and expanded my tired, bored mind. I now feel empowered when I want to say “I don’t know” and ask more questions when I don’t understand. Thank you for not watering down or editing your interviews, keeping it real and personal, and allowing us to really feel like participants and friends along your journey! I’ve now been enlighten by 5 of the books recommended on your podcast and have a rolling list of books I can’t wait to read...how will I ever choose??!! Thank you my friend and look forward to the days and years ahead with you!! Melisa from Waxahachie, TX
  • mybellastudio
    new walking friend
    i’ve loved having you and your guests on my morning walk! i enjoy your interview style and easy conversation. it’s entertaining and always informative. i’m doing something for my body by walking and my mind and spirit by being a part of your conversation. it’s been fun getting to know you! ~k
  • Cfo6
    Book nerds, this is for you
    Whether you love your dog eared copy of a book from childhood, or only hardbacks (check out Malcolm Gladwell's 3books), this is for you. Complete with episodes called "Chapters," a Word of the Chapter, and the secret little bit at the end of each chapter - this is such great fun. I just zoomed through Judy Blume (lovely lovely) and the fore-mentioned Mr. Gladwell, and can't wait to read more. Randomly, just as my books tend to be organized.
  • Wịssbegier
    My first Podcast....delightfully open, honest and inspirational
    I just listened to my very first podcast. I know they have been around for ages. I just haven‘t taken the opportunity to check them out. I am glad I finally did. After listening to this podcast, I feel like I know a little about Neil, what he hopes to achieve with the podcasts, and I am intrigued to listen to more of his podcasts. You get a real sense of what could come with future podcasts, or in this case podcasts he has produced since I am listening to this one almost 2 years after it was released. I am excited, and I think this is cool as I had never even heard of Neil Pasricha before yesterday. 😊
  • Koliebug
    Book lovers will love!
    Truly great podcast for bookworms. Davis Sedaris and Judy Blume episodes were amazing! Not only inspiring for readers to keep reading, but writers to start writing.
  • Sphinx is
    Great interviews, fascinating insights
    I won't say how many years ago I started asking people I met about their favorite book (let's say it was pre-Internet and Amazon), but I loved the conversation that would result from that question, as well as the book recommendations. A lot different than the usual "So, what's your job?" chit-chat. Neil does this with all sorts of interesting people and more in his podcast. You never know who will show up on the next episode which is also a terrific feature. Ad free too!
  • CrochetByK
    I'm not alone!
    So nice to find a tribe who loves books as much as I do. Neil asks guests honest questions -- he's not afraid to admit what he doesn't know, pull on the little threads of interesting tidbits and follow tangents. And yet he connects it all in the end. I'm adding more new books to my "to read" list than I have time to read.
  • kama l
    Wow!
    I’m a little late to the game, but I absolutely love this podcast!
  • mtokudome
    Great Conversations!
    Wow, so happy that I stumbled onto this podcast! As Seth Godin often says, “Books are a screaming bargain. You might have something that might change your life.” I have similar thoughts about listening to quality podcasts like this. It might just be a specific interview or the mention of a specific book that could change your life dramatically. Neil has a great interview style and makes the episodes fun to listen to. Recently started listening, looking forward to catching up on the backlog.
  • scienceclubforgirls
    For readers who love writers talking about reading
    Love the concept, really interesting interviewees, surprisingly and delightful book recs. The episodes are about 20% too long for my taste/listening time availability. From time to time the host talks over his guests, which is frustrating as I am there to hear them rather than him, but it seems to come from genuine enthusiasm rather than a desire to hear himself talk.
  • Sammysam14
    I’m obsessed!!
    Neil is amazing, his guests are fascinating and the recommended books are wonderful. Neil has this ability to naturally connect with a wide array of guests and speak thoughtfully and respectfully while exploring some uncomfortable or unpopular opinions. All the while asking questions that provoke my own expansion on many topics. Neil, your amazing. Don’t ever stop. This is work the world needs. I love your work, I love you, thank you for what your doing!
  • MrMike298
    Difficult Listening
    Good guests, but Mr. Pasricha has the annoying habit of repeatedly interrupting them just as they are beginning to answer. It's as if he wants to show off how well he can anticipate where they're going by jumping in to get there first. It's extremely frustrating.
  • listener over here
    Painful interviewer with many great guests
    Pasricha tries rather hard to be a charming intellectual and a sensitive guy. Would that he’d settle into listening more quietly, minus the last few words of several questions. The guests, with a few exceptions, are very good. The Sedaris interview exemplifies my frustrations in the first several minutes. Overall, a good podcast.
  • a.carp10
    Binge worthy 🙌🏽
    I’ve binge-listened the first 18 Chapters of this podcast over the last couple weeks and I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be hooked till 2031 (when the podcast is scheduled to end)! Its refreshing to listen to Neil interview a vast array of people, ask interesting and informative questions, and to do it in his own unique way. Oh, and of course the fact that this is all centered around books! Thanks Neil for creating such an informative, thought provoking, and self reflective podcast. I’ve implemented a lot of ideas which you have talked about with your guests, like putting my phone in black and white and carrying a book with me wherever I go to read more this year, and the years to come. And now .. for those of you who have made it to the end of my book review, welcome to the end of the review club, ha! What are you doing? Stop reading the reviews and just go listen already!
  • @jjpeller
    GREAT interview skills!!
    I just listened to the interview with Seth Godin and was AMAZED!!! That was one of the best interviews I’ve listened to in a long time!! The conversation was fun, interesting and VERY informative!! Keep up the great work!!! - J.J.
  • ONeNoBLe
    Book Lover Conversations?!
    It isn't always easy finding people who are passionate about the same things as you. Great book podcasts aren't always easy to find, but 3 Books is solid! It's an informative podcast ranging in topics from BookTubing to children's literature. Neil's humility and willingness to ask "stupid" questions keeps the show simple and understandable, rather than snooty and elitist. One would think guests would simply be authors, but so far his guests have come from all walks of life. Learning the 3 most formative books of a person may give us a glance into their soul, this podcast attempts to distill that into audio format!
  • oregonbenefit
    I’m Hooked!!
    I found the 3 Books podcast yesterday after listening to Neil’s interview on What You Will Learn and knew I wanted more. On the spot I downloaded & listened to chapter 3 with Neil talking with Seth Godin, then subscribed & downloaded every single episode (which was a first for me, even as an avid listener of podcasts). I’m eager to listen to the rest starting right now as I head out the door for today’s workout walk (which stretched to 6 miles yesterday, thanks to riveting content)! Thank you Neil, for this gift to book and life lovers!
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