Some book recommendations

I recently moved into a new house.

It was an asbolute NIGHTMARE that I can't even begin to describe. All I can say is that I'm thankful to have alot of helpful friends, because I couldn't believe how mcuh stuff I have accumlated over the years!

One of the biggest pains for me to relocate was my library of books. My collection of books is so vast that ive had to split it in three...some with my brother, some in a storage locker, and the rest with me at my new home. My library could probably fill the volume of a typical office cubicle. What can I say, I love to read!

And no, they're not all Harry Potter and Dan Brown novels either. I read alot of material rooted in academia, and stuff that people might be surprised to find someone like myself reading. Currently on my bedside table there are three books:

1. "Belief or Non-Belief" by Umberto Eco and Cardinal Martini
   
2. "Webbots, Spiders & Screen Scrapers" by Michael Schrenk
3. " McLuhan for Managers" by Mark Federman

As you might surmise from this brief list, I read alot of different stuff. What can I say, I'm a bibliophile.

I want to take a moment to share some selections that I consider important reads for anyone involved in the Marketing game, wether it be Search Marketing, Real Estate Marketing, or anything else.

(and no, I wont use affiliate links :P ) 

A Theory of Semiotics - Umberto Eco

Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. A basic tenent of semiotics is the idea that all human communication is esentially made up of signs. Any sign itself is composed of a material signifier and a material sign. An understanding semiotics and the inherent material signifiers present in various communications can really help faciliate clear and concise marketing communications.

The Brand Gap - Marty Neumeier

This book is pretty. And its thin. Two things I really like in a book. Plus, its not heavy handed. The Brand Gap talks about brand building and brand politics. it also speaks broadly about branding in a technological world. If you are a brand manager, a graphic design, or a communications enthusiast, you should definately read this one. 

Practices of Looking - Struken & Cartwright

This book takes everything you `think` you understand about mass media, and, ripping it the shreds, it builds your understanding back up again. This book teaches critical consumption of advertising and consumer messages. It imparts how to go beyond the surface of the media and really understand the deeper social-political-economic currents at work. 

The Medium is the Massage - Marshall McLuhan

I'm Canadian. I love McLuhan. I can't help it. This book is legendary. I really cant say anything about it other then what is already said in the Amazon.com review. You should own this book. Your dinner conversation will be so much more interesting once you've read it. I promise.

11 Immutable Laws of Internet Branding - Ries

A bit out of date, and the title is a misnomer: I don't care what anyone says; there is no such thing as an immutable law on the Internet...everything is in flux. It is still worth checking out.

Anyways, there you go, five excellent titles for you to look up. Go on, get your learn on.