The Hamster Revolution

Last week someone suggested "The Hamster Revolution" to me since I am marketing a business writing class. The book is a bit of a departure for this blog about story since its main focus is about managing email. It is a fast read, only 120 pages, but it is not the length alone that makes this book so readable.

The authors liken email overload to professionals on a hamster wheel,working hard but getting no where. All the lessons are explained through conversations between Harold, an HR professional, and his info coach. The book follows the life of Harold as he learns the new email system. Easy reading because it is written as a story, not a text book.

Don't get me wrong, it is a story but there is lots of substance. The authors masterfully weave in numerous facts and figures on the lack of productivity due to poorly written and excessive emails. Every business person who feels overwhelmed by the volume of email needs to read this book and get 15 days a year back (their estimate based on an average of 50 emails daily).