Recently I stumbled upon some old posts sharing what I had been reading (between 2010 and 2012). It’s been a while since then – and I don’t think I’ve shared much of what I’ve been reading (or re-reading) since.

On the one hand, it seemed to be a prohibitive long list to write by hand – so I haven’t bothered to do so (until now). On the other, since all of my reading purchases have digital receipts of one kind or another, creating an updated list of reading seemed like a tempting opportunity to test how far AI has come (or not), using a real life menial task consisting of several steps, including several sources, and different types of data – something so tedious and time-consuming (and for little to no payoff) that it needs outsourcing of one kind or another to actually get done.

TL;DR

Coaxing ChatGPT took an inordinate amount of trial and error to get to do anything useful (and consistent) at all, but after a lot of painfully crappy results I got to a point where the process was somewhat manageable, making the process significantly faster than using manual labor only – but still requiring some manual labor nonetheless.

When ChatGPT was asked to do the work, it refused to. Constantly. And when it did do some work, it lied. Randomly. And when it actually produced usable results, it worked slower than an intern with a hangover. Also, doing random spot checks, I found that books were missing, inexplicably dropped along the way, some summaries were hallucinated, some links where swapped with placeholders, etc.

Key insights: Break down tasks into the smallest single step, do not bundle steps in a chain (do not use and and and), complete one step, move on to a new instance for the next step, prompt for new task and input output of previous step in this new instance. Counterintuitively, it seems the less ChatGPT knows about the whole, the better the results. Also, try repeating same task with same prompting in multiple different instances – it doesn’t matter how or what you prompt, Chat GPT *will* (sooner or later) go off the reservation regardless – it might just suddenly work in one of the instances (by using exactly the same prompting that failed in 10 of the other instances).

To wit: OpenAI is the most overvalued startup in history – I keep asking myself why I pay them; ChatGPT as a product experience is (still) very bad.

The links to Amazon and Audible do include affiliate tags. (If you don’t want to feed the Bezos machine, you know how to get it somewhere else already). However, I’ll never get back even a fraction of the time it cost me to wrangle ChatGPT to do some actual work.

Now what have you read that I haven’t (but should)? Read on below for the +365 items that made it to the list.

Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization

Paul Kriwaczek

This book explores the history and culture of ancient Babylon, delving into its rise and fall, and its influence on civilization.

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The Mountain Shadow

Gregory David Roberts

A sequel to “Shantaram,” this novel continues the adventures of Lin in the underworld of Mumbai, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Reader’s notes: Not as good as the first, still entertaining and endearing.

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The Meme Machine

Susan Blackmore

An exploration of the theory of memes—ideas, behaviors, or styles that spread within a culture—and their role in human evolution and culture.

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River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life

Richard Dawkins

Dawkins presents a gene-centered view of evolution, explaining how DNA serves as the river of life flowing through time.

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Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

Yuval Noah Harari

Nexus looks through the long lens of human history to consider how the flow of information has shaped us, and our world. Taking us from the Stone Age, through the canonization of the Bible, early modern witch-hunts, Stalinism, Nazism, and the resurgence of populism today, Yuval Noah Harari asks us to consider the complex relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power. 

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Darwin’s Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life

Daniel C. Dennett

Dennett examines the implications of Darwinian theory, arguing that natural selection is a universal acid that affects various aspects of life and thought.

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Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present

Fareed Zakaria

This book analyzes pivotal revolutions that have shaped the modern world, discussing their causes, impacts, and the lessons they offer.

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The Modern Scholar: The Medieval World, Part II: Society, Economy, and Culture

Thomas F. Madden

A lecture series exploring the societal structures, economic systems, and cultural aspects of the medieval world.

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The Modern Scholar: Medieval Mysteries: The History Behind the Myths of the Middle Ages

Thomas F. Madden

An examination of unsolved mysteries and intriguing events from the medieval period.

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The Modern Scholar: The Medieval World, Part I: Kingdoms, Empires, and War

Thomas F. Madden

This series delves into the political and military history of medieval Europe, focusing on the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires.

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The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

Peter Kreeft

An introduction to the philosophical ideas of Thomas Aquinas, discussing his contributions to theology and philosophy.

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History of Ancient Greece

Eric H. Cline

A comprehensive overview of ancient Greek history, covering its political, cultural, and social developments.

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Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the War for Crown and Empire

James S. Romm

The story of the power struggles following Alexander the Great’s death, focusing on the chaos and intrigue that ensued.

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What Einstein Got Wrong

Dan Hooper

An analysis of the areas where Einstein’s theories fell short, highlighting the limitations and errors in his work.

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Children of Ash and Elm

Neil Price

An in-depth look at the Viking Age, exploring the lives, culture, and impact of the Vikings.

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The Modern Scholar: Odyssey of the West I: A Classic Education through the Great Books

Timothy Shutt, Prof. Eric Havelock

A lecture series offering an introduction to the classics of Western literature and thought.

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Alaric the Goth

Douglas Boin

A biography of Alaric, the leader who famously sacked Rome, exploring his life and the broader context of the late Roman Empire.

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1491

Charles C. Mann

An exploration of the Americas before Columbus, challenging conventional views about pre-Columbian civilizations.

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Same as Ever

Morgan Housel

Insights into the unchanging aspects of human behavior and how understanding them can lead to better decision-making.

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Consciousness Explained

Daniel C. Dennett

Dennett presents a comprehensive theory of consciousness, arguing against the notion of a central observer in the mind.

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The Scythians: Nomad Warriors of the Steppe

Barry Cunliffe

An examination of the Scythian nomadic tribes, their culture, and their influence on Eurasian history

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Red Roulette: An Insider’s Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today’s China

Desmond Shum

A memoir revealing the inner workings of China’s elite and the intersection of business and politics.

Reader’s notes: “I totally did not have anything to do with my ex wife disappearing”. Maybe. In any case, it leaves me with little to no sympathy for the author and co-conspirators who otherwise seem fine with walking over (metaphorical as well as possibly real?) dead bodies to get what they want and not too much of a leap to imagine throwing someone under the bus as being on par for the course.

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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Walter Isaacson

A biography of Benjamin Franklin, highlighting his multifaceted life as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, and founding father.

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Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century

Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman

An analysis of modern authoritarian leaders who manipulate media and information to maintain power.

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The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security

Kevin D. Mitnick and William L. Simon

Insights into the world of social engineering and how individuals can be manipulated into divulging confidential information.

Reader’s notes: Free Kevin! RIP.

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The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention

Simon Baron-Cohen

Explores the human drive to recognize patterns and its connection to innovation and autism.

Reader’s note: Fun fact, the author is the cousin of Sacha “Borat” Baron “AliG” Cohen.

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Dark Wire: The Incredible True Story of the Largest Sting Operation Ever

Joseph Cox

Investigates the hidden world of encrypted communications and the challenges [and as documented in this book: the huge opportunities] they pose to law enforcement.

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From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds

Daniel C. Dennett

Dennett explores the evolution of minds, consciousness, and the development of culture.

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Buy-In: Saving Your Good Idea from Getting Shot Down

John P. Kotter and Lorne A. Whitehead

Strategies for gaining support and overcoming resistance to new ideas in organizations.

Reader’s notes: Fun fact, parts of my Pitching Masterclass – Corporate Edition, uses Kotter’s framework to deal with resistance and opposition to your idea.

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Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making

Tony Fadell

Lessons on innovation, design, and entrepreneurship from the creator of the iPod and Nest.

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War Without Rules: China’s Playbook for Global Domination

Gen. Robert Spalding

An examination of China’s strategies for global dominance and the implications for international relations.

Reader’s notes: Obligatory reading. TL;DR China (as in the CCP, not the Chinese people) is not our friends, already deliberately hurting us.

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Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed

Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos

An insider’s account of the top-secret aerospace development program at Lockheed Martin, detailing the creation of advanced aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird.

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I’ve Been Thinking

Daniel C. Dennett

A collection of essays reflecting on philosophy, science, and the art of thinking, offering insights into human consciousness and the nature of reality.

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Kinds of Minds: Toward an Understanding of Consciousness

Daniel C. Dennett

An exploration of different types of consciousness and intelligence, examining the evolutionary development of the mind.

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Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping

Robert M. Sapolsky

A discussion on the impact of stress on human health, explaining how chronic stress can lead to various diseases.

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Existential Physics: A Scientist’s Guide to Life’s Biggest Questions

Sabine Hossenfelder

An examination of the philosophical implications of modern physics, addressing questions about the nature of reality and our place in the universe.

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Burn Book

Kara Swisher

A critical analysis of the tech industry, exploring its impact on society and the ethical considerations of technological advancements.

Reader’s notes: Why are some big shot tech bros always pissing on Kara? Because she cuts straight through bullshit, has zero fucks to give about kissing rings.

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Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice

Bill Browder

A real-life thriller detailing Browder’s experience as an investor in Russia, uncovering corruption and facing dangerous consequences.

Reader’s notes: Obligatory reading. Funny little sidenote, Bill Browder’s son is the founder of DoNotPay.

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The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare

Christian Brose

An analysis of modern warfare strategies, emphasizing the need for the U.S. military to adapt to emerging technologies and threats.

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Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking

Daniel C. Dennett

Dennett introduces various thought experiments and cognitive tools designed to enhance critical thinking and philosophical inquiry.

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Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational

Michael Shermer

An exploration of why people believe in conspiracy theories, examining the psychological and social factors involved.

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Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will

Robert M. Sapolsky

A discussion on the science of human behavior, arguing that free will is an illusion shaped by biology and environment.

Reader’s notes: I’m a big fan of Sapolsky. I’m also always up for a good debate about free will or the lack thereof. However, I do not agree with most of the conclusions in this book and I don’t think the arguments are compelling nor conclusive. More feelz than science in this one for my taste.

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Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin’s Wrath

Bill Browder

A continuation of “Red Notice,” detailing Browder’s ongoing fight against corruption and his efforts to bring justice for Sergei Magnitsky.

Reader’s notes: A sequel to Red Notice and well worth reading.

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Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life

Epicurus and Crespo

An introduction to the teachings of Epicurus, focusing on his philosophy of seeking happiness through simple pleasures and the pursuit of knowledge.

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Dumb Money: The GameStop Short Squeeze and the Ragtag Group of Amateur Traders That Brought Wall Street to Its Knees

Ben Mezrich

Stonks! A narrative about the GameStop stock surge, detailing how a group of amateur investors disrupted Wall Street.

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The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature

Matt Ridley

An exploration of the evolutionary concept that sexual reproduction is an adaptation to combat parasites, influencing human nature and behavior.

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The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend

Rob Copeland

An exposé on the world of hedge funds, revealing the power dynamics and secretive operations within the industry.

Reader’s notes: In which, you’ll find that Ray Dalio is a complete intellectual fraud and a twat.

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Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

An analysis of how minority rule can undermine democratic institutions and the factors that contribute to democratic backsliding.

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Amp It Up: Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity

Frank Slootman

Leadership strategies for accelerating company growth and performance, emphasizing focus, urgency, and operational excellence.

Reader’s notes: I found it a bit thin on, well, everything.

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The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves

Matt Ridley

An argument that human progress is driven by exchange and specialization, leading to increased prosperity and innovation.

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The Evolution of Everything: How New Ideas Emerge

Matt Ridley

A perspective that evolution is a bottom-up process affecting not just biology but also culture, technology, and society.

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How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom

Matt Ridley

An exploration of the process of innovation, arguing that it is an incremental, trial-and-error process rather than a series of eureka moments.

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The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma

Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar

An analysis of the next wave of technological innovations and their potential impact on society and the global economy.

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The Lazarus Heist: From Hollywood to High Finance: Inside North Korea’s Global Cyber War

Geoff White

A true story about North Korea’s cyberattacks, including the infamous hack of Sony Pictures, revealing the world of cyber warfare.

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A Hacker’s Mind

Bruce Schneier

An exploration of how hacking extends beyond computers into various aspects of society, and how understanding this can help protect against exploitation.

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CYBERPUNK: Outlaws and Hackers on the Computer Frontier, Revised

Katie Hafner and John Markoff

A historical account of the early days of hacking, profiling key figures and events that shaped the cyberpunk subculture.

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SAS: Rogue Heroes

Ben Macintyre

The history of the formation of the SAS during World War II, detailing the daring missions and unconventional tactics of its members.

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The Billion Dollar Spy

David E. Hoffman

The true story of a Cold War spy, detailing how a Soviet engineer provided valuable intelligence to the CIA.

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The Key Man

Simon Clark and Will Louch

An investigation into the rise and fall of a private equity firm in the Middle East, revealing issues of fraud and deception.

Reader’s notes: On the fraud that is Arif Naqvi.

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Fancy Bear Goes Phishing: The Dark History of the Information Age in Five Extraordinary Hacks

Scott Shapiro

An exploration of cyber espionage, focusing on the tactics of the Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bear.

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The Inevitability of Tragedy: Henry Kissinger and His World

Barry Gewen

A study of Henry Kissinger’s philosophy and approach to foreign policy, arguing that his realism was shaped by historical necessity.

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The Vikings

Kenneth W. Harl

A comprehensive history of the Vikings, exploring their culture, raids, and impact on Europe.

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Understanding Investments

Connel Fullenkamp

An educational guide to the principles of investing, covering various asset classes and strategies.

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Hitch-22: A Memoir

Christopher Hitchens

In this candid memoir, Hitchens recounts his journey from a radical leftist to a proponent of interventionist policies, reflecting on his personal and professional transformations.

Reader’s notes: One of the all time greatest voices of sanity, of humanity. RIP. His ideas political matters may diverge from mine, though. Fun fact, also BFF of Martin Amis.

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Inside Story: A Novel

Martin Amis

An autobiographical novel blending fact and fiction, Amis reflects on his life, friendships, and the art of writing, offering insights into love, loss, and mortality.

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An Economic History of the World Since 1400

Donald J. Harreld

This lecture series examines over 600 years of economic history, exploring how economic forces have shaped societies and global events.

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Understanding Economics

Jay R. Corrigan

An educational course that breaks down fundamental economic principles, illustrating how they apply to everyday life and global markets.

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The Dead Sea Scrolls

Gary A. Rendsburg

An exploration of the discovery, content, and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, shedding light on their impact on religious and historical scholarship.

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Understanding the Brain

Jeanette Norden

A comprehensive guide to neuroscience, detailing the structure and function of the human brain and its influence on behavior and cognition.

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Understanding Complexity

Scott E. Page

An introduction to complexity science, discussing how complex systems behave and the principles that govern them.

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The Caesars Palace Coup: How a Billionaire Brawl Over the Famous Casino Exposed the Power and Greed of Wall Street

Max Frumes and Sujeet Indap

An exposé of the intense battle among financiers over the bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment, highlighting the ruthless tactics employed.

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The Cuckoo’s Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage

Cliff Stoll

A true account of tracking a hacker who breached U.S. computer systems during the Cold War, detailing the challenges of early cybersecurity efforts.

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Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

David Brakke

An examination of Gnostic texts and beliefs, exploring their origins, teachings, and impact on early Christianity.

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Money and Banking: What Everyone Should Know

Michael K. Salemi

An overview of the principles of money and banking, explaining how financial institutions operate and their role in the economy.

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Life in Our Universe

Laird Close

A scientific exploration of the possibilities of life beyond Earth, discussing the conditions necessary for life and the search for extraterrestrial organisms.

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The Life and Death of Stars

Keivan G. Stassun

An in-depth look at the birth, evolution, and demise of stars, explaining the processes that govern stellar life cycles.

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Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime

Benjamin Schumacher

An exploration of gravity, discussing phenomena like black holes and the curvature of spacetime as predicted by general relativity.

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The Ancient Celts

Julian Elfer

A historical account of the Celtic peoples, their culture, migrations, and influence on European history.

Reader’s notes: Starts off ok, very soon turns into a chronological list of dates and events with zero narrative, comment, context, etc. I’m not sure what the intended audience was for this one (outside of academia). Avoid. Not fit for human consumption. Kids, don’t turn your academic papers into books.

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#AskGaryVee

Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk shares his entrepreneurial insights and personal branding strategies, offering practical advice on social media and business growth.

Reader’s notes: Imagine there was a time when Gary Vee had yet to drink his own Kool Aid.

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21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari tackles pressing modern issues such as AI, nationalism, and climate change. He encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and cooperation as key survival skills.

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48 Laws of Power

Robert Greene

Robert Greene’s classic on power dynamics, providing 48 laws that individuals can apply to gain power, influence, and success in various contexts.

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A Brief History of the World

Peter N. Stearns

Peter Stearns presents a global overview of key developments in human history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. The course emphasizes cross-cultural exchanges and major social, political, and technological changes.

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A Gentleman in Moscow

Amor Towles

Amor Towles tells the story of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in a grand hotel. As the world changes outside, he builds a meaningful life within the confines of the hotel, reflecting on purpose, resilience, and history.

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A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson takes readers on a journey through science, explaining complex topics such as the origins of the universe and the evolution of life in a humorous, accessible way.

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AI 2041

Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan

Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan present ten fictional stories paired with expert analysis, imagining the future of artificial intelligence. The book explores how AI might reshape education, healthcare, security, and society by the year 2041.

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AI Superpowers

Kai-Fu Lee

Kai-Fu Lee compares AI development in China and the U.S., exploring the geopolitical, economic, and ethical implications of artificial intelligence’s rapid rise.

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AIQ

Nick Polson and James Scott

Nick Polson and James Scott explain core ideas of artificial intelligence and data science, using real-world examples to show how machine learning enhances human decision-making.

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Age of Context

Robert Scoble and Shel Israel

Robert Scoble and Shel Israel explore the role of contextual technology—such as sensors, big data, and social media—shaping personal experiences and industries.

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Alchemy

Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland explores the art of thinking differently in marketing, psychology, and creativity, offering insights into human behavior and decision-making.

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Algorithms to Live By

Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths

Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths explore how computer science concepts can improve human decision-making in daily life, from scheduling to choosing when to stop searching.

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America and Iran

John Ghazvinian

John Ghazvinian provides a historical overview of U.S.-Iran relations from the 18th century to the present. He reveals how cultural admiration evolved into conflict, shaped by miscommunication, politics, and power.

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American Kingpin

Nick Bilton

Nick Bilton tells the true story of Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. It’s a fast-paced account of idealism, crime, and the digital underworld.

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An Ugly Truth

Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang

Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang examine Facebook’s internal culture, exploring how decisions made by leadership prioritized user growth and engagement over safety and ethics. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the consequences of those choices.

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Anything You Want

Derek Sivers

Derek Sivers distills insights from building CD Baby into concise lessons about entrepreneurship. He champions authenticity, minimalism, and creating a business that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle.

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Apex

Ramez Naam

In the Nexus trilogy’s finale, Ramez Naam presents a high-stakes global showdown over mind-enhancing technologies. Themes of power, freedom, and human evolution drive the action.

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Ask

Ryan Levesque

Ryan Levesque introduces a method for discovering what customers really want by asking the right questions. His system helps tailor offerings and increase engagement through segmented feedback.

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Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand’s novel about a dystopian society, advocating for individualism, free markets, and objectivism as the path to a flourishing society.

Reader’s notes: Part pulp fiction, part profound. I do not regret reading it.

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Bad Blood

John Carreyrou

John Carreyrou investigates the Theranos scandal, exposing the lies and fraud behind Elizabeth Holmes’ blood-testing startup and its impact on health tech and Silicon Valley.

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Behavioral Economics

Scott Huettel

Scott Huettel examines how psychological biases and cognitive limitations influence economic decision-making. He discusses heuristics, irrational behavior, and the contrast between theoretical models and real-world choices.

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Billion Dollar Loser

Reeves Wiedeman

Reeves Wiedeman traces the rise and dramatic fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork. The book explores Neumann’s grand vision, his charismatic leadership, and the reckless decisions that led to one of the most infamous startup collapses in recent history.

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Billion Dollar Whale

Bradley Hope, Tom Wright

A true life thriller that reads like a Hollywood movie, Billion Dollar Whale traces the exploits of the most mercurial, mysterious big player in history. Jho Low is Gatsby with twice the bank account and ten times the ambition, and the stories surrounding his exploits leap right off the page.

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Biology and Human Behavior: The Neurological Origins of Individuality

Robert Sapolsky

Robert Sapolsky investigates how the brain, hormones, and genetics shape behavior. The course examines aggression, empathy, decision-making, and how biology interacts with environment to make us who we are.

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Black Holes Explained

Alex Filippenko

This lecture series explores black holes, their formation, properties, and role in the universe. Professor Alex Filippenko discusses their gravitational effects, event horizons, and concepts such as wormholes and Hawking radiation.

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Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime

Benjamin Schumacher

Benjamin Schumacher unpacks the implications of Einstein’s general relativity, focusing on black holes, gravitational waves, and spacetime curvature. The course offers a conceptual understanding of gravity and astrophysics.

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Blitzscaling

Reid Hoffman, Chris Yeh, and Ben Casnocha

Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh offer a playbook for rapidly scaling businesses in uncertain markets. They argue that speed and bold risk-taking are key to achieving global dominance in tech industries.

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Blockchain Revolution

Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

Don and Alex Tapscott explore how blockchain technology is transforming industries beyond cryptocurrency. They discuss its potential for transparency, security, and decentralization in finance, identity, and governance.

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Boom

Michael Shnayerson

Michael Shnayerson explores how contemporary art evolved into a major financial market. He profiles powerful dealers and collectors who transformed art into a global business.

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Bouncing Off the Moon

David Gerrold

Charles Dingillian and his brothers flee to the Moon in search of freedom, confronting harsh realities and evolving into young adults in exile.

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Brief Answers to the Big Questions

Stephen Hawking and Professor

Stephen Hawking’s final book tackles profound topics like time travel, black holes, AI, and the fate of humanity—presented in a clear, engaging style.

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Brotopia

Emily Chang

Emily Chang investigates the gender imbalance in Silicon Valley, exposing sexism and discrimination. She calls for reform and inclusion in the tech industry’s culture and leadership.

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Burn Rate

Andy Dunn

Andy Dunn tells the story of building Bonobos while navigating the personal challenges of bipolar disorder. He reflects on startup culture, leadership, and the toll mental illness can take behind the scenes of entrepreneurial success.

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Calling Bullshit

Jevin D. West and Carl T. Bergstrom

Jevin West and Carl Bergstrom equip readers to spot misinformation in data, graphs, and statistics. They emphasize critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning in a world of information overload.

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Can’t Hurt Me

David Goggins

David Goggins recounts his transformation from hardship to elite endurance athlete and Navy SEAL. He emphasizes mental toughness, discipline, and the power of mindset.

Reader’s notes: One tough cookie, for sure. I didn’t take away much replicable, though.

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Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Thomas Piketty and Arthur Goldhammer

Thomas Piketty investigates historical trends in wealth and income inequality. He argues that unchecked capital accumulation intensifies inequality, and proposes progressive taxation and wealth redistribution as remedies.

Reader’s notes: Sometimes I read things I don’t necessarily agree with. This was one of those times.

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Carrying the Fire

Michael Collins

Michael Collins, Apollo 11 command module pilot, recounts his NASA career with honesty and humor. He provides a detailed, personal account of spaceflight and the human side of the Moon mission.

Reader’s notes: Badass.

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Change Agent

Daniel Suarez

Daniel Suarez’s thriller imagines a near-future where genetic editing reshapes identity and power. It explores the dangers of bioengineering and rogue science.

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Chaos

Tom O’Neill and Dan Piepenbring

Tom O’Neill investigates the 1969 Manson murders and uncovers potential links between Charles Manson and the CIA. Challenging the official Helter Skelter narrative, he explores deep government connections and hidden motives behind the crimes.

Reader’s notes: Darkly riveting. Worth a movie adaptation.

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Chasing New Horizons

Alan Stern and David Grinspoon

Alan Stern and David Grinspoon recount the development and success of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto. They detail the technical, political, and personal challenges of this historic space exploration journey.

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Chip War

Chris Miller

Chris Miller examines the global struggle for dominance in semiconductor technology. He reveals how control over microchips has become central to national security, economic power, and technological innovation.

Reader’s notes: Should be obligatory reading.

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Choose

Ryan Levesque

Ryan Levesque guides readers in selecting the right market to serve, emphasizing fit between personal strengths and demand. This strategic framework helps reduce risk for new ventures.

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Company of One

Paul Jarvis

Paul Jarvis challenges the growth-at-all-costs mindset, suggesting that success and sustainability can come from staying small and focused. The book promotes a minimalist, values-driven approach to entrepreneurship.

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Competing Against Luck

Clayton M. Christensen

Clayton M. Christensen examines how successful companies innovate by focusing on customer jobs-to-be-done, helping them better meet consumer needs.

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Consilience

Edward O. Wilson

Edward O. Wilson argues for uniting knowledge across disciplines—from science to the humanities—to build a deeper understanding of the world. He explains how such integration can address humanity’s biggest challenges.

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Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday tells the story of billionaire Peter Thiel’s secret legal campaign to bring down Gawker Media. The book explores strategy, revenge, and the nature of power.

Reader’s note: Interesting, albeit reads like a hit-piece paid for by Thiel.

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Countdown to Zero Day

Kim Zetter

Kim Zetter examines the creation and deployment of Stuxnet, the first known digital weapon. She reveals how it was used to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program and its broader implications for global cyber warfare.

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Creativity, Inc.

Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace share the story of Pixar, focusing on how creativity, collaboration, and leadership are fostered to build a thriving, innovative company.

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Crossing the Chasm

Geoffrey A. Moore

Geoffrey Moore discusses the marketing gap between early adopters and the mainstream market. He provides strategies for growing tech products beyond their niche.

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Crux

Ramez Naam

The second book in the Nexus trilogy intensifies the debate over neural enhancement. Naam explores the societal and political consequences of mind-linking technology.

Reader’s notes: I can recommend the Nexus trilogy. It’s no Gibson, but it’s pretty darn good.

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Cult of the Dead Cow

Joseph Menn

Joseph Menn recounts the history of the Cult of the Dead Cow, a pioneering hacker group. He explores their role in exposing security flaws and promoting digital rights, influencing today’s cybersecurity landscape.

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Cynical Theories

Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay

Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay critique the evolution of postmodern thought and how it influences identity politics. They argue that activist scholarship has shifted from liberal values toward divisive ideology.

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Daemon

Daniel Suarez

Daniel Suarez’s techno-thriller features a rogue AI triggered by its creator’s death. The system manipulates global events and creates a new world order, raising questions about control and technology.

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Dark Matter

Blake Crouch

Physicist Jason Dessen is kidnapped into a parallel world where he never married. As he navigates branching realities, he must reclaim his true life. Blake Crouch blends science fiction with emotional depth in this multiverse thriller.

Reader’s notes: I was positively surprised reading Blake Crouch for the first time. Not much good science fiction out there, but this one is really good. Later turned into an Apple TV series that I have not seen.

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

Shoshana Zuboff

Shoshana Zuboff analyzes how companies exploit personal data in the era of surveillance capitalism. She calls for accountability, regulation, and a reassertion of individual rights.

Reader’s notes: Obligatory reading, albeit much longer than it needed to be.

Dealing with Darwin

Geoffrey A. Moore

Moore discusses how companies can innovate sustainably by aligning product strategy with market maturity. He emphasizes evolving innovation models to maintain differentiation over time.

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Death’s End

Cixin Liu

The final novel in Cixin Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. Humanity faces existential decisions as it confronts the cosmic dangers revealed by the dark forest theory.

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Debt

David Graeber

David Graeber’s analysis of debt and its history over 5,000 years, showing how debt has shaped human society and exploring its ethical and social consequences.

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Deep Work

Cal Newport

Cal Newport argues that deep, focused work is essential for success in the modern world. He contrasts it with shallow work and provides strategies to train your mind for deep focus and productivity.

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Delta-V

Daniel Suarez

Daniel Suarez’s sci-fi thriller follows a crew on a high-stakes asteroid mining mission. It blends hard science with corporate intrigue, exploring the risks and ethics of space exploration.

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Democracy in America

Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville examines the strengths, challenges, and unique characteristics of American democracy in the early 19th century. His observations continue to influence debates about liberty, equality, and governance.

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Der Mann ohne Eigenschaften

Robert Musil

A modernist work set in pre-WWI Vienna, this philosophical novel explores the complexities of modern life and examines the fallacies of the human condition.

Reader’s notes: I consumed this one in the original (Austrian) German, a delightful production. The beginning of this (never finished) monolith is the most intriguing, drifts into (albeit very well written) emptiness for me after a while. (And at the end all the protagonist wants is to have sex with his sister?).

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Disrupted

Dan Lyons

Dan Lyons’ memoir of his time at HubSpot, providing a behind-the-scenes look at startup culture, technology, and business disruption in Silicon Valley.

Reader’s notes: Maybe. Just maybe Lyons is not the kind of personality that is well suited to work in startups – regardless of any shit show he might have accidentally landed himself in.

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Door to Door

Edward Humes

Edward Humes explores the complex global logistics network that powers modern life. He reveals the hidden costs of convenience and delivery culture, from environmental impact to labor conditions.

Reader’s notes: I thought this one would be boring, but it’s really fascinating!

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Dreams and Details

Jim Hagemann Snabe and Mikael Trolle

Jim Hagemann Snabe and Mikael Trolle propose a leadership model that balances visionary goals with attention to execution. They stress the need to rethink organizations for a fast-changing world.

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Drunk Tank Pink

Adam Alter

Adam Alter explores how environmental cues—like color, names, and symbols—influence behavior and decision-making, often subconsciously.

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Ego Is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday examines how ego stands in the way of success, offering strategies for humility, self-awareness, and mastery in personal and professional life.

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Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Physicists

Richard Wolfson

“It doesn’t take an Einstein to understand modern physics,” says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or “classical” physics.

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Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz uses search engine data to uncover hidden aspects of human behavior. Big data reveals truths that people often won’t admit in surveys.

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Exhalation

Ted Chiang

Ted Chiang’s collection of philosophical science fiction stories explores themes such as memory, consciousness, free will, and time. Each story presents imaginative yet deeply human perspectives on scientific dilemmas and existential questions.

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Face It

Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry’s memoir recounts her life as the frontwoman of Blondie and her journey through fame, addiction, and recovery. She reflects on music, art, and personal transformation.

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Reader’s notes: Debbie Harry – Rockstar with a capital R.

Facebook

Steven Levy

Steven Levy delivers a detailed account of Facebook’s rise, from dorm-room startup to tech giant. He covers its internal culture, controversies, and global impact.

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Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World—and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, and Anna Rosling Rönnlund

Hans Rosling reveals how instincts and biases distort our view of global progress. He uses data to challenge pessimism and advocate for a more accurate, hopeful perspective on the world.

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Flip the Script

Oren Klaff

Oren Klaff offers a counterintuitive approach to persuasion—guiding people to convince themselves. He explains how to control conversations without being pushy or manipulative.

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Founders at Work (Stories of Startups’ Early Days)

Jessica Livingston

A collection of interviews with founders of famous technology companies about what happened in the very earliest days. These people are celebrities now. What was it like when they were just a couple friends with an idea?

Reader’s notes: More of a historical document for people with special interests (like myself) than actionable insights.

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Four Seasons

Isadore Sharp

Isadore Sharp’s memoir details the founding of the Four Seasons hotel chain, sharing lessons on customer service, business strategy, and leadership.

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Freedom (TM)

Daniel Suarez

In this sequel to Daemon, the decentralized AI system continues reshaping society. The novel explores themes of surveillance, autonomy, and the potential of digital governance.

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Goliath

Matt Stoller

Matt Stoller traces the decline of American antitrust policy and the rise of monopolies. He argues that unchecked corporate power threatens democracy and economic fairness.

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Good to Great

Jim Collins

Jim Collins examines what enables some companies to make the leap from good to great. He identifies traits like disciplined leadership, focused strategy, and a culture of excellence.

Reader’s notes: Reading tea leaves to extrapolate universal heuristics and causality makes for good entertainment. Never you mind little pesky things like hindsight bias, survivorship bias, selection bias – and the list goes on.

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Gravity’s Rainbow

Thomas Pynchon

Thomas Pynchon’s postmodern epic follows characters during WWII, centering on V-2 rocket development. The novel is dense with themes of paranoia, science, and control.

Reader’s notes: One of the biggest mind-fucks I’ve ever read. Mesmerising.

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Growth Hacker Marketing

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday introduces the concept of growth hacking, explaining how marketers can use creative and cost-effective strategies to achieve massive success.

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Hacking Growth

Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown

Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown explain how companies like Airbnb and Dropbox used cross-functional, data-driven experimentation to grow rapidly and sustainably.

Reader’s notes: BTW, before you’ve reached Product-Market-Fit (PMF) there’s fuck-all to hack.

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Hatching Twitter

Nick Bilton

Nick Bilton tells the dramatic origin story of Twitter, focusing on the founders’ internal rivalries and the company’s chaotic path to success.

Reader’s notes: In which Fred “AVC” Wilson (and Jack Dorsey) comes off as twats.

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History of Ancient Greece

Eric H. Cline

Eric H. Cline provides a comprehensive history of ancient Greece, exploring its culture, politics, and influence on the Western world.

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Hit Makers

Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson explores what makes certain songs, products, or ideas go viral. He combines cultural analysis and marketing insight to explain popularity.

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Homo Deus

Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari explores the future of humankind in an age of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and data-driven systems. He discusses new human agendas such as immortality, happiness, and divinity.

Reader’s notes: Harari is highly overrated. He is a great compiler and communicator, though.

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How Democracy Ends

David Runciman

David Runciman analyzes how modern democracies could erode—not through coups, but through apathy, inequality, and outdated institutions. He examines paths to democratic decay.

Reader’s notes: Or you could look out the window currently.

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How the Stock Market Works

Ramon P. DeGennaro

Ramon DeGennaro offers a clear introduction to the stock market, including stock valuation, trading mechanisms, and market behavior. The course is designed to demystify finance for non-specialists and novice investors.

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How to Think

Alan Jacobs

Alan Jacobs offers a guide to thoughtful discourse in a polarized era. He emphasizes humility, curiosity, and empathy as tools for critical thinking and open-minded engagement.

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Human Compatible

Stuart Russell

Stuart Russell explores the challenges of aligning AI goals with human values. He proposes frameworks for safe AI design that prioritize cooperation and control.

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Humankind

Rutger Bregman

Rutger Bregman challenges the belief that humans are inherently selfish and violent. Using history and psychology, he argues for a more optimistic view of humanity’s nature.

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Humans Need Not Apply

Jerry Kaplan

Jerry Kaplan examines how AI and automation could displace jobs, reshape industries, and challenge current economic systems. He proposes solutions to mitigate these disruptive effects.

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I Sing the Body Electric!

Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s short story collection blends science fiction and emotional depth. Stories examine themes like technology, identity, and the human experience.

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Immunity to Change

Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey

Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey explain why people resist change and offer a framework to align personal goals with underlying beliefs.

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In Search of Enemies

John Stockwell

John Stockwell, a former CIA officer, offers an insider’s account of the agency’s covert operations, especially in Angola. He exposes questionable tactics and ethical dilemmas involved in U.S. foreign interventions during the Cold War.

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Influence

Robert B. Cialdini

Robert Cialdini outlines six key principles of persuasion—reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and social proof. He shows how these tactics shape human behavior and decision-making.

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Influx

Daniel Suarez

Daniel Suarez explores a world where revolutionary inventions are suppressed to preserve social stability. When a physicist creates gravity-reflecting tech, he is imprisoned by a shadowy agency guarding technological progress. A battle over innovation and control unfolds.

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Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India

Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor critiques British colonialism in India, arguing that the empire left a legacy of exploitation, inequality, and economic decline. He rebuts the idea that British rule had a positive impact on the subcontinent.

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Inside the Tornado: Strategies for Developing, Leveraging, and Surviving Hypergrowth Markets

Geoffrey A. Moore

Geoffrey A. Moore explains how high-tech companies can survive the chaotic ‘tornado’ phase of market adoption. He provides strategies for managing hypergrowth and positioning products for long-term success.

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Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love

Marty Cagan

Marty Cagan provides product leaders with strategies for building successful tech products. He covers team structure, user research, iteration, and leadership principles for innovation.

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Invisible Influence

Jonah Berger

Jonah Berger examines the power of social influence in shaping our behavior and decision-making, and how we are unconsciously influenced by others.

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Irresistible

Adam Alter

Adam Alter investigates behavioral addiction in the digital age, showing how tech is designed to be compulsive—and how to resist it.

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It Came from Something Awful

Dale Beran

Dale Beran examines the cultural evolution of online spaces like 4chan and their influence on modern internet culture and politics. The book explores how fringe internet communities inadvertently shaped mainstream events.

Reader’s notes: Little did I know reading JEFFK or Photoshop Friday (or that other foram [sic]) on SA in the nineties that the site would arguably have a direct line of influence on today’s world order.

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Jumping Off the Planet

David Gerrold

Charles Dingillian and his siblings escape a controlling father and Earth’s deteriorating future, seeking freedom in space in this coming-of-age story.

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Kill the Company

Lisa Bodell

Lisa Bodell urges organizations to challenge internal complacency by thinking like disruptors. She shares techniques to drive innovation, eliminate inefficiencies, and reinvent business culture.

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Lean Customer Development

Cindy Alvarez

Cindy Alvarez presents a lean approach to product development through direct customer feedback. She outlines methods to test assumptions early, reduce risk, and build products people actually want.

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Leaping to the Stars

David Gerrold

The Dingillian brothers continue their space-bound journey, facing moral dilemmas and societal challenges aboard a starship colony.

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Leonardo da Vinci

Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson profiles da Vinci’s life and work, highlighting his curiosity and achievements in art, anatomy, engineering, and invention.

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Let My People Go Surfing

Yvon Chouinard and Naomi Klein

Yvon Chouinard reflects on Patagonia’s history and values, promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship.

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Life 3.0

Max Tegmark

Max Tegmark explores the potential futures shaped by artificial intelligence, covering topics like superintelligence, ethics, control, and the long-term survival of humanity.

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Life in Our Universe

Laird Close

This lecture series explores the field of astrobiology and the scientific quest to discover life beyond Earth. Professor Laird Close explains the conditions necessary for life, the formation of planets, and how astronomy, biology, and chemistry intersect in this search.

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London Fields

Martin Amis

Martin Amis’s dark comedy follows Nicola Six, who predicts her own murder and manipulates men to find her future killer.

Reader’s notes: Although it seems the movie adaptation sucks quite a bit more than your average book adaptation, the book is not “Money” great, but OK.

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Loonshots

Safi Bahcall

Safi Bahcall explores how nurturing ‘crazy’ ideas leads to breakthrough innovations. He examines how organizations can balance operational focus with space for experimentation.

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Made to Stick

Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Chip Heath and Dan Heath investigate why some ideas spread and others don’t, offering strategies for creating compelling, memorable messages.

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Make It New

Barry N. Katz

Barry Katz traces the influence of design in Silicon Valley’s innovation culture, showing how design thinking became a key part of tech development.

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Management

Peter F. Drucker

Peter F. Drucker outlines the essential principles of management, emphasizing the importance of innovation, decision-making, and leadership in business success.

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Mastery

Robert Greene

Robert Greene explores how people achieve mastery through dedication, mentorship, and practice, using examples from science, art, and leadership.

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Measure What Matters

John Doerr and Larry Page

John Doerr introduces OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), a goal-setting framework used by tech companies to focus and scale effectively.

Reader’s notes: More fun little three letter acronyms for the corpo rat race. I’d avoid using this at the early stages of a startup. Overly complicates things. If you need OKRs at the early stage, you’re doing something wrong – either you or your co-founder(s) is the problem.

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Men in Green Faces

Gene Wentz and B. Abell Jurus

A gritty novel based on real Vietnam War missions, this book follows a Navy SEAL platoon on dangerous covert operations. It offers a raw and intense look at elite warfare and its psychological toll.

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Midnight in Peking

Paul French

Paul French reconstructs the unsolved 1937 murder of Pamela Werner in Peking. He explores the social and political tensions of the era while unraveling the mystery in a gripping true-crime narrative.

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Misbehaving

Richard H. Thaler

Richard H. Thaler explores the field of behavioral economics, demonstrating how human behavior often contradicts traditional economic theories.

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Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

This book examines how people justify their mistakes and how they avoid responsibility, offering insights into cognitive dissonance and decision-making.

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Money Men

Dan McCrum

Dan McCrum tells the story of uncovering the Wirecard scandal, a massive financial fraud. As a journalist for the Financial Times, McCrum reveals how the company deceived regulators, investors, and the public, and how he and his colleagues exposed the truth.

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Moneyball

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis tells how the Oakland A’s used data analytics to compete in Major League Baseball. It’s a case study in overturning conventional wisdom with evidence-based strategy.

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Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time

Sean Carroll

Sean Carroll investigates the nature of time, discussing entropy, the arrow of time, and how time fits into quantum mechanics and cosmology. The course explores both scientific theory and philosophical implications.

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Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics

Yochai Benkler, Robert Faris

Yochai Benkler and Robert Faris analyze how partisan media ecosystems promote misinformation. Focusing on the U.S., they argue that media structure, not just foreign actors, drives political polarization.

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New Power

Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms

Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms explain how power is shifting from top-down models to participatory networks. They explore how movements, brands, and leaders can harness ‘new power’ to drive change.

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Nexus

Ramez Naam

A futuristic thriller about a nano-drug that enables telepathic communication. Naam examines the ethical dilemmas of technology that blurs the line between humanity and machine.

Reader’s notes: I can recommend the Nexus trilogy.

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Nexus

Yuval Noah Harari

Harari once again compiles thousands of years of history into accessible observations. From the oral storytelling of our past, to the audiobooks and podcasts of our present, and the AI of our future, Harari shows how we’re on the precipice of another cultural and technological shift in information sharing.

Reader’s notes: Harari is on par as vastly overrated, albeit entertaining.

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No Rules Rules

Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer explore Netflix’s culture of freedom and responsibility. They explain how radical transparency, talent density, and accountability drive innovation and adaptability.

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Noise

Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R. Sunstein

Daniel Kahneman and co-authors explore the concept of ‘noise’—unwanted variability in professional judgment—and how it affects decisions in law, medicine, hiring, and more. They offer techniques to minimize it for better outcomes.

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Option B

Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg

Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg discuss the impact of grief, resilience, and recovery after personal or professional setbacks.

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Animal Farm & 1984

George Orwell

This collection features George Orwell’s most impactful works, including ‘1984’ and ‘Animal Farm.’ These texts critique authoritarianism, surveillance, and political manipulation, offering timeless insights into power and resistance.

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Particle Physics for Non-Physicists: A Tour of the Microcosmos

Steven Pollock

Steven Pollock introduces the Standard Model of particle physics in accessible terms. The course explains fundamental particles, forces, and how they interact, tailored for general audiences.

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Permanent Record

Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden’s memoir recounts his decision to expose mass surveillance programs. He shares his upbringing, ethical struggles, and life in exile after leaking classified data.

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Pitch Anything

Oren Klaff

Oren Klaff offers strategies for pitching ideas and products effectively, focusing on how to capture attention, create value, and close deals.

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Presence

Amy Cuddy

Amy Cuddy examines the role of body language and power posing in shaping self-confidence, offering techniques for individuals to present their best selves.

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Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel follows Ryland Grace, a teacher-turned-astronaut who wakes up alone in space with no memory and must save Earth from extinction. As he regains his memory, he forms an unlikely alliance with an alien species.

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Putin’s People

Catherine Belton

Catherine Belton explores how Vladimir Putin and his network of KGB associates rose to power and created a system of state-backed capitalism. The book uncovers how wealth and influence were consolidated, reshaping both Russia and its role on the global stage.

Reader’s notes: Should be obligatory reading.

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Radical Candor

Kim Scott

Kim Scott proposes a leadership style that combines personal care with direct challenge. She provides actionable strategies for building strong, transparent workplace relationships.

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Radicals

Jamie Bartlett

Jamie Bartlett profiles political outsiders and fringe movements challenging mainstream ideologies. He investigates their motivations, ideals, and impact on democratic norms.

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Radio Free Albemuth

Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick’s political sci-fi novel portrays an authoritarian America where a resistance forms with the help of alien transmissions. It blends paranoia, prophecy, and rebellion in a fictionalized narrative of his own life.

Reader’s notes: Originally named “VALISystem A”, and the first (only posthumously released) attempt by the author to deal in fiction with his experiences in early 1974, I count this as the fourth book of the PKD VALIS Trilogy. And I also count the trilogy in four parts as some of the best, well written, and most interesting novels I have ever read. PKD is one of the all-time top novelists.

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Range

David Epstein

David Epstein argues that generalists who explore broadly and adapt flexibly outperform specialists in complex environments. He supports his thesis with stories from science, sports, and innovation.

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Reboot

Jerry Colonna

Jerry Colonna encourages leaders to embrace emotional growth and self-inquiry. His coaching philosophy blends personal reflection with practical leadership development.

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Recursion

Blake Crouch

Blake Crouch’s sci-fi thriller follows a detective and a neuroscientist confronting a mysterious condition that alters memory and reality. As the world spirals into chaos, they must stop a force that can rewrite the past and reshape existence itself.

Reader’s notes: Good!

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Regulatory Hacking

Evan Burfield and J. D. Harrison

Evan Burfield and J.D. Harrison guide startups on how to work within regulatory frameworks to achieve innovation. They emphasize political strategy and the importance of aligning with public interests.

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Sandworm

Andy Greenberg

Andy Greenberg tracks the Russian cyberwar group known as Sandworm, responsible for attacks on Ukraine and beyond. The book explores the rise of cyberwarfare and how it threatens global stability.

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Sapiens

Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari presents a sweeping history of the human species, from prehistoric times to the modern age, highlighting how shared myths shaped civilizations.

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Scaling Up

Verne Harnish

Verne Harnish presents a framework for growing businesses effectively. He covers strategy, people, execution, and cash, offering practical tools for entrepreneurs and executives to scale sustainably.

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Scrum

J.J. Sutherland

J.J. Sutherland presents Scrum, a method of agile project management that emphasizes team collaboration, iterative development, and delivering customer value.

Reader’s notes: SCRUM is the best way to do the wrong things the wrong way the fastest. It doesn’t solve how not to produce shit products (if anything at all).

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Secrets of Sand Hill Road

Scott Kupor and Eric Ries

Scott Kupor explains how venture capital works and what startups need to succeed. He details funding stages, board dynamics, and how founders can align with investors.

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Seveneves

Neal Stephenson

Neal Stephenson imagines humanity’s response to an apocalyptic event after the Moon explodes. The novel blends space survival, genetics, and long-term human resilience.

Reader’s note: This one is safe to avoid. Long, long, loooooong winded drivel. It is bad.

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Shantaram

Gregory David Roberts

An epic tale about a fugitive Australian criminal who creates a new life in the underworld of Bombay, filled with action, romance, and philosophical musings.

Reader’s notes: A fresh, thrilling, and just delightful read!

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Shoe Dog

Phil Knight

Phil Knight recounts the early struggles and victories of founding Nike. His memoir offers a candid look at entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and brand building.

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Silicon Germany

Christoph Keese

Christoph Keese analyzes Germany’s struggle with digital transformation. He critiques its slow tech adoption and offers a roadmap for digital innovation and competitiveness.

Reader’s note: You can skip this one. Mostly nonsense.

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Skin in the Game

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Nassim Nicholas Taleb argues that decision-makers must share in the consequences of their actions. He critiques systems where risk is outsourced and rewards are asymmetric.

Reader’s notes: Classic. Enjoyed it more than Black Swan.

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Smarter Faster Better

Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg explores how successful individuals and organizations leverage mental tools to improve productivity and decision-making.

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Spook Country

William Gibson

William Gibson’s novel set in the not too distant future explores the intersections of technology, espionage, and corporate intrigue in a post-9/11 world.

Reader’s notes: It’s William Gibson, one of my favorite authors, and he delivers. This is the second book of the Blue Ant Trilogy: “Pattern Recognition”, “Spook Country”, “Zero History”.

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Startup CEO

Matt Blumberg

Matt Blumberg offers advice for leading a startup, covering topics such as fundraising, hiring, and scaling a company through early challenges.

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Startup Communities

Brad Feld

Brad Feld explores the role of startup communities in fostering innovation, sharing insights on how to build and sustain thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.

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Stories I Tell Myself

Juan F. Thompson

Juan F. Thompson reflects on life with his father, Hunter S. Thompson. This memoir offers an intimate, often painful look at their turbulent relationship and the impact of growing up with a legendary author and journalist.

Reader’s notes: In loving memory of one of the most important journalists and authors of the 20th century, the most astute political commentator since H. L. Mencken, and one of my favorite authors of all time.

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Super Pumped

Mike Isaac

Mike Isaac chronicles the rise and internal turmoil of Uber under Travis Kalanick. It’s a story of ambition, toxic culture, and disruption in Silicon Valley.

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Superintelligence

Nick Bostrom

Nick Bostrom explores the potential risks and ethical considerations surrounding the development of superintelligent AI, and its implications for the future of humanity.

Reader’s notes: Never listen to economists. One of the dumbest books I’ve read. But don’t take my word for it, read it yourself.

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Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!

Richard P. Feynman

A memoir by physicist Richard Feynman, full of humorous and insightful anecdotes. It showcases his curiosity, skepticism, and unconventional approach to life and science.

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Switch

Dan Heath and Chip Heath

Dan Heath and Chip Heath explore how to drive change in organizations and individuals, using psychological insights and real-world examples to facilitate lasting transformation.

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Talking to Strangers

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell explores why we often misjudge others, using real-life case studies. He examines the assumptions and biases that complicate our interactions with strangers.

Reader’s notes: Say what you will about Gladwell, but he do knows how to tell a good story.

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Team Human

Douglas Rushkoff

Douglas Rushkoff critiques how digital systems dehumanize society and calls for a reinvigoration of social bonds. He encourages readers to reclaim agency and prioritize connection over technological efficiency.

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Thanks for the Feedback

Sheila Heen and Douglas Stone

Sheila Heen and Douglas Stone explain why receiving feedback is hard and how to process it better. They offer techniques for handling both constructive and unhelpful criticism.

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The Absent Superpower

Peter Zeihan

Peter Zeihan analyzes how U.S. energy independence and geographical advantages strengthen its global position. He predicts how this shift will reshape geopolitics and global trade.

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The Accidental Superpower

Peter Zeihan

Zeihan examines the geographic and demographic forces that have shaped U.S. dominance. He outlines how these advantages will impact future international relations.

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The Airbnb Story

Leigh Gallagher

Leigh Gallagher recounts the origins and rise of Airbnb, highlighting the company’s disruption of the hospitality industry and its global impact.

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The Anarchy

William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple tells the story of how the East India Company rose from a trading venture to a ruling power in India. The book illustrates the company’s influence, corporate greed, and its role in shaping colonialism.

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The Art of Gathering

Priya Parker

Priya Parker offers strategies to host meaningful gatherings. She emphasizes intentional design, creating connection, and challenging traditional event norms.

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The Art of Negotiating the Best Deal

Seth Freeman

Seth Freeman offers practical techniques and strategies for effective negotiation, helping readers navigate complex business and personal negotiations with confidence and skill.

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The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World

Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson traces the history of financial systems and their role in shaping the modern world. From ancient banking to global markets, he explores money’s powerful influence on history.

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The Attention Merchants

Tim Wu

Tim Wu traces the history of the advertising industry and its capture of public attention. He explores how media and tech companies monetize human focus in the attention economy.

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The Bad Popes

E.R. Chamberlin

E.R. Chamberlin profiles eight scandalous popes whose corrupt actions altered the course of Catholic history. The book highlights the darker, more controversial chapters of the papacy through detailed historical accounts.

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The Biggest Bluff

Maria Konnikova

Maria Konnikova recounts her transformation from psychology writer to professional poker player. Through poker, she explores decision-making, chance, and the psychology of risk.

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The Bomber Mafia

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of a group of idealistic U.S. Air Force strategists during WWII who believed in precision bombing. Their vision clashed with the brutal realities of war, raising questions about ethics, technology, and strategy.

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The Book of Why

Judea Pearl and Dana Mackenzie

Judea Pearl explores causal reasoning, showing how understanding cause-and-effect improves science, medicine, and machine learning.

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The Burglary

Betty Medsger

Betty Medsger tells the true story of a 1971 break-in at an FBI office by activists who uncovered COINTELPRO—an illegal surveillance operation. Their revelations changed public perceptions of government overreach.

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The CIA as Organized Crime

Douglas Valentine

Douglas Valentine presents a controversial critique of the CIA, arguing that its operations mirror organized crime. He explores the agency’s covert actions, including regime change and drug trafficking, and their impact on global politics.

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The Calculating Stars

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal imagines an alternate history where a meteorite strikes Earth, accelerating space exploration. Pilot Elma York fights for women’s inclusion in the early space race, blending science, feminism, and ambition.

Reader’s notes: You can safely skip this one. And not because of the feminism – it’s just incredibly boring.

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The Case Against Reality

Donald Hoffman

Donald Hoffman argues that human perception is an evolutionary illusion. Our senses show a useful but false version of reality, shaped for survival rather than truth.

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The Catholic Church: A History

William R. Cook

This lecture series traces the history of the Catholic Church from its origins to the modern era. Professor William R. Cook explores key events, theological developments, and influential figures, providing insight into the Church’s enduring global impact.

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The Coddling of the American Mind

Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff

Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt argue that overprotective environments and avoidance of discomfort on campuses harm young people’s resilience. They promote free speech, cognitive behavioral thinking, and exposure to diverse ideas.

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The Code Breaker

Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson tells the story of Jennifer Doudna and the race to develop CRISPR gene editing. The book explores the science, ethics, and implications of rewriting the code of life.

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The Confidence Game

Maria Konnikova

Maria Konnikova explores the psychology of con artists and their victims. She explains how trust and persuasion are manipulated, revealing the structure of classic scams.

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The Daily Stoic

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman present 366 meditations on Stoic philosophy, offering daily insights for personal growth, self-discipline, and resilience.

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The Dawn of Language

Sverker Johansson

Sverker Johansson investigates how language began, drawing from fields like linguistics, neuroscience, and archaeology. He explores what sets human communication apart from that of other species.

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The Devil in the White City

Erik Larson

Erik Larson chronicles the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the serial killings committed by H.H. Holmes, blending history, mystery, and true crime.

Reader’s notes: Incredibly fascinating.

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The Diamond Age

Neal Stephenson

Neal Stephenson’s cyberpunk novel follows a girl raised by a sentient book in a nanotech-fueled society. It blends futuristic tech with themes of education, inequality, and rebellion.

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The Divine Invasion

Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick explores metaphysical themes in this sci-fi novel about a god’s return to Earth. Blending theology and dystopia, the book questions reality, identity, and the nature of good and evil.

Reader’s notes: Book 2 of the VALIS trilogy (in four parts).

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The E-Myth Revisited

Michael E. Gerber

Michael E. Gerber explains why many small businesses fail and how to create systems and structures to make them scalable, sustainable, and profitable.

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The Effective Executive

Peter F. Drucker

Peter F. Drucker offers practical advice on how executives can improve their productivity, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness.

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The Elegant Universe

Brian Greene

Brian Greene introduces string theory as a potential framework unifying general relativity and quantum mechanics. He explains complex topics like extra dimensions and the fabric of spacetime using accessible language.

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The Everything Store

Brad Stone

Brad Stone recounts the rise of Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos, exploring the company’s evolution from an online bookstore to a global tech and retail powerhouse.

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The Evidence for Modern Physics

Professor Don Lincoln

Physicist Don Lincoln walks through the key experiments that confirm modern physics theories. Topics include quantum mechanics, particle physics, and relativity, all supported by empirical research.

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The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick

Pamela Jackson, Jonathan Lethem (editors)

This posthumous collection of Dick’s journals explores his mystical experiences and philosophical theories. It offers a deep, personal window into the ideas that influenced his fiction.

Reader’s notes: For people with a more than superficial interest in PKD.

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The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni outlines five common team failures—absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results—and how to overcome them.

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The Fixer

Bradley Tusk

Bradley Tusk shares his experiences helping startups overcome political and regulatory obstacles. He outlines strategies for navigating government systems while driving innovation.

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The Forever War

Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman’s sci-fi novel follows a soldier fighting in a centuries-long interstellar war. It explores time dilation, alienation, and the toll of war on identity and humanity.

Reader’s notes: It is probably not a good sign that I cannot remember a single thing from this novel.

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The Founders

Jimmy Soni

Jimmy Soni recounts the origins of PayPal, profiling its early team including Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Max Levchin. The book explores the culture, clashes, and innovations that turned it into a Silicon Valley success story.

Reader’s notes: On the origins of the PayPal Mafia.

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The Four

Scott Galloway

Scott Galloway analyzes how Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google gained dominance. He examines their influence on consumer behavior, competition, and society.

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The Four Steps to the Epiphany

Steve Blank

The classic where Steve Blank introduces a startup methodology centered on customer discovery and validation later to become popularised under the name the “Lean Startup”. It guides entrepreneurs through hypothesis testing, product iteration, and building a scalable business model.

Reader’s notes: Went back and re-read this one. Still as valid, as important as ever.

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The Fourth Transformation

Robert Scoble and Shel Israel

Robert Scoble and Shel Israel explore how AR and AI will redefine human-computer interaction. They predict massive societal changes and challenge leaders to prepare for this shift.

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The Future Is Faster Than You Think

Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Diamandis and Kotler explore how rapidly converging technologies will disrupt industries and reshape daily life. They argue that exponential innovation will drive radical societal change.

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The God Delusion

Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins presents an argument against religious belief, advocating for atheism and scientific inquiry as a way to understand the world.

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The Golden Apples of the Sun

Ray Bradbury

A classic anthology of 22 stories by Ray Bradbury that span space travel, dystopian futures, and poetic meditations on human nature and technology.

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The Higgs Boson and Beyond

Sean Carroll

This series offers an introduction to particle physics and the significance of the Higgs boson. Sean Carroll discusses how the Higgs field gives particles mass and the impact of its discovery on modern physics.

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The History of the Renaissance World

Susan Wise Bauer

Susan Wise Bauer provides an accessible narrative of the Renaissance, offering insight into the key events, figures, and intellectual movements of the period.

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The Horse, the Wheel, and Language

David W. Anthony

David W. Anthony examines the origins of the Indo-European languages and cultures, offering insights into the role of horses in the development of early societies.

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The Industries of the Future

Alec Ross

Alec Ross examines emerging industries like cybersecurity, robotics, and biotechnology, discussing how they will transform global economies and geopolitics.

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The Inevitable

Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly explores 12 technological forces that will shape the next 30 years, discussing trends like AI, virtual reality, and digital networks.

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The Inexplicable Universe: Unsolved Mysteries

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson explores some of the biggest open questions in cosmology and physics, including dark energy, dark matter, and the multiverse. He discusses how science approaches the unknown.

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The Infinite Game

Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek argues that businesses should adopt an infinite mindset, focused on long-term purpose rather than short-term wins. He stresses trust, adaptability, and ethical leadership.

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The Information

Martin Amis

A satirical novel by Martin Amis about two rival writers, one successful and the other envious. It explores themes of literary ambition, failure, and ego.

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The Innovator’s Dilemma

Clayton M. Christensen

Clayton Christensen explains how successful companies can be disrupted by new technologies. He advocates embracing innovation to remain competitive.

Reader’s notes: Worth a re-read now and then.

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The Intelligent Investor (Revised Edition)

Benjamin Graham

A classic in value investing, Benjamin Graham’s work focuses on the importance of long-term investment strategies, analyzing markets, and minimizing risks.

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The Launch Pad

Randall Stross

Randall Stross tells the story of YCombinator, the accelerator that has produced some of Silicon Valley’s most successful startups, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship.

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The Life and Death of Stars

Keivan G. Stassun

Keivan G. Stassun outlines the life cycle of stars, from their formation in stellar nurseries to their final states as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. The course explains stellar processes and their impact on the universe.

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The Madness of Crowds

Douglas Murray

Douglas Murray critiques modern identity movements around race, gender, and sexuality. He warns of ideological conformity and the erosion of reasoned debate in liberal democracies.

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The Mastermind

Evan Ratliff

Evan Ratliff uncovers the global criminal empire built by Paul Le Roux—a programmer turned arms dealer and cartel leader. The book exposes the dark intersections of technology and organized crime.

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The Metaverse

Matthew Ball

Matthew Ball analyzes the emerging digital frontier known as the metaverse. He discusses its technological foundations, potential impact on society, and how it may reshape business, communication, and entertainment.

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The Mom Test

Rob Fitzpatrick

Rob Fitzpatrick offers practical guidance for talking to customers and validating startup ideas. He explains how to ask questions that reveal real insights, avoiding biased or polite answers.

Reader’s notes: Worth a re-read now and then.

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The New Digital Age

Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen

Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen analyze how technology is transforming the world, addressing political, economic, and social impacts in the digital age.

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The New New Thing

Michael Lewis

Lewis profiles Silicon Valley innovator Jim Clark, tracing his relentless pursuit of disruptive technologies. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at tech entrepreneurship during the dot-com boom.

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The Open Society and Its Enemies

Karl Popper

Karl Popper defends liberal democracy and critiques totalitarian ideologies. He argues that societies must remain open to criticism, rational discourse, and institutional reform.

Reader’s notes: Not what I’d call accessible, but should be obligatory reading.

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The Origins of Totalitarianism

Hannah Arendt

Hannah Arendt explores how totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia arose. She analyzes the political, social, and ideological forces that enabled mass control and oppression.

Reader’s notes: Also not what I’d call accessible, but an interesting read. Also long in the tooth.

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The People Vs Tech: How the Internet Is Killing Democracy (and How We Save It)

Jamie Bartlett

Jamie Bartlett warns that modern technology poses risks to democratic systems. He explores the implications of surveillance, data monopolies, and algorithmic governance on civil liberties.

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The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age

David E. Sanger

David Sanger details the rise of cyber warfare, examining how governments deploy digital attacks and the implications for global security. He discusses incidents like Stuxnet and the growing arms race online.

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The Persuaders

James Garvey

James Garvey explores the art of persuasion, examining how humans use psychology, rhetoric, and techniques to influence others.

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The Power of Moments

Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Chip and Dan Heath explain how brief, defining moments can elevate experience. They explore how to craft memorable, purposeful experiences in work and life.

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The Psychology of Money

Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel shares timeless lessons on money, wealth, and behavior. He shows how personal experiences shape financial decisions, and why patience and humility matter more than technical skill in long-term investing.

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The Richest Man in Babylon

George S. Clason

Through parables set in ancient Babylon, George Clason shares financial advice on saving, investing, and building wealth. Timeless lessons delivered in a simple storytelling style.

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The Rise and Fall of American Growth

Robert J. Gordon

Robert J. Gordon argues that the economic boom from 1870 to 1970 was exceptional and unlikely to repeat. He analyzes how innovation, productivity, and living standards changed, and why growth has slowed since.

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The Rise of the Rest

Steve Case

Steve Case highlights innovation in cities beyond Silicon Valley. He profiles entrepreneurs and startups building transformative businesses in overlooked regions, arguing for broader support of regional entrepreneurship to drive inclusive growth.

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The Road to Unfreedom

Timothy Snyder

Timothy Snyder analyzes the ideological roots of authoritarianism in Russia and its influence on global politics. He traces how disinformation and power consolidation threaten democratic systems.

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The Science of Energy

Michael E. Wysession

Michael E. Wysession examines energy in its many forms, how it’s used and transformed, and the science behind sustainable energy solutions. The course also addresses challenges facing energy production and consumption in the modern world.

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The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes

Benjamin Schumacher

Benjamin Schumacher investigates information theory and its applications in fields ranging from linguistics to quantum physics. The course explains how information behaves and its role in understanding the universe.

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The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know

Joshua N. Winn

Joshua N. Winn presents the science behind the discovery of exoplanets. He explains detection techniques, such as the transit method, and what these planets reveal about our galaxy and the potential for life beyond Earth.

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The Second Machine Age

Erik Brynjolfsson

Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee explore the economic implications of the digital revolution, discussing automation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work.

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The Serendipity Mindset

Christian Busch

Christian Busch explores how people can cultivate ‘smart luck’ by becoming more open to the unexpected. The book blends psychology, business, and personal stories to show how serendipity can be a powerful tool for innovation and growth.

Reader’s notes: Here we go again with the academic degree on the cover… Red flag.

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The Seventh Sense

Joshua Cooper Ramo

Joshua Cooper Ramo explores the new power dynamics created by connectivity, offering insights into how our networks are shaping politics and personal relationships.

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The Shortest History of Germany

James Hawes

James Hawes provides a concise account of German history, tracing the cultural and political developments that shaped modern Germany. The book explores how geography and identity influenced the nation’s past and future.

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The Show That Never Ends

David Weigel

David Weigel chronicles [some of] the history of progressive rock from its experimental roots to its heyday and decline. Through band profiles and cultural analysis, the book explores how the genre pushed the boundaries of rock music.

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The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron

Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind

Bethany McLean examines the rise and fall of Enron, revealing a culture of deception and corporate greed. She dissects the financial fraud that led to one of the biggest scandals in U.S. business history.

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The Snowball

Alice Schroeder

Alice Schroeder presents an in-depth biography of Warren Buffett, detailing his investment philosophy, life experiences, and personal values. It offers insight into one of the world’s greatest investors.

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The Starfish and the Spider

Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom

This book explores decentralized vs. centralized organizations. Starfish-type models—lacking hierarchy—can be more resilient, adaptable, and disruptive.

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The Startup Way

Eric Ries

Eric Ries expands Lean Startup principles to established companies. He demonstrates how organizations can innovate at scale by adopting entrepreneurial management.

Reader’s notes: Did not get the traction nor implementation it deserves.

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The Story of Human Language

John McWhorter

John McWhorter explores how languages evolve, diversify, and interact. He discusses grammar, sound changes, pidgins, creoles, and how political and social forces influence language development and extinction.

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The Strategy of Conflict

Thomas C. Schelling

Thomas Schelling uses game theory to explore strategy in conflict and negotiation. He introduces key concepts like credible threats and brinkmanship in diplomacy and war.

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The Supernova Era

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu’s sci-fi novel imagines a future where a supernova wipes out all adults, leaving children in charge. It explores themes of responsibility, innocence, and the fragile nature of civilization.

Reader’s note: Painfully bad. Highschool essay bad. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

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The Theory of Everything: The Quest to Explain All Reality

Don Lincoln

Don Lincoln explores the effort to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity. He explains theories and challenges behind the search for a ‘theory of everything’ that could describe all physical phenomena.

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The Third Wave

Steve Case

Steve Case discusses the future of the internet and its potential to transform industries, emphasizing the rise of AI, biotech, and global connectivity.

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The Three-Body Problem

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu’s sci-fi epic introduces first contact with an alien civilization and explores humanity’s response, set against China’s Cultural Revolution.

Reader’s notes: The first book in the “The remembrance of earth’s past” trilogy.

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The Transmigration of Timothy Archer

Philip K. Dick

In this metaphysical novel, Philip K. Dick follows an Episcopal bishop obsessed with ancient religious texts and the afterlife. It deals with faith, loss, and the blurred lines between spirituality and madness.

Reader’s notes: The last book in the VALIS trilogy in four parts.

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The Tyranny of Experts

William Easterly

William Easterly argues that development policies often prioritize expert-driven solutions over individual freedom. He advocates for bottom-up approaches that respect local agency and rights.

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The Undoing Project

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis chronicles the partnership between Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, whose research revealed the cognitive biases behind human decision-making and revolutionized fields from psychology to economics.

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The Upstarts

Brad Stone

Brad Stone chronicles the rise of Uber and Airbnb, two disruptive companies that transformed transportation and hospitality. He explores their founders, cultures, and global impact.

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The WEIRDest People in the World

Joseph Henrich

Joseph Henrich explores how Western cultural norms shaped unique psychological traits. He explains how religion, family structure, and literacy contributed to the development of ‘WEIRD’ societies.

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The Witches Are Coming

Lindy West

Lindy West’s essay collection critiques misogyny, media, and political hypocrisy with wit and insight. She defends feminism and cultural accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

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Thin Air

Richard K. Morgan

Richard K. Morgan’s noir-style sci-fi thriller set on Mars follows Hakan Veil, a former corporate enforcer drawn into a conspiracy. Themes of corruption, technology, and identity drive this gritty, action-packed narrative.

Reader’s note: Richard K. Morgan of “Altered Carbon” fame.

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Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know

Adam Grant

Adam Grant encourages readers to rethink their assumptions and embrace intellectual humility. He promotes curiosity, flexibility, and openness as key skills for personal and professional growth.

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Think like a Stoic

Massimo Pigliucci

Massimo Pigliucci introduces Stoic philosophy, focusing on its application to daily life. He explains core principles like rationality, virtue, and emotional control, aiming to help individuals build resilience and inner peace.

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Thinking in Bets

Annie Duke

Annie Duke shares how to make better decisions under uncertainty by thinking probabilistically and separating outcomes from decision quality.

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This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends

Nicole Perlroth

Nicole Perlroth reveals the hidden cyber weapons arms race where governments and hackers exploit software vulnerabilities. She exposes the shadowy world of zero-day markets and the risks of digital warfare.

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Thunder Below!

Eugene B. Fluckey

Eugene B. Fluckey recounts his daring missions as captain of the USS Barb during WWII. This memoir showcases the bravery, innovation, and leadership of a decorated submarine crew.

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Time’s Arrow

Martin Amis

Martin Amis tells the life of a Nazi doctor in reverse. The unusual structure forces readers to rethink morality, memory, and the Holocaust.

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Tracers in the Dark

Andy Greenberg

Andy Greenberg tells the story of how cryptocurrency crimes were uncovered by tracing blockchain transactions. He follows law enforcement and researchers as they unmask anonymity on the dark web.

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Triggers

Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Ritter

A philosophical exploration of human connectivity in the age of the digital revolution, focusing on how our relationships and identities are altered online.

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Trillion Dollar Coach

Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, Alan Eagle

Eric Schmidt and co-authors celebrate Bill Campbell, a beloved coach to Silicon Valley leaders. The book shares his philosophies on trust, team dynamics, and leadership in fast-moving tech companies.

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Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday critiques the media, showing how modern news outlets manipulate public perception for profit and how this affects our society.

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Upheaval

Jared Diamond

Jared Diamond explores how nations respond to crises by comparing them to personal psychological struggles. He uses historical case studies to identify patterns of resilience and adaptation.

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Valis

Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick’s semi-autobiographical novel explores faith, sanity, and divine intelligence through a protagonist experiencing vivid visions. It blends science fiction with philosophical and theological speculation.

Reader’s notes: The first (well, second) book in the “VALIS” trilogy (of four books). I tend to re-read the trilogy in four parts every 10 years or so. Still some of the most riveting, most brilliant books I’ve ever read.

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Valley of Genius

Adam Fisher

Adam Fisher compiles oral histories of Silicon Valley innovators, offering an insider look at the tech world’s rise from hobbyist roots to global dominance.

Reader’s notes: Also see The Secret History of Silicon Valley

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Venture Deals, 4th Edition

Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson

Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson provide a comprehensive guide to venture capital financing. The book explains term sheets, negotiations, and startup funding strategies in accessible terms.

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WTF? What’s The Future and Why It’s Up to Us

Tim O’Reilly

Tim O’Reilly explores how current technologies are reshaping industries and discusses how we can embrace these changes to create a better future.

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Weapons of Math Destruction

Cathy O’Neil

Cathy O’Neil critiques the use of opaque algorithms in finance, policing, and hiring. She warns how big data can reinforce inequality and injustice if left unchecked.

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What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter

Marshall Goldsmith identifies behaviors that stall career growth and offers advice for professional development and interpersonal improvement.

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What You Do Is Who You Are

Ben Horowitz

Ben Horowitz explores how leaders shape company culture through their actions. Drawing on historical figures and modern CEOs, he outlines principles for instilling values that last.

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Whistleblower

Susan Fowler

Susan Fowler reveals the toxic culture she faced at Uber, exposing systemic harassment and discrimination. Her story ignited the #MeToo movement in tech and pushed for workplace accountability.

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Who Can You Trust?

Rachel Botsman

Rachel Botsman explores the evolving nature of trust in the digital age. She contrasts institutional trust with distributed models like blockchain and peer-to-peer platforms.

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Who Is Michael Ovitz?

Michael Ovitz

Michael Ovitz recounts his career as co-founder of Creative Artists Agency and his influence in reshaping Hollywood. The memoir offers insights into power, negotiation, and the entertainment industry.

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Whole Earth

John Markoff

John Markoff’s biography of Stewart Brand explores his role in shaping counterculture, environmentalism, and digital technology. Brand’s vision of interconnectedness influenced the Whole Earth Catalog and the early internet.

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Why We Sleep

Matthew Walker

Matthew Walker explores the science of sleep and its critical role in health, memory, and performance. He provides evidence-based advice for improving sleep quality and well-being.

Reader’s notes: Heuristic – When the name of the author includes the academic degree, it’s usually a red flag (except if it’s an MD on a health book, perhaps?). TL;DR Sleep is good for you. Duh.

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Winners Take All

Anand Giridharadas

Anand Giridharadas critiques elite-driven philanthropy that preserves power structures. He calls for systemic reform rather than superficial charity from wealthy influencers.

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Winning

Jack Welch and Suzy Welch

Jack Welch and Suzy Welch share insights into leadership, management, and personal growth, offering practical advice on how to succeed in business and life.

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Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques

James Hynes

James Hynes provides guidance on the fundamentals of fiction writing, covering plot, character, dialogue, and structure. He combines practical advice with literary insights to help writers refine their craft.

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Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills

Steven Novella

What should you think? Who should you believe? Could you be deceiving yourself? These are questions that all critical thinkers of any age must constantly ask themselves. There is no more important skill in today’s world than being able to think about, understand, and act on information in a way that is both effective and responsible.

Reader’s notes: I do think I have them skills (in spades), though. Had to read it because it’s by Steven Novella of “SGU – The Sceptics Guide to the Universe“, the only podcast I listen to on a regular basis.

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