My Favorite Reads: Insights and Inspirations

Over the past decade or so, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into a variety of books that have broadened my understanding, challenged my perspectives, and inspired my endeavors. Below is a list of few of these books (not exhaustive, and only from the last few months), each offering unique insights to me.

Technology and Innovation

• Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann - A crucial guide for anyone working with modern data systems.
• Hackers & Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age by Paul Graham - Insightful essays on the philosophy and practice of computer programming.
• How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery by Kevin Ashton - Debunking myths about creativity and innovation.

Business and Strategy

• The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime! by M.J. DeMarco - A no-nonsense approach to building wealth outside the traditional routes.
• Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou - A gripping investigation into the rise and fall of a tech startup.
• Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos by Jeff Bezos - A compilation of writings and principles from the Amazon founder.

Personal Development and Efficiency

• The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli - Fifty-two surprising and profound ideas on how to live a good life.
• The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli - A collection of cognitive biases and logical fallacies that impede our decision-making.
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman - A refreshing take on productivity and the finite nature of time.
• The PARA Method: Simplify, Organize, and Master Your Digital Life by Tiago Forte - A systematic approach to organizing digital information.

Science and Human History

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years by Jared Diamond - An exploration of the societal impacts of environmental and technological factors.
• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker - An in-depth look at the vital role sleep plays in our lives.

Economics and Forecasting

• Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction by Philip Tetlock - Techniques and practices for making accurate predictions.

Lifestyle and Philosophy

• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgensen - A compilation of wisdom from entrepreneur Naval Ravikant.
• The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green - Essays on the human-centered planet.
• The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer by Steven Kotler - A roadmap to achieving high performance in all areas of life.
• Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier by Kevin Kelly - Timeless wisdom on leading a purposeful life.

Sports

• Not Out: by Greg Chappell - A refreshing look on cricket of last few decades from one of the most successful cricketers of all time.
• Overthrowing Cricket’s Empire: by Jarrod Kimber - A great collection of essays on how every team beat England in test cricket for the first time.

Each of these books has offered me valuable lessons and has been instrumental in shaping my views and lifestyle.