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Top Reads 2017

December 2017

First time breaking 100 books (111). Dabbled a little in some excellent fiction (American Gods, Pride & Prejudice, *cough* *cough* Crazy Rich Asians) and books that were contemplative in nature. History was also a focal point — I highly suggest reading books that give you perspectives on different levels: macro, regional, national, industry. If you've never read anything other than your local textbook on local history, try picking up one from a foreign author. Enjoy!

    Moonwalking with Einstein — Joshua Foer

    Fascinating read on how a journalist trains to compete in the US Memory Championships, along with the tools and training he does to improve. Interesting read to get deeper on how our memory and mind works.

    The Lessons of History — Will Durant

    A short distillation of generalised learnings from history — a good reminder on what we can learn from the past.

    The Halo Effect — Philip M. Rosenzweig

    A strong check on the way we naturally see things — attaching a higher price, better attributes and more favourable general perception to what is already at the top.

    Goodbye Things — Fumio Sasaki

    An account from an extreme minimalist, an ode to asking if the things in your life are solving a problem or performing one.

    High Output Management — Andrew S. Grove

    Important managerial book on solving management as an engineering problem.

    Born To Run — Christopher McDougall

    For anyone interested in running, this is a fascinating read on how modern running as a sport, culture, and business evolved — along with a fun story about a hidden running tribe and the ultramarathon scene.

    Between the World and Me — Ta-Nehisi Coates

    An uncomfortable read about race and what it's like to be a black person in America. I'm not sure I can explain it — best read.

    The Non-Designer's Design Book — Robin P. Williams

    A fantastic distillation of simple concepts that can be applied by anyone who isn't already a designer. A must-read for product folks.

    When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanithi

    Tough read on facing mortality, both from the outside and the inside perspective of a neurosurgeon who has to face his own terminal diagnosis. One of the few books I shed tears while reading.

    Fahrenheit 451 — Ray Bradbury

    Classic book on censorship, autocracy and culture.

Bonus
Guns, Germs & Steel — Jared Diamond
A History of the World in 6 Glasses — Tom Standage
Born a Crime — Trevor Noah
Prisoners of Geography — Tim Marshall
Algorithms to Live By — Brian Christian