Recommended Readings #1
I’m sharing some of the books that I’ve read so far in 2020, and I think COVID19 period has given me more time to read, especially before sleep. Still long way to reach 30 books for 2020 target, hope I can maintain the pace. So, in no particular order, here’s the list:
The Last Wish - Andrzej Sapkowski
I’ve played a bit of The Witcher few years back, but it was the Netflix series than intrigued me to know more about Geralt and his world. After some googling, it was recommended to read this one first. The Last wish comprises short stories of Geralt’s adventure, preceding the main Witcher Saga (1st season of the Netflix series refers to these stories). The stories are being told in flashbacks, while Geralt is in recovery after being injured.
Killing Commendatore - Haruki Murakami
Latest novel by my favorite writer, Killing Commendatore tells a story about an anonymous portrait painter who quit his job after his wife left him. Then, he started a trip and stayed temporarily in a remote house belonged to his friend’s father, who happened to be a famous painter as well. Apparently, this house was the beginning of his rambling discovery, especially after interacting with the neighbors. As usual, Murakami never fails to mesmerize me with his style of writing.
Homo Deus - Yuval Noah Harari
A sequel to Sapiens, this book elaborates in detail, historically and scientifically, the journey of humans, from Homo Sapiens to Homo Deus. Prof. Harari provides a glimpse on how globalization and modern technology make human become more and more ‘powerful’. Natural selection can be obsolete if mankind finds a way to live forever (defeats aging). Artificial Intelligence disruption is not a sci-fi anymore, it has been influencing our daily decisions without us realizing it. The future is already here.
Becoming - Michelle Obama
Lately, I prefer to read biographies rather than fiction, and this is a well written one. This memoir tells a story about fulfilling life with meaning and achieving accomplishments with hard work. No doubt, Michelle Obama is one of the most iconic women, at least in my era, especially being the first African American First Lady. She opens up about her world, the experiences from her childhood, getting into Princeton and Harvard, meeting Obama, stepping into White House, and getting out of it.
Shoe Dog - Phil Knight
I’ve had the book since few years back, but finally decided to read this during my long flight to Boston (with additional delay). Shoe Dog is like a high octane adventure story telling of Phil Knight; it’s very candid story on how he created Nike (he started by bringing Onitsuka to USA, then changed gear to make his own shoes) from the bottom, disrupted the sports world, and the rest was history. Not just a very commendable biography, but also teaching entrepreneurship (it’s a damn tough life). My favorite part is the the first decade of Nike, where Phil has to work full time as accountant on weekdays, and establishing Nike at nights and weekends). At least, every year, there’s always a disaster lurking in the corner, yet he prevailed (well, most of the time). A very recommended reading, especially if you plan to start your own business.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century - Yuval Noah Harari
The last book of Prof Harari’s trilogy, this one explores the semi-fantasy (but still rooted) of the near future: Artificial Intelligence, religion relevance, big data, privacy encroachment, climate change, etc. He offers several mitigation strategies to calm down our fears and overcome them. The future has so many uncertainties, but these 21 essays can help to give us broader perspectives with rationality (backed with science, of course).
Everything is F*cked - Mark Manson
Mark Manson is back, giving us life tips to overcome this problem of the century: we are currently living in world with more freedom, healthier, wealthier, and better connected in human history; but it seems everything is pretty much messed up. His notion is that, although the world seems to give you lots of sh*tty stuffs, doesn’t mean you need to be one. His narrative is intriguing, entertaining, comedic, makes you question your ‘purpose’ in life, but eventually (may) change your life. The urge to achieve the ultimate happiness will only make us unhappier; too much of good things (money, love, internet, entertainment, etc) can eat us alive. A very-easy to read book to accompany your free time.
Talking to Strangers - Malcolm Gladwell
I’ve enjoyed Gladwell’s previous works, as they were kind of mixing popular culture, intellectual content, and his own unique perspective. But, Talking to Strangers is surely his boldest one, tackling sensitive issues such as police violence, campus rape, suicide, and other bleak matters. This book cannot find a better timing than now, as his message to the readers is: be moderately cautious with strangers, approach with humility. I believe the content is more resonate to Americans than me, possibly due to different society background and history. However, the universal notion is that, we won’t be able to fully understand one another. Yeah, it’s dark.
The Ride of a Lifetime - Bob Iger
If you want to know the story on how Disney was able to ‘eat up’ (too harsh?) Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and most of Fox; then this one is a good memoir, especially for businessmen. There’s a good chunk of business etiquettes explored by Mr. Iger, as he told us his journey from ABC to supersede Michael Eisner as Disney CEO in 2005. His basic principle of running Disney is based on 3 pillars: quality matters, embrace technology and think bigger. As the result, Disney has become a juggernaut brand as it is now. He provides quite exemplary principles in leadership (a summary of that is appended at the last chapter), which teaches us about optimism, courage, decisiveness, and fairness.
There you go, I hope this can be a motivational list for you to pick up a book and start your reading journey (if you haven’t) in 2020. Stay safe, stay motivated, and stay fit. Cheers.