Here are books I finished in January and February. Heavier reading months.
The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson [Kindle] – a financial history of the world with a focus on the 19th and 20th century. Very data-focused, Euro-centric. Good early chapters on currency creation, asset securitization, and how economic history is inseparable from – and often the driver of – geopolitical history
Dune by Frank Herbert [Kindle] – a sci-fi classic. My second reading. Still waiting for a good movie adaptation!
Daily Rituals by Mason Currey [Kindle] – the daily routines of history’s most famous writers, painters, musicians and general creatives. Historical productivity pron. I try to read one or two profiles every day
Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson [Kindle] – one of Tim O’Reilly’s favorites (here’s his list). The story is an entertaining canvas for Johnson to paint his philosophy of what makes a good life
That Used To Be Us by Tom Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum [Kindle] – like Race Against The Machine, describes how America has fallen behind and how its formula for success should be re-imagined for the 21st century. About 100 pages too long, but with Friedman’s reliable supply of anecdotes, catchphrases and plainspoken advice
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (audiobook) [Audible] – if Aurelius were alive today, he would be Warren Buffett. This is a collection of his accumulated wisdom. I didn’t understand at least 30% of it
A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin [Kindle] – I stopped enjoying the story (or stories, emphatically plural) midway through Book 4. But when (if?) Book 6 comes out, I will probably read it…
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller [Kindle] – in short (and it is quite short), stop thinking about yourself and you will feel better. Recommended by a respected friend. Plus, it’s only $1.62!
Here’s a list of what I’ve read and written about.
Meditations, same thing re: understanding. There were multiple times where I had to re-read certain musings. Sensational content, nonetheless. Great call on being a modern day Buffet!
Thanks for posting the last book there, too. @ $1.62 – who could pass that up.
Do you think Martin will survive long enough to finish book 6?
if he doesn’t, i’m hoping contingency plans are in place to have other authors finish the work…