I've read some extraordinarily good books so far this summer. I'd like to make a special thanks to Bill Gates for his blog post recommending two of the best ones.
Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises by Timothy F. Geithner
An very interesting book about the decisions and actions made by the Secretary of the Treasury during the 2007-2010 financial crisis. The book also discusses a number of earlier crises in Asia and Central America. If Mr. Geithner ever comes to Bozeman, Montana, please give me a call and I will by you the beverage of your choice because my assessment is that he made the right decisions. A must read for anyone interested in macro economics and finance. Grade: A
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
A novel about a genetics professor, Don Tillman, that presumably has Asperger's and is incredibly organized and structured with everything in his life (i.e., obsessive compulsive). He sets out on a project to find the perfect wife. The book was brilliantly well written and enjoyable. I identified with Tillman in a few small ways, which may have made me enjoy the book an unusual amount. Grade: A-
Who Gets What - and Why by Alvin Roth
This is a book about markets and how to make them function better. There is a particular focus on markets with exchanges that do not use money. For example, organ donor markets or college placement. The book was interesting and I learned a fair amount about designing good markets, but it is not a must read. Grade: B
Give and Take by Adam Grant
This book is a must read. It explores the differences between people that are generous towards others with their time, energy and actions (i.e., 'givers') and people that feel like they must win in their interactions with others or they will be losers (i.e., takers). The book attacks the common notion that givers are losers that will never rise to the top. Fantastic book. I'm really looking forward to Adam Grant's talk at the Global Leadership Summit. Grade: A
