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
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
May Book Reviews
Missoula by Jon Krakauer
I work at the other university in Montana -- not the one featured in this book. I also lived in Missoula for one summer back in the mid-90's. The book raises important issues around sexual assaults and these issues go beyond Missoula and beyond college campuses. My impression was that the book was well researched, interesting, disturbing, and informative. I didn't agree with everything said in the book, but I still think it should be read. Grade: A-
The Martian by Andy Weir
A science fiction book about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The book was well written and seemed mostly (but not entirely) scientifically accurate. The book was fairly predictable, but it was still worth reading. Grade: B
Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
This is the best business book by Jim Collins yet, in my opinion. I enjoyed "Good to Great", but I thought this book was better. I really appreciated the focus on discipline and empirical decision making. Hopefully I will always remember to fire bullets then cannonballs. Grade: A-
I Hate Myselfie by Shane Dawson
I must be too old for this book and not part of its target audience. I will never know why it is on the New York Times best seller list. Not funny. Grade: F
I work at the other university in Montana -- not the one featured in this book. I also lived in Missoula for one summer back in the mid-90's. The book raises important issues around sexual assaults and these issues go beyond Missoula and beyond college campuses. My impression was that the book was well researched, interesting, disturbing, and informative. I didn't agree with everything said in the book, but I still think it should be read. Grade: A-
The Martian by Andy Weir
A science fiction book about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The book was well written and seemed mostly (but not entirely) scientifically accurate. The book was fairly predictable, but it was still worth reading. Grade: B
Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
This is the best business book by Jim Collins yet, in my opinion. I enjoyed "Good to Great", but I thought this book was better. I really appreciated the focus on discipline and empirical decision making. Hopefully I will always remember to fire bullets then cannonballs. Grade: A-
I Hate Myselfie by Shane Dawson
I must be too old for this book and not part of its target audience. I will never know why it is on the New York Times best seller list. Not funny. Grade: F
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Spring Book Reviews
Future Crimes by Marc Goodman
An extraordinarily interesting and scary book about computers and crime. The book focuses on computer viruses, computer security, and technology based crime in general. I think the book is a must read, but I also wish a few chapters on gadgets had been left out because it was really, really long. Grade: A-
Nonobvious: How to think Differnt, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava.
This book has two parts: the first part is a description of the process used by the author to predict future trends. The second part is the authors 2015 trends prediction. Some of the trend predictions and associated anecdotes were interesting, but, overall, the book was somewhat forgettable. Good but not great. Grade: B-
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This 'classic' book is now 25 years old. A great story about pursuing your dreams and watching for omens. Grade: A-
Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
A book about current psychology research, complete with anecdotes, into the factors that most impact us. Hint -- one chapter is on the influence of color. The book was interesting, not that memorable. Grade: B
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A current best seller in fiction. This is a story about a bunch of messed up people that find themselves in a messed up (and scary) situation. It was enjoyable, but I'm surprised by the books popularity. Grade: B
An extraordinarily interesting and scary book about computers and crime. The book focuses on computer viruses, computer security, and technology based crime in general. I think the book is a must read, but I also wish a few chapters on gadgets had been left out because it was really, really long. Grade: A-
Nonobvious: How to think Differnt, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava.
This book has two parts: the first part is a description of the process used by the author to predict future trends. The second part is the authors 2015 trends prediction. Some of the trend predictions and associated anecdotes were interesting, but, overall, the book was somewhat forgettable. Good but not great. Grade: B-
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This 'classic' book is now 25 years old. A great story about pursuing your dreams and watching for omens. Grade: A-
Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
A book about current psychology research, complete with anecdotes, into the factors that most impact us. Hint -- one chapter is on the influence of color. The book was interesting, not that memorable. Grade: B
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A current best seller in fiction. This is a story about a bunch of messed up people that find themselves in a messed up (and scary) situation. It was enjoyable, but I'm surprised by the books popularity. Grade: B
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Winter Book Reviews
I am way behind on posting book reviews. Time to catch up with some short reviews:
Spam Nation by Brian Krebs: An interesting and detailed look at the rise of Spam generating organizations in Russia. Grade: B
One Nation Under Taught by Dr. Vince M. Bertram: A short book that argues for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the US because we are getting behind in those areas. I agree. Grade: B-
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: An outstanding book about the University of Washington 8-man rowing team that went to the Olympics in Berlin in 1936. Must Read. Grade: A
A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel: This book weaves a superficial overview of research in the area of attention with a powerful story about a texting-while-driving accident that killed two men in Utah. I think everyone should read this book -- not because it is the best written book, but because it teaches us all some things that we need to know. Grade: A-
Is God a Mathematician by Mario Livio: The focus of this book is a historical look at a few significant mathematicians. The excuse for reviewing this history is to answer the question, "Is God a Mathematician?" An interesting book, but not Livio's best. Grade: B
The Powerhouse by Steve Levine: A book about the development and ongoing research into Lithium Ion batteries. Very interesting from both a scientific and a scientific politics standpoint. Grade: B+
Business Adventures by John Brooks: I downloaded this book based on a recommendation on Slate.com. The book is more of a history book at this point because most of the "business adventures" described in the book are all stories from the 1960's. The stories were both true and interesting, but old. Grade: C+
Spam Nation by Brian Krebs: An interesting and detailed look at the rise of Spam generating organizations in Russia. Grade: B
One Nation Under Taught by Dr. Vince M. Bertram: A short book that argues for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the US because we are getting behind in those areas. I agree. Grade: B-
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: An outstanding book about the University of Washington 8-man rowing team that went to the Olympics in Berlin in 1936. Must Read. Grade: A
A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel: This book weaves a superficial overview of research in the area of attention with a powerful story about a texting-while-driving accident that killed two men in Utah. I think everyone should read this book -- not because it is the best written book, but because it teaches us all some things that we need to know. Grade: A-
Is God a Mathematician by Mario Livio: The focus of this book is a historical look at a few significant mathematicians. The excuse for reviewing this history is to answer the question, "Is God a Mathematician?" An interesting book, but not Livio's best. Grade: B
The Powerhouse by Steve Levine: A book about the development and ongoing research into Lithium Ion batteries. Very interesting from both a scientific and a scientific politics standpoint. Grade: B+
Business Adventures by John Brooks: I downloaded this book based on a recommendation on Slate.com. The book is more of a history book at this point because most of the "business adventures" described in the book are all stories from the 1960's. The stories were both true and interesting, but old. Grade: C+
Saturday, December 20, 2014
December Book Reviews
I have read three books in a row that I really enjoyed.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I have always enjoyed Atul Gawande's books, especially the Checklist Manifesto. In this book, he takes a close look at health care and general care issues associated with the elderly. The book takes a critical look at what seems to work and what seems to be a bad idea for elderly care. I think everyone 40 or older should read this book because both you and your parents (if they are still living) will want to have this information. Grade: A-
Dataclysm: Who We Are* by Christian Rudder
The author is one of the founders and chief data analyst for the dating website OkCupid. Both the book and the data in it are interesting. Most of the data is related to dating and personal relationships, but the author pulls from data sources beyond OkCupid. The most interesting data in the whole book, in my mind, is the data on what age individual people are most attracted to relative to their own age. For example, what age women does a 40 year old male find most attractive and what age man does a 40 year old women find most attractive. Interesting book. It could have been a little shorter, but still interesting. Grade: B
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathon Rosenberg
This book is written by the former CEO of Google and one of the other executives. The book basically talks about the business practices that Google follows -- practices that seem to work for Google, and it addresses why they probably work. It also talks about the changing business and cultural landscape (thanks to the internet) and how businesses should potentially respond to those changes. This is probably the best business book I've read. Grade: A
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I have always enjoyed Atul Gawande's books, especially the Checklist Manifesto. In this book, he takes a close look at health care and general care issues associated with the elderly. The book takes a critical look at what seems to work and what seems to be a bad idea for elderly care. I think everyone 40 or older should read this book because both you and your parents (if they are still living) will want to have this information. Grade: A-
Dataclysm: Who We Are* by Christian Rudder
The author is one of the founders and chief data analyst for the dating website OkCupid. Both the book and the data in it are interesting. Most of the data is related to dating and personal relationships, but the author pulls from data sources beyond OkCupid. The most interesting data in the whole book, in my mind, is the data on what age individual people are most attracted to relative to their own age. For example, what age women does a 40 year old male find most attractive and what age man does a 40 year old women find most attractive. Interesting book. It could have been a little shorter, but still interesting. Grade: B
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathon Rosenberg
This book is written by the former CEO of Google and one of the other executives. The book basically talks about the business practices that Google follows -- practices that seem to work for Google, and it addresses why they probably work. It also talks about the changing business and cultural landscape (thanks to the internet) and how businesses should potentially respond to those changes. This is probably the best business book I've read. Grade: A
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Fall Book Reviews
What If? by Randall Munroe
This book is by the author of the excellent XKCD web-comic strip, and he is also a physicist. Basically the book is a bunch of answers to somewhat crazy questions that readers have asked Mr. Munroe. For example, how many laser pointers would you have to shine at the moon to make it brighter? How high of an altitude would you need to drop a steak to have it cooked when it hits the ground. What would happen if all lightening bolts that hit the earth at a given moment in time were combined into one? What if a baseball pitcher threw a ball near the speed of light. Could you fly a plane on another planet? Very interesting and very funny. Grade: A-
The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
A very interesting book about what is known about the brain, current research, and potential technologies. Most of the book was very interesting. It got a little slow and dry near the end, but, overall, it is worth reading. Grade: B
What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell
A book about what Rob Bell learned after a crisis of faith. Grade: B+
This book is by the author of the excellent XKCD web-comic strip, and he is also a physicist. Basically the book is a bunch of answers to somewhat crazy questions that readers have asked Mr. Munroe. For example, how many laser pointers would you have to shine at the moon to make it brighter? How high of an altitude would you need to drop a steak to have it cooked when it hits the ground. What would happen if all lightening bolts that hit the earth at a given moment in time were combined into one? What if a baseball pitcher threw a ball near the speed of light. Could you fly a plane on another planet? Very interesting and very funny. Grade: A-
The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
A very interesting book about what is known about the brain, current research, and potential technologies. Most of the book was very interesting. It got a little slow and dry near the end, but, overall, it is worth reading. Grade: B
What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell
A book about what Rob Bell learned after a crisis of faith. Grade: B+
Sunday, October 5, 2014
September Book Reviews
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
I've read over a dozen books by Stephen King, and he has written over 50 books. This was the worst book by him that I have read. I didn't like the characters or the plot. Yuck. Grade: D-
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The author is one of the three founders of Pixar -- along with John Lasseter and Steve Jobs. I would describe the role of the three founders as being: John is the creative one, Steve is the financial/visionary one, and Ed is the technical one. The book begins with Ed's experiences is graduate school in Utah, and it continues through to today when Pixar is part of Disney and Lasseter and Catmull lead the animation division. I found the book incredibly interesting. Ed talks about all the different lessons he's learned and strategies they've developed. I think that almost anyone could learn something from this book, but people that work in research -- at the intersection of knowledge and creativity -- would probably benefit the most. Great book. Grade: A-
The Cost of Cutting by Paul A Ruggieri
This book is focused on surgery, hence the reference to 'cutting' in the title, and economics. Some parts of the book were interesting, especially the chapters on the increasing role of hospitals in healthcare, the decline of surgeons in private practice, and the use of robots in surgery. However, I was frustrated that the most fundamental of questions seemed to go unanswered. Specifically, given that (1) healthcare costs in the US have increased at an incredible rate for the last couple decades and (2) the author repeated complains about the reduction in payments to surgeons, where is the money going?? The book lists the salary's of doctors as typically being $220,000 to well over $500,000 per year, so maybe (2) isn't such a big deal, but he never gives a clear answer to this apparent paradox. He hints that hospitals and medical device companies are the villains, but he never says it clearly. I was disappointed. Grade: C+
I've read over a dozen books by Stephen King, and he has written over 50 books. This was the worst book by him that I have read. I didn't like the characters or the plot. Yuck. Grade: D-
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The author is one of the three founders of Pixar -- along with John Lasseter and Steve Jobs. I would describe the role of the three founders as being: John is the creative one, Steve is the financial/visionary one, and Ed is the technical one. The book begins with Ed's experiences is graduate school in Utah, and it continues through to today when Pixar is part of Disney and Lasseter and Catmull lead the animation division. I found the book incredibly interesting. Ed talks about all the different lessons he's learned and strategies they've developed. I think that almost anyone could learn something from this book, but people that work in research -- at the intersection of knowledge and creativity -- would probably benefit the most. Great book. Grade: A-
The Cost of Cutting by Paul A Ruggieri
This book is focused on surgery, hence the reference to 'cutting' in the title, and economics. Some parts of the book were interesting, especially the chapters on the increasing role of hospitals in healthcare, the decline of surgeons in private practice, and the use of robots in surgery. However, I was frustrated that the most fundamental of questions seemed to go unanswered. Specifically, given that (1) healthcare costs in the US have increased at an incredible rate for the last couple decades and (2) the author repeated complains about the reduction in payments to surgeons, where is the money going?? The book lists the salary's of doctors as typically being $220,000 to well over $500,000 per year, so maybe (2) isn't such a big deal, but he never gives a clear answer to this apparent paradox. He hints that hospitals and medical device companies are the villains, but he never says it clearly. I was disappointed. Grade: C+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)