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100+ non-fiction books

Books are magic

Before ChatGPT, before YouTube, before podcasts, before audiobooks, there were books.

One of Tim Ferriss’ common question during interviews is “Which book do you most often gift to others?”  In a similar way, I asked readers and friends which books they recommend.  (all affiliate links)

Caveat: this list is all non-fiction

Yes, this is all non-fiction. Some people would say it’s boring business books, but I would disagree.  Just be advised this does not have any John Irving, Anne Patchett, Jhumpa Lahiri, Michael Lewis, Phillip K Dick, JRR Tolkein, CS Lewis, Kurt Vonnegut, Neil Gaiman, George RR Martin, or Amor Towles. Who are all awesome.

make it useful

Life is a bunch of S-curves, not a straight line. So a book that super resonated with you 20 years ago, might not be what you need today. Also, our situations change. Now, I don’t have direct reports – so reading a detailed book on managing, one-on-ones, feedback, coaching, and crucial conversations might not be needed. 

Books are a portfolio, a reservoir of thinking and learning. Use what’s useful, and disregard the rest.

YouTube and Podcasts

I know this is heretical, but you don’t have to read the whole book to get the point: a) watch a TED talk or interview with the author b) listen to a podcast interview with the author c) use chatGPT for a summary d) read the Amazon reviews

Libby app

In the United States, there is a free app that allows you to borrow eBooks, and audiobooks for free using your local library card. This dramatically lowers the financial cost (free), opportunity cost (listen to audiobooks while driving), and transaction cost (click, click, click).  Yes, Emory University library is on the app too.

Spotify 

If you have the premium version of Spotify, you get 15 hours of audiobooks every month for free. BOOM 

 

1) Recommended books, I’ve read

2) Recommended books, have not read yet

As I read them, will move them to the list above

3) Books I’ve blogged about

4) Books I recommend (on my bookshelf)

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