Books I Own
I have not read all of these books. Most are softcover physical copies with a minority being on kindle. I will include links to copies of the books where possible and brief explanations of why I decided to buy them. Additional recommendations are welcomed.
Habits
I read based on my interests, often stopping after 20 pages if it doesn't hold my attention. Typically, I complete 50-75% of a book I start, provided I get past the initial 20 pages. My goal is to read at least 20 pages per sitting, which takes 20-30 minutes depending on my need to ponder or reread. I leave books out in the open, both as decoration and as reminders, increasing the chances I'll remember them during relevant moments.
Pattern Breakers Maples Ziebelman
Humans are wired to see patterns but innovation comes from breaking them. Can we
condition ourselves to see outside the patterns more often?
Why: a16z media/retargeting machine got me. Marc Andreessen tweeted
about it and I didn't like what I was reading at the time.
What you do is who you are Ben Horowitz
Explores how leaders create cultures that reflect their values and actions.
Why: Assigned reading for a Carta leadership offsite.
Contact Flying Jim Dulin
Former military and crop duster pilot critiques modern aviation doctrine,
advocating for more practical approaches to safely flying small planes.
Why: Wanted to improve my stick and rudder skills after
months of instrument training.
Ascent of man Jacob Bronowski
Traces the development of human civilization through science and art.
Why: Recommended by a friend
Originals Adam Grant
Encourages fostering creativity and championing new ideas in work and life.
Why: Develop more original thinking
The Intelligent Investor Benjamin Graham
A foundational text on value investing and financial wisdom.
Why: Recommended by a friend when I was looking to revamp my finances
Sea Run Cutthroat Trout Richard K Stoll
Comprehensive guide on understanding and fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout.
Why: Sea run cuts are fishable near my moms house. Hoping I can sneak away during family visits to catch some.
Artificial Intelligence A Modern Approach 2nd Edition Russell Norvig
A thorough introduction to the principles and practices of AI.
Why: AI hype is growing and it's been a few years since I worked with ML models at PitchBook. Leveling up my foundational understanding.
The Black Swan Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Examines the impact of rare and unpredictable events on society.
Why: Recommended by a friend
Principles: Life and Work Ray Dalio
Shares life and business principles from a renowned investor.
Why: Don't recall
The New Hunter's Encyclopedia Raymond Camp
Essential guide covering various aspects of hunting.
Why: Learning more about animal habitat, behavior, and hunting strategies.
81 Lessons from the Sky Fletcher McKenzie
Real-life aviation stories and lessons to enhance pilot safety.
Why: Gift from my wife
The Pyramid Principle Barbara Minto
Teaches a structured approach to clear and persuasive communication.
Why: Improving "executive" skillset by focusing on clear and succinct communication.
High Growth Handbook Elad Gil
Strategies for scaling startups into successful companies.
Why: Xmas gift
Alibaba The House that Jack Ma Built Duncan Clark
Chronicles the rise of Alibaba and its founder, Jack Ma.
Why: Placeholder text
Selected Works of Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton
Key writings from one of America's Founding Fathers.
Why: Placeholder text
Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide Michael D Hayes
Preparation guide for the instrument pilot oral exam.
Why: Studying for an added rating to my pilot license
Letters to a Young Contrarian Christopher Hitchens
A collection of works from the provocative author and critic.
Why:
Range David Epstein
Argues that generalists excel in a specialized world.
Why: Placeholder text
7 Powers The Foundations of Business Strategy Hamilton Helmer
Outlines strategic frameworks for lasting business success.
Why: Needed to author a strategy at Carta and wanted to gather perspectives on form and approach.
The Inevitable Kevin Kelly
Predicts twelve technological forces shaping our future.
Why: Placeholder text
How Judges Think Richard A. Posner
Explores the decision-making processes of judges.
Why: Placeholder text
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information Edward R. Tufte
Guide to effectively presenting data through visual means.
Why: Improve quality of data vizualiations my team shipped at PitchBook
The Feynman Lectures on Physics Richard P. Feynman
Classic lectures offering a deep understanding of physics.
Why: Placeholder text
Complexity M Mitchell Waldrop
Examines the emerging science of complexity and its applications.
Why: Placeholder text
The Scavengers Guide to Haute Cuisine Steven Rinella
A hunt-and-cook adventure blending wild game with gourmet cooking.
Why: Angling to feed my family more wild game in an approachable way.
Flies of the Northwest Inland Empire Fishing Club
A detailed guide to fly fishing in the Northwest.
Why: Placeholder text
Setting the Table Danny Meyer
Insights on hospitality and business from a renowned restaurateur.
Why: Inspiration for Carta work. Developing my thinking on what world class service could look like in the fund admin industry.
North American Elk Ecology and Management Jack Ward Thomas
Comprehensive resource on the biology and management of elk.
Why: Be more successful in Elk hunting.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things Ben Horowitz
Offers practical advice on building and running a startup.
Why: Placeholder text
The Killing Zone Paul Craig
Examines the critical early flight hours where accidents are most likely to occur.
Why: Placeholder text
Stick and Rudder Wolfgang Langewiesche
Classic manual on the art of flying.
Why: Placeholder text
The Courage to Be Disliked Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Uses Adlerian psychology to teach about personal freedom and happiness.
Why: Placeholder text
Influence Without Authority Allan R. Cohen and David L. Bradford
Guide on how to influence others when you lack authority over them.
Why: Placeholder text
Sense of Style Steven Pinker
Modern guide to writing in the 21st century.
Why: Placeholder text
Noise and the Signal Nate Silver
Explores how to distinguish valuable information from background noise.
Why: Placeholder text
Inspired Marty Cagan
How to create products that customers love.
Why: Placeholder text
The Upside of Stress Kelly McGonigal
Explains how to harness stress for positive outcomes.
Why: Placeholder text
The Art of War Sun Tzu
Ancient Chinese military strategy guide that applies to modern strategy and tactics.
Why: Placeholder text
The Systems Bible John Gall
Humorous guide to how systems work, or fail, in the real world.
Why: Placeholder text
The New One Minute Manager Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
Updated classic on effective management techniques.
Why: Placeholder text
The Vital Question Nick Lane
Explores the origins of life and the complex processes that sustain it.
Why: Placeholder text
Mastermind Maria Konnikova
Applies Sherlock Holmes’s methods to real-life problem-solving.
Why: Placeholder text
Flatland Edwin A. Abbott
Classic novella exploring dimensions through the story of a two-dimensional world.
Why: Placeholder text
Little Bets Peter Sims
How small, experimental steps can lead to big results.
Why: Placeholder text
The 4-Hour Work Week Timothy Ferriss
Guide to escaping the 9-to-5 grind and creating a more flexible lifestyle.
Why: Placeholder text
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen R. Covey
Framework for personal and professional effectiveness.
Why: Placeholder text
Packaging the Presidency Kathleen Hall Jamieson
Analysis of the role of media and marketing in presidential campaigns.
Why: Placeholder text
Rendezvous with Destiny Eric F. Goldman
Examines Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and their impact on America.
Why: Placeholder text
The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money John Maynard Keynes
Foundational text on macroeconomic theory.
Why: Placeholder text
The Passage of Power Robert A. Caro
Details Lyndon B. Johnson’s rise to power and his presidency.
Why: Placeholder text
How to Win Friends and Influence People Dale Carnegie
Timeless principles for building relationships and achieving success.
Why: Assigned reading for my first job out of college.
Predictable Revenue Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler
Blueprint for creating predictable and scalable sales revenue.
Why: Placeholder text
Thing Explainer Randall Munroe
Uses simple diagrams and explanations to explain complex concepts.
Why: Placeholder text
The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting John Trout Jr.
Comprehensive guide to hunting wild turkeys.
Why: Increase success rate turkey hunting
The Success Equation Michael J. Mauboussin
Distinguishes between skill and luck in business and investing.
Why: Placeholder text
Infinite Powers Steven Strogatz
Explains the power of calculus in understanding the world.
Why: Placeholder text
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Explores how uncertainty and disorder can benefit systems.
Why: Placeholder text
Training for the New Alpinism Steve House and Scott Johnston
Comprehensive guide to training for alpine climbing.
Why: Training for a mountain hunt.
Washington Rules Andrew J. Bacevich
Critiques America’s military policies and foreign interventions.
Why: Placeholder text
Soccer Modern Tactics Alessandro Zauli
Insights into modern soccer tactics and strategies.
Why: Previously coached youth soccer. Wanted perspectives on how to design a system of play for the talent I had available.
Manhattan LSAT Reading Comprehension Manhattan Prep
Strategies and practice for the LSAT reading comprehension section.
Why: Studying for LSAT at the time
The Republic Plato
Philosophical work exploring justice and the ideal state.
Why: Placeholder text
Venture Deals Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
Guide to successfully navigating venture capital deals.
Why: Placeholder text
Outliers Malcolm Gladwell
Explores the factors that contribute to high levels of success.
Why: Placeholder text
The Lean Startup Eric Ries
How to build a startup using a lean approach.
Why: Placeholder text
Predictably Irrational Dan Ariely
Explores the hidden forces that shape our decisions.
Why: Placeholder text
The Business of Venture Capital Mahendra Ramsinghani
Comprehensive guide to the venture capital industry.
Why: Placeholder text
Only the Paranoid Survive Andrew S. Grove
Insights on how to navigate strategic inflection points in business.
Why: Enjoyed his previous book
Trade-Offs Harold Winter
Explores the trade-offs inherent in economic policy decisions.
Why: Placeholder text
The Essays of Warren Buffett Lawrence A. Cunningham
Compilation of Warren Buffett's letters to shareholders.
Why: Placeholder text
Boomerang Michael Lewis
Examines the global financial crisis and its aftermath.
Why: Placeholder text
The Tao of Charlie Munger David Clark
Wisdom and advice from Berkshire Hathaway's vice chairman.
Why: Placeholder text
Creative Selection Ken Kocienda
Insights into Apple's design and development process.
Why: Picked up to read on vacation. Wanted to
reform the team at PitchBook to be more innovative.
Deep Simplicity John Gribbin
Explores how complex systems arise from simple rules.
Why: Recommended by a friend
Drive Daniel H. Pink
Examines the surprising truth about what motivates us.
Why: Struggled with motivation at the time of reading.
Extreme Ownership Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Leadership principles from Navy Seals translated to business contexts.
Why: Assigned reading for a PitchBook leadership offsite.
The main idea of this book was very transformative for me.
The Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Why: Placeholder text
Flash Boys Michael Lewis
Investigates the rise of high-frequency trading on Wall Street.
Why: Placeholder text
Hooked Nir Eyal
Guide to building habit-forming products.
Why: Placeholder text
High Output Management Andrew S. Grove
Essential management practices from Intel's former CEO.
Why: Find systems and frameworks to help me as I transitioned into my first people management role.
Loonshots Safi Bahcall
How nurturing crazy ideas can lead to breakthroughs in science and business.
Why: Placeholder text
Get Cracked Harry Turtledove
A collection of short stories from the master of alternate history.
Why: Placeholder text
Elk Hunting Secrets The Rockey Mountain Elk Foundation
Tips and strategies for successful elk hunting.
Why: Placeholder text
Advanced Bushcraft Dave Canterbury
Mastering the skills of wilderness survival.
Why: Placeholder text
Consider Your Options Kalen Pruss
Exploring the nuances of options trading.
Why: Placeholder text
Illusion of Time Richard Leviton
A comprehensive guide to understanding the nature of time.
Why: Placeholder text
Fireside Waterfowler Wesley G. Smith
Stories and tips from a lifelong waterfowl hunter.
Why: Placeholder text
The Ultimate Guide to Waterfowl Hunting Tom Airhart
Comprehensive strategies for hunting waterfowl.
Why: Placeholder text
Game Dog Richard A. Wolters
A training guide for retrievers used in hunting.
Why: Placeholder text
Colombia Michael LaRosa and Germán R. Mejía
A travel guide to the diverse and vibrant country of Colombia.
Why: Placeholder text