At Extreme Investor Network, we are excited to share the top summer 2024 book recommendations curated by the a16z crypto team. This extensive list features a diverse array of genres from fantasy and fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction reads, ensuring there is something for every type of reader.
Fantasy and Fiction Picks
Brittney Burrows from the events team recommends “Babel” by R.F. Kuang for its beautifully written mix of fantasy and heartbreak. Michael Blau suggests “The Cat Who Saved Books” by Sōsuke Natsukawa, a cozy and heartwarming read for book lovers. Chris Dixon recommends “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin and “The Great Bridge” by David McCullough for their insightful narratives on creativity and engineering marvels.
Non-Fiction and Thought-Provoking Reads
Joseph Bonneau praises “Flying Blind” by Peter Robison, while Sam Broner delves into “Seeing Like a State” by James C. Scott, offering a critical perspective on organizational operations. For finance and economics enthusiasts, Michael Blau recommends “Broken Money: Why Our Financial System is Failing Us and How We Can Make it Better” by Lyn Alden and “Payments Systems in the U.S.: A Guide for the Payments Professional” by Carol Coye Benson, Scott Loftesness, and Russ Jones.
Memoirs and Personal Development
Shari Doherty shares her fascination with “Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance” by Alex Hutchinson, exploring the science and psychology of endurance. Chris Dixon highlights “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Haruki Murakami, a memoir intertwining reflections on running and writing.
Historical and Contemporary Analysis
Eddy Lazzarin recommends “Against the Grain” by James C. Scott for its unconventional take on the history of civilization and “The Ancient City” by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges. Bill Hinman suggests “Small Mercies” by Dennis Lehane and “The CIA: An Imperial History” by Hugh Wilford for gripping historical narratives.
Science and Technology
Andy Hall recommends “Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic” by Emily Monosson for its exploration of evolutionary competition. Mason Hall suggests “Children of Time” by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a science fiction novel balancing intellectual stimulation with emotional engagement. Scott Duke Kominers highlights “Sid Meier’s MEMOIR!: A Life in Computer Games” by Sid Meier for technology enthusiasts.
For more detailed book recommendations, make sure to visit the original a16z crypto post. Stay tuned for more exciting content on crypto, blockchain, and investing from Extreme Investor Network.