The 2023 Booklist
With just a month and a half left and my reading list for the year already complete, I’ve decided to share my annual book list a bit earlier. I’m excited to share my thoughts on these reads with you all, hoping they might incite curiosity and inspiration in your own reading adventures.
I've organized my booklist into distinct categories for easier navigation.
Economics and Finance
Business and Entrepreneurship
Personal Development and Self-Help
Literature and Fiction
Economics and Finance
Edward M. Gramlich, Subprime Mortgages: America’s Latest Boom and Bust, 2007
A collection of books that I read this year, which I chose purposefully, deeply resonates with the ongoing world crisis and turn of events. This book is a part of that collection. Personally, I find Gramlich's analytical insights to have provided a clear understanding of the multitude of decisions, policies, and factors about the 2007 crisis.
Michael Lewis, The Big Short, 2011
I remember watching "The Big Short" as a movie when I was younger. Back then, the details and financial jargon went right over my head. As I grew and ventured into the world of trading and finance, I couldn't help but wonder, "How did some see the crash coming?" Michael Burry's story especially stuck with me. Life has a funny way of connecting the dots. After reading Nassim Taleb's "The Black Swan," I stumbled upon a photo of Michael with a black swan, referencing one of his investor letters. That was the push I needed to pick up Lewis's book. And trust me, it didn't disappoint. Such a great read that's stayed with me.
Ray Dalio, A Template for Understanding Big Debt Crises
Reading Dalio brought back the vibes of Taleb. His storytelling is captivating, and I was impressed by how he made complex financial nuances feel so accessible. It's been a standout read this year, offering clarity.
Andrew Ross Sorkin, Too Big to Fail, 2009
When I picked up "Too Big to Fail," I was taken aback by how Sorkin managed to untangle the web of the 2008 financial crisis in such an approachable manner. It felt like I was flipping through a movie script, full of tension and drama, so it wasn't a shock that it was adapted for the screen.
Robert Shiller, Irrational Exuberance, 2014
I had to read "Irrational Exuberance" as a recommendation for my Yale course, and it proved to be an enlightening choice. The book offers a deep dive into the psychological dynamics of financial markets. Prof. Shiller is truly a master of his craft, presenting complex, often dry data in an engaging and relatable manner. His insights into market behaviors and the factors driving them were not only academically enriching but also profoundly practical. Reading it reaffirmed why he is regarded so highly in the realm of economics.
Herbert Hoover, The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover: 1929-1941 the Great Depression
Reading Hoover's memoirs was an enlightening experience. It's astounding to think that, while trained as an engineer, he showcased such economic aptitude. The book shows his incredible efforts post WW1. His belief in limited government intervention and fostering voluntary business cooperation left a lasting impression on me (in a good way though). Nowadays I consider his approach very interesting. Great book, very well written.
Randy Charles Epping, The New World Economy: A Beginner's Guide
This book keeps it simple, I read it while on vacation in Greece, not that this detail matters much other than proving how smoothly one can go through it. Anyway, I consider it ideal for anyone starting out (therefore the name). Plus, it's easy to pick up again for a quick reference later on. Personally, I found it a bit too simplified, however, it had in-depth information.
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Business and Entrepreneurship
One of my habits when a book title arouses my interest is to open it on a random page. If it resonates with me, it's an immediate purchase. "Built, Not Born" passed this test with flying colors. The author's genuine perspective stood out, offering invaluable advice without the veneer of commercial intent. It's evident the book wasn't penned just for the sake of selling copies; it's a labor of passion and experience. Truly, a well-done piece that offers more than just surface-level insights.
Anna Valkhanova, Corporate Branding 4.0
I typically don't venture into Bulgarian authors, but my usual approach of picking up a book and reading a random page led me to "Corporate Branding 4.0". The title was particularly intriguing, especially with the emergence of Web 3.0 and the profound changes it promises to bring. I was curious to understand the broader perspective on this transition. The book didn't disappoint. It offered a blend of pertinent case studies and theoretical frameworks, illuminating the evolution of corporate branding in this digital age. It was an insightful read that provided a fresh lens on the future of branding.
Ted Levitt, On Marketing
I approached "Ted Levitt on Marketing" with high expectations, having heard it described as a masterclass essential for all. However, I must admit I was slightly disappointed. While I'm no stranger to the subject, I found some of the book's principles out of touch and old-fashioned for today's dynamic market landscape. Many of the strategies and concepts presented felt outdated, not align with the current marketing realities. That said, I remain optimistic and am looking forward to exploring more of Ted Levitt's works.
Nassim Taleb, Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
My introduction to Nassim Taleb was rather serendipitous, stemming from his critical comments on Bitcoin a few years ago. Intrigued by his perspective, I read his "Black Swan" book, which proved to be a turning point. Something clicked, and I found myself effortlessly immersed in his subsequent works. Nassim has since become one of my favorite authors, with his unique lens on uncertainty and randomness. "Skin in the Game" was no exception. The book's exploration of risks and the inherent asymmetries in our daily decisions struck a chord. Highlighting the essence of having a stake in one's choices, it provided valuable insights that further enriched my understanding, especially with my background in finance. A book that has further solidified my admiration for Taleb's work.
Personal Development and Self-Help
When I picked up "To Understand and Be Understood," I was seeking insights into fostering stronger connections. The book delivered brilliantly. It emphasized the importance of active listening, empathy, and open communication—core tenets that I've always believed in. While some strategies felt familiar, others provided fresh perspectives on building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
In the finance sector, where relationships often underpin business dealings, the book's teachings felt particularly relevant.
Ichiro Kishimi,?Fumitake Koga, The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
A co-worker recommended "The Courage to Be Disliked" to me, and it has since secured its place as one of the best self-help books I've ever read. The simplicity of the dialogue between the two characters, juxtaposed with profound insights into self-awareness, made for an engaging read. I found great value in its Adlerian psychology foundations. The core message, emphasizing the bravery required to stay true to oneself amidst external judgments, deeply resonated with me.
Napoleon Hill, The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons
Honestly, I debated including "The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons" on my list. I stumbled upon it in a bookstore while waiting for a friend (yes, it was quite the wait). While the book itself presented some insights, on its own, it didn't stand out.
Dr. Anna Lembke, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
I stumbled upon "Dopamine Nation" quite by accident, and it turned out to be one of my standout reads this year. Admittedly, the initial pages and the first chapter felt a bit awkward, almost leading me to set it aside. But I decided to give it the chance it deserved, and I'm glad I did. An insightful read, nonetheless.
Fiction and Literature
Georgi Gospodinov, Time Shelter
"Time Shelter" came into my hands as a thoughtful birthday gift from my mother. I must confess, that I don't usually gravitate towards novels and poetry, but Gospodinov's writing had me captivated from start to finish. The book is a masterclass in storytelling, where missing even a slight detail can shift the entire narrative's understanding. I was particularly impressed by how the narrative looped, with the end intricately tied to the beginning, demanding keen attention to truly immerse oneself in the characters' world. It's heartening to see a Bulgarian author of such caliber receive global recognition. The eloquence and depth in his forms of speech were commendable. A heartfelt bravo to Gospodinov for crafting such a universal tale that I'd readily recommend to anyone.
Jan van Helsing, Don't Touch This Book!
I approached "Don't Touch This Book!" with an open mind, especially since it was recommended by a respected lawyer and a friend. However, I found it challenging to resonate with its content. The narrative felt saturated with conspiracy theories, making it a tough read for me. While I usually appreciate diverse viewpoints and genres, this particular book just didn't align with my tastes. Perhaps it's just a personal preference, but it wasn't an enjoyable experience.
G. Edward Griffin, The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve
I had my doubts about which category this book should fall into but due to the conspiracy theories, I had to put it with the fiction. "The Creature from Jekyll Island" was masterfully written, blending conspiracy, real events, and novelistic flair so seamlessly that discerning one from the other became a delightful challenge.