Reading list 2019 - Part I

In 2019, I set myself the challenge to read 24 books. Today I finished the 12th a bit before the month ends (I'm at a steady pace!), so I thought it was a good moment to reflect on everything I've read to better understand what these books have taught me. Additionally, I'd like to share my recommendations here so hopefully, others might add some of these books to their list. I'm not very keen on rating books so I'll just tell you the main reason why you should read each one of them together with my favorite quote.

Algorithms to Live By | Brian Christian & Tom Griffith

Read it to better solve common and everyday decision-making situations applying concepts of computer science, such as when you should stop looking for a parking spot or whether you should keep on going to your favorite restaurants or explore new ones.

"To try and fail is at least to learn; to fail to try is to suffer the inestimable loss of what might have been"

Predictably Irrational | Dan Ariely

Read it to become more aware of how irrational, we, humans are. The book is full of field experiments to demonstrate interesting facts such as why are you always buying that 3x2 socks offer while waiting in line at a fashion store.

"Giving up on our long-term goals for immediate gratification, my friend, is procrastination"

The Everything Store | Brad Stone

Read it to get to know the story behind Jeff Bezos and how he managed to start up Amazon.

"It's easier to invent the future than to predict it"

Powerful | Patty McCord

Read it to have a fresh and critical view about what company culture is. It is definitely the most thought-provoking book on this list.

"Keep reminding yourself that people have power. It's not your job to give to them"

Nudge | Cass Sunstein & Richard Thaler

Read it to simply become a better version of yourself. The concept of this book revolves around improving decisions about health, wealth, and happiness. I apply many of the examples to my daily life such as having fruit / my guitar in a visible and accesible place to nudge my behavior and decisions to eat healthier and practice.

"You want to nudge people into socially desirable behavior, do not, by any means, let them know that their current actions are better than the social norm"

The Talent Code | Daniel Coyle

Read it to grow your mindset about the things you can achieve in life by applying the right methodology. If you have ever wanted to learn that particular instrument/sport/language/you-name-it, but always felt you were not capable of, this book will inspire you to take that first step.

"Skill is insulation that wraps neural circuits and grows according to certain signals"

The Culture Code | Daniel Coyle

Read it to know the answer of why do certain groups add up to be greater than the sum of their parts, while others add up to be less. Full of real-life examples, Daniel Coyle walks you through why Pixar, the Navy SEALs or the Sant Antonio Spurs make a difference when it comes to teamwork.

"The difference with successful cultures seems to be that they use the crisis to crystallize their purpose"

The Element | Ken Robinson

Read it to find out the real story behind creativity, intelligence, and determination. Truly inspiring, this book will teach you that despite technological changes, we should nudge new generations to explore non-standard career pathways such as music, art, dance, and theater.

"No person is a single intellectual score on a linear scale"

Developing the Leader Within You | John Maxwell

Read it to have a general idea of classic concepts of leadership, very quotable.

"What people need is not a motto to say, but a model to see"

THE TOP 3

Work Rules! | Laszlo Bock

Read it to gain invaluable insights into how one could build a successful company. It makes it to the Top 3 because I learned more from it, within its 373 pages, than any HR | Business course I've ever taken. Kudos to Laszlo

"Be transparent with your people and give them a voice in shaping your team or company. You'll be stunned by what they accomplish"

Delivering Happiness | Tony Hsieh

Read it to put yourself into the shoes of Tony Hsieh and how his mindset helped him to find out his purpose in life. It makes it to the Top 3 because it made me reflect of what my life goals are.

"Others can copy our images, our shipping, and the overall look of our Web site, but they cannot copy our people, our culture, or our service"

Never Split the Difference | Chris Voss

Read it to . . . just do it. This book will give you the competitive edge in any discussion. It makes it to the Top 3 because I'm constantly coming back to it, reading its great examples and summaries to apply the concepts to my daily life such as how to be a better listener and build rapport with others.

"In any negotiation, it's not how well you speak but how well you listen that determines your success. Understanding the "other" is a precondition to be able to speak persuasively and develop options that reasonate for them"

To conclude, I'd like to emphasize that I don't consider myself a fast reader. I always read after breakfast for 30 minutes with several highlighters. That's my morning routine and it works for me, if I find extra time, I try to read a bit more, but I always commit myself to follow my 30-minute reading ritual. If you say to yourself that you don't have time to read, I encourage you to try it!. Either in the morning, afternoon, or night. I prefer not at night because the majority of these books require (at least to me) an active level of attention, but if it works for you, go for it!