Dilanka's Reading Log

Introduction

Books are my real alma mater. Without them, I am nothing.

The following is an abridged version of my reading log. I use it to keep track of my reading habits. I also keep quotes and random notes.

Key: Books are listed in reverse chronological order. I have bolded my favorites. Commentary is added upon inspiration.

To search for specific authors or titles, simply use CTRL (⌘) + F.

The Warrior Within by Robert Moore
Traction by Gabriel Weinberg
On Education by R. Buckminster Fuller

Much more practical than Critical Path (his other book) in my opinion.
Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller

A bit tedious, but still interesting. If you are unfamiliar with Fuller, one of his central themes revolves around our responsibility in taking care of ALL human beings on the planet by properly allocating our technological resources. Cool and forward thinking dude.
The Way of Men by Jack Donovan

I find it hilarious that this was written by one of the gayest dudes on the planet. But, nevertheless, the content is excellent.
The Entrepreneur's Guide To Getting Your Shit Together by John Carlton

One of the best. Excellent.
Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw

If the book gets tedious, try the audiobook. One of the most fascinating characters to have ever walked the planet.
For Your Own Good by Alice Miller
The Truth Will Set You Free by Alice Miller
The Blissful Life by Robert Powell
The Nectar of Immortality by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Breaking Down the Wall of Silence by Alice Miller
The Lover Within by Robert Moore
Making Sense of Suffering by Konrad Stettbacher
The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross
Paths of Life by Alice Miller
The Body Never Lies by Alice Miller

Underrated topic that is applicable to most folks.
The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller
Men on Strike by Helen Smith

Fascinating. One of the few women in the world that actually understand the amount of misandry vitiating through our culture.
How to be Lovely by Melissa Hellstern

Audrey Hepburn is of a rare, extinct breed of women who embodied beauty, class, and grace. So much so that, I've never met a woman who could even come close. Sadly.
On The Shortness of Life by Seneca

I read this often. It's the best medicine.
The Alabaster Girl by Zan Perrion

Excellent.
The Unpublished David Ogilvy by David Ogilvy
Hippocrates LifeForce by Brian Clement

Given the fact that I LOVE meat, junk food, and sugar, it's going to take a while to implement all of this.
One Smart Cookie by Debbie Fields
Man's Search for Himself by Rollo May

Thought provoking book. It's funny, the first edition of this was published long before I was even born (1967), yet everything in it is relevant. May explores the source of existential anxiety the best method coping with uncertainty. The best solution? Internal strength. The book dives deeper into how one could obtain internal resources to deal with uncertain times.
My Life and The Principles for Success by Ross Perot

Incredibly accomplished guy. Great, time tested lessons in here. Recommended by Dan Pena.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson

A frighteningly accurate description of my childhood.
In My Own Way: An Autobiography by Alan Watts

Really fun read. Fascinating guy. We would have gotten along quite well.
Linchpin by Seth Godin

This is a classic about work, art, the new economy and how to become indispensable as an individual. Highly recommended.
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Entertaining. I've seen the movie, and figured I'll read the book. Was not disappointed.
Letters to a Young Contrarian by Christopher Hitchens

Good advice. (quotes)
The Age of Manipulation by Wilson Key

The hidden images in advertisements were quite interesting. Overall, good advice.
The Evolution Of Desire by David Buss

Very, very good.
The Antidote by Oliver Berkeman
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

One of the most interesting books on race relations. As an immigrant living in the United States, I related to the author more than once. This was also a well timed book given the highly publicized deaths of Brown, Garner etc. If you are interested in gaining insight into what it's like to be an African American living in America, this poetically written book is a must read. One of the best books of 2015.
Data and Goliath by Bruce Schneier

As always, excellent stuff. I've never been disappointed by a Bruce Schneier book. I think this is an important book for everyone to read, especially considering how clueless most people are about the implications of the average individual generating incredible amounts of data from our technology dependent society. This book is about digital surveillance, privacy and the fight for your data in a post Snowden world. The breadth of coverage and case studies cited in the book is equal amounts frightening and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Release Your Brakes by James Newman

Excellent advice on the psychology of being a high performer. Might be out of print, but you should be able to find the e-book version online. Worth re-reading every year. Recommended by Dan Pena.
Games People Play by Eric Berne

Eric Berne was a Canadian born psychiatrist who created the theory of Transactional Analysis as a way to explain human behavior. Essentially, it's the study and classification of behavior based on social interactions. These classifications can be categorized into various types of 'games'. This is what this all about. Games. Sexual games, power games, marital games etc. We all play these games and by simply being aware of the ideas discussed in this book, you will never look at human interactions the same. Recommended.
How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson

Quite fascinating read about the unpredictable domino/cascading effect of innovative technologies.

I LOVE the example of how the Gutenberg press indirectly inspired the invention of the microscope. Basically, when the Gutenberg press was invented, literacy increased. With increased literacy, more people discovered that they were far sighted and had poor vision for reading. People having poor vision caused a lot of independent research into glass, which eventually caused the invention of spectacles. As a result of all the research on glass, the Microscope was invented, which had incredible applications in medicine. And it goes on and on and on.

How fucking cool is that? There are countless examples of these 'co-evolution' of innovations across different disciplines. Artificial refrigeration was another incredible example. Recommended read. If you get a chance, also watch the accompanying DVD released by PBS. Actually, if anything, skip the book and watch the DVD. It was a lot more fun and informative.
The Truth by Neil Strauss

Parents are good at everything except letting their children be themselves. This seems to be an unfortunate reality in the world. In my personal life, I have seen very few parents who have been successful at producing self aware, well adjusted children with high self esteem.

In fact, most of my friends (including myself) are fucked up in some manner. (i.e: dysfunctional family environments, abuse, etc.) I always wondered: why is this the case? Is parenting THAT hard? I think one of the major reasons is the lack of self awareness on the parents part. If you don't know your weaknesses, it's impossible to account for them when raising another human being. This book is essentially Strauss's own, personal journey in figuring out relationships.

Worth reading just for the resources. For example, the Parental Stress Index test, which is designed to evaluate the magnitude of stress in your relationship with your parents while growing up is super useful..

This is well written and I found it to be not only entertaining, but quite useful in identifying my own issues.
Titan by John Varley
The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand

The thesis here is the following: The highest moral virtue is the pursuit of one's own happiness. At first glance, this might all seem like amoral ideology, but I have failed to find any logical flaws in Rand's arguments.
Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived by Laurence Shames

This book is about Peter Barton, who was a very successful entrepreneur that ends up dying at the age of 51 from stomach cancer. I've always loved books about the topic of death because they almost always become a stark reminder to live our own lives fully and to not be bothered by the inconsequential minutia we all face. Very interesting read. Interestingly, I also found a video of Barton talking about his career in the cable TV industry. Recommended by Chris Sacca.
You Just Don't Understand by Deborah Tannen

Very insightful research on gender related communication styles. (quotes)
I Think, Therefore I Laugh by John Allen Paulos

Clever. (quotes)
Innumeracy by John Allen Paulos
Please Understand Me by David Keirsey

Invaluable in identifying/understanding people and personalities.
Getting There: A Book of Mentors by Gillian Zoe Segal
Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder
The Bed of Procrustes by Nassim Taleb
Alibaba's World by Porter Erisman

Jack Ma is quite a remarkable case study. Worth studying.
The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Interesting guy. Although, similar to Alan Watts, it can be tedious to really understand some of the abstract ideas expressed in this book. This is a common challenge with spirituality books. Tolle claims that one of the biggest causes of human suffering is due to our ego and how it is of utmost importance for us to get rid of it. If you are not familiar with the author, Tolle was a depressed, suicidal 29 year old before he began his path into being a spiritual teacher and a lot of his realizations were discovered at a very low point in his life. But, be aware: it is dangerous to treat this guy as a 'prophet' (as Oprah called him) and put him on a pedestal like the rest of the world. He's just another, modern rehash of age old wisdom found in eastern philosophy. As the saying goes: if you want to discover a new idea, read an old book. (quotes)
Our Inner Fish by Neil Shubin
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid
I Seem to Be a Verb by R. Buckminster Fuller

Interesting book. Although, I found the 'upside down' layout to be a pain in the ass (despite bucky's artistic/iconoclastic intentions). As far as I know, the book is out of print and I had to have it shipped to me from a distant library. Recommended by Chris Sacca. (quotes)
My Dream of Stars: From Daughter of Iran to Space Pioneer by Anousheh Ansari

This is the story of Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian woman who came to the United States from an oppressive land to pursue her dream of going to space. After selling her technology company (Prodea Systems), Ansari got the (rare) chance to join the russian space program and eventually fly to the ISS. The Ansari X PRIZE is also sponsored and named after her. Incredible woman (and role model).
Me, Inc. by Gene Simmons
Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt
Bold by Peter H. Diamandis
Abundance by Peter H. Diamandis
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

Highly recommended. (quotes)
The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth by James Altucher
The Art of the Pimp by Dennis Hof

Men get jealous about Hugh Hefner, but Dennis Hof should be the man everyone should be really jealous about. Fun memoir. One day, I'd like to meet Dennis. If you know him, I'd love an introduction. (quotes)
Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker

Fisker is a former nuclear astrophysicist who runs a blog by the same name. There are some excellent ideas in here in regards to minimalistic living and attaining financial independence in a strikingly short period of time. If you are interested in leaving Plato's Cave, Definietly recommended. (quotes)
How to Get Out of Your Own Way by Tyrese Gibson
The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson

Whenever I attend a party with the good old doctor, I always have a mighty fun time. No difference here. (quotes)
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Buyology by Martin Lindstrom

This book is entirely on the topic of Neuro-marketing. Pretty fascinating stuff. If you get a chance, read: The Power of Habit & Influence along with this book. Both are excellent supplementary material. I had no idea that there are teams of people engineering things like: the yolk color inside eggs, the 'crunch' sound in Kelloggs Corn Flakes and a plethora of other products we consume on a daily basis.
Linked by Albert-laszlo Barabasi

I found the examples relating to scale free networks and percolation theory to be interesting. What was even more interesting was the use of Gaëtan Dugas (patient zero) and the ILOVEYOU virus as case studies for highlighting the vital importance of nodes in a network.
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
inGenius: A Crash Course on Creativity by Tina Seelig
The Information by James Gleick
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story by Michael Lewis
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
The Wisdom of Psychopaths by Kevin Dutton
Masters of Doom by David Kushner

Excellent.
President Me by Adam Carolla

One of my favorite people. Carolla is a master observer of human nature. If you have shitty parents, this one is required reading.
Isaac Newton by James Gleick
No Place to Hide by Glenn Greenwald

I always find it interesting how there are greater numbers of software engineers who don't operate under the philosophy of having a free Internet. You would think that having the correct philosophy is at least somewhat important considering that you are architecting software that will be used by the masses. Snowden was a high school dropout, but having the correct philosophy gave him enough conviction to act on his beliefs, regardless of the consequences. Whether you agree with his actions or not, I find such mindset to be admirable. This book is an account of the full story of the Snowden Leaks from the perspective of journalist Glenn Greenwald. I couldn't put it down, it was excellent.
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

Bostrom contemplates about a lot of important questions relating to the implications of an emerging superintelligent entity as a result of rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI). The best metaphor is to think of humans and gorillas. Despite our close lineage, due to differences in our brains and intelligence, the fate of the entire species of gorillas lie in our hands. Now imagine if our new superintelligent AI entity being responsible for humanities fate (i.e: we are the new gorillas) and ironically enough: we are responsible for its creation. Pretty scary shit, but anyone involved or interested in AI needs to read this book immediately.
MONEY Master the Game by Tony Robbins

Robbins interviewed some of the most inaccessible financial gurus alive today for this book. The price of this book is an absolute steal. Excellent material. (quotes)
Influence by Robert Cialdini

Everything in the world changes except one important constant: human nature. Once you understand it, you will benefit indefinitely. This is a classic. (quotes)
From Concept to Consumer by Phil Baker
The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Origins by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Fuck Houdini. This is real magic.
Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea by Charles Seife
Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla by Marc Seifer
Smart Thinking by Art Markman
The Character of Physical Law by Richard Feynman
Tubes: A Journey to the Center of the Internet by Andrew Blum
Last Words by George Carlin
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I was hoping this autobiography was a reflection of Angelou's adult life, but it was only up till age 17. Nevertheless, it's a heartfelt reflection and example of a human being who overcame tremendous adversity. Angelou's graphic narrative of her sexual abuse and her encounters with racism will never leave my conscience.
Tough Sh*t by Kevin Smith
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Quite the journey. Excellent. Isaacson is a masterful biographer.
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller by Ron Chernow
The Prosperity Bible by Napoleon Hill

Easily one of the most important books in my library. I would have gladly paid any price for this gem. This is the gold standard when it comes to understanding the science of wealth creation and success. Ignore it at your own peril.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

What a beautiful story about the power of the human spirit. Mandela surely had his faults, but one can surely learn a few important lessons from him: especially regarding humility and patience.
Give and Take by Adam M. Grant
Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt
Zero to One by Peter Thiel

When a forward thinking billionaire gives me advice on business, I shut the fuck up and take copious notes. I suggest you do the same. (quotes)
Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by Chris Anderson

Plenty of economic examples about how the Maker Movement's (i.e: 3D Printing etc.) potential/upcoming disruption will affect the way we interact online. Anderson is a clear writer and it's always a pleasure to read his work. This book is quite complimentary to his older The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More. Both books are underpinned by economic analysis and contains engaging discussion about the effects of the democratization of technology in a mass scale. I recommend that you read both.
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt

If you are interested in business, ignore this at your own peril. (Borders, Blockbuster and Best Buy could have survived if they had this a decade ago)
The Third Eye by T. Lobsang Rampa

A bit like a hybrid version of Carlos Castaneda's work and The Alchemist. Recommended by Manny Dominguez.
The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan S. Kennedy
Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan

Initially, I read Wheelan's Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data and decided that I should read this one as well. Man, it's fucking good. Economics is a powerful and necessary subject that is often ruined by academics with superfluous charts and equations. This is economics without the bullshit. The core that is actually useful. Must read.
Six Tires, No Plan by Michael Rosenbaum

Several years ago I needed to get a flat tire repaired and I accidentally walked into a Discount Tire retail store in Irvine CA. I was hoping to get a decent deal for my flat repair but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it cost $0. (I've always paid for such service at most stores) Upon further inquiry, I found out that it was actually company policy to repair flats free of charge and such policy originated from the founder, Bruce Halle. This is his story. Really inspiring stuff. The dude started his first Discount Tire store when he was 30 years old in Ann Arbor, Michigan (two years before Sam Walton started Walmart) and gradually grew it into a independently owned national chain. The guy had no special talent(s) and as this biography illustrates, he stuck to basic principles and hard work to build a multibillion dollar enterprise. Must read for (aspiring) entrepreneurs.
A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine

The best introductory guide to one of the most practical philosophies in existence: stoicism. Really powerful shit. After this book, I recommend reading the original sources by: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca and Musonius Rufus. Study them religiously. Stoicism is powerful because it lacks the 'mental masturbation' qualities of 99% of the people who claim to be philosophers, especially in academic environments. Stoicism teaches one how to precisely unclog a toilet instead of endlessly theorizing about plumbing.
Smartcuts by Shane Snow

As expected, Elon Musk's example was interesting. I am not sure if it was fair to include YouTube stars in the mix though. I've studied long form Improvisation before, so it was interesting to see 'Improvisation training' being used as an example of 'failing fast for rapid feedback'. Some highlights of the framework: think laterally about problems, get mentored by the masters, fail faster to get rapid feedback, think strategically about positioning to ride existing waves and whatever you do, think in terms of 10x returns. The book is a quick read and Snow's (albeit flawed) framework is certainly an improvement in the act of thinking.
Masters of War: History's Greatest Strategic Thinkers by Andrew Wilson [video]

Excellent. Loved it.
Griftopia by Matt Taibbi

Remember that colossal economic fuck up that took place in 2008? This is one of the best accounts of all the players that orchestrated it. It's a piece of art worth more than an authentic Van Gogh.
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris
Helen Keller: The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

I didn't enjoy the hyper-focused rhetoric of mundane details. Keller was much more interesting than this book. (quotes)
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

My goodness. Getting a peak behind Pixar and it's internal organization by one of it's creators is priceless. Unlike many authors, Catmull's admission of randomness and uncertainty being a huge factor in pursuing big ideas is refreshing. Also, Catmull's experience of working with Steve Jobs was easily one of the most interesting I've read. This is a high caliber instructional on creativity and business. Definitely re-reading material. Highly recommended. (quotes)
Room Full of Mirrors by Charles Cross

One of my favorite people. Compelling read.
The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan

A potent form of thinking against all the quackery that runs rampant in this little planet. (quotes)
Spy the Lie by Philip Houston

I found this to be very well researched and quite useful. The practical examples involving Jerry Sandusky and Christine O'Donnell was also excellent. If you want to learn how to detect bullshit, might as well learn from the experts.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss [re-read]

I glossed over Tim's book when it originally came out and treated it as entertainment. That wasn't the smartest move, so I figured I'll sit down and thumb through it a bit slower this time. This is a must read for all the practical, field tested tips alone. Excellent. (quotes)
The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

This will take some digesting.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton G. Malkiel

Prior to reading this book, my investment strategy consisted of using Index-Funds & Lifecycle-Funds. That was about it. Burton Malkiel's exhaustive approach to presenting investing principles in easily digestible nuggets is breathtaking. One of the things I love about this book is how easily it demystifies intimidating financial concepts to the layman. The first edition of this book was published in the 1970's and it's STILL going strong - a rarity in this category of literature. No wonder it's a classic. The cost of this book is a joke, considering the value it delivers. I would have gladly payed 50x the cost. This book was recommended to me by Andy Johns. (who lead growth at Twitter, Facebook, Wealthfront etc.) Thanks Andy! (quotes)
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Life is full of struggle and this is must reading if one is interested in succesfully navigating towards worthy destinations. While well compiled, certain parts of the book felt a bit too diluted. I highly recommend reading the original sources mentioned in the book to get a better grasp of the content. (Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Rockefeller etc.) If the source material was 'Budweiser', this book is simply 'budlight'. (quotes)
The Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda

This is the type of story your grandfather will tell you while sitting around a fire pit cooking smores. Fun read. Can't go wrong with the cacti. (quotes)
The Active Side of Infinity by Carlos Castaneda
A Separate Reality by Carlos Castaneda
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Philosophy should not be feared. The book is too long. Although, Galt's speech in the third half of the book is classic and applicable to one's own life in unimaginable ways. Also, this is a work of fiction, so if you are one of those anti-randyan's, calm the fuck down and have some whiskey. (quotes)
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler

Surprisingly good. Recommended by Jim Rohn.
Jim Rohn's weekend leadership event [audio] by Jim Rohn

Extremely valuable life lessons. Skip school altogether, then listen to this 6 times.
Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing by Barry Schwartz

Not particularly impressive, despite the few good nuggets.
The Borowitz Report by Andy Borowitz

Andy is a funny motherfucker. I like him.
Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll

Quite good. Instead of regurgitated startup lingo, actual examples are shown along with the proper metrics to measure. Very useful, for any creator on the internet.
Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings

Fascinating character.
Pharrell: Places and Spaces I've Been by Pharrell Williams

Where do I start? I am constantly impressed by Pharrell's view of the world. The dude is a hyper-curious, creative dynamo with an unbelievable sense of style. As I write this, he's in his 40's, yet he looks like a fucking teenager. Did I mention he's insanely talented? Must read if you engage in any creative work. Beautifully laid out book.
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield

Easily one of the best fictional narratives ever read. Brilliant storytelling. Go read it.
Naked Statistics by Charles Wheelan

I didn't know statistics could be entertaining until I found Charles Wheelan. You will never look at political polls, scientific studies and sociological issues the same. Highly recommended.
Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan

Sagan's imagination and ability to communicate the wonders of science never ceases to baffle me. It is a gift to merely be aware of him.
The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley

Magnificent. (quotes)
The Undiscovered Self by Carl G. Jung
Tryptamine Palace by James Oroc

Absolutely fascinating compound.
Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday
The Stellar Man by John Baines

Useful nuggets of wisdom buried here. (quotes)
The Mentalist's Handbook by Clint Marsh

If anyone has successfully executed feats mentioned in this book, please teach me. I'd love to have sex with a spirit.
Free by Chris Anderson
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Casanova: Actor, Lover, Priest, Spy by Ian Kelly

The original pussy magnet. You can learn a thing or two.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

One of the few drug crazed adventures worth indulging. If Hunter was alive, we would get along just fine. (quotes)
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

Absolutely incredible.
Comedy Improvisation Manual by The Upright Citizens Brigade
What is Zen? by Alan Watts
Artificial Intelligence: The Basics by Kevin Warwick
The Ultimate Introduction to NLP by Richard Bandler
Unlabel: Selling You Without Selling Out by Marc Ecko

Gorgeous layout. The story of how Ecko came to be and Marc's perspective on branding was insightful. Main focus is to not allow anyone to label you and focus on creating art/things that stimulate people's emotions instead of merely consuming.
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Creating Innovators by Tony Wagner

Excellent compliment to Wagner's The Global Achievement Gap. The parenting habits of some of the innovator(s) mentioned are insightful and contains useful nuggets in nurturing a creative mindset in children. (quotes)
Anything you want by Derek Sivers

Simple and powerful guide to business by the founder of CD Baby. Don't let the simplicity deceive you.
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Poignant, profound and unforgettable. Not to mention, seeing human suffering and Auschwitz through the eyes of a psychiatrist is nothing short of fascinating. Required reading if you are human. (quotes)
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

Daniel Coyle asserts that the main elements involved in mastery is: ignition, master coaching and deep practice. These elements are responsible for generating myelin in our brain(s) and in essence, when an individual has built up a critical mass of myelin in relation to a particular skill, we traditionally call them "talented". This was surprisingly insightful. (quotes)
Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis

Fun little wall street flick. Fluid writing that lacks a single ounce of boredom.
True North by Bill George
Talent Is Overrated by Geoffrey Colvin

Great supplement to The Talent Code. Much better coverage on the role of motivation in deliberate practice. The historical example(s) in modeling are also interesting.
Mindset - The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

According to Dweck, everyone has either a 'fixed' or 'growth' mindset. Her research suggests that the most optimal mindset to have is that of a student (i.e: growth), meaning you are constantly seeking challenge(s) and not being self critical when met with failure. Turns out people like Charles Darwin, Ray Charles, Lucille Ball etc. were never noticed for their talents when they were younger and appropriately, Dweck uses them as examples to illustrate the 'growth' mindset.
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams

Tasty nuggets of wisdom from Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert. He credits a systems based approach to life as the key to his success as a cartoonist.
Giants of Enterprise by Richard S. Tedlow

Worthy business and life lessons from the titans. George Eastman was particularly interesting.
A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Around 170 AD, Marcus Aurelius sat down to scribble down some notes about life for himself.. never intending anyone to read them. Well, I am glad it eventually made it to my hands. Timeless wisdom. Recommended by Ryan Holiday.
Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir by Eddie Huang

Eddie Huang gets personal with his immigrant roots, family life and the difficult acclimation into a new country. I related quite a bit to Eddie's story. Entertaining read. The audiobook version narrated by Eddie is better. The show is also super entertaining.
Choose Yourself! by James Altucher

You don't need degrees or credentials to do meaningful work these days and James Altucher is a living example of such mindset. Excellent read, especially if you are in college and/or in your twenties. (VIDEO: James Altucher's talk)
Stanford's CS183 by Peter Thiel

One of the most comprehensive, focused courses on high tech entrepreneurship. Presented by arguably the most qualified guy in Silicon Valley. Class notes and an essay version of those notes are online.
The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner

I originally came across Tony Wagner after watching The Finland Phenomenon. The documentary attempts to deconstruct Finland's educational system and explain why Finnish students are consistently ranked higher in test scores than the rest of the world. This was perplexing to me considering the fact that these kids had very little standardized testing OR homework. Dr. Wagner cites examples of how our intense focus on grooming students on passing tests is actually harming the younger generation(s). Wagner defines "seven survival skills" that he believes to be the most important in producing competent citizens and frames the entire book around those skills. Very interesting. Dr. Tony Wagner has many talks on the topic.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Excellent, research based insights into the formation of habits and how triggers drive them. The corporate example(s) were also insightful.
The Invisible Gorilla by Christopher Chabris

Watch the video if you are unfamiliar with the psychological phenomenon of selective attention and change blindness. Fascinating shit, especially when these concepts are applied to critical situations (i.e. in the courtroom, business, etc.).
Live Your Dreams by Les Brown

One of my favorite people.
The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson

I read the book and watched the entire four hour documentary that's based on the book. My goodness, this is such a goldmine. I am more impressed at Niall Ferguson's presentation than his acumen of economic history. He also does a fantastic job on the documentary version of the book. I just wish I was smart enough to understand the complex labyrinth that is our financial system - regardless, this should be required reading/viewing for all adults. (quotes)
The Celestine Prophecy: An Adventure by James Redfield

This is like the spiritual version of The Blair Witch Project.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Coelho does an excellent job of capturing the emotional and solitary struggle involved in someone who has a deep desire to chase their dreams and consequently helps you articulate your own desire into a more tangible form. Great read.
Happy Endings by Jim Norton

Hilarious. End of story.
The Long Tail by Chris Anderson

Paradigm shifting model that defines internet commerce. Recommended by Mitch Thrower.
The First Tycoon by T.J. Stiles

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a bad motherfucker. If you are not familiar, Vanderbilt was an uneducated former boatman that essentially invented the concept of modern capitalism. This biography will give you a glimpse into the behavioral and psychological elements that comprised one of the wealthiest/shrewdest men to have ever walked the face of the earth. Many important lessons in strategy, hard work, loyalty and out-executing your opponent till they lie bloodied on the floor gasping for air. Tedious, yet worthy read.
Maverick by Ricardo Semler

Ricardo Semler is the epitome of iconoclastic thinking. Being a young CEO in his fathers archaic company (Semco corporation of Brazil) - this guy turned pretty much every well known business tradition on it's head by completely rewriting them. Not only will you find critical business and life wisdom in here, Maverick will shell shock your cranium with an entirely different perspective on how to approach business. Skip that MBA and read this instead.
The Art of the Personal Letter by Margaret Shepherd

A lost art that needs reviving.
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh

Tony Hsieh is no amateur. At age 24 he sold LinkExchange to Microsoft for $265MM then at 35, Zappos to Amazon for $1.2B. Zappos really nails customer service and this is worth reading just to get a glimpse into the company culture.
The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

You are what you think. Simple and powerful. Read the book but get the audiobook for quick refreshers. Anything by Earl Nightingale is solid.
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

A great glimpse into Branson's thought process that catalyzed a globally recognized brand and consequently made him one of the most successful business magnates in the world. This guy is the perfect mix of hippie and genius. Being a dyslexic academic failure also adds to the story. Despite his success in business, I think Branson's most admirable and important quality is his humility and that was my main takeaway from this book. If you are strapped for time, you can read the epilogue at the very end (which I consider to be the most important) and get by - otherwise, read the entire thing.
Anyone Can Do It: My Story / Wake up and change your life by Duncan Bannatyne

Duncan's personality really resonated with my own for some reason. The fact that Duncan didn't even consider pursing the entrepreneurial route until he was 29 is a refreshing contrast from all the A-type's who claim to have run lemonade stands at age 5. Duncan is the real deal. Anyone Can Do It takes you through a quick snapshot of Duncan's evolution from broke outcast to a multimillionaire. Wake up and change your life is much more practical and covers the how-to's of entrepreneurship.
Healing Our World: In an Age of Aggression by Mary J. Ruwart

A bit quixotic, but great intentions on human interactions.
Different by Youngme Moon

Youngme Moon teaches a Consumer Marketing class at Harvard Business School. Excellent marketing title. It's an easy read and Moon's perspective will surely change your own marketing lens for the better. Recommended by Yanik Silver.
DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) will show you God. One of the most fascinating psychedelic compounds. The documentary is also good.
The Code Book by Simon Singh

Simon Singh never disappoints. Easily one of the best science writers. In this book, he gives a very thorough and entertaining history of encryption, secret communication(s) methods and the people responsible for advancing the field of cryptography. The last few chapters deal with modern issues relating to crypto and secure communications and is equally entertaining. Singh certainly helped me understand quantum cryptography in a much clearer and concise manner. Good read.
The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll

Cuckoo's Egg is a rare mix. It has a little bit of all the necessary ingredients: computer geekery, technical accuracy, a master spy-hunter and a suspenseful story line to wrap it all up. It was written in 1989 by Astronomer Clifford Stoll and recounts a story where Stoll is hunting a nefarious computer hacker that broke into the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory. Entertaining, if you are a geek.
Out of Your Mind [audio] by Alan Watts

Wild spiritual ride. One of my favorite people.
Code by Charles Petzold

Beautifully written. One of the best technology books.
Secrets and Lies by Bruce Schneier

Bruce Schneier is easily my favorite person in computer security and cryptography. His objective analysis of security issues (irrespective of context) and his ability to communicate his way of thinking to the layman is inspiring. Not only that, his unflinching temperament has been undeniably consistent throughout the years — meaning, he has huge testicles when dealing with monolithic adversaries. I wholeheartedly recommend all of his books, including: Beyond Fear & Liars and Outliers and of course Applied Cryptography. It's an honor to have people like Schneier in existence. Seriously. (Schneier's Blog)
The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die by John B. Izzo
My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday
Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger

I got a hold of this mainly because there were far too many people blabbering "Big Data! Big Data! It's all about Big Data!" around me. The difference is that, the author(s) do a far better job articulating and giving a high level overview of why Big Data is important and how it's going to be paradigm shifting. I found the example of using floor sensors to collect data from objects/people (note: couldn't find the exact source from Tokyo, but this paper is related) and Apple being granted a patent for collecting blood oxygenation levels, heart rate and body temperature data from users wearing it's white Apple earbuds to be particularly interesting.
The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman

Compelling read on the effectiveness of decentralized organizations in comparison to bureaucratic/hierarchical structures. Wikipedia, Skype, The Internet etc. are all modern day examples that reinforce Brafman's arguments.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger

Deconstructs the elements that make up a successful viral marketing effort. Berger's six principles are an excellent checklist for anyone attempting to spread their message far and wide on the web. Surprisingly well researched, useful and contains excellent historical examples.
The Start-up of You by Reid Hoffman
Without Their Permission by Alexis Ohanian

Debut book by reddit Co-founder. Trite would be an understatement. Reads much like a diluted Paul Graham essay.
The Art of the Steal by Frank W. Abagnale
In The Plex by Steven Levy

Very well researched and entertaining insight into the blood and guts of Google.
The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

Nicholas Carr explains the downsides of the Internet and how it affects our brain. Would be fun to see some sort of a longitudinal study with children who are born with the web. The positives still seem to outweigh the negatives. This ancient Chinese adage sums up my views: If the wrong man uses the right means, the right means work in the wrong way.
The 48 Laws of Power / The Art of Seduction / The 33 Strategies of War / The 50th Law / Mastery all by Robert Greene

I am not going to insult Robert with a petty review. I am a big fan of all his work. If I were to pick a favorite, it would be all of them. If you are new to Greene, start with Mastery, but eventually, read all of them. They are all excellent. (My interview with Robert) (quotes)
Iconoclast by Gregory Berns

Dr. Gregory Burns utilizes a neuroscience based approach to isolate the critical elements of iconoclastic thinking. The three major elements are: Flawed perception, Fear of failure and the Inability to persuade others. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended by Eric Von Sydow.
SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham

Excellent data driven guide to optimum sales strategy. Aimed at sales professionals, but everyone should read it for the psychological insights.
Power of self-esteem / Taking Responsibility by Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden is often known as the father of the self-esteem movement and I can see why. Again, if you are human, you will find these books worthwhile. Branden was also close acquaintances with Ayn Rand. Recommended by Bodie Zukewycz. (quotes)
Emotionally Free by Dr. David Viscott

If you are human, you are going to find this book useful. Recommended by Bodie Zukewycz. (quotes)
Outliers / The Tipping Point / Blink / David and Goliath all by Malcolm Gladwell

I liked all of them. Gladwell has a fun, fluid and entertaining writing style that rarely bores.
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Wait. Human's are irrational? The fuck? I already know that. Either way, Dan Ariely lays out his arguments in a scientifically backed, thought provoking manner. Highly recommended.
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Atul Aawande is a surgeon, so I had to pay attention to what he had to say about using checklists to minimize and/or eliminate errors in increasingly complex work environment(s). I particularly enjoyed the aviation examples. (quotes)
Pimp: The Story of My Life by Iceberg Slim

Raw, uncut and full of energy. Easily one of the most authentic voices. If you get a chance, listen to the audiobook instead. I almost dropped my dinner multiple times in laughter. Highly entertaining. (quotes)
Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday
The Young Man's Guide by William A. Alcott

Aside from the hint of religious nonsense, this is actually decent. Can act as a compass for males, especially if you are a product of shitty parenting.
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland

Simple, concise and well executed. (quotes)
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Jeff Olson does a good job providing a systems based approach to streamlining daily routines. Worth reading just for awareness.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Magnificent. I still cannot wrap my head around Stephen King's inability to remember writing novel(s) due to severe inebriation.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

The title is an understatement. Excellent. (quotes)
An Underground Education by Richard Zacks

Many "What the fuck?" moments. Entertaining.
The Intellectual Devotional by David S. Kidder

The idea is to read just one page per day. Each lesson is drawn from the major fields of knowledge: history, literature, philosophy, mathematics, science, religion, fine arts and music. Well executed and makes for great pre-bedtime reading.
Self University by Charles D. Hayes

Excellent work. Required reading for autodidacts. You will never look at learning the same way. (My interview with Charles)
Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson

Compelling read. Worth it's weight in platinum. Recommended by Elon Musk.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

One of the realest motherfuckers to have ever set foot on this little blue planet. Highly recommended. The PBS documentary (Malcolm X: Make it plain) is also fantastic. (quotes)
Way of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

I don't know if it changed my life, but it certainly comes across as a diluted Disney version of eastern philosophy. It's decent. Recommended by Eric Von Sydow.
How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis

Despite the clichéd title, Felix Dennis nails this with poetic prose and honesty. (quotes)
Think and Grow Rich / Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill

I have a framed picture of Napoleon Hill. His work is omnipotent. This is the closest thing you will find to a manual on wealth and success.
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

Despite some obvious factual mistakes, I enjoyed this. Genghis Khan never ceases to amaze me.
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

Classic. Fascinating read. Should be in every evolutionary psychology reading list.
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

This reads like a hyper-condensed cheat sheet on being effective as a key decision maker in a company. Interesting approach.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing / The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries

Both are quick and easy reads. The powerful lessons contained within however, are not so easy to implement. Excellent.
The Attention-Deficit Workplace by Mitch Thrower
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

Elissa Wall is much like Deborah Layton (Author of Seductive Poison) in that she escaped Warren Jeffs's FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) cult after years of emotional and sexual abuse. Unbelievable story. (VIDEO: Elissa Wall talking about her book)
Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple by Deborah Layton

Reading a first hand account of Jonestown/Peoples Temple from one of it's survivors (Deborah Layton) is surreal. What's even crazier is the FBI audio recordings from 1978 right before Jim Jones had all of his followers drink cyanide laced kool-aid in Guayana. Fucking nuts.