Erich’s Reading of 2020

Here is the on going list of books Erich has read so far in 2020.

Bottle of Lies: The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom by Katherine Eban (Audiobook)

"Who cares? It's just blacks dying." Ranbaxy medical director in regards to the issue of the quality of the HIV drugs for Africa

This is the story inside generic drug manufacturing. There are many layers of misconduct that leave those affected by hung out to dry. Again those who are affected have options or even knowledge of what's happening. For me, this also hits a bit close to home; I have work for a testing facility. While we don't test pharmaceuticals, the same principles apply. We run tests to ensure that products don't have failures when they are manufactured and can put real lives at risk. Testing can be for cars, planes, electronics, healthcare devices, etc. As the above quote points out, some within these companies have lost an understanding of why their company exists. Surely it's not only to make money.

Stan Lee's Alliances: A Trick of Light (Audiobook)

I saw this book released shortly before Stan Lee had passed away and was surprised to see him come out with something outside of the marvel universe. This story was a modern adaptation to the team's values on what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself. At times, it dark and gritty but captures a human story. A pulls the reader on an emotional journey with hopes and fears along the way. 

Flourish by Martin Seligman

I wanted to read Flourish after it was mentioned by Compete to Create as some of the source material in their courses and thinking. For me, Flourish was an influential book in opening my eyes to positive psychology. I feel drawn to it and apply it regularly in my life. Overall, Flourish is a book I could recommend in those who are interested in well-being. How do you organize our lives to flourish every day? I hope to build a blueprint to answer this question.

The Idea Factory by Jon Gertner

The story of Bell Labs. In many ways, a parallel story to The Dream Machine, I read in 2019. I've been fascinated by the people behind the technology that have shaped the world we live in today. AT&T helped create the world of cellphones that we have today. They didn't mean for that to happen, but they funded the dreamers that made it possible. That's what I find most interesting. History is full of examples of companies at their peak that allow for open exploration. Not for profit, but for what it might be. Eventually, the golden age ends, but the independent investigation leads to many more areas to explore under new stewardship.

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

I read this book after listening to Tristan Harris on the Tim Ferriss show. Even though this book is a commentary about television, I believe it parallels some of the impact of the internet and social media. 

Throughout the book, I wondered what Neil would think of the world today. I think one level he would be disappointed because of the problems he saw with TV had been transferred to the internet. But at the same time, I am hopeful of opportunities afforded by the internet. 

Overall, the book allows us to stop and think about the ways we communicate. We are so connected to how we communicate. We don't stop and think about how that affects the way we communicate. 

Ride of A Life Time by Robert Iger (Audiobook)

I enjoyed the story of Bob Iger. What I took away was the unlikely journey to the CEO of Disney. The other part of the story that struck me was the care he had for other people he met along the way. In particular, what he had to say about Steve Jobs and George Lucas. He tried to honor what they created for both of these people and the people employed by their companies. What I took away from this book is that leadership is built on vulnerability and trust; both are linked together. 

I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart (Audiobook)

If there is any book to have in audio it is this one, Kevin Hart narrates the book in a way only he can. In his story, he leaves no stone unturned he reflects on all stages of his life, from not applying himself to school and watching as all his friends made plans for their future. Kevin shares all the emotions and mindsets to work through. All along the way, he shares stories of his family and his mistakes. Kevin takes responsibility for his actions and how each mistake is something to learn from and not hide. Kevin Hart's life is one we could all take lessons from.

The Crooked River (Pendergast Series 19) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Fun Fact: Preston and Child are my two favorite thriller authors. They are part of the reason why I fell in love with books. The best way to describe many of their novels is a modern Sherlock Holmes. The main character is maverick FBI Agent Pendergast, who is as an albino with a cat-like demeanor and southern drawl smooth as honey. 

This story takes place in the quiet resort town of Sanibel Island, Florida. The tranquility interrupted when identical shoes begin washing up on shore with crudely severed feet begin washing up onshore. Agent Pendergast is called to solve the mystery. 

Defining Decade by Meg Jay

“Twentysomethings who don't feel anxious and incompetent at work are usually overconfident or underemployed.”

The Defining Decade is a book that I would recommend to any high school graduate. The book provides context around common issues most twenty-somethings will face. Meg doesn't stop there. She offers appropriate solutions to work through those problems. While reading this book, I reflected on my earlier twenties. I realized some of the choices I made that have paid off and now as a graduate what I still have work to do. 

Tiny Beautiful Things  by Cheryl Strayed

"Run toward the darkness, sweet peas, and shine." - Sugar

A quote in the forward of this book captured my attention:

"Tiny Beautiful Things will endure as a piece of literary art," Almond writes, "as will Cheryl's other books because they do the essential work of literary art: they make us more human than we were before."

This book did not disappoint at all. The book is written from the perspective of an advice column where people write in with their problems and ask for help. The book is a kaleidoscope of the human experience, and the audiobook is narrated by Cheryl, which adds even more texture. If you get this book in audio, listen and marinate in the stories of those not so different from you, you won't be disappointed.

Bonus - this book was, in part, an inspiration for the blog Secret Crowds.

Misbehaving by Richard Thaler

“What makes the bias particularly pernicious is that we all recognize this bias in others but not in ourselves.”

Misbehaving is the quest to understand why statistical models don't hold up with real-world behaviors.

I've become interested in behavior economics lately. In many ways, through this lens, you better understand how people behave in a given situation.

Found uniquely in this book is the man behind it, Richard Thaler. He sheds a lot of character on the foundations as he was a young renegade finding his way through uncharted territory—some of it with a little self-deprecation and even a chip on his shoulder. We all can root for the underdog, right?

I view behavioral economics as a way to help understand your behaviors. For instance, stay you want to eat healthier. The first step is to stop buying the unhealthy food you consume. Will power is limited, and you're one stressful day from consuming all the ice cream no matter disciplined you, unless your David Goggins.

If you are interested in understanding the overlap between psychology and economics, this is a great place to start.

The Great Mental Models Volume 2: Physics, Chemistry and Biology by Shane Parrish and Rhiannon Beaubien

“When you see someone doing something that doesn’t make sense to you, ask yourself what the world would have to look like to you for those actions to make sense.” ― Shane Parrish, The Great Mental Models, Volume 2: Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Mental Models are like tools in a toolbox. But most see them as abstractions for specific use cases. The Great Mental Models Volume 2 will show you how to apply them to your life. Think better, live better.

Creativity, Inc by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

“You are not your idea, and if you identify too closely with your ideas, you will take offense when they are challenged.”

Creativity Inc. is easily in my top five books read for the year. The book's two main parts, the first being the story of young creative who wanted to create stories with the same depth that captured his attention from Walt Disney. Ed learned from mentors from afar to emulate the past and create a modern version of the same vision. The second is understanding that creativity is bigger than any single person. What's more important than anything is a culture that allows candor and feedback to push those in it to produce the best work that they can. 

In many ways, I feel like a kindred spirit to Ed Catmull. As an engineer who needed to redefine what creativity was and someone who believes in creating a culture if I may be so bold a world that allows everyone to thrive as they see fit. Also, a bonus, you get raw impressions of Steve Jobs as Ed worked with him for many years. As always, Steve Jobs was complex, but you get a sense of massive growth throughout the time they spent together. Pixar meant something to Steve; he believed in a vision. That vision will continue for the foreseeable future to continue to work it magic on generations to come. 

The Sharp End of Life by Dierdre Wolownick

I read this book after Dierdre was a guest on the podcast. I wanted to dive deeper into her story and unpack the threads we had covered in our conversation together. I found her story to be one of resiliency and grit. The story is all the more impressive since she is the mother of Alex Honold. Many times I found myself wondering how someone could put up with some struggle. Maybe at the end of the day, believing in yourself and doing what you need to for those you love is enough? Even still, Dierdre's story doesn't end there. She continues to push herself to grow even to this day. In this memoir, you will find insights to keep reaching ever higher, climber, or not.