Dancing Naked in the Mine Field  (1998)

Author: Kary Mullis. Kary is basically the inventor of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I found this book in the dollar bin, and I had to get it for a summer read. It talks about the discovery of polymerase chain reaction from Kary’s personal perspective. It is about trials and tribulations and a lot of interesting politics. It is just fascinating and a delightful read. Perfect.

The Content Beast (2023)

Author: Jeffrey Klein. The book is about using stories to get your message across. It comes down to creating consistent, valuable content, which I’m sure my StarFish colleagues will appreciate. Jeffrey started in the film business trying to create visual stories for people. So, the book is all about different types of visual communication, different platforms and just getting your message across and engaging in a memorable way.  I really enjoyed it. It’s written very punchy as well and is a quick read.

Change Your Questions, Change Your Life (2004)

Author: Marilee G. Adams. Questions are at the core of how we listen, behave, think, and relate–as individuals and organizations. Virtually everything we think and do is generated by questions. Questions push us into new territories. The future begins with our thinking, represented by the questions we ask ourselves. It is mainly about trying to ask a question and getting what we want. For me it’s more on the line and something percent. And then to actually begin for the questioning part. So I try to learn how to ask questions like that.

Redemption Ark (2002)

Author: Alastair Reynolds The only hope for humanity lies in the recovery of a secret cache of doomsday weapons -and a renegade named Clavain who is determined to find them.   Alastair Reynolds’ books tend to be high science fiction, but I recommend this work.

Consider Phlebas  (1987)

Within the cosmic conflict, an individual crusade. Deep within a fabled labyrinth on a barren world, a Planet of the Dead proscribed to mortals, lay a fugitive Mind. Both the Culture and the Idirans sought it. 

The Player of Games (1988)

The Culture – a humanoid/machine symbiotic society – has thrown up many great Game Players. One of the best is Jernau Morat Gurgeh, Player of Games, master of every board, computer and strategy. It’s a good read.  These three books are good science fiction titles.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2002)

This is a documentary of a team making a documentary in South America. Hugo Chavez was in power at that time when suddenly things started to change and lots of events unfolded. What the media told people and what was actually happening were two different things. You can appreciate how we should not succumb to the media narratives, which are mostly reality, but certainly not in binary terms. Reality is somewhere in between.

The Anxious Generation (2024)

Author: Jonathan Haidt. I wish I had more time to read books. I’ve got a toddler, so my mind is in the parenting world right now. I have an aspirational list that I want to get to, and this is one of them. It’s all about how social media is affecting the way kids think and interact in the social world more broadly. Especially how it adds to what they’re seeing as anxiety in up-and-coming generations.

The Black Swan (2007)

Author: Nassim Nicholas Taleb talks about improbable events. The Black Swan comes from Faisal describing impossible events in the 16th century when it was thought that all swans must be white. When people saw a Black Swan, it was an improbable event. The author is a former trader, now in economics. He describes how when a system becomes really complex, you can get a probability out of the system, but when it becomes too complicated, you cannot predict the system.  

The Drillmaster of Valley Forge (2008)

Author: Paul Lockhart offers a really entertaining and thought provoking accounting of a remarkable German (Baron de Steuben) who helped shape the American Army from 1778 – 1794. Not surprisingly, the author is a professor of History. I learned a lot and saw many similarities to modern politics. Highly recommended.

The Thursday Murder Club series (2024)

Author: Richard Osman. (Editor’s note: The link is to a five-book collection: The Thursday Murder Club, Man Who Died Twice, Bullet That Missed, Last Devil To Die, We Solve Murders).

The Grey Wolf (2024)

Author: Louise Penny “The 19th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.”

Remarkably Bright Creatures (2022)

Author: Shelby Van Pelt. “An exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.”

All the Colors of the Dark (2024)

Author: Chris Whitaker. Nominee for Readers’ Favorite

Mystery & Thriller (2024). From the New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End comes a soaring thriller and an epic love story that spans decades.

How to Read a Book (2024)

Author: Monica Wood. “A charming, deeply moving novel about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories.”

Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Department Q series (Danish mystery series)

I just finished the last book (book # 10) and am so sad that there won’t be more. Editor’s note: the link for this entry is to a book titled Jussi Adler-Olsen Books in Order- How to Make Great Thrillers Even Better! It is self-described as “the most comprehensive Jussi Adler-Olsen book order and checklist available: Department Q books in order, a complete list of standalone novels, plus a Jussi Adler-Olsen biography. By knowing the Department Q book order, you’ll enjoy Jussi Adler-Olsen’s books far more”.

Chief Inspiration Officer: How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to Be On (2021)

Author: Val Ries. It is a fantastic read for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills. The book offers practical advice using real-world examples on how to inspire and motivate a team. The author is very engaging storyteller, not unlike Malcom Gladwell (one of my favorites). It really changed my way of thinking this year.

Life is Short And So Is This Book: Brief Thoughts On Making The Most Of Your Life (2011)

Author: Peter Atkins This book is full of short, sweet, and concise thought-provoking insights into living life intentionally. Learning how to “Carpe-Diem” with a strong emphasis on the importance of saying “no” to things that don’t align with your values and goals and learning how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to learning and growth. I just loved this book…wished it was longer!

Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (2017)

Author: Kim Malone Scott. I loved the techniques presented and how they can support a stronger and more honest relationship with my team.

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders make Everyone Smarter (2010)

Authors: Liz Wiseman, Greg McKeow. Provided some great techniques to be a better leader and support your team to be their best at work.

The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World (2022)

Author: David Robson. This book explains how your mindset can impact your day to day and overall success.

Stolen Focus- Why You Can’t Pay Attention–and How to Think Deeply Again  (2022)

Author: Johann Hari. This was a really great reality check on the impact that modern technology has on our ability to focus and provided some techniques to overcome the noise.