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Top summer 2024 book recommendations from the a16z Crypto team
The a16z crypto team has curated an extensive list of reading recommendations for summer 2024, spanning a wide range of genres, from fantasy to seafaring adventures to deep dives into economic theory and the complexities of modern finance. According to a16z crypto, the list aims to cater to different tastes, ensuring that every reader finds something interesting.
Fantasy and fiction selections
Brittney Burrows from the events team recommends RF Kuang’s Babel, describing it as a beautifully written mix of fantasy and heartbreak. It also highlights A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the final book in the Wheel of Time series, for its epic storytelling and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Michael Blau of the Deal team suggests Sōsuke Natsukawa’s The Cat Who Saved the Books, a cozy and heartwarming read that resonates with book lovers. Additionally, Chris Dixon, a founding partner, recommends Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being and David McCullough’s The Great Bridge for their insightful narratives about creativity and the wonders of engineering.
Nonfiction and thought-provoking reads
Joseph Bonneau of the research team praises Flying Blind by Peter Robison, while Sam Broner of the research team delves into Seeing Like a State by James C. Scott, which offers a critical perspective on organizational operations and decentralization.
For those interested in finance and economics, Michael Blau also recommends Broken Money: Why Our Financial System is Failing Us and How We Can Make it Better by Lyn Alden and Payments Systems in the US: A Guide for the Payments Professional by Carol Coye Benson, Scott Loftesness, and Russ Jones. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of current financial systems and the potential of decentralized digital currencies.
Memories and personal development
Shari Doherty from the marketing team shares her passion for Alex Hutchinson’s Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, a book that explores the science and psychology of endurance. She also recommends How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle by Matt Fitzgerald, which features interviews with elite athletes.
Chris Dixon also highlights Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a memoir that interweaves reflections on running and writing, while Jay Drain, Jr. of the Deal Team echoes this sentiment, emphasizing its introspective nature.
Historical and contemporary analysis
Eddy Lazzarin of the Engineering Team recommends Against the Grain by James C. Scott for its unconventional approach to the history of civilization, and The Ancient City by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges for its exploration of the beliefs of the proto-Indo-European peoples.
For a compelling historical narrative, Bill Hinman of the Politics team suggests Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane and The CIA: An Imperial History by Hugh Wilford, which offer new perspectives on the history of the CIA.
Science and Technology
Andy Hall of the research group recommends Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic by Emily Monosson, which explores evolutionary competition and strategic battles between organisms. Mason Hall of the agreement team suggests Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a science fiction novel that balances intellectual stimulation with emotional engagement.
For tech enthusiasts, Scott Duke Kominers of the Research Group highlights Sid Meier’s MEMOIR!: A Life in Computer Games, a memoir full of game design history and entrepreneurial advice.
For more detailed advice, visit the original a16z encryption send.
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