Books & Audiobooks
What I'm reading and what I've finished
Completed
The Empathy Dilemma
by Jamil Zaki
Synopsis:
A book by Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki that challenges conventional views of empathy, arguing that while empathy is crucial for social connection, it can also lead to burnout, tribalism, and inaction. Zaki proposes that we must develop 'strategic empathy'—a sustainable, flexible, and targeted approach—to harness its power effectively in a complex world.
Published:
2024
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Genre:
Psychology, Nonfiction, Self-Help
Pages:
336
ISBN:
9781324006191
Thinking Machine Nvidia
by Luke Dormehl
Synopsis:
A detailed narrative history of Nvidia, tracing its transformation from a struggling graphics card company into the dominant force in the artificial intelligence revolution, highlighting the crucial role of its GPUs in enabling modern deep learning and generative AI.
Published:
2024
Publisher:
MIT Press
Genre:
Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Business History
Pages:
320
ISBN:
9780262049010
Empire of Ai Karen Hao
by Karen Hao
Synopsis:
An investigative look into the global race for artificial intelligence, focusing on the power dynamics, ethical compromises, and massive influence wielded by the tech giants—specifically Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI—who are shaping the future of AI and the world.
Published:
2024
Publisher:
Doubleday
Genre:
Nonfiction, Technology, Business, Investigative Journalism
Pages:
320
ISBN:
9780385548694
Awards:
null
The Man from the Future
by Andrew Hodges
Synopsis:
A definitive and accessible biography of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician, computer scientist, and codebreaker who laid the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence. This book is an expanded and updated version of the acclaimed 1983 biography, 'Alan Turing: The Enigma', exploring Turing's life, his pivotal role in Bletchley Park during WWII, his groundbreaking theoretical work, and the tragic circumstances of his later life.
Published:
2023
Publisher:
Princeton University Press
Genre:
Biography, Science, History
Pages:
608
ISBN:
9780691244973
Awards:
null
Never Finished
by David Goggins
Synopsis:
The highly anticipated follow-up to 'Can't Hurt Me,' David Goggins shares more about his life journey, focusing on how to push past perceived limitations, overcome mental barriers, and achieve true self-mastery by confronting and conquering the internal war that prevents people from reaching their full potential.
Published:
2023
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Self-Help, Memoir, Motivational
Pages:
336
ISBN:
9781982168503
Awards:
null
Art Thief
by Michael Finkel
Synopsis:
A true crime narrative detailing the life and crimes of Stéphane Breitwieser, who stole over 200 pieces of art from museums across Europe, prioritizing passion over profit, and the subsequent investigation into his motives and methods.
Published:
2023
Publisher:
Alfred A. Knopf
Genre:
Non-fiction, True Crime, Biography
Pages:
288
ISBN:
9780525657896
Awards:
null
Elon Musk
by Walter Isaacson
Synopsis:
A comprehensive biography based on two years of shadowing Elon Musk, attending his meetings, walking his factories, and conducting hundreds of interviews with him, his family, friends, colleagues, and adversaries. The book explores the personality, drive, and controversial actions of the entrepreneur behind SpaceX, Tesla, and X (formerly Twitter).
Published:
2023
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Biography, Nonfiction, Business
Pages:
688
ISBN:
978-1982181285
Awards:
null
The Cryptopians
by Laura Shin
Synopsis:
A deeply reported history of the cryptocurrency revolution, focusing on the early days of Ethereum, the DAO hack, and the personalities—from idealists to scammers—who shaped the decentralized finance movement.
Published:
2022
Publisher:
PublicAffairs
Genre:
Non-fiction, Business, Finance, Technology
Pages:
496
ISBN:
9781541763002
Awards:
null
Quit
by Annie Duke
Synopsis:
A guide exploring the strategic advantage of knowing when to quit projects, jobs, or relationships that are no longer serving us, arguing that 'grit' is often overrated and quitting is a crucial skill for success.
Published:
2022
Publisher:
Portfolio
Genre:
Business, Psychology, Self-Help
Pages:
288
ISBN:
9780593422095
Awards:
null
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli
by Mark Seal
Synopsis:
A detailed narrative account of the chaotic, dramatic, and often dangerous production history of the iconic 1972 film 'The Godfather,' exploring the conflicts between Hollywood executives, the filmmakers, and real-life organized crime figures.
Published:
2021
Publisher:
Gallery Books
Genre:
Nonfiction, Film History, Cultural History
Pages:
336
ISBN:
9781982180016
Awards:
null
All About Me
by Mel Brooks
Synopsis:
The legendary comedian, writer, director, and producer Mel Brooks chronicles his extraordinary life and career, from his childhood in Brooklyn to his service in WWII, and his groundbreaking work in film, television, and Broadway, including 'The Producers,' 'Blazing Saddles,' and 'Young Frankenstein.'
Published:
2021
Publisher:
Penguin Press
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Humor
Pages:
480
ISBN:
978-0593138587
Awards:
null
Chasing Thel Ight
by Oliver Stone
Synopsis:
The memoir of Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone, covering his early life, military service in Vietnam, and his turbulent rise in Hollywood, culminating in the creation of films like 'Platoon,' 'Wall Street,' and 'Midnight Express.'
Published:
2020
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Film History
Pages:
384
ISBN:
978-0544551137
Awards:
null
Greenlights
by Matthew McConaughey
Synopsis:
Matthew McConaughey's memoir is a collection of stories, poems, photographs, and life lessons learned over fifty years. Drawing from the diaries he kept since he was fourteen, the book explores his journey from Uvalde, Texas, to Hollywood stardom, focusing on how he learned to recognize and act upon 'greenlights'—the moments of affirmation and success—while navigating the 'yellows' and 'reds' of life.
Published:
2020
Publisher:
Crown
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Nonfiction
Pages:
304
ISBN:
978-0593139139
Awards:
null
How to Decide
by Annie Duke
Synopsis:
Annie Duke provides practical tools and frameworks for improving decision-making quality. The book focuses on separating the quality of a decision from the quality of its outcome, helping readers manage uncertainty and make better choices under pressure.
Published:
2020
Publisher:
Portfolio
Genre:
Self-Help, Decision Making, Psychology, Business
Pages:
240
ISBN:
9780593420490
Awards:
null
Ai Valley Gary Rivlin
by Gary Rivlin
Synopsis:
A deep dive into the rapid, often chaotic transformation of Silicon Valley, focusing on how the pursuit of artificial intelligence and massive venture capital funding is reshaping the global economy, society, and the very nature of work. Rivlin examines the cultural shifts, the winners and losers, and the ethical dilemmas posed by the AI revolution.
Published:
2020
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Non-Fiction, Technology, Business, Social Commentary
Pages:
336
ISBN:
9781501195221
Awards:
null
Bitcoin Billionaires
by Ben Mezrich
Synopsis:
The true story of the Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, who, after their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook, invested their settlement money into the nascent and volatile world of Bitcoin, eventually becoming the world's first Bitcoin billionaires.
Published:
2019
Publisher:
Celadon Books
Genre:
Non-fiction, Business, Finance, Technology
Pages:
272
ISBN:
9781250217740
Awards:
null
Man Who Solved the Market
by Gregory Zuckerman
Synopsis:
A detailed biography of Jim Simons, the enigmatic mathematician and founder of Renaissance Technologies, revealing how he built the world's most successful hedge fund, Medallion, by pioneering quantitative trading and launching the quant revolution.
Published:
2019
Publisher:
Portfolio / Penguin Press
Genre:
Biography, Finance, Business
Pages:
384
ISBN:
978-0735217980
Awards:
null
Acid for the Children
by Flea
Synopsis:
Acid for the Children is the memoir of Michael 'Flea' Balzary, the bassist and co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It chronicles his chaotic childhood in Australia and New York, his struggles with addiction, his deep love for music, and the formation of the iconic band, offering a raw and poetic look at his life before global fame.
Published:
2019
Publisher:
Grand Central Publishing
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Music
Pages:
400
ISBN:
9781455599542
Awards:
null
Trillian Dollor Coach
by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle
Synopsis:
This book details the life and leadership principles of Bill Campbell, a former football coach and executive who mentored some of the most successful figures in Silicon Valley, including Steve Jobs, Larry Page, and Jeff Bezos. It outlines his philosophy on management, team building, and coaching that helped build iconic companies like Google, Apple, and Intuit.
Published:
2019
Publisher:
Grand Central Publishing
Genre:
Business, Leadership, Biography
Pages:
240
ISBN:
978-1538748714
Awards:
null
Can't Hurt Me
by David Goggins
Synopsis:
David Goggins recounts his transformation from a depressed, overweight young man with a difficult childhood into a U.S. Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and ultra-endurance athlete. The book details his '40% Rule' and provides practical advice and challenges for readers to push past perceived limitations and achieve their full potential by mastering their minds and embracing pain.
Published:
2018
Publisher:
Lioncrest Publishing
Genre:
Self-Help, Autobiography, Motivation, Memoir
Pages:
272
ISBN:
978-1544507859
Awards:
None major specified; primarily known for bestseller status and cultural impact.
Billion Dollar Whale
by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope
Synopsis:
An investigative account of the 1MDB scandal, detailing how Malaysian financier Jho Low allegedly masterminded a massive global fraud, siphoning billions of dollars from a Malaysian state fund to finance lavish parties, Hollywood films (like 'The Wolf of Wall Street'), and luxury real estate, all while evading international authorities.
Published:
2018
Publisher:
Hachette Books
Genre:
Nonfiction, True Crime, Business, Investigative Journalism
Pages:
400
ISBN:
9780316436577
Awards:
Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award Shortlist (2018)
Thinking in Bets
by Annie Duke
Synopsis:
Former professional poker player Annie Duke explores how to make better decisions by understanding the role of luck versus skill. She argues that we should adopt 'probabilistic thinking' and treat decisions as bets, focusing on the quality of the decision-making process rather than the outcome.
Published:
2018
Publisher:
Portfolio
Genre:
Business, Psychology, Decision Making, Self-Help
Pages:
272
ISBN:
9780735217524
Awards:
null
Man for All Markets
by Edward O. Thorp
Synopsis:
The autobiography of Edward O. Thorp, a renowned mathematician, hedge fund manager, and inventor of card counting. The book details his journey from developing mathematical strategies to beat games like blackjack and roulette to successfully applying those principles to the stock market, pioneering quantitative finance and demonstrating how mathematical rigor can conquer seemingly random systems.
Published:
2017
Publisher:
Random House
Genre:
Autobiography, Finance, Mathematics
Pages:
432
ISBN:
9780812997731
Awards:
null
Leonardo Da Vinci
by Walter Isaacson
Synopsis:
Based on thousands of pages from Leonardo's notebooks and new discoveries about his life and work, this biography weaves together his art and science to reveal a genius whose creativity was based on connecting the humanities and the sciences. Isaacson explores how Leonardo's passions, curiosity, and powers of observation made him the ultimate exemplar of the Renaissance man.
Published:
2017
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Biography, History, Art
Pages:
624
ISBN:
9781501139154
Awards:
null
Never Split the Difference
by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
Synopsis:
A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiation, arguing that traditional compromise is often the worst outcome. Voss introduces techniques like tactical empathy, mirroring, labeling, and the 'No' oriented question to achieve superior results in business and personal life.
Published:
2016
Publisher:
HarperBusiness
Genre:
Business, Negotiation, Self-Help, Nonfiction
Pages:
288
ISBN:
978-0062312804
Career of Evil
by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
Synopsis:
The third novel in the Cormoran Strike series. Private detective Cormoran Strike receives a package containing a woman's severed leg. As the police focus on suspects from Strike's past, he and his partner Robin Ellacott must race against time to uncover which of four potential enemies is the killer, leading them on a dark trail through London's underworld.
Published:
2015
Publisher:
Sphere Books (UK), Little, Brown and Company (US)
Genre:
Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller
Pages:
512
ISBN:
978-0316349911
Awards:
null
Digital Gold
by Nathaniel Popper
Synopsis:
A detailed narrative history of Bitcoin's rise, tracing its origins from the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto through the early adopters, entrepreneurs, and investors who struggled to bring the digital currency into the mainstream.
Published:
2015
Publisher:
Harper
Genre:
Non-Fiction, Business, Technology, Finance
Pages:
432
ISBN:
978-0062333033
Awards:
null
Einstein Prophec
by Robert Masello
Synopsis:
A thriller where a young journalist discovers a hidden manuscript written by Albert Einstein in 1944 that predicts a catastrophic future event, leading her on a desperate race to understand and prevent the prophecy from coming true.
Published:
2015
Publisher:
Gallery Books
Genre:
Thriller, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Pages:
352
ISBN:
978-1476771960
Awards:
null
Flash Boys
by Michael Lewis
Synopsis:
Flash Boys investigates the world of high-frequency trading (HFT) on Wall Street, focusing on a group of individuals who realize the market is rigged by HFT firms. They attempt to build a new, fairer stock exchange (IEX) to counteract the predatory practices that allow traders to gain an advantage through milliseconds of speed.
Published:
2014
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Genre:
Non-fiction, Finance, Business, Investigative Journalism
Pages:
288
ISBN:
978-0393244670
Awards:
null
The Jekyll Revelation
by Robert Masello
Synopsis:
A century after the events of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a pair of investigators discover a hidden journal revealing the true, terrifying story of Robert Louis Stevenson's inspiration. The journal suggests that Dr. Jekyll's experiments were not merely fictional, but based on a real, ancient evil that now threatens the modern world.
Published:
2013
Publisher:
47North
Genre:
Horror, Thriller, Historical Fiction
Pages:
332
ISBN:
978-1477808269
Romanov Cross
by Robert Masello
Synopsis:
A young American journalist, Catherine, discovers a mysterious Romanov-era cross hidden in a remote Russian monastery. The cross is rumored to hold the key to the Romanov family's lost fortune and perhaps even the secret of their survival. As Catherine delves into the history, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous plot involving modern-day Russian oligarchs and those desperate to keep the Romanov secrets buried.
Published:
2013
Publisher:
Bantam Books
Genre:
Thriller, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Pages:
400
ISBN:
9780345532599
Inner Excellence
by Jim Murphy
Synopsis:
A guide that explores how individuals can develop a winning mindset by focusing on internal factors rather than external pressures. Drawing on lessons from elite athletes, coaches, and business leaders, the book provides practical strategies for achieving peak performance, managing stress, and consistently delivering excellent results in any field.
Published:
2013
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Genre:
Self-Help, Business, Sports Psychology
Pages:
224
ISBN:
9780071810577
Awards:
null
The Startup of You
by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha
Synopsis:
Drawing on lessons from Silicon Valley, this book provides a framework for career development, treating one's career as a startup. It emphasizes continuous beta, networking intelligence, competitive advantage, and the importance of taking intelligent risks to navigate the modern job market.
Published:
2012
Publisher:
Crown Business
Genre:
Business, Career Development, Self-Help
Pages:
288
ISBN:
978-0307888907
Awards:
null
Steve Jobs
by Walter Isaacson
Synopsis:
Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—this biography chronicles the life and career of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, detailing his passions, demons, and the innovative products he created.
Published:
2011
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Biography, Business, Technology
Pages:
656
ISBN:
978-1451648539
Awards:
null
Black Is the New White Paul Mooney
by Paul Mooney
Synopsis:
The autobiography of legendary comedian Paul Mooney, known for writing for Richard Pryor and his sharp, uncompromising social and racial commentary. The book details his life, career, struggles, and observations on race relations, Hollywood, and the evolution of comedy.
Published:
2009
Publisher:
Gallery Books
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Humor, Cultural Criticism
Pages:
272
ISBN:
9781416597750
Awards:
null
Born Standing Up
by Steve Martin
Synopsis:
A memoir by comedian, actor, and writer Steve Martin, focusing primarily on his early life and his career as a stand-up comedian from the late 1960s through his retirement from the stage in 1981. It details the intense dedication, experimentation, and eventual massive success of his unique comedy style.
Published:
2007
Publisher:
Scribner
Genre:
Memoir, Autobiography, Humor
Pages:
224
ISBN:
978-1439153641
Awards:
null
Walt Disney
by Neal Gabler
Synopsis:
A comprehensive and definitive biography of Walt Disney, examining his life from his difficult childhood through his creation of an entertainment empire. Gabler explores Disney's complex personality, his artistic genius, and the cultural impact of his work, offering a balanced view of both the man and the myth.
Published:
2006
Publisher:
Alfred A. Knopf
Genre:
Biography, History, Media Studies
Pages:
872
ISBN:
978-0679438422
Awards:
Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist (Biography)
Anatomy of Peace
by The Arbinger Institute
Synopsis:
This book uses a compelling narrative to illustrate how conflict arises from a failure to see others as people, a state the authors call 'in-the-box' thinking. It presents a framework for resolving personal and professional conflicts by shifting from self-justification to recognizing the humanity of others, thereby fostering genuine peace and collaboration.
Published:
2006
Publisher:
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Genre:
Self-Help, Conflict Resolution, Business, Psychology
Pages:
224
ISBN:
9781576753347
Awards:
null
Scar Tissue
by Anthony Kiedis with Larry Sloman
Synopsis:
The autobiography of Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, detailing his chaotic life, including his struggles with drug addiction, his relationships, and the history and success of the band.
Published:
2004
Publisher:
Hyperion
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Music
Pages:
465
ISBN:
9781401307452
Awards:
null
Golden Thirteen
by Paul Stillwell
Synopsis:
This book tells the story of the first 13 African American men commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Based on extensive interviews and archival research, it details their struggles, achievements, and lasting impact on the integration of the American armed forces.
Published:
2003
Publisher:
Naval Institute Press
Genre:
History, Military History, African American Studies
Pages:
304
ISBN:
9781591147775
Awards:
None known
Leadership & Self Deception
by The Arbinger Institute
Synopsis:
This book uses a compelling story format (a business fable) to illustrate how individuals 'get into the box'—a state of self-deception where they are unable to see that their problems are caused by their own behavior and attitudes toward others. It provides practical methods for identifying and resolving self-deception, leading to improved communication, conflict resolution, and overall leadership effectiveness.
Published:
2000
Publisher:
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Genre:
Business, Self-Help, Leadership, Psychology
Pages:
192
ISBN:
9781576759776
Awards:
None major known
Pleasure of Finding Things Out
by Richard P. Feynman
Synopsis:
A collection of essays, speeches, and interviews by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman, covering topics ranging from the nature of science and creativity to the Challenger disaster investigation, and reflecting his unique curiosity and approach to life and physics.
Published:
1999
Publisher:
Perseus Books
Genre:
Science Essays, Autobiography, Non-fiction
Pages:
272
ISBN:
9780738201015
Awards:
null
Rum Diary
by Hunter S. Thompson
Synopsis:
Set in the late 1950s, the novel follows Paul Kemp, a disillusioned journalist who takes a job at a struggling English-language newspaper in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As Kemp descends into a world of heavy drinking, failed relationships, and moral decay, the story explores themes of American expatriate life, greed, and the search for meaning in a chaotic environment.
Published:
1998
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Genre:
Novel, Gonzo Journalism, Black Comedy
Pages:
224
ISBN:
9780684856015
Awards:
None major known
Bogart
by A.M. Sperber and Eric Lax
Synopsis:
A comprehensive biography of the iconic American actor Humphrey Bogart, detailing his life, career, personal struggles, and enduring legacy in Hollywood, based on extensive research and interviews.
Published:
1997
Publisher:
William Morrow & Co
Genre:
Biography, Film History
Pages:
672
ISBN:
9780688075392
Only the Paranoid Survive
by Andrew S. Grove
Synopsis:
Former Intel CEO Andy Grove shares his experiences and strategies for navigating moments of major strategic change (Strategic Inflection Points). He argues that companies must constantly adapt, embrace paranoia about potential threats, and be willing to radically transform their business models to survive and thrive in competitive markets.
Published:
1996
Publisher:
Currency/Doubleday
Genre:
Business, Management, Memoir
Pages:
224
ISBN:
9780385483836
Awards:
null
Hunter S Thompson Better Than Sex
by Hunter S. Thompson
Synopsis:
A collection of articles, essays, and dispatches written by Thompson, primarily covering the 1992 U.S. Presidential campaign between Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Ross Perot. Written in his signature Gonzo style, the book offers a cynical, chaotic, and often hilarious insider's view of modern American politics and media.
Published:
1994
Publisher:
Random House
Genre:
Non-Fiction, Politics, Gonzo Journalism, Essays
Pages:
224
ISBN:
9780679754771
Awards:
null
American Psycho
by Bret Easton Ellis
Synopsis:
Set in the late 1980s, the novel follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker living in New York City, who leads a secret life as a serial killer. The book explores themes of consumerism, greed, identity, and the superficiality of yuppie culture.
Published:
1991
Publisher:
Vintage Books (US paperback, initial release by Vintage/Random House)
Genre:
Satirical novel, Horror fiction, Transgressive fiction, Postmodern literature
Pages:
399
ISBN:
0-679-73577-1 (Vintage paperback)
Awards:
None major (Highly controversial upon release, it was not nominated for major literary awards.)
Liars Poker
by Michael Lewis
Synopsis:
A humorous and often shocking account of the author's experience working as a bond salesman for Salomon Brothers during the booming, high-stakes culture of Wall Street in the 1980s, focusing heavily on the rise and subsequent collapse of the mortgage-backed securities market.
Published:
1989
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Genre:
Non-fiction, Business, Finance, Memoir
Pages:
249
ISBN:
9780393026638
Awards:
null
Wbo Got Einstein's Office
by Ed Regis
Synopsis:
A humorous and insightful look at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, focusing on the eccentricities, achievements, and daily lives of the brilliant scientists and mathematicians who followed in Albert Einstein's footsteps, exploring the nature of genius and the pursuit of knowledge.
Published:
1987
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
Genre:
Nonfiction, Science, History
Pages:
276
ISBN:
9780201129532
Awards:
null
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
by Richard P. Feynman
Synopsis:
A collection of anecdotal memoirs from Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, detailing his adventures, pranks, code-breaking during WWII, art endeavors, and unconventional approaches to life and science, compiled from conversations recorded by his friend Ralph Leighton.
Published:
1985
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Genre:
Autobiography, Science, Humor
Pages:
350
ISBN:
978-0393316049
Awards:
null
So Long and Thanks for All the Fish
by Douglas Adams
Synopsis:
The fourth book in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series finds Arthur Dent back on Earth, which inexplicably seems to have reappeared. He struggles to understand how he got there and why he is the only person who remembers its destruction, leading him on a quest to find the truth about the universe and the woman he loves, Fenchurch.
Published:
1984
Publisher:
Pan Books (UK), Harmony Books (US)
Genre:
Science Fiction, Comedy, Satire
Pages:
224
ISBN:
0345391834
Awards:
null
Crossing the Line
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Synopsis:
An autobiography by basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) detailing his life, career, and personal struggles up to the point of publication, focusing on his transition from college star to professional athlete and his experiences with fame and race.
Published:
1983
Publisher:
William Morrow & Co
Genre:
Autobiography, Sports, Basketball
Pages:
256
ISBN:
9780688027731
Awards:
null
Life the Universe & Everything
by Douglas Adams
Synopsis:
The third book in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect are pulled into a quest to save the universe from the planet Krikkit, whose inhabitants decide that everything else in existence must be destroyed. The quest involves finding the final component of the Key to Time, navigating the dangers of the intergalactic cricket pitch, and dealing with the perpetually depressed robot Marvin.
Published:
1982
Publisher:
Harmony Books (US), Pan Books (UK)
Genre:
Science Fiction, Comedy, Satire
Pages:
207
ISBN:
0-345-39180-2 (various editions)
Awards:
null
No One Here Gets Out Alive
by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman
Synopsis:
A comprehensive and often controversial biography of Jim Morrison, the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Doors. It details his life from childhood through his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his mysterious death in Paris in 1971. It is considered a seminal work on Morrison and the counter-culture era.
Published:
1980
Publisher:
Warner Books (original); various others later
Genre:
Biography, Music, Non-fiction
Pages:
416
ISBN:
9780446971331
Awards:
null
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
Synopsis:
Seconds before Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is plucked from the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the titular electronic travel guide. They embark on a bizarre, hilarious, and philosophical journey across the cosmos, encountering Vogons, depressed robots, and the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.
Published:
1979
Publisher:
Pan Books (UK), Harmony Books (US)
Genre:
Science Fiction, Comedy, Satire
Pages:
180
ISBN:
0-345-39180-2
Awards:
None major recognized for the novel itself, but the radio series won a Sony Award.
Bogie and Bacall
by Joe Hyams
Synopsis:
A detailed biography chronicling the intense romance and professional partnership between legendary actors Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, covering their meeting on the set of 'To Have and Have Not' and their subsequent life together until Bogart's death.
Published:
1975
Publisher:
David McKay Company
Genre:
Biography, Film History, Nonfiction
Pages:
240
ISBN:
9780440107759
Awards:
null
Fear and Loathing
by Hunter S. Thompson
Synopsis:
A wild, drug-fueled journey undertaken by journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo through Las Vegas. Originally sent to cover a motorcycle race and a narcotics convention, the pair descends into chaos, hallucination, and a search for the 'American Dream,' documenting the decay of 1960s counterculture.
Published:
1972
Publisher:
Random House
Genre:
Gonzo Journalism, Satire, Counterculture
Pages:
206
ISBN:
978-0679785897
Awards:
null
Hells Angels
by Hunter S. Thompson
Synopsis:
A groundbreaking work of New Journalism, Thompson's book details his year spent living with and observing the notorious Hells Angels motorcycle gang in California during the mid-1960s. It explores the gang's culture, violence, and their relationship with mainstream American society, culminating in Thompson being severely beaten by the gang.
Published:
1966
Publisher:
Random House
Genre:
Non-fiction, Gonzo Journalism, Cultural Studies
Pages:
308
ISBN:
978-0345410081
Awards:
null
On the Road
by Jack Kerouac
Synopsis:
The novel follows the travels of narrator Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across the United States. It is a defining work of the post-World War II Beat Generation, characterized by its exploration of jazz, poetry, drug use, and sexual freedom, and its search for meaning and authentic experience outside the conventional American structure.
Published:
1957
Publisher:
Viking Press
Genre:
Beat Generation, Modernist Literature, Travel Literature
Pages:
320
ISBN:
0140185753
Awards:
None major at the time of publication, but highly influential and recognized as a literary classic.
Tropic of Cancer
by Henry Miller
Synopsis:
Set in Paris during the late 1920s and early 1930s, the book is a semi-autobiographical account detailing the narrator's life as a struggling writer, focusing on his sexual exploits, poverty, and bohemian existence among a circle of expatriate friends. It is famous for its frank sexuality and stream-of-consciousness narrative style.
Published:
1934
Publisher:
Obelisk Press (Paris)
Genre:
Autobiographical novel, Modernist literature, Erotica
Pages:
318 (Varies by edition)
ISBN:
Varies by edition
Awards:
None major (Not eligible for most major awards due to censorship issues at the time of publication)
Secret Agent
by Joseph Conrad
Synopsis:
Set in London in 1886, the novel explores the world of anarchists, spies, and revolutionaries. It centers on Adolf Verloc, a double agent working for a shadowy organization, who is pressured by his handler to commit an act of terror to provoke a crackdown on radical groups.
Published:
1907
Publisher:
Methuen Publishing
Genre:
Modernist literature, Espionage fiction, Political fiction
Pages:
320
ISBN:
978-0141441582
Awards:
null
Enders Shadow
by Orson Scott Card
Synopsis:
A parallel novel to Ender's Game, this story follows Bean, the smallest and arguably most brilliant child recruited to Battle School. It details his struggle for survival, his rise through the ranks, and his crucial role in helping Ender Wiggin prepare for the final confrontation with the alien Formics (Buggers).
Published:
1999
Publisher:
Tor Books
Genre:
Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages:
384
ISBN:
0-312-86861-7
Awards:
null
Ender's Game
by Orson Scott Card
Synopsis:
Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin is recruited at age six to attend Battle School, an orbiting training facility where children are rigorously trained through complex war games to become the fleet commanders who will defend Earth against a looming alien threat known as the Formics (or 'Buggers').
Published:
1985
Publisher:
Tor Books
Genre:
Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages:
324
ISBN:
978-0812550702
Awards:
Nebula Award for Best Novel (1985), Hugo Award for Best Novel (1986)
So Long and Thanks for All the Fish
by Douglas Adams
Synopsis:
Arthur Dent returns to Earth, only to discover that it is still intact and he is the only person who remembers its destruction. He then embarks on a quest to find Fenchurch, the woman who understands the meaning of life, while trying to figure out what happened to all the dolphins.
Published:
1984
Publisher:
Pan Books (UK), Harmony Books (US)
Genre:
Science Fiction, Comedy, Satire
Pages:
208
ISBN:
0-345-39183-7 (Various editions)
Awards:
null
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
Synopsis:
Moments before the Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is plucked from the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the titular electronic travel guide. Arthur and Ford embark on a bizarre adventure across the galaxy, encountering philosophical mice, paranoid robots, and the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.
Published:
1979
Publisher:
Harmony Books (US), Pan Books (UK)
Genre:
Science Fiction, Comedy, Satire
Pages:
216
ISBN:
0-345-39180-2 (Common paperback ISBN)
Awards:
Golden Pen Award (1984), voted fourth on the BBC's 'The Big Read' poll (2003)
Neuromancer
by William Gibson
Synopsis:
Case, a washed-up hacker living in the dystopian Chiba City, is hired by a mysterious employer to participate in a final, seemingly impossible hack against a powerful artificial intelligence. This journey takes him through the Sprawl, the Matrix (cyberspace), and into the heart of corporate power.
Published:
1984
Publisher:
Ace Books
Genre:
Science Fiction, Cyberpunk, Speculative Fiction
Pages:
271
ISBN:
0441569595
Awards:
Nebula Award for Best Novel (1984), Philip K. Dick Award (1984), Hugo Award for Best Novel (1985)
Iceberg Slim
by Iceberg Slim
Synopsis:
A raw, unvarnished, and brutal memoir detailing the life of Robert Beck, known as Iceberg Slim, who spent decades as a pimp in the Chicago underworld. The book chronicles his experiences, psychological decline, eventual imprisonment, and his decision to leave the life of crime.
Published:
1967
Publisher:
Holloway House
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Urban Literature, Crime
Pages:
304
ISBN:
978-0937676006
Awards:
None known (cult classic status)
Nigger
by Dick Gregory with Robert Lipsyte
Synopsis:
A powerful and often humorous autobiography detailing the life of comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, from his impoverished childhood in St. Louis to his rise as a successful stand-up comic and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. The book offers a raw look at racism and poverty in America.
Published:
1964
Publisher:
E. P. Dutton
Genre:
Autobiography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Social Commentary
Pages:
224
ISBN:
978-0671676991
Awards:
null
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Up
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Synopsis:
The story follows Oskar Schell, a nine-year-old boy living in New York City, who struggles to cope with the death of his father in the September 11 attacks. When Oskar discovers a mysterious key hidden in a vase that belonged to his father, he embarks on a city-wide quest to find the lock it opens, meeting a variety of people along the way who are also dealing with loss and trauma.
Published:
2005
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre:
Literary Fiction, Postmodern Literature, Contemporary Fiction
Pages:
326
ISBN:
978-0618700206
Awards:
New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award (2005)
Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov
Synopsis:
A middle-aged literature professor, Humbert Humbert, becomes obsessed with 12-year-old Dolores Haze (Lolita). He marries her mother to be near the girl, and after the mother's accidental death, he begins a cross-country journey with Lolita, documenting his perverse obsession and the consequences of his actions.
Published:
1955
Publisher:
Olympia Press
Genre:
Novel, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction
Pages:
336
ISBN:
978-0679723165
Awards:
Time's 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005, Modern Library's 100 Best Novels