Books I Own
I have not read all of these books. Most are softcover physical copies with a minority being on kindle. I will include links to copies of the books where possible and brief explanations of why I decided to buy them. Additional recommendations are welcomed.
Habits
I read based on my interests, often stopping after 20 pages if it doesn't hold my attention. Typically, I complete 50-75% of a book I start, provided I get past the initial 20 pages. My goal is to read at least 20 pages per sitting, which takes 20-30 minutes depending on my need to ponder or reread. I leave books out in the open, both as decoration and as reminders, increasing the chances I'll remember them during relevant moments.
List
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Mountain, Canyon, and Backcountry Flying Amy L. Hoover , R.K. "Dick" Williams
A guide to the skills, mindset, and techniques needed to safely navigate rugged terrain, drawing from over 150 years of expert experience
Why: Civil Air Patrol accident claimed a very experienced pilot made me want to learn more about waether/wind patterns specific to canyons and mountain flying.
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Rebuilding Milo Aaron Horschig
Athletes face injuries that hinder progress. This is a collection of tests to diagnose and treat injuries.
Why: Tired of a persistent case of tennis elbow that PT didn't fix. Hoping this book can help.
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Pattern Breakers Maples Ziebelman
Humans are wired to see patterns but innovation comes from breaking them. Can we condition ourselves to see outside the patterns more often?
Why: a16z media/retargeting machine got me. Marc Andreessen tweeted about it and I didn't like what I was reading at the time.
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What you do is who you are Ben Horowitz
Explores how leaders create cultures that reflect their values and actions.
Why: Assigned reading for a Carta leadership offsite.
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Contact Flying Jim Dulin
Former military and crop duster pilot critiques modern aviation doctrine, advocating for more practical approaches to safely flying small planes.
Why: Wanted to improve my stick and rudder skills after months of instrument training.
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Ascent of man Jacob Bronowski
Traces the development of human civilization through science and art.
Why: Recommended by a friend
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Originals Adam Grant
Encourages fostering creativity and championing new ideas in work and life.
Why: Develop more original thinking
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The Intelligent Investor Benjamin Graham
A foundational text on value investing and financial wisdom.
Why: Recommended by a friend when I was looking to revamp my finances
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Sea Run Cutthroat Trout Richard K Stoll
Comprehensive guide on understanding and fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout.
Why: Sea run cuts are fishable near my moms house. Hoping I can sneak away during family visits to catch some.
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Artificial Intelligence A Modern Approach 2nd Edition Russell Norvig
A thorough introduction to the principles and practices of AI.
Why: AI hype is growing and it's been a few years since I worked with ML models at PitchBook. Leveling up my foundational understanding.
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The Black Swan Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Examines the impact of rare and unpredictable events on society.
Why: Recommended by a friend
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Principles: Life and Work Ray Dalio
Shares life and business principles from a renowned investor.
Why: Don't recall
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The New Hunter's Encyclopedia Raymond Camp
Essential guide covering various aspects of hunting.
Why: Learning more about animal habitat, behavior, and hunting strategies.
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81 Lessons from the Sky Fletcher McKenzie
Real-life aviation stories and lessons to enhance pilot safety.
Why: Gift from my wife
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The Pyramid Principle Barbara Minto
Teaches a structured approach to clear and persuasive communication.
Why: Improving "executive" skillset by focusing on clear and succinct communication.
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High Growth Handbook Elad Gil
Strategies for scaling startups into successful companies.
Why: Xmas gift
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Alibaba The House that Jack Ma Built Duncan Clark
Chronicles the rise of Alibaba and its founder, Jack Ma.
Why:
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Selected Works of Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton
Key writings from one of America's Founding Fathers.
Why:
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Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide Michael D Hayes
Preparation guide for the instrument pilot oral exam.
Why: Studying for an added rating to my pilot license
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Letters to a Young Contrarian Christopher Hitchens
A collection of works from the provocative author and critic.
Why:
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Range David Epstein
Argues that generalists excel in a specialized world.
Why:
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7 Powers The Foundations of Business Strategy Hamilton Helmer
Outlines strategic frameworks for lasting business success.
Why: Needed to author a strategy at Carta and wanted to gather perspectives on form and approach.
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The Inevitable Kevin Kelly
Predicts twelve technological forces shaping our future.
Why:
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How Judges Think Richard A. Posner
Explores the decision-making processes of judges.
Why:
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The Visual Display of Quantitative Information Edward R. Tufte
Guide to effectively presenting data through visual means.
Why: Improve quality of data vizualiations my team shipped at PitchBook
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The Feynman Lectures on Physics Richard P. Feynman
Classic lectures offering a deep understanding of physics.
Why:
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Complexity M Mitchell Waldrop
Examines the emerging science of complexity and its applications.
Why:
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The Scavengers Guide to Haute Cuisine Steven Rinella
A hunt-and-cook adventure blending wild game with gourmet cooking.
Why: Angling to feed my family more wild game in an approachable way.
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Flies of the Northwest Inland Empire Fishing Club
A detailed guide to fly fishing in the Northwest.
Why:
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Setting the Table Danny Meyer
Insights on hospitality and business from a renowned restaurateur.
Why: Inspiration for Carta work. Developing my thinking on what world class service could look like in the fund admin industry.
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North American Elk Ecology and Management Jack Ward Thomas
Comprehensive resource on the biology and management of elk.
Why: Be more successful in Elk hunting.
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The Hard Thing About Hard Things Ben Horowitz
Offers practical advice on building and running a startup.
Why:
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The Killing Zone Paul Craig
Examines the critical early flight hours where accidents are most likely to occur.
Why:
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Stick and Rudder Wolfgang Langewiesche
Classic manual on the art of flying.
Why:
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The Courage to Be Disliked Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Uses Adlerian psychology to teach about personal freedom and happiness.
Why:
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Influence Without Authority Allan R. Cohen and David L. Bradford
Guide on how to influence others when you lack authority over them.
Why:
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Sense of Style Steven Pinker
Modern guide to writing in the 21st century.
Why:
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Noise and the Signal Nate Silver
Explores how to distinguish valuable information from background noise.
Why:
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Inspired Marty Cagan
How to create products that customers love.
Why:
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The Upside of Stress Kelly McGonigal
Explains how to harness stress for positive outcomes.
Why:
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The Art of War Sun Tzu
Ancient Chinese military strategy guide that applies to modern strategy and tactics.
Why:
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The Systems Bible John Gall
Humorous guide to how systems work, or fail, in the real world.
Why:
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The New One Minute Manager Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
Updated classic on effective management techniques.
Why:
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The Vital Question Nick Lane
Explores the origins of life and the complex processes that sustain it.
Why:
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Mastermind Maria Konnikova
Applies Sherlock Holmes’s methods to real-life problem-solving.
Why:
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Flatland Edwin A. Abbott
Classic novella exploring dimensions through the story of a two-dimensional world.
Why:
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Little Bets Peter Sims
How small, experimental steps can lead to big results.
Why:
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The 4-Hour Work Week Timothy Ferriss
Guide to escaping the 9-to-5 grind and creating a more flexible lifestyle.
Why:
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen R. Covey
Framework for personal and professional effectiveness.
Why:
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Packaging the Presidency Kathleen Hall Jamieson
Analysis of the role of media and marketing in presidential campaigns.
Why:
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Rendezvous with Destiny Eric F. Goldman
Examines Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and their impact on America.
Why:
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The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money John Maynard Keynes
Foundational text on macroeconomic theory.
Why:
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The Passage of Power Robert A. Caro
Details Lyndon B. Johnson’s rise to power and his presidency.
Why:
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How to Win Friends and Influence People Dale Carnegie
Timeless principles for building relationships and achieving success.
Why: Assigned reading for my first job out of college.
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Predictable Revenue Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler
Blueprint for creating predictable and scalable sales revenue.
Why:
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Thing Explainer Randall Munroe
Uses simple diagrams and explanations to explain complex concepts.
Why:
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The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting John Trout Jr.
Comprehensive guide to hunting wild turkeys.
Why: Increase success rate turkey hunting
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The Success Equation Michael J. Mauboussin
Distinguishes between skill and luck in business and investing.
Why:
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Infinite Powers Steven Strogatz
Explains the power of calculus in understanding the world.
Why:
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Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Explores how uncertainty and disorder can benefit systems.
Why:
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Training for the New Alpinism Steve House and Scott Johnston
Comprehensive guide to training for alpine climbing.
Why: Training for a mountain hunt.
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Washington Rules Andrew J. Bacevich
Critiques America’s military policies and foreign interventions.
Why:
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Soccer Modern Tactics Alessandro Zauli
Insights into modern soccer tactics and strategies.
Why: Previously coached youth soccer. Wanted perspectives on how to design a system of play for the talent I had available.
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Manhattan LSAT Reading Comprehension Manhattan Prep
Strategies and practice for the LSAT reading comprehension section.
Why: Studying for LSAT at the time
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The Republic Plato
Philosophical work exploring justice and the ideal state.
Why:
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Venture Deals Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
Guide to successfully navigating venture capital deals.
Why:
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Outliers Malcolm Gladwell
Explores the factors that contribute to high levels of success.
Why:
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The Lean Startup Eric Ries
How to build a startup using a lean approach.
Why:
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Predictably Irrational Dan Ariely
Explores the hidden forces that shape our decisions.
Why:
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The Business of Venture Capital Mahendra Ramsinghani
Comprehensive guide to the venture capital industry.
Why:
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Only the Paranoid Survive Andrew S. Grove
Insights on how to navigate strategic inflection points in business.
Why: Enjoyed his previous book
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Trade-Offs Harold Winter
Explores the trade-offs inherent in economic policy decisions.
Why:
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The Essays of Warren Buffett Lawrence A. Cunningham
Compilation of Warren Buffett's letters to shareholders.
Why:
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Boomerang Michael Lewis
Examines the global financial crisis and its aftermath.
Why:
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The Tao of Charlie Munger David Clark
Wisdom and advice from Berkshire Hathaway's vice chairman.
Why:
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Creative Selection Ken Kocienda
Insights into Apple's design and development process.
Why: Picked up to read on vacation. Wanted to reform the team at PitchBook to be more innovative.
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Deep Simplicity John Gribbin
Explores how complex systems arise from simple rules.
Why: Recommended by a friend
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Drive Daniel H. Pink
Examines the surprising truth about what motivates us.
Why: Struggled with motivation at the time of reading.
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Extreme Ownership Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Leadership principles from Navy Seals translated to business contexts.
Why: Assigned reading for a PitchBook leadership offsite. The main idea of this book was very transformative for me.
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The Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Why:
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Flash Boys Michael Lewis
Investigates the rise of high-frequency trading on Wall Street.
Why:
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Hooked Nir Eyal
Guide to building habit-forming products.
Why:
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High Output Management Andrew S. Grove
Essential management practices from Intel's former CEO.
Why: Find systems and frameworks to help me as I transitioned into my first people management role.
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Loonshots Safi Bahcall
How nurturing crazy ideas can lead to breakthroughs in science and business.
Why:
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Get Cracked Harry Turtledove
A collection of short stories from the master of alternate history.
Why:
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Elk Hunting Secrets The Rockey Mountain Elk Foundation
Tips and strategies for successful elk hunting.
Why:
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Advanced Bushcraft Dave Canterbury
Mastering the skills of wilderness survival.
Why:
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Consider Your Options Kalen Pruss
Exploring the nuances of options trading.
Why:
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Illusion of Time Richard Leviton
A comprehensive guide to understanding the nature of time.
Why:
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Fireside Waterfowler Wesley G. Smith
Stories and tips from a lifelong waterfowl hunter.
Why:
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The Ultimate Guide to Waterfowl Hunting Tom Airhart
Comprehensive strategies for hunting waterfowl.
Why:
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Game Dog Richard A. Wolters
A training guide for retrievers used in hunting.
Why:
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Colombia Michael LaRosa and Germán R. Mejía
A travel guide to the diverse and vibrant country of Colombia.
Why: