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Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

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Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#105

I read almost all of Brandon Sanderson's novels. I'd heard of him before, but I was hesitant to jump into his huge universe. I'm really happy I did, though. In roughly 2 months I binged on all the Cosmere novels and Steelheart. He's creating a truly magnificent universe with the Cosmere. As I understand it, he expects it to reach 32+ books total. It's all centered around Stormlight Archive, which is an ongoing 10 nov…

I'm hoping to finish up the Wax and Wayne trilogy before the end of the year. Sanderson's books might not be quite the best fantasy, but he is consistently good and his writing output is insane. I am eagerly awaiting Stormlight 3.

Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#106
One book that I've read recently that really stands out is Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces by Manfredo do Carmo. It's a bit outdated, and at times hard to read, but it has a lot gems that aren't well know (there is a bit at the beginning on estimating the length of a curve by counting the number of intersecting lines).

I'd recommend it if you're looking for some math reading.

Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#107
Quite a few... but the best one was "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. It could be categorized as a self help book since it deals with personal growth and persistence - but from the point of view highly regarded researcher in psychology.

I highly recommend this book since it's good on so many levels.

Unlike quackery books into self improvement, her book describes her research and journey into human achievement using the scientific method.

Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#108
I finished The Lord of the Rings! It took me three years of reading it on and off, but once I finished it the movies became significantly less epic.

I also read:

The Martian, Andy Weir --Loved it, but not for everyone

Streams of Silver, R.A. Salavatore --A fun read, disappointing ending

A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin --Wonderful

Meditations, Marcus Aurelius --Also wonderful

The Art of Peace, Morihei Ueshiba & John Stevens --Platitudinous bullshit and an affront to O'Sensei

Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#109
I've spent the whole year reading Albion's Seed, a history of four major British migrations to America - each came from a different part of Britain, and went to a different part of America, creating four separate cultures in what became the United States.

Also the entire Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (currently midway through the final book).

Re: Ask HN: Books you read in 2016?

#110

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury. Once you realize virtually every conversation with a human is also a negotiation, the need to study it becomes clear.

Read about classic rhetoric. It's a fascinating subject!
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