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My Favorite Books of 2016

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Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#11

Post by throwaway729 »

kirk211 wrote: post #4

Here is my list: - Endurance: The story about an expedition to Antartica... gone wrong ( http://amzn.to/2g26L5i ) - Crucial conversations: Learn how to argue with people without starting fights. Allowed me to look at the situation more objectively ( http://amzn.to/2h8w4yN ) - Making of the atomic bomb ( http://amzn.to/2gJF6VU ) - Relentless: the personal coach of Michael Jordan talks about how you can become a cleane…

"Making of the atomic bomb" is a real classic and can't come more highly recommended.

Model rockets are great for kids. I wish there were an equivalently accessible set of programmable RC plane projects.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#12

Post by nilkn »

anonbanker wrote: post #2

Another great list from billg. I consider Bill Gates to be a modern eugenicist, and quite possibly one of the most damaging influences on technology, vaccines (I'm pro-vax), and education. But here I am, reading another list of his favorite books of the year. They're always interesting.

That's a lot of very strong claims. Could you clarify them?

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#13

Post by maxxxxx »

roymurdock wrote: post #5

I really like the way he limits his list to 4 books. Most other thought leaders/influencers/CEOs do lists of 10, 20 "hot topic" books that you know they probably haven't read. I find the volume also diminishes the individual importance of each book on the list. I'll have to pick up String Theory (I love that Bill Gates reads DFW) and The Grid per his recommendations.

Whatever I know Gates is a reading machine. I am sure he has read everything he recommends.

When Jon Stewart did the Daily Show I always wondered if he had read guests' books because he had pretty detailed questions.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#14

Post by 40acres »

Shoe Dog might have been my favorite read of the year, its a very inspiring and highly entertaining story. Regardless of what you think of Nike you can learn a lot about determination and grit from this book. I would recommend it to anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#15

Post by kloncks »

maxxxxx wrote: post #13
roymurdock wrote: post #5

I really like the way he limits his list to 4 books. Most other thought leaders/influencers/CEOs do lists of 10, 20 "hot topic" books that you know they probably haven't read. I find the volume also diminishes the individual importance of each book on the list. I'll have to pick up String Theory (I love that Bill Gates reads DFW) and The Grid per his recommendations.

Whatever I know Gates is a reading machine. I am sure he has read everything he recommends. When Jon Stewart did the Daily Show I always wondered if he had read guests' books because he had pretty detailed questions.

This question has been asked a lot. He's impressive in that more often than not, he reads the books cover-to-cover.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#16

Post by WheelsAtLarge »

knz wrote: post #3

"Honorable mention: The Grid, by Gretchen Bakke. This book, about our aging electrical grid, fits in one of my favorite genres: “Books About Mundane Stuff That Are Actually Fascinating.” " The author of this book was on NPR/Fresh Air in August. It was a great listen/read if you are interested in the subject. http://www.npr.org/2016/08/22/490932307/aging-and-unstable-t... I heard it a couple of days after a weather re…

Here's one that may fit into your list of must read books.

Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger. This book is about the ingredients that go into a Twinkie and how they are created. Super informative on the ingredients of everyday foods.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#17

Post by melvinmt »

ggregoire wrote: post #7

The content of the blog seems blocked by uBlock Origin. (More precisely: the scripts from gatesnotes.com, and the content is loaded in JS)

"My extension that blocks website content seems to block website content…"

That's how I interpret complaints by adblock users.

Re: My Favorite Books of 2016

#20

Post by mcheshier »

anonbanker wrote: post #2

Another great list from billg. I consider Bill Gates to be a modern eugenicist, and quite possibly one of the most damaging influences on technology, vaccines (I'm pro-vax), and education. But here I am, reading another list of his favorite books of the year. They're always interesting.

Seriously? You're going to have to cite sources on this. His foundation's progress on Malaria alone has saved countless lives around the world. However he earned it, the fortune he amassed is being spent helping those who need it most... in 100 years, he will probably be remembered as one of the greatest philanthropists of all time.
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