The Midsummer Book Special: Topics for everyone!
Keep up to date on curated AI, security, tips, tricks and more with The Digital Life!
It’s midsummer, and you know what that means - it’s HARD to get things done. Between the heat, vacations, long days, etc. work and goals are the last things many of us focus on. Add in the extra noise of an election year and what seems like never-ending turmoil and the concentration levels dip even further.
Hey, I used to live in Europe, where our vacations were just assumed. Try getting anything done in France in August - c’est une blague! 😂 Hey, at least we have the Olympics for a quick distraction. The opening ceremony is on Friday, July 26th!
Here’s my suggestion for the rest of the summer. Turn off the devices. Buy a book. Read it. You’ll be surprised at the escape and subtlety of the new ideas soaking into your brain, rather than feeding the addictive news and click cycle.
We’ll return with your usual tech highlights, tips, and tricks next month. In the meantime, you know who to call for tech!
Midsummer slump? Disconnect with a book!
Here are the 19 books I’ve read this year. Maybe something on the list will inspire you to read even one! 😉 I’ll divide these into History/Non-Fiction, Fiction, Science, Humanities, and Tech/Business. Picking favorites is difficult, but I’ll try to pick a top recommendation from each category. Enjoy!
Note I’m NOT putting direct links to “the river” or any online bookstore. Whether it’s the library, a local seller, or online, do your brain and the author a favor and grab a real-life, non-electronic copy.
History / Non-Fiction
Top Pick
I’ve been a fan of Fareed’s commentary for years. This book’s language flows easily and provides deep context at the same time.
Age of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria - Zakaria's latest work covers revolutions from the 1600s to today, starting with the Dutch and ending with our current state of affairs. Pick up this book to understand the world’s current state through a historical lens.
Runners Up
The Nazi Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer, John Mensch - You might remember the Tehran meeting between Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill from your history books. What you might not know is the secret Nazi spy network that almost executed a coup to take out all three leaders. This book is a fascinating dive into a lesser-known WWII plot.
Inventor of the Future by Alec Nevala-Lee - Buckminster Fuller was a visionary whose impact on modern technology is still felt today. This book delves into his innovative ideas, personal life, and the legacy he left behind. If you're interested in visionary thinking, this is a must-read.
Reality Denied by Col. John B. Alexander, Ph.D. - Prepare to have your mind blown by Colonel Alexander's firsthand experiences with things that "can't happen—but did." From mind reading to spooky action at a distance, this book covers the extraordinary research projects he led in the military.
All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks - For comedy fans, Mel Brooks' autobiography is a treasure trove of hilarious stories and behind-the-scenes insights from his six-decade career in showbiz. Brooks shares his journey through the industry, peppered with funny anecdotes about his interactions with famous personalities.
Fiction
Top Pick
2034 is a fictional but realistic look at what could happen in a global conflict. It’s a great follow-up to Fareed’s book (above). However, if you want something lighter, check three body out.
2034: A Novel of the Next World War by Elliot Ackerman, Admiral James Stavridis USN - This novel presents a chilling scenario of the next World War, starting with a misunderstanding in the South China Sea. It's a gripping tale that feels all too possible.
Runners Up
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut - Dive back into Vonnegut's imaginative world with this lesser-known gem. Follow a traveler lost in a discombobulated universe, affecting life on Earth and communicating with long-time visitors. It’s classic Vonnegut with a sci-fi twist.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu - This fascinating science fiction novel explores life development in another solar system. If you're a fan of compelling sci-fi, this book is a must-read. Despite being originally written in Chinese, the translation is smooth and engaging, making it easy to dive into this intriguing tale.
Science
Top Pick
You’ve never thought about phosphorus unless you’re a farmer. You’ll never think of it the same again.
The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance by Dan Egan - Phosphorus is essential for life, yet it's something we rarely think about. This book explores its critical role in our world, its political implications, and the potential problems it could cause in the future.
Runners Up
Transformer: The Deep Chemistry of Life and Death by Nick Lane - This book dives deep into the chemical processes that sustain life. It’s a bit heavy on the chemistry but offers fascinating insights into how life might have originated and how every cell in your body functions.
The Science of Can and Can't by Chiara Marletto - This book introduces a new way of thinking about science: constructor theory. It explores the processes that can and cannot happen in the universe, offering fresh insights into information, knowledge, memory, and consciousness.
Humanities
Top Pick
Given my upbringing, this has to be the top pick in the category! 🙂 However, Brook’s Strength to Strength is a close second.
Maestros and Their Music: The Art and Alchemy of Conducting by John Mauceri - This brilliant book explores the intricate art of conducting, revealing the energy transference between a conductor and musicians. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned music aficionado, Mauceri's insights will deepen your appreciation of what goes into a successful performance.
Runners Up
From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks - This essential read is for anyone struggling through the midlife grind, trying to figure out the next chapter. It’s a guide to finding success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life.
The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan - Zeihan’s insights on demographic changes and global shifts are compelling. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in what the next 50 years might hold, covering population shifts, climate, and other critical factors.
The Master and His Emissary by Ian McGilchrist - This profound book delves into the history of culture, sociology, and brain structure, exploring how we think and perceive the world. McGilchrist's dense, thought-provoking prose requires concentration, but taking it in small doses will transform your perception of reality. A must-read for those interested in understanding the intricacies of the human mind.
Tech / Business
Top Pick
I’ve read several books in the category, such as Zuboff’s ‘The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” and others. This book drives it home in plan terms, even for the least technical of readers. Everyone should be aware of just how much their daily life is filtered!
Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka - The internet used to be a diverse landscape, but algorithms have changed that. This book explains how our digital interactions are pre-screened and filtered, modifying our behavior in subtle ways.
Runners Up
Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry by Austin Frerick, Eric Schlosser - This book exposes the consolidation and corruption in the food industry, covering everything from pork production to coffee. It’s an eye-opening look at the food barons shaping our world.
Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism by Yanis Varoufakis - Varoufakis argues that capitalism has been replaced by a new form of business driven by the commoditization of everything. This book offers a thought-provoking look at our current economic state.
The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut - This book traces the life of John von Neumann, a pioneer of computer science, through the lens of his colleagues. It’s a fascinating insight into a man whose ideas continue to influence technology today.
The Bonus Round: What’s on Eric’s Couch?
Here’s what’s on deck for the rest of my summer, in addition to helping my clients maximize their potential through technology! Have a great July/August… 😁
