I always enjoy using my downtime or travel time to immerse myself in a good book. It’s important for me to stay current with ongoing affairs, whether that’s related to politics, business, or interesting historical stories. Take a look at my 2022 reading list here:
History
Cattle Kingdom: The Hidden History of the Cowboy West
Christopher Knowlton’s book analyzes the open-range cattle era and how it changed America forever. The US has consistently proven that it can withstand repeated boom-and-bust eras. Knowlton gives a new view of the Old West and how its movements and cowboys achieved incredible goals and left a lasting impact on society.
There are few things more terrifying than watching history repeat itself, especially when it is rooted in death, war, and xenophobia. After reading “The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Erik Larson, I couldn’t help but make connections between the conflicts and turmoil experienced across Europe in the past and how it is happening before our eyes again today.
I particularly enjoyed this book by Ron Chernow, who is also the author of the renowned Alexander Hamilton book that inspired the hit Broadway musical. Chernow depicts Washington in a different light and allows the reader to learn more about the early years and accomplishments of our Founding Fathers. It highlights the developments that led to the establishment of the office of the presidency and Washington becoming the first U.S. president.
A historical narrative about a young Marine who witnessed the brutality of the war against Japan in World War II and the aftermath. A must-read for anyone interested in learning about the war from the perspective of a Marine in the Pacific.
Business
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Although I don’t usually agree with this author on many things, this book is required reading for entrepreneurs and investors. Written by Peter Thiel, one of the founders of PayPal, the book is assembled from some of the class notes that were taken from his lectures held at Stanford University in 2012 and is very insightful, especially when it comes to thinking outside the box and innovation.
Memoirs
My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future
Indra Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of PepsiCo, is one of the only women to run a Fortune 50 company and among the most strategic thinkers of our time. In her memoir, she describes the events that shaped her life as a woman of color and an immigrant, from her childhood and early education in 1960s India to the Yale School of Management to her rise as a corporate consultant and strategist who was appointed to one of the most senior executive ranks in business.
The Room Where it Happened: A White House Memoir
If it wasn’t so scary, this book would be a good read about what leads the world into chaos and even the darkest of war scenarios. Written by former President Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton, the authentic memoir offers exclusive insights into the workings of the White House.
Raising the Bar: The Life and Work of Gerald D. Hines
This biography pays tribute to the life and accomplishments of visionary Gerald Hines, one of the most revered real estate developers America has ever seen. The text shares parts of Hines’ personal background and career journey, allowing readers to get a feel for how he built his signature buildings and raised the bar for architecture nationwide.
A true story based on the author Bill Browder’s experience running the largest investment fund in Putin’s Russia after the Soviet Union collapse. Browder does an excellent job explaining his heroic journey of revealing Russia’s corrupt oligarchs and Vladimir Putin’s dirty business. This book highlights social justice and corruption from the point of view of an accidental activist.
Riveting Reads
Climate change is a topic that impacts all of us as it alters our planet and our ways of life. This thought-provoking book is a much-needed reality check reminding us that we must understand the facts before we can tackle problems effectively.
Boundless: The Rise, Fall, and Escape of Carlos Ghosn
This riveting read is by two Wall Street Journal reporters, Nick Kostov and Sean McLain, and details the success and alleged crimes of business executive Carlos Ghosn. You will have a hard time putting this book about the CEO-turned-fugitive down – it’s entertaining, fun, and to the point.
Second Suns: Two Doctors and Their Amazing Quest to Restore Sight and Save Lives
This is an inspiring true story of ophthalmologists Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Dr. Geoffrey Tabin, who have devoted their lives to healing impoverished, vision-impaired people in the Himalayas. It depicts the struggles and achievements of their mission and demonstrates the value – often taken for granted – of good health.
If you still are looking for something that catches your eye:
Find books on global politics and entrepreneurship.
Find books on philanthropy in the modern world.
Find books in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Find books that are cautionary tales for business.
