The Summer/Fall Reading List
As has now become a tradition, I make a list of the best books I’ve read over the past season(s). Here they are, presented in the order in which I read them.
American Kingpin, Nick Bilton
I was only mildly aware of the Silk Road (thankfully), and all that the dark web had to offer. But learning how Ross Ulbricht created the site and his philosophy behind why he did it was fascinating, if not nefarious. This is the Icarus tale for the information age and proves that ego can only get you so far.
Shoe Dog, Phil Knight
A truly incredible look into how Phil Knight created Nike, how it balanced on the edge of insolvency for years, and the herculean efforts he made to keep it afloat. Knight doesn’t shy away from pains he went through, and how he turned it into the company it is today by staying true to his vision.
The Gambler, William C. Rempel
I’d never heard of Kirk Kerkorian before. But, as I was in the middle of my summer reading about titans of industry, and at the urging of my barber (who has made some excellent book recommendations over the years), I decided to check this one out. Kerkorian didn’t want people to know who he was, but his name is forever etched into the history of aviation and Las Vegas.
The Ride of a Lifetime, Robert Iger
It’s a bit strange looking back on this book as it ends with Bob Iger leaving his post at Disney, which means a sequel must be in the works as he was just brought back to the top seat. But it’s an excellent look into management, trusting in art forms to bring in audiences rather than strict financial analysis, and, above all, trusting your gut.
Rogues, Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe has quickly become one of my favorite non-fiction writers. His ability to capture characters, incredible circumstances, and explain weighty subjects with clarity makes him an absolute pleasure to read. This collection of articles shines a dark light on some of history’s more notorious rebels.
James Acaster’s Classic Scrapes, James Acaster
When waiting in an Italian hospital for weeks while your daughter heals from traumatic injuries, I highly recommend reading anything. by James Acaster. The situations he finds himself in are epically hilarious and strange. His comedy is slowly gaining fame in the US, and we’ll all be better for it.
Mythos, Stephen Fry
My knowledge of Greek Mythology was attained by the cursory explanations they gave us in elementary school and reading Ovid’s Metamorphoses in college. Fry takes us through the many gods, tales, and places in Greek Mythology with palatable detail and humor.
Song of Spider-Man, Glen Berger
Putting on a Broadway show sounds miserable. Putting on one of Broadway’s biggest spectacles and spectacular flops, sounds like absolute hell. Glen Berger, who wrote the book of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark takes us inside that productions troubled creation where egos, artistry, and disaster abound.
I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jeannette McCurdy
If you ever question how good of a parent you are, or how good your parents were at raising you, read this book.
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, Paul Newman
Paul Newman is a legend in my town of Westport. He made his home here. He donated to charities around the area, and large tracts of open spaces bare his name. So, I felt it was only fair to learn a little bit about the man. This memoir, which includes commentary from Newman’s friends and family members, gives excellent insight into his history, his craft, and how he saw himself in the world.
Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey
Looks like ol’ Matthew can add “amazing storyteller” to his bio. Admittedly, I’d written him off as a one-trick pony with charisma and not much else, but his latest acting endeavors have proven me (and a lot of the world) wrong. This collection of stories from his past are hilarious, touching, insightful, and sure to make you appreciate him even more. (Do yourself a favor and get the audio version of this book. Nothing beats hearing his stories told in his Texas accent.)
