What I'm Reading
Let R(t) be the number of books I’ve read at time t. Let B(t) be the number of books I’ve bought at time t. Right now, R’(t)<B’(t). That is, I’m buying books faster than I’m reading them.
So I thought I’d give you an update on what is on my reading pile in case anything interested you. I’ll indicate which ones I’m planning on featuring in a video or writing a review on. If you have recommendations on books I should read or a request for a review, let me know in the comments!
Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie
Early contender for book of the year. It is not only denser than a neutron star with amazing insights, it is incredibly well-written. The value is incredibly high. Planning on doing a video review on this (hopefully soon).
The Two-Parent Privilege by Melissa Kearney
This book came out late last year and was surprisingly controversial. But when you read it, most of the results are “obvious.” Also planning on doing a video on this one.
Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative by Jennifer Burns
Not only is this a great biography on a fascinating economist, it is a great intellectual history of modern economics. I’m learning a lot about where policy and theory originated and how they evolved in the profession. I don’t think it has enough general interest for a video, but if the people demand it I might make an exception. More likely to highlight my favorite sections in a newsletter.
This might only be of interest to me, but the blurb inside the jacket says, “A dramatic inside account of how capitalism and politics drove the disastrous collapse of Haiti.” I can already tell that I’m likely to disagree with the capitalism part. But I have collaborated with the author and Haiti is my jam, so I’m definitely going to read it. Unlikely to do a public review here, but might publish something to a more Haiti-niche audience.
The Accidental Equalizer: How Luck Determines Pay after College by Jessi Streib
I haven’t started this one, but it’s on my stack. As far as I can tell, the thesis is, “Everything about your job is basically luck.” But I may be misinterpreting the argument. I’m leaning towards a newsletter review, but maybe I’ll move it to a video if there’s enough interest.
Read, Write, Own by Chris Dixon
Another one on the pile I haven’t started yet. The thesis is that crypto changes the ownership structure of internet creators. Obviously there are multiple reasons why I would be interested in this one. Since I haven’t started, I can’t say whether it’s going to make it to a video, but probably a newsletter.