The crypto team at a16z has put together a comprehensive list of book recommendations for summer 2024, covering a wide range of genres, from fantasy and seafaring adventures to deep dives into economic theory and the intricacies of modern finance. According to a16z crypto, the list is intended to cater to diverse tastes so that every reader can find something interesting.
Fantasy and Fiction Choices
Brittney Burrows from the events team recommends this Babylon by RF Kuang, who describes it as a beautifully written mix of fantasy and heartbreak. She also emphasizes A memory of light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the final book in the Wheel of Time series, for its epic storytelling and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Michael Blau from the deal team introduces The cat who saved books by Sōsuke Natsukawa, a cozy and heartwarming book that resonates with book lovers. Additionally, Chris Dixon, one of the founders and general partners, recommends The creative act: a way of being by Rick Rubin and The Great Bridge by David McCullough for their insightful stories of creativity and engineering wonders.
Non-fiction and thought-provoking reading
Joseph Bonneau of the research team praises Flying blind by Peter Robison, with Sam Broner from the deals team digging into it See as a state by James C. Scott, which provides a critical perspective on organizational activities and decentralization.
For those interested in finance and economics, Michael Blau also recommends this Broken money: why our financial system is failing us and how we can improve it by Lyn Alden and Payment Systems in the US: A Guide for the Payments Professional by Carol Coye Benson, Scott Loftesness and Russ Jones. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of current financial systems and the potential of decentralized digital currencies.
Memoirs and personal development
Shari Doherty from the marketing team shares her fascination with Enduring: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson, a book exploring the science and psychology of endurance. She also recommends it How bad do you want it?: Mastering the psychology of mind over muscle by Matt Fitzgerald, featuring interviews with top athletes.
Chris Dixon also emphasizes What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami, a memoir that intertwines reflections on running and writing, while Jay Drain, Jr. from the deal team reflects this sentiment and emphasizes its introspective nature.
Historical and contemporary analysis
Eddy Lazzarin from the technical team recommends this Against the grain by James C. Scott for his unconventional view of the history of civilization, and The old town by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges for his exploration of the beliefs of Proto-Indo-European peoples.
For a gripping historical story, Bill Hinman from the policy team suggests Small mercy by Dennis Lehane and The CIA: An Imperial History by Hugh Wilford, which offers new perspectives on the history of the CIA.
Science and technology
Andy Hall from the research team recommends this Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic by Emily Monosson, which explores evolutionary competition and strategic battles between organisms. suggests Mason Hall from the deal team Children of time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a science fiction novel that balances intellectual stimulation with emotional involvement.
For technology enthusiasts, Scott highlights Duke Kominers from the research team Sid Meier’s MEMOIR!: A Life in Computer Games by Sid Meier, a memoir full of game design history and entrepreneurial advice.
For more detailed recommendations, visit the original a16z crypto after.
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