An incomplete list of books that I have either read or I am reading. Following Patrick Collison's bookshelf example, I have flagged the books that I thought were great in bold.
The list is non-exhaustive, and there are many books I have already read that won't make it to the list. I will however add any new book I read which I find worth talking about.
Captivating series of short stories. Mostly futuristic / dystopian.
Thought-provoking and captivating series of short stories. Leaves you wanting more.
The one and only. A must read if you're learning C++, great to have around as your hair gets more gray.
If you liked the first, you'll like this one. However, not as relevant anymore as the first one.
Essential.
Great intro to 3D math, explains the basics in detail. If I were starting on this topic, I'd use this book. Great section on quaternions to understand them intuitively.
A profound book, I read a paper version of it frequently. Probably the best book on Stoicism.
I read it often, and it's a great read. It introduces the concept of Antifragility, which has stayed with me since I read it.
Loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it. One of the best novels I've read.
Surreal and gripping, I really enjoyed it.
Similar to "Structures", it explains the process of going from ores to metal we use everyday in great detail, and clearly. Has some good British humor as you'd expect.
Fascinating how the arguments are still relevant to today. It still reads well and this version contains a useful introduction.
A story of leadership, survival and endurance in the face of extreme adversity. Utterly inspiring, I keep coming back to it in my mind to remind myself that if these men survived this, I can endure anything daily life throws my way.
Talks about Adlerian psychology, which in itself is interesting, but I found the way it's delivered (a dialog between a boy and a philosopher) annoying. The message is interesting though.
Couldn't stop reading it. A sci-fi tale that's almost as great as the Culture series, although with a more heroic twist.
Best Sci-Fi series I've ever read.
I knew that von Neumann was one of the greats, but I wasn't aware of how many areas he explored, how many contributions he's made to science and engineering, and ultimately how much he's shaped our life (for the better).
I already knew and thought most of what the book says (albeit not as in detail), but for someone who hasn't explored the topic of long-termism yet, this book is perfect.
I've always been fascinated by this man who grew up 10 minutes away from where I grew up. I remember learning about how he'd study fossils found in the hills nearby, but far from the sea. When I would also find some, I'd feel in awe at him for being so relevant albeit from hundreds of years ago. This book cemented my respect for him.
An inspiring tale that gives you the courage to live your Personal Legend.
I keep this book close and reference it often. A rare gem from a real practitioner.
Solid, and I learnt some interesting facts about vaccination and especially its history. Skip the prosaic glue between the interesting bits of information.
You'll end up loving/hating the characters. As much as I'd like to dislike this book, I keep thinking about it.
Informative, pro nuclear and pro denser cities.
Answers the question why did the Scottish have such a big impact on the world. Fascinating.
Astonishing, a joy to read. You can't stop reading.
Inspiring. Cool anectodes about the author.
Eye-opening. Apply the model proposed here to modern companies, your outlook on them will change.
A must-read for anyone who wants to start a company.
Captivating futuristic tale. Although from the 60s, it has world-building concepts reminiscent of current 3D content creation workflows.
Made me feel good about humanity after a lot of doom and gloom propaganda
Another outstanding Asimov novel. Very cool to read it alongside Project Hail Mary and see the parallels.