It’s that time of the year again. Yes, Christmas, and also the time for round-ups and gazing in the – I hate it when words fail me . . . snowball . . . no, not that, but something similar . . . round with moving pictures inside – aah yes, a crystal ball – Google never fails, almost.
My reading this past year has been dismal. I have hardly read any good technology related articles and it has been almost impossible to wander off to the fringe areas. But on the other hand I did read some good books. So here is the list of the non fiction books that I really liked and enjoyed reading this year – in no specific order.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot
This is a story about HeLa cells, no, it is about the person who provided medical science an endless supply of replicating human cells to test new medicines and investigate effects of different chemicals on the human body. A tragic story of how someone’s personal tragedy can be so beneficial to the human race.
Being Mortal – Atul Gawande
Death is inevitable, it almost never gives you a choice, and is never easy for you or people around you. Being mortal is about acceptance of these universal facts and an investigation of all the social policies and narratives around mortality. Does what the stakeholders do really help the dying, or do their actions just satisfy their own objectives? You decide!
The Invisible Bridge : The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan – Rick Perlstein
History is fascinating, especially when the author gives a world-view of the events and looks at the subject from the most important and diverse perspectives. Rick Perlstein narrates the time when America stopped believing in greatness and how Ronald Reagan revived their spirits at a time when the populace had lost all faith in their government.
Reimagining India: Unlocking the Potential of Asia’s Next Superpower – McKinsey and Company
The pre-2007 crisis euphoria of the Asian rise has been dwindling since. Contracting China, Japan’s slide into a recession and high inflation – low growth in India for some years has surfaced some doubts. In this collection of essays by Industrialists, Journalists, and Social Scientists, you will learn about what is ailing India and what it can do to realize its potential.
Data Crush: How the Information Tidal Wave Is Driving New Business Opportunities – Christopher Surdak
Privacy has always been a casualty of the advancing Internet. Cloud has exacerbated this further and people with the right access can now build your entire life based on your virtual existence. Our every action online is recorded somewhere and there is no escaping the ‘eye’ – resistance is futile. Christopher Surdak gives an amazing view of what is happening in the virtual world and the closing gap between our physical existence and virtual existence. He predicts the impending changes and myriad opportunities this advance has thrown up for entrepreneurs.
The Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising
Like it or not, the Internet is the future and Facebook is at left, right, and center of it. Everyone’s eager to share the gadget they bought, the hotel they loved, or the place that they wish to visit. And Facebook is milking all this data to earn some big bucks – by helping you sell to these liking and sharing masses. Perry Marshall and his co-authors will guide you step-by-step to have your share of this pie by getting in front of the right audience at the right time.
How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network into Profits – Judy Robinett
The caves have changed, but we still live in caves. The tools have changed, but we still hunt. And those who move and hunt in groups have a better chance of sleeping on a full stomach and not worry about the wild animals in the night. Who you know is everything. Judy Robinnett emphasizes the importance of knowing the right people and shares her expertise in the art of networking.
How Google Works – Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
There’s no one single certain path to building productive, progressive, profitable organizations. Google without doubt has been at the forefront of evolution of our economies and societies into an Information Age. What is it that keeps Google ahead of the pack and keep delivering consistently for more than a decade? Take a look inside Google and see what has shaped the organization’s psyche.
Legally Avoid Property Taxes: 51 Top Tips to Save Property Taxes and Increase Your Wealth – Iain Wallis
There is nothing wrong about thinking or finding out ways to avoid taxes. And if you believe Robert Kiyosaki, only the finance-illiterate bear the brunt of taxes. The asset you have worked for all your life can be a liability for you and your children if it is not managed well. Learn how you can avoid heavy capital gains and inheritance taxes in your lifetime.
I am sure you must have read many good books in the last year. I would love to hear of the books that you liked the most. Please share your thoughts and let me know if you read any of my favorites?
Wish you Happy Holidays and a fortunate 2015!