Here are a few more books I enjoyed in 2014:
“Think Like a Freak” Steven Levitt and Stephan Dubner. These guys take off the wall issues and questions (like whether we have too much parking in the US) and explore them according to economic theory. It causes you to look at common problems from different angles. It could change the way you think.
If you don’t read this book, I highly recommend their podcast called Freakinomics. They do a weekly show discussing these issues. I always come away learning something new.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” Daniel Kahneman. This book explores the ways we all make decisions. One way is our automatic, reactive system. The second way is our reflective, thoughtful studied system. Reading this book will cause you to appreciate the power of pausing before choosing or deciding.
“The Signal and the Noise” by Nate Silver. Silver discusses the sophisticated ways data is being collected and mined. As data collection gets more sophisticated and cheaper, the opportunities to use it for better decisions increases.
“How Children Succeed” by Paul Tough. Tough writes about creating grit and resilience in children which helps assure their success in life. I found what applies to children can apply to adults. Worth the read.
I sincerely believe that reading is a habit to cultivate. These days you can download books for free. You can read them on your smartphone wherever you find yourself waiting. You can listen to books as you drive.
If you don’t like these kind of books, choose biographies of historical figures you admire. They help you gain valuable insights into leadership and history.
Good reading in 2015.
