Poor Charlie's Almanac by Charles Munger & Peter Kaufman (2008)

Fantastic!  I don't care about stock picking or investing, but the wit and wisdom of Charles Munger in these engaging dialogs and speeches are fantastic. Highly recommended! 5/5 Stars.

If I betray these words by Wendy Dean and Simon Talbot (2023)

This book presents a fascinating and in-depth collection of vignettes that highlight the dedication and idealism of medical professionals. It vividly illustrates the struggles these devoted doctors face against the encroachment of private equity firms and other large corporate entities that destroy the integrity of patient care.

Through these narratives, we witness firsthand the detrimental impact of prioritizing shareholder value over patient well-being. The most valuable aspect of the book lies in the authors' insightful recommendations for how physicians can effectively navigate these challenging circumstances to ensure high-quality care for their patients.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking examination of the intersection between medicine and corporate interests, offering both inspiration and practical guidance for healthcare professionals. 4/5 Stars.

The Pope at War by David I Kertzer (2024)

Drawing on new materials from the Vatican released in 2022, the author addresses myths about Pope Pius XII. The book details how Pius XII supported the Axis powers and helped send all of the Italian Jews to death camps. It also notes his lack of support for Polish Catholics and other Catholic clergy in countries occupied by Germany during WWII. I found the book depressing. 3/5 Stars.

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef (2010)

This poorly-written but interesting autobiography has risen in popularity again since the invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, the ensuing depraved torture, rape, and mass murder of civilians, and Israel's reaction to the modern-day mass slaughter. The context is interesting and I did learn a few things but the book is not that good. 2/5 Stars. 

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson (2023)

Fascinating biography of Elon's life so far.  The deep horrors and darkness of Elon's internal demons that cause much of his subjective experience to be so miserable are the most interesting parts.  The reader can't help but feel sorry for him.

". . . electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars in a rocket ship. Did you also think I was gonna be a chill, normal dude?"

We don't (yet) hear much about x.ai, his 7th companyI; I personally find it likely Elon will create a half dozen more companies in the next 30 years. 4/5 Stars.

Drop the Pink Elephant by Bill McFarlan (2004)

My buddy in Berlin posted a selection of "hidden gems" book recommendations. I read this one in one sitting and also recommend it. It is a "self-help" book about communication with simple, effective methods we can all apply. 4/5 Stars.

The Man Who Solved the Market by Gary Zuckerman

I became curious about Jim Simons when I heard Brian Keating talk about him recently so I read this book.  The last few chapters are very good and extremely worthwhile.  I learned a lot about what Finance Quants have been doing since 2018 as well as the bizarre politics and polarization during the Trump presidency. I appreciate the author's balanced and objective approach to telling each person's story.  However, everyone in the book without exception is a terrible human being, even Jim Simons.  And it seems all of the leaders involved in the ecosystem of trading stocks, bonds, and derivatives are terrible. 3/5 Stars.

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre

The best of Macintyre's books yet.  Extremely interesting, informative, and entertaining. 5/5 Stars.