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.