By popular demand, our reading list is back, and just in time for summer. Check out which books we enjoyed reading in the first 6 months of 2019. Some books are new(er) releases others we've gone back to for some perspective.
Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.
Sanja: If you haven’t read, listened, or watched Brene Brown yet, you should. She offers an incredible range of insights into vulnerability and courage in life and work. Hint: they are not opposites.
2. Powered by Storytelling by Murray Nossel
What’s your story? It’s a question that human beings have been asking each other since we first gathered around a campfire. Millennia later, this human need for storytelling hasn’t changed. We communicate most effectively through our personal stories—and our professional success depends on it.
Sanja: Not surprisingly an engaging book on the Narrative method and how we can all learn to tell a compelling story. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone. In philanthropy stories are what prompts us to action.
3. Tools of Conviviality by Ivan Ilich
A work of seminal importance, this book presents Ivan Illich’s deep analysis of the industrial mode of production which characterises our contemporary world.
Sanja: Originally written in 1973, this book has possibly gained even more in relevance today 46 later. It’s not an easy read by any means, but it is rich in insights.
4. Energy and Civilization: A History by Vaclav Smil
A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today’s fossil fuel–driven civilization.
Sanja: This is a fascinating, detailed and mathematical review of the history of energy and civilization by a brilliant Canadian scholar. In today’s age divided between old and new energies, divestment from oil, clean tech funds and the rest, this book offers a valuable perspective.
5. Deep Medicine: How AI Can Make Healthcare Human Again by Eric Topol
Medicine has become inhuman, to disastrous effect. The doctor-patient relationship–the heart of medicine–is broken: doctors are too distracted and overwhelmed to truly connect with their patients, and medical errors and misdiagnoses abound.
Sanja: An exciting new book by Dr. Eric Topol, on just how AI can help improve patient experience. Also, if you haven’t read his previous books we suggest you take a peak, that is if you are a health + tech aficionado like us.
6. Give People Money: by Annie Lowrey
A brilliantly reported, global look at universal basic income—a stipend given to every citizen—and why it might be necessary in an age of rising inequality, persistent poverty, and dazzling technology.
Sanja: This book offers an interesting inquiry into people, psychology and systems. We are in the business of giving money so we take notice.
We have other great content, continue exploring below.