Books Read in 2015

Books Read in 2015 1

From 2007 to 2012, I read 263+ books. But I did not stop there. I haven’t kept up the same pace – but have kept on tracking every book I’ve read since. Ideally, I’ve also written a short lessons learned or review of each. Here’s the books I’ve read this past year.

Hipster Business Models by Priceonomics
$15.25
Hipster Business Models by Priceonomics focuses on the journey of innovative entrepreneurs who bring their unique ideas to life. I found the stories of these 22 creators, ranging from trendy to traditional, both entertaining and inspiring. The book emphasizes the value of experimentation and resilience, highlighting that while starting a project can be easy, finishing it is often a tough road. What I really appreciated was its blend of humor and practical insights—it's not just about profit, but about passion and creating something meaningful. Honestly, I loved it and found nothing to criticize!
Pros:
  • Engaging and funny writing style
  • Offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship
  • Encourages creativity and resilience in business
Cons:
  • Nothing - hilarious book.
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02/16/2025 11:08 pm GMT
In The Shadow of The Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
$10.95
In In The Shadow of The Banyan, Vaddey Ratner shares a gripping story rooted in her family's experiences during Cambodia's tragic Khmer Rouge genocide. The narrative follows Raami, a seven-year-old princess, as her privileged life crumbles amidst civil war, forcing her and her family to navigate unimaginable hardships. I really appreciated the vivid setting, even if the historical backdrop is heavy. The book dives into themes of power, love, and class, but be warned—it’s quite sad, so you’ll want to be in the right mindset to tackle it. Overall, it's a tough yet powerful read.
Pros:
  • The novel is based on a true story, adding depth.
  • The geographic setting is well depicted.
  • It explores important themes like power and guilt.
Cons:
  • It's sad, so you need to be in the right mood to enjoy it.
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02/16/2025 11:47 pm GMT
How Asia Works by Joe Studwell
$11.89
In How Asia Works, Joe Studwell takes a close look at the economic development of several Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, and China. He argues that land reform, smart manufacturing policies, and effective finance have been key to their success. I found his insights about household farming and the importance of a structured approach to economic growth really engaging. Having grown up in Southeast Asia, I appreciated how this book connects historical context with actionable lessons. Honestly, I couldn't find anything to criticize—it's straightforward and easy to digest, making it a great read for anyone interested in global economics.
Pros:
  • In-depth analysis of economic development in Asia
  • Focuses on key economies like Japan, Korea, and China
  • Offers useful takeaways for developing countries
Cons:
  • Nothing - it's very accessible, even for a niche global affairs book.
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02/16/2025 11:22 pm GMT
Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
$12.29
In Small Giants, Bo Burlingham explores the idea that businesses can thrive without chasing relentless growth. Instead, he emphasizes valuing ideals, strong relationships, and quality over quantity. I really appreciate how the book challenges the common belief that bigger is always better, highlighting that many companies falter in their pursuit of size. It’s filled with inspiring stories of businesses that prioritize excellence, making it a must-read for entrepreneurs. Honestly, I didn’t find much to dislike—it's an essential guide for anyone looking to succeed on their own terms. Highly recommended!
Pros:
  • The book challenges the myth that growth is always necessary for success.
  • It emphasizes quality over quantity in business practices.
  • The profiles of excellent businesses provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs.
Cons:
  • Not a whole lot - an essential business book for any entrepreneur or business owner.
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02/16/2025 09:27 pm GMT
The Ball Is Round by David Goldblatt
$14.99
In The Ball Is Round, David Goldblatt takes us on a fascinating journey through soccer's history, tracing its evolution from a chaotic folk pastime to the world's favorite sport. I loved how the book dives into the game's tribal nature, its cultural significance, and even its darker sides, like fan violence. Goldblatt's writing is engaging and flows well, especially in his exploration of the 1990s when soccer truly went global. My only quibble is that it's a bit lengthy, but overall, it's a brilliant and insightful read worth keeping on your shelf.
Pros:
  • Comprehensive and detailed history of soccer
  • Insightful exploration of soccer's cultural impact
  • Brilliant writing that is fast-paced and readable
Cons:
  • It's a bit long - but really nothing else.
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02/17/2025 01:17 am GMT
Waking Up by Sam Harris
$10.89
Waking Up by Sam Harris is all about exploring spirituality without the trappings of religion. Harris dives into consciousness, meditation, and how spirituality can coexist with rational thought. I appreciated his take on the self as an illusion and how positive emotions can be learned. The book covers a range of themes, including mindfulness and the role of psychedelics in spiritual journeys. However, I found it a bit repetitive at times. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on spirituality, even if it didn’t completely blow me away.
Pros:
  • Offers a rational approach to spirituality without religion
  • Explores the nature of consciousness and meditation
  • Provides useful takeaways for spiritual growth
Cons:
  • It's a bit repetitive.
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02/16/2025 11:47 pm GMT
Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
$9.90
In The Magic of Reality, Richard Dawkins presents a science book aimed at kids and young adults, exploring natural phenomena and emphasizing that science offers a clearer understanding than magic or superstition. I found the book engaging, with relatable examples that highlight the beauty of scientific explanations. Dawkins really encourages readers to appreciate the wonders of the world around them. However, I felt his personal views sometimes overshadowed the content, which can be distracting. Overall, it’s a fantastic read that inspires curiosity about science while showcasing its elegance.
Pros:
  • Engaging example of scientific writing
  • Encourages appreciation of the beauty in the physical world
  • Beautiful illustrations and relatable examples
Cons:
  • Dawkins' personal views occasionally interrupt the narrative.
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02/16/2025 11:47 pm GMT
168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam
$12.95
In 168 Hours, Laura Vanderkam tackles time management, emphasizing that we all have the same 168 hours each week. She challenges the idea that we’re too busy, arguing instead that it’s about how we use our time. Vanderkam offers practical strategies like tracking your hours, time-blocking, and identifying what truly matters to you. I found her perspective refreshing, especially when she framed time in terms of tradeoffs rather than scarcity. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike—it’s a genuinely helpful read for anyone looking to boost productivity and find balance in life.
Pros:
  • Eye-opening insights from logging hours for a week
  • Framing time in terms of tradeoffs rather than scarcity
  • Practical strategies for time management and work-life balance
Cons:
  • Nothing - it's an actually useful productivity book.
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02/16/2025 11:53 pm GMT
The Narrow Road To The Deep North by Richard Flanagan
$12.80
In The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan tells the gripping story of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian surgeon captured during World War II and forced to work on the brutal Burma Railway. The book dives into heavy themes like love, guilt, and the bonds of camaraderie—or the lack thereof—amidst the horrors of war. I found the setting and storytelling hauntingly beautiful, especially since my Grandpa fought in this region. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was designed to win awards, which took away some of its authenticity for me.
Pros:
  • The story and setting are haunting and beautiful.
  • The narrative is well-told and engaging.
  • The historical context is personally meaningful and informative.
Cons:
  • The book feels like "award-bait," written mainly to win literary awards.
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02/16/2025 11:26 pm GMT
Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald
$14.22
In Holy Cow, Sarah MacDonald shares her spiritual journey through India, sparked by a cow in New York who dreams of the country where cows are revered. The book offers a colorful exploration of India’s rich tapestry of religions and traditions, from Hinduism to Sikhism, and even Bollywood. I loved how Sarah immerses herself in different practices, tackling life's big questions along the way. The book captures India’s chaos and beauty perfectly, making it an enjoyable read. Honestly, I didn't find anything to dislike—it’s a fun and enlightening travel memoir that really showcases India's diversity!
Pros:
  • Excellent travel book through India
  • Shows India's diversity
  • Transformative personal experiences
Cons:
  • Nothing - fun read.
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02/16/2025 11:22 pm GMT
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
$10.45
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo offers a vivid glimpse into life in a Mumbai slum, focusing on a year of struggle for local families post-2008 financial crisis. I found Boo’s writing engaging and fast-paced, with well-drawn characters that made the story captivating. However, I wished for more background info and clearer character reminders, as I got a bit lost along the way. Ultimately, the book taught me that in a diverse country like India, no single story can encapsulate the whole. I highly recommend it for anyone curious about India or looking for a compelling narrative.
Pros:
  • The writing was fast-paced, descriptive, and engaging.
  • The characters were all interesting.
  • The setting changed a lot despite being in one neighborhood.
  • The narrative was well-structured and flowed well.
Cons:
  • The book had background information, but not enough for me.
  • There weren’t enough signals to remind me of the characters, leading to confusion.
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02/16/2025 11:31 pm GMT
In Spite of the Gods by Edward Luce
$15.16
In In Spite of the Gods, Edward Luce explores India's remarkable economic and political transformation since 1991. I appreciated how he focused on this journey, presenting clear, concise chapters that highlight the country's unique contradictions—like its booming middle class existing alongside widespread poverty. Though some parts, especially on modern politics, got a bit dense, Luce’s insights into India's diverse landscape kept me engaged. Despite being published in 2007, the book feels relevant today. If you're curious about India's rise or global economics, this is definitely worth a read.
Pros:
  • The book has a clear focus on India's economic and political rise post-1991.
  • Chapters are concise and informative, showcasing Luce's journalistic background.
  • Despite being written in 2007, the content remains largely relevant to current trends.
  • Luce incorporates diverse sources from across India, highlighting its vastness and complexity.
Cons:
  • The section on modern Indian politics and Hindu Nationalism is dense and challenging to follow.
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02/16/2025 11:42 pm GMT
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
$20.99

In Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, we follow Lyra and Will as they confront a rigid, authoritarian regime known as the Magisterium. I love this series—it’s one of my all-time favorites alongside the Chronicles of Narnia. The characters and the imaginative world Pullman creates are just fantastic. Honestly, I can't find anything I didn't like about this book. It’s a must-read!

Pros:
  • The world-building is incredible.
  • The characters are amazing and memorable.
  • The series promotes rational thinking and questions dogma.
Cons:
  • Nothing!
I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!
02/16/2025 07:06 pm GMT
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