Another year went by, and another batch of books was consumed. Just like I did last year, I want to share the ones that I enjoyed the most.
But what kind of metric is that? Truth be told, it is not an objective one. Last year, I clearly described it like this:
I don’t mean they are masterpieces or references in a given field, what I mean is that I truly enjoyed the experience. It could be because of the subject, the kind of book, the writing style or for any other reason.
What matters is that I was able to appreciate the time I spent reading them.
And I still think it is what truly matters.
So this year I will repeat the dose — two more books that were entirely worth the money.
“Broken Money”, by Lyn Alden
This is a book about money (surprise, surprise). Not in the usual sense of telling the reader how to earn it or on how to spend it. The focus is instead on what it is, what forms of money existed throughout history, how it was used and how each of those forms failed to fulfil their purpose at a given time.
As the book progresses, it introduces the reader to important financial concepts, practices, and institutions that were born to fulfil certain needs, or to accomplish a desired outcome. It discusses their purposes and their problems.
When describing the current state of affairs, the author focuses on how the existing financial system doesn’t serve all people equally. Example after example, we can see how some benefit from it, while others are harmed by it, over and over again.
The book ends by taking a look at the internet age and exploring “alternatives” that are surfacing on the horizon.
It had a real impact on how I see money and the financial system.
“Masters of Doom”, by David Kushner
Another great book that was a joy to read was “Masters of Doom”, and I guess that every kid from the 90s that touched a PC during that time will know at least one game that is mentioned there.
It tells the story about the people behind “id Software” and their journey throughout most of the decade while they developed and released games such as Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake.
As a kid, I remember playing and enjoying some of those games, many hours of fun and excitement. I was too young to know or follow the stories and the dramas of the game development industry, but I definitely hold great memories of the outcome.
In the book you will find how they met, the ups, the downs, the drama, etc. You know, the whole rollercoaster that any new and successful company eventually goes through.
While many other people were involved in making those games, and eventually make the company prosper, the two main characters in this story are John Carmack and John Romero. With very distinct personalities, it is remarkable how far they were able to take this endeavor together.
If you lived during that time, I guess you will enjoy the book.
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