If you're still looking for good reading material for your days off, you might find one or two gems here. These are my personal book recommendations for those beautiful, quiet hours.
Looking back at the books that moved me most recently, I realized they all explore one central question: How should we live in times of rapid change?
Novel
Death of an Ordinary Man – Sarah Perry
An impressively sober account of David's final months. The author recounts her father-in-law's journey toward death with remarkable restraint, yet in a way that still cuts deeply.
My Take-away
The story reminded me once again that life is short and fleeting and therefore must be lived in the present. At the same time, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
A Private Man
David, a priest who has taken a vow of celibacy, falls in love with Margaret. Their forbidden love tells a story of personal and cultural identity, loyalty, faith, and the deep fractures in relationships that can emerge from cultural conflict.
My Take-away
What impressed me most was the coexistence of strong characters and profound vulnerability and fragility.
Non-Fiction
Project Maven – Katrina Manson
The story of how the world's last remaining superpower developed its globally dominant military AI capabilities demonstrates the unique collaboration between the military, private-sector decision-makers, bureaucrats, and politicians alike.
A mixture of capitalist ambition, the desire to preserve national identity, and the fear of losing the race for global supremacy to China drives this joint effort and shows how AI warfare—once the material of science fiction—has become reality.
My Take-away
Future technologies require a collective effort. We often talk about "just doing it." Others are simply doing it. Where exactly are our own AI capabilities again?
Muskism – Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff
Rather than presenting another biography written during Musk's lifetime, the authors explore his influence on politics, economics, culture, and industries such as media, information technology, and manufacturing.
The focus is less on Musk himself, his story, or his motivation, and more on the lasting impact of his thinking and actions on a broader ideology.
My Take-away
Pluralism, civil rights, and liberal values are historically hard-won and fragile achievements. Muskism presents itself in the guise of modern high-tech progress, yet its reactionary tendencies ultimately promote inequality.
Biography
Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
The fascinating life story of Steve Jobs in all its highs and lows. Isaacson accompanied the Apple founder and enigmatic personality personally and conducted numerous profound conversations with him until his death, offering unique perspectives on his thinking and actions.
My Take-away
An incredibly balanced biography of an extraordinarily impressive life. The legacy of this exceptional individual continues to shape the lives of almost everyone on the planet. Deserving of the label: essential reading.
Jan Ullrich – Dennis Sand
Even as a child growing up in East Germany, Ullrich displayed exceptional talent in running and cycling competitions. His extraordinary and meteoric career included both triumphs, such as winning the Tour de France, and devastating lows, including drug and alcohol addiction.
Alongside his successes and excesses, Ullrich also reflects on how he came to terms with them and which lessons and guiding principles he has drawn for the remainder of his life.
My Take-away
At times, the book reads like a psychotherapy session. I would have appreciated deeper insights and a more thorough reflection, particularly regarding doping. Despite some weaknesses, it remains worth reading because of its honesty and openness.
Bonus Tip: Also highly recommended: the podcast Hotel Matze featuring Jan Ullrich.
Fantasy
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – J.K. Rowling
In his fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry is drawn into numerous adventures—some voluntary, some less so. Thanks to his many adversaries, there is never a dull moment throughout the nearly 500 pages.
And thanks to his equally numerous friends, supporters, and helpers, Harry overcomes almost all of the seemingly impossible challenges he faces. Unfortunately, only almost all of them—which gives this volume its unique ending.
My Take-away
The best Harry Potter book of the seven-volume series. This is the installment in which Harry Potter evolves from children's literature into world literature. Those who have only seen the films can comfortably start here. It is an eye-opener in many respects and reveals just how deeply Rowling thought through the story.
A Song of Ice and Fire – George R.R. Martin
Stories of intrigue, murder, betrayal, and political games of every kind. Rival ruling houses struggle for dominance over Westeros. It is a study of both the virtues and the darker sides of humanity and of what people are willing to sacrifice for love, loyalty, ambition, and power.
Even fire-breathing dragons only appear to alter the balance of power.
My Take-away (so far)
After binge-watching the entire television series some time ago, I finally decided to read the five-volume series as well. I'm still deeply immersed in it, but I can already say: it's worth it—and not only for fantasy fans.
Which book would you recommend for those quiet hours?
Happy reading.
#readandlead #books #leadership #notestomyfutureme
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