Nerd Approved Reading Lists

Like many, I truly love books as resources to learn new ideas and gain insights. Knowing some of our readers may have some vacation time in August, we thought we’d take this opportunity to give you a few ideas.

Like many, I truly love books as resources to learn new ideas and gain insights. Knowing some of our readers may have some vacation time in August, we thought we’d take this opportunity to give you a few ideas.

Dave—

For data insights, Everybody Lies, by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. Compelling and interesting (sometimes a bit too colorful) review of the power of data for understanding what consumers really what, think and do. Using basic Google analytics, the author finds insights on a wide range of trends from conservatism in America to managing money.

Ian—

For the power of AI, check out  The Master Algorithm, by Pedro Domingos. In an Amazon review, Peter Norvig, Director of Research at Google, calls this the ideal book for people in the middle (e.g. executives and college students) who want to know the how and why of things like ‘Machine Learning’ and ‘Big Data,’ without the heavy math.

Mark—

For strategy and business models for technology, check out Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy — And How to Make Them Work for You, by Geoffrey G. Parker and Marshall W. Van Alstyne. Wonder how combinations of parties come together to create a new business structure? I do, and I found some answers in this book, which provides a simple and easy-to-model approach to building a breakthrough business.  

Mike—

For relevant fun, a novel by Matthew Pearl, The Technologists. It's set in Cambridge at MIT, so what's not to love? From an Amazon review by The Globe and Mail, “A terrific historical mystery in the fine old Arthur Conan Doyle style...Who knew that a mystery formed around the founding of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology could be so good?”

Enjoy these while sitting on the beach in your black socks and dress shoes; or at least wearing a tee shirt for Valerian (comic book and not the movie) to protect you from the summer sun.

If we can add one more, I would recommend Regional Advantage, by Annalee Saxenian. The book provides a colorful look at the beginnings of The 128 Belt and Silicon Valley.  

Mike Nugent
Managing Director