June 2008
Pensées
Pensees (Penguin Classics) by Blaise Pascal and A. J. Krailsheimer
A fascinating glimpse into one of history’s great minds, one that epitomised an entire school of thought. Pascal writes in defense of Christianity (and Judaism), while beautifully illustrating thought patterns in the self-declared “age of reason.” His “Letter Against Indifference” is particularly poignient, though the book also contains Pascal’s famous “Wager,” and other gloriously un-PC commentaries. By today’s standards, his logic is decidedly closed and incomplete, but the work is insightful and fun to read none-the-less, especially when taken with a generous pinch of salt.
Getting To Yes
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, Bruce M. Patton, and William L. Ury
A smart, succinct, and empowering book covering various common-sense negotiation tactics. Full of practical and realistic case studies, and no-nonsense advice. A quick read; I read it in three easy evenings. Three thumbs up!
Wyeth at Kuerners
Wyeth at Kuerners by Andrew Wyeth
I remember sitting on a foot stool in the isle of the Columbus College of Art and Design library, perusing this book. I was in tears. The work moved me in a way that only Andrew Wyeth can, and this–his raw, unfinished studies and works–is some of his most visceral. Only the Helga Pictures come close to the level of impact he was able to achieve, but did so in a totally different way. These are Wyeth in his element, and one of my most well-thumbed books. Cliché as it may sound, for me it’s equal parts solace and inspiration.
Master Handbook of Acoustics
Master Handbook of Acoustics by F. Alton Everest
When I started at Bose, I figured I should learn the basics. What better way than to read the book? This is one of the most popular text books on acoustics, and I have to admit I found it fascinating. It does delve into the math occasionally, but the vast majority of the book is actually quite readable. If you’re going into the acoustics field as a designer, or even if you’ve just got a passing interest in the way sound works, this is a great way to learn.
Tough Choices
Tough Choices: A Memoir by Carly Fiorina
I remember seeing Carly speak in one of her annual big-screen global conference meetings when I interned at HP in Houston. I was impressed with her. When the HP scandals erupted that resulted in her ousting, I was both disappointed and very curious about the circumstances of the firing. This book recalls her climb to fame and fortune as the “world’s most powerful woman,” and while self-glorifying in a somewhat overt way, it’s also candid and honest. It is an excellent–and likely accurate–representation of the upper-eschelons of the business world, and I highly recommend it. She is sharp, witty, and interesting, if a bit self-absorbed. I learned a lot about real leadership from this book.
Strength to Love
Strength to Love by Martin Luther, Jr. King
A collection of sermons by the late MLK Jr., and an excellent window into the atmosphere during the civil rights movement in the south. Insightful, subtle, eloquent, and powerful.