The Smead Book List - Spring 2025

This biography by Eric Metaxas explores the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who actively resisted the Nazi regime. The book delves into Bonhoeffer's decision to leave the safety of America to return to Germany, his involvement in the Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler, and his efforts in 'Operation 7' to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland. Metaxas uses previously unavailable documents, including personal letters and journal entries, to provide a comprehensive and vivid account of Bonhoeffer's life, emphasizing his commitment to his faith and his radical stance against evil[2][3][4].

In this book, John Kenneth Galbraith traces the history of significant speculative episodes in the economy, from the tulip craze of the seventeenth century to the recent plague of junk bonds. He exposes how normally sane people display reckless behavior in pursuit of profit, attributing these behaviors to a 'notoriously short' financial memory that leads to market collapses. Galbraith emphasizes that recognizing these patterns can help guard against future recessions and improve financial stability. The book underscores the cyclical nature of financial euphoria, driven by mass psychology and leverage, and warns against the illusion that wealth is a measure of intelligence.

This book explores the Florida land boom of the 1920s, detailing how speculation and overdevelopment led to a financial bubble that ultimately contributed to the Great Depression. Knowlton provides a comprehensive look at the economic and social factors that fueled this boom and its subsequent collapse.

This book is a poignant blend of love story, medical drama, and spiritual quest. It chronicles the five-year journey of Ken and Treya Wilber as they navigate Treya's cancer diagnosis and treatment, incorporating both traditional and alternative healing methods. The narrative intertwines Ken's philosophical reflections with Treya's personal journal entries, offering insights into spirituality, healing, and the human experience of facing mortality.

This biography by Michael P. Malone explores the complex life and personality of James J. Hill, his activities and interests, and the development of the Great Northern Railway. Hill, born in 1838 near Rockwood, Ontario, rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in the construction of a transcontinental railroad. The book delves into Hill's contributions to transportation, agriculture, mining, lumbering, and maritime trade in the region, as well as his personal and business interactions that shaped the regional economy[1][2][4].

In 'Love Does', Bob Goff shares a series of short stories and anecdotes from his life, highlighting how love can transform ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. The book is grounded in Goff's Christian faith and emphasizes that love is a verb that requires action. Each chapter includes a whimsical story followed by spiritual reflections, illustrating how faith should be lived actively rather than passively. Goff's stories inspire readers to step out of their comfort zones and create meaningful connections with others, showcasing how love can bring people together and transform lives.

In this book, Thomas E. Woods, Jr. challenges the common narrative that deregulation and free markets led to the 2008 financial crisis. Instead, he argues that government interventions, such as those through Fannie Mae and the Community Redevelopment Act, were the primary causes of the housing bubble and subsequent market collapse. Woods also critiques government bailouts, suggesting they exacerbate the problems rather than solve them. The book provides a detailed explanation of Austrian business cycle theory and its application to the crisis, as well as a historical context comparing the government's response to the Great Depression.

Game Changers by Dave Asprey is a comprehensive guide that distills the wisdom from over 450 interviews with highly successful leaders, innovators, and mavericks. The book focuses on three main objectives: becoming smarter, faster, and happier. It offers 46 science-backed 'laws' that provide practical strategies for optimizing diet, exercise, sleep habits, and mental performance. Asprey combines insights from human biology and psychology with real-world examples to help readers upgrade their 'operating system' to better align with modern goals. The book covers a wide range of topics, including taming fear and anxiety, making better decisions, establishing high-performance habits, and practicing gratitude and mindfulness[1][4][5].

Joel Greenblatt's "You Can Be a Stock Market Genius" focuses on identifying undervalued companies through special situations, such as bankruptcies, spin-offs, and restructurings. Greenblatt provides a framework for analyzing these situations and finding opportunities that the market may have overlooked. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying business and its potential for recovery or growth. It's a valuable resource for investors seeking to uncover hidden value in the market. Greenblatt's insights and practical examples make this book accessible to both novice and experienced investors.