web3 with a16z crypto What We're Reading & Technology Changing Reading
Steph Zinn and Tim Sullivan, both editorial team members at a16z crypto, dive into their diverse reading tastes, celebrating everything from historical fiction to poetry. They explore how technology, including AI, is reshaping the way we read and consume literature. The duo tackles the complexities of nonfiction versus fiction, with an emphasis on the emotional impact of storytelling. They reflect on the nostalgia of childhood reads, adaptations of classic works, and the timeless relevance of Mark Twain in understanding truth in literature.
01:19:52
Memoirs as Fiction Insight
- Memoirs can be considered a form of fiction since they often interpret events subjectively.
- This blurs the boundary between fiction and nonfiction, especially in personal storytelling.
Choose Dense Nonfiction Wisely
- Prefer nonfiction books that deliver dense information without excessive anecdotes.
- Podcasts can be a great supplement for acquiring factual, story-free information.
Importance of Context
- Losing context in information can distort understanding and lead to misinterpretations.
- Context is crucial to interpreting works like Machiavelli's writings accurately.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring the Intersection of Racing and Optimizing Code
01:52 • 2min
Reflections on Technology Picks and Discourse
03:27 • 2min
Navigating Grief and Genre in Memoir and Nonfiction
05:00 • 14min
Literary Legacies: Twain and Truth
18:51 • 8min
The Complexities of Reading: Fiction vs. Nonfiction
27:12 • 15min
Machiavelli's Relevance in Modern Governance
42:11 • 2min
Exploring Art and History Through Contemporary Narratives
43:48 • 2min
Exploring Adaptations: From Hamilton to Nosferatu
45:21 • 8min
Literary Reflections and Audiobook Adventures
53:42 • 17min
Nostalgia in Literature: Shaping Reading Journeys
01:10:22 • 7min
Nostalgic Reflections on Childhood Reading and Adaptations
01:17:22 • 3min
Look Ma, No Hands
Look Ma, No Hands
Christina Laflamme
Archie Cromwell
Barry Bernardi
Geek Girl
Geek Girl
Patricia Valero Mous
Holly Smale
The Alpine path
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Voices from the Italian Renaissance
Voices from the Italian Renaissance
Lisa Kaborycha
Northwater
Cecily Crowe
A cracking of the heart
a father shares his grief
David Horowitz
Glorious Exploits
Ferdia Lennon
Café at the Edge of the Woods
Café at the Edge of the Woods
Mikey Please
The gift of wings
The gift of wings
John MacBeath
The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy
Douglas Adams
The book follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman, whose house and planet are about to be demolished.
He is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
Together, they embark on a journey through space, encountering various characters such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed president of the galaxy, Trillian, a human woman, and Marvin, a paranoid android.
The story involves their adventures on the spaceship Heart of Gold, which has an Infinite Improbability Drive, and their quest to understand the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, which is revealed to be '42'.
The novel is known for its humor, satire, and imaginative storytelling.
The mezzanine
Nicholson Baker
Nicholson Baker's 'The Mezzanine' takes place during a man's lunch break as he reflects on the mundane aspects of everyday life.
The novel explores the protagonist's thoughts on topics ranging from office supplies to the mechanics of drinking milk.
Baker's writing is characterized by its meticulous detail and introspective nature.
The book's stream-of-consciousness style captures the wandering thoughts of the protagonist as he navigates his ordinary routine.
It is celebrated for its unique approach to narrative and its celebration of the seemingly insignificant moments that make up our lives.
The Chronicles of Prydain
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Lloyd Alexander
Lloyd Alexander's 'The Chronicles of Prydain' is a five-book fantasy series for young adults.
The story follows Taran, a pig-keeper who becomes embroiled in a quest to save Prydain from the evil Arawn Death-Lord.
The series features a blend of Celtic mythology and classic fantasy tropes, exploring themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
The books are known for their witty dialogue, memorable characters, and richly imagined world.
They have earned critical acclaim and remain popular with young readers.
Looking for Anna Green Gables
Looking for Anna Green Gables
Lucy Maud Montgomery
When We Cease to Understand the World
None
Benjamín Labatut
Ender's Game
None
Orson Scott Card
Set in a future where humanity is threatened by the Formics, an insect-like alien species, the novel follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy who is drafted into Battle School at the age of six.
Ender undergoes intense military training, including zero-gravity battles and psychological manipulation, to prepare him to lead the human fleet against the Formics.
The book explores themes of war, leadership, and the moral complexities of using children as soldiers.
It is known for its deep and complex sensibilities, and its ability to pose profound questions about the nature of war and humanity.
The Wave
None
Susan Casey
In 'The Wave', Susan Casey explores the world of massive, ship-swallowing rogue waves.
The book delves into the historical and scientific aspects of these waves, including the 1,740-foot wave that hit the Alaskan coast in 1958.
Casey follows big-wave surfers, such as the legendary Laird Hamilton, as they attempt to ride waves of 70 and 80 feet, and juxtaposes their exploits against the urgent efforts of scientists to understand the destructive powers of these waves.
The book covers various types of giant waves, including those caused by landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, and highlights the intersection of human adventure and scientific inquiry in the face of nature’s ferocity.
The Machiavellians
James Burnham
James Burnham's "The Machiavellians" is a seminal work in political philosophy that analyzes the ideas of several influential thinkers, including Pareto, Mosca, and Sorel.
Burnham examines their theories on power, elites, and the dynamics of political systems.
The book challenges traditional notions of democracy and explores the role of elites in shaping society.
Burnham's analysis offers a critical perspective on power structures and their influence on political outcomes.
The book remains relevant for its insights into the enduring nature of power dynamics.
Jane Eyre
Edmund Morrison Wimperis
Edmund H. Garrett
Jant van der Weg-Laverman
Charlotte Brontë
The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall.
There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice.
The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.
Beowulf
Anonymous
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf.
The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats.
After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death.
The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness[1][3][5].
James
Percival Everett
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative.
The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless.
Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history.
The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Dracula
Bram Stoker
The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires.
The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula.
Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life.
Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy.
A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula.
The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs.
tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.
Madhouse at the End of the Earth
Julian Sancton
Howl's Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
In the magical land of Ingary, 18-year-old Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three sisters, is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an old crone.
Sophie leaves her family's hat shop and finds work as a cleaning lady for the wizard Howl, who lives in a magical moving castle.
She forms a bargain with Howl's fire demon, Calcifer, to break the contract between Howl and Calcifer in exchange for returning her to her youthful form.
Along the way, Sophie navigates Howl's complex personality, the Witch of the Waste's dark curse, and the intricacies of magic and love in a world where fairytale tropes are a part of everyday life.
Ender's Shadow
Orson Scott Card
Ender's Shadow is a science fiction novel that explores the same events as 'Ender's Game' but from the viewpoint of Bean, a highly intelligent and strategic child.
The story delves into Bean's origins on the streets of Rotterdam, his recruitment to Battle School, and his crucial role in the war against the Buggers.
Through Bean's character, the novel explores themes of intelligence, strategy, and humanity.
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century.
The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg.
The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate.
Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life.
The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition[2][4][5].
Lists of Note
Lists of Note
Sean Usher
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Written by Louisa May Alcott, 'Little Women' is a semi-autobiographical novel that details the lives of the March sisters in 1860s Massachusetts.
The story is loosely based on Alcott's own childhood and that of her three sisters.
It explores themes of domesticity, work, and true love, and is known for its portrayal of the sisters' distinct personalities and their struggles with societal expectations.
The novel follows their experiences with poverty, illness, and personal growth, and it has been praised for its realistic and empathetic depiction of family life and the challenges faced by women during that era.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Joan Didion
In 'The Year of Magical Thinking,' Joan Didion recounts the year after her husband's sudden death, delving into the intense and often irrational nature of grief.
The book is a raw and unflinching account of her emotional journey, detailing her 'magical thinking' – the belief that her husband would return.
Didion also navigates her daughter's severe health crises and grapples with the fragility of life.
The memoir blends personal narrative with investigative journalism, citing medical literature and psychological studies to understand the grieving process.
It is a powerful exploration of loss, memory, and the human experience of mourning[1][3][5].
Endure
Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
Alex Hutchinson
In 'Endure,' Alex Hutchinson delves into the science and psychology of human endurance, highlighting the complex interplay between the mind and body.
The book discusses various physical limits such as pain, muscle, oxygen, heat, thirst, and fuel, and how these are influenced by psychological factors.
Hutchinson draws on his experiences as a distance runner and his access to Nike’s secret training project to break the two-hour marathon barrier, providing insights into how individuals can push beyond their perceived limits.
The book blends cutting-edge science with gripping storytelling, making it a comprehensive and engaging read on the elastic limits of human performance.
Mark Twain
Ron Chernow
No description available.
Letters of note
Shaun Usher
Shaun Usher's "Letters of Note" is a collection of fascinating and often poignant letters from throughout history.
Usher's curation highlights the power of correspondence to reveal personal stories and historical events.
The book features a diverse range of letters, from famous figures to everyday individuals, showcasing the emotional depth and historical significance of written communication.
Usher's work is known for its engaging presentation and its ability to connect readers with the past.
"Letters of Note" is a captivating read that celebrates the enduring power of the written word.
Endurance
Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
Alfred Lansing
This book details the almost two-year struggle for survival of the 28-man crew of the Endurance, which was beset and eventually crushed by ice floes in the Weddell Sea during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.
The crew drifted on ice floes, salvaged lifeboats, and eventually reached Elephant Island.
Shackleton then led a perilous journey to South Georgia Island to secure rescue, culminating in one of the most remarkable survival stories in history.
Lansing's narrative is based on extensive research, including interviews with surviving crew members and access to their diaries and personal accounts[4][5][3].
Antimemetics
Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading
Nadia Asparouhova
Nadia Asparouhova's upcoming book delves into the concept of antimemetics, examining why certain ideas resist widespread dissemination.
This work challenges traditional notions of virality and meme culture, especially in the context of social media and the internet.
with @rhhackett @smc90 @stephbzinn @tim_org
In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading list, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations -- in book and movie form! -- and much more.
What genres are we reading now, how, and why? How is technology -- from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio -- changing reading? And why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now? Is all non-fiction just fiction now, and should we lean in to this for education? Are the kids alright?
From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli to Formula 1 to nautical non-fiction to memoirs, this episode has it all...
check out our "what we're reading" lists, podcasts, and more here:
https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/tags/what-were-reading