The Best Books I Read in 2017

I've certainly upped my reading total from last year. In fact, by the time this year ends, I should triple last year's total. Highlighting three reads is tough this year beacuse I've read very, very good books. With that being said, I know I cannot highlight just three as four really stood out. From reading about the promises of artificial intelligence to how having a growth mindset, rather than a fixed one, can unlock learning possibilities never thought of before 2020 was a great year to read. From some of the books I've read, I've learned how to better take care of my body and improve my strength and overall physical health, communicate more effectively with my peers, and understand the inner workings of staying, and coming into, political power. Here's this year's top reads:

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom

This book really changed the primary lens I view life through. I was fortunate enough to pick up this book as a gift for a friend recently. Before I wrapped it up, I read the new afterword, by Albom, commemorating 20 years of the book. In it was a phrase that spoke strongly to me: Giving is living. The more you give, not necessarily monetarily, but the more you give of yourself, the happier you'll be. I recommend Tuesdays with Morrie to anyone who wants to find out what really matters in life.



Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

by Satya Nadella with Greg Shaw, and Jill Tracie Nichols, Foreword by Bill Gates

How do you change culture at a place of work? Nadella hits it straight on the head with one word: empathy. Empathizing with those around you to bring out unseen individual talents which contribute to the greater good. That greater good meaning not just the place of work, but also society. Nadella also talks about the direction of where he believes technology is headed. Although, he didn't mention one of my current interests (blockchain), he hit on some great ones in quantum computing, AI, and mixed reality. I'm excited to see how all three will come together one day.



The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed by Scott Parazynski with Susy Flory

Everyone's life brings adventures, but Parazynski has had some of the craziest ones known to man! From journeying into space, scuba diving all over the world, and summiting Mt. Everest, The Sky Below reminded me the importance of seeking adventure and taking risks in life.