Got to read a decent bit in Europe on trains, planes, whatnot. Here’s a quick list with key points/thoughts:

  • What Every BODY is Saying, Joe Navarro

    This book was pretty cool. Not as “here is a list of body cues that ALWAYS indicate the person is X” as I thought it would be. Navarro begins by noting a person’s basic responses to threats: fight, flight or freeze. He also give motivation for body cues through evolutionary reasoning. Then, he proceeds across the body, noting common movement patterns, always being careful to note that while these gestures in general signify certain emotions, analysis must always be placed in a context, to be more complete.

    One main take-away was look at the feet/legs, specifically where they point, how they are spread. Also, look for ventral/dorsal fronting, as well as leaning. Body cues are powerful tools in noting people’s underlying emotions, but it’ll take continuous practice for accuracy and depth of prediction to increase.

  • Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion, Robert Cialdini

    Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, Scarcity. These are the mechanism by which the “click-whirs” that Cialdini mention work. I haven’t applied learnings from this book too much yet; I should keep them in mind whenever I see advertising or suspect others of attempting to influence others.

  • The Right Stuff, Tom Wolffe

    A fun, but tiring read. Wolffe has a very unique style, which while entertaining to read, can leave one tired after a chapter. The Right Stuff is concerned mainly with the inner details of the “sky boys” (a term I just made up), and how the flying pyramid changed with the space program. Wolffe paints the flight fraternity as a very unique group of guys, in love with flying planes and themselves to the limit, driving fast cars, drinking lots, and climbing to that unspoken-of but universally acknowledged top of the brotherhood pyramid. Pilots were modern day single combat pilots, heros of the skys. That title was stripped however from normal pilots when the space program was launched. Originally scoffed at as lab rats, astronauts suddenly found themselves at the top of the pyramid. The rest is history. The Right Stuff is not at all a technical account into the Mercury missions; rather it explores the wild characters, the pilots, who created a new order of pilots and made their ways into the history books.

  • Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson

    Very entertaining story! Having a programming background, I found the tech-centered plot fun to read. I finally understand what cyber-punk means after reading Snow Crash. The social commentary, highlight of the powers of programming, and intricate ties between history and computer science woven into an action filled plot were very unique. I’ll be reading more Stephenson books.

  • Quiet, Susan Cain

    Meh. I did not read the entire thing. I consistently heard (unnecessary) justifications for possessing introverted traits. Did not learn much.

  • 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur Clarke

    Cool space novel. Not the coolest thing every (I barely remember it now), but I remember enjoying it.

  • The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

    Touching story of two young adults with cancer. Very simple story, meant for younger readers.

  • Millionaire Next Door, Thomas J. Stanley

    My friend recommended this book to me after I asked him what the heck I should be doing with my money. Like many self-help books, Millionaire Next Door spends most of the time giving examples and trying to convince readers of one simple concept. Stanley’s main point is that millionaires are more often than not simply people who have learned to live below their means and plan their investments. In other words, millionaires can delay instant gratification, such as a new BMW 5 series, in exchange for future rewards, such as financial independence with substantial wealth. Key take-aways for me were to budget actively, consider skilled financial advisors later, begin investing now, and teach my children frugality early on.