a16z crypto show What, How & Why We're Reading
Stephanie Zinn, an editor at a16z crypto with a flair for historical and nautical nonfiction, joins fellow editor Tim Sullivan, who specializes in computer science reading and literary analysis. They dive into the themes of their summer reading list and examine how genres are blurring, with heartfelt discussions on memoirs and the emotional weight of storytelling. They also tackle the changing landscape of nonfiction, the resurgence of Mark Twain's themes, and the allure of nautical adventures. It's a captivating journey through literature!
01:19:50
Books As Maps Or Moral Worlds
- Books serve two roles: information maps from experts and crafted fictional worlds for emotional depth.
- Different book forms suit different learning goals; neither fully replaces the other.
Choose Short Expert Primers For Learning
- Prefer concise expert-led primers (MIT Press-style) to learn technical subjects efficiently.
- Seek short authoritative treatments when you need a reliable map of a field.
Context Shapes Text Meaning
- Context matters: reading a text without its historical and cultural background changes its meaning.
- Close reading plus situational understanding reveals a text's 'real meaning'.
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Intro
00:00 • 56sec
Summer reading list overview and variety
00:56 • 2min
Formula One, optimization, and genre connections
02:49 • 1min
ASML and semiconductor history pick
04:00 • 47sec
Personal nonfiction tastes and memoirs
04:47 • 3min
Why many avoid modern nonfiction
07:33 • 3min
Nautical and adventure nonfiction enthusiasm
10:12 • 2min
Primary sources and Renaissance letters
12:33 • 4min
Value of direct sources vs. author narrative
16:06 • 2min
Antimemetics: fresh nonfiction done well
18:24 • 1min
Mark Twain resurgence and unreliable narrators
19:45 • 3min
Authorial intent, context, and close reading
23:00 • 5min
Anna Green Gables and author self-portrayal
28:11 • 4min
Books as education: historical fiction vs. textbooks
31:43 • 4min
Compact expert nonfiction and CS primers
35:52 • 5min
Adaptations, Nosferatu, and gothic tastes
41:08 • 9min
Sinners, authorship rights, and creative ownership
50:11 • 4min
Rereading classics: Little Women and Anna Karenina
54:02 • 2min
Audiobooks, narration, and performance matters
56:02 • 5min
Reading habits: podcasts, discovery, and spoilers
01:01:02 • 4min
Reading aloud, poetry, and cadence
01:05:13 • 2min
Childhood influences: favorite formative books
01:07:32 • 12min
Wrap-up and where to find the full list
01:19:18 • 53sec
Outro
01:20:12 • 18sec
#1427
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
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.
#10741
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Virgin Suicides
Jeffrey Eugenides
Set in Grosse Pointe, Michigan in the 1970s, 'The Virgin Suicides' is a haunting and unforgettable novel that explores the lives of the five Lisbon sisters.
The story is narrated by an anonymous group of teenage boys who are obsessed with the sisters and try to understand the mystery behind their tragic deaths.
The novel delves into themes of adolescent love, disquiet, and death, and it is written with a unique blend of sensitivity and dark humor.
The Lisbon family's strict Catholic upbringing and the subsequent isolation of the girls lead to a series of tragic events that the boys can only observe and try to comprehend.
#165
• Mentioned in 130 episodes
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.
#8017
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
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.
#558
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
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.
#274
• Mentioned in 93 episodes
Ender's Game
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.
#4628
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Bram Stoker's 'Dracula
Bram Stoker
The novel follows Jonathan Harker, a solicitor who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula.
Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker escapes, and Dracula moves to England to spread his vampirism.
The story unfolds with various characters, including Professor Abraham Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Mina Murray, who band together to thwart Dracula's plans and ultimately destroy him.
The novel explores themes of Victorian fears, the struggle between modernity and superstition, and the undertones of sexuality and disease prevalent in the late 19th century.
#33333
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
A cracking of the heart
a father shares his grief
David Horowitz
#26017
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Alpine path
Lucy Maud Montgomery
#33417
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
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.
#11420
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Glorious Exploits
Ferdia Lennon
#5138
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
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.
#101
• Mentioned in 169 episodes
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.
#37
• Mentioned in 277 episodes
Outlive
The Science and Art of Longevity
Peter Attia
Bill Gifford
In this book, Dr. Peter Attia draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health.
The book aims to replace the outdated medical framework with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, focusing on creating the best individual plan for long-term health.
It covers topics such as the limitations of cholesterol tests, underdiagnosed liver conditions, the importance of exercise, and the integration of overall health with relational health.
#2020
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Anne of Green Gables
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Published in 1908, the novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is sent by mistake to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Avonlea.
Despite initial reservations, Anne's vivid imagination, talkativeness, and joyful spirit transform the lives of the Cuthberts and the community.
The novel follows Anne's adventures in school, her friendships, and her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, as well as her growth and adaptation to her new home.
Montgomery infused the work with her own girlhood experiences and the rural life and traditions of Prince Edward Island.
#16772
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
In the Waves
Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance
string
#14919
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Look Ma, No Hands
Christina Laflamme
Archie Cromwell
Barry Bernardi
with @smc90 @rhackett @stephbzinn @Tim_Org
In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading lists, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations — in book and movie form! — and much more.
We cover:
- What genres are we reading now, how, and why?
- How is technology — from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio — changing reading?
- Why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now?
- Is all non-fiction just fiction now (and should we lean into this for education)?
- Are the kids alright?
From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli, Formula 1, and nautical non-fiction 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
Highlights
(0:00) Overview of the summer reading list
(0:33) The list goes beyond tech and business books
(2:02) Formula One, optimization, and recurring reading themes
(3:12) Favorite picks: ASML, semiconductors, and industrial history
(4:50) Memoirs, grief, and reading for emotional understanding
(6:40) Why nonfiction feels broken — and what replaces it
(8:20) Adventure, boats, and narrative nonfiction
(11:39) Letters, primary sources, and Renaissance writing
(17:30) Antimimetics, ideas that resist spreading, and fresh nonfiction
(19:00) Mark Twain, irony, influence, and unreliable narrators
(24:16) Podcasts/the internet as book discovery engines
(26:10) The internet replaces nonfiction?
(27:31) Anne of Green Gables and its effects
(30:21) The role of the author in fiction vs. nonfiction
(32:00) Historical fiction, context, and why it still matters
(38:12) Machiavelli and interpreting texts across time
(45:43) Gothic fiction, Dracula, and modern adaptations
(51:00) Film adaptations and creative ownership
(55:16) Audiobooks, narration, and reading styles
(1:00:54) Reading aloud, poetry, and rhythm
(1:06:44) Childhood books that shape worldview
(1:15:24) Young adult books worth revisiting
(1:18:29) Closing reflections and where to find the full list
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As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.
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