Review: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hooter: A brain dump from a serial startup guru

As it says in the title - notes on startups and so the book is a quick read with summary points across various aspects that Peter has experienced and believes is important in the start up ecosystem. Whilst might be a bit rosy around his fellow co-founders which is fair , he does make for some good points to think about like if you aren't bringing atleast 10x change in the market, the cost of moving is not worth it. Similarly jumping on the hype gravy train due to macro trends isn't going to help you stand out. Also defining your niche is an extremely important thing not just for your marketing pitch but for your own growth plans. Whilst this book wouldn't stand against academic rigour type of research expected of a business book, it falls more into the semi autobiographical memoir with advice genre and should be taken as the same. Though ironically the book was synthesized from the copious notes of his class that one of the students had taken and had gone viral in the old school fashion.

View all my reviews

Review: Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hooter: Sci Fi thriller dealing with the multiverses.

The book started off really strong, got predictable in the middle and picked up its pace towards the end, sorta like a 3 season TV series. Whilst multiverses have had a lot of literature around them now thanks to Marvel Cinematic Universe also, Blake Crouch takes a slightly different take on it and makes it a thriller keeping you glued at certain points.

The characters are uni-dimensional and not fleshed out enough even for the romancing scenes which remind you of Penthouse letters for beginners. Focus on the premise though balances out the lack of depth of characters and makes it a good read for the start of the year in the Science fiction genre.

View all my reviews

Review: MegaThreats: Ten Dangerous Trends That Imperil Our Future, And How to Survive Them

MegaThreats: Ten Dangerous Trends That Imperil Our Future, And How to Survive Them by Nouriel Roubini
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hooter: An Op-ed converted into a book on key risks that could lead to the next Financial crisis

Nouriel is racing against time to in a way state the obvious but also consolidate the focus on the types of risk we deal with as a world today that could/would directly impact the financial system. Whether it is war conflict like Russia-Ukraine, the climate change all over or the probability of recurring pandemics are one side of the story. He also looks back at anecdotal history with respect to fiscal policies around the world and how cheap debt has always fueled a economic balloon waiting to burst.

He does put in a reality check that stand alone , each of the risks can be absorbed by society but a combination of them could play havoc with our world. You'd say stating the obvious Mr. Doomsday but as an economist, this book articulates his thoughts and perspectives from his experience in this space. Is there research highlighted in the book for his theories? Nope! and hence I like to call this an extended op-ed on what he thinks are items top of his mind that can precipitate the next financial crisis.

The current layoffs in the Tech industry provide an ominous sign to the near future he foretells. Then again the thing with being consistently pessimistic in a cyclical industry is that you will be right at some point.

View all my reviews

Review: The Republic of Thieves

The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hooter: A adventure thriller as two best friends continue to battle all odds against love, magic and politics .

This is third in the series of Gentleman B*stards and I am surprised no one had tried making a movie on this series. It has all the elements Hollywood would requiref for a blockbuster and maybe that's why. It has an extremely rich tapestry to try and recreate. Locke is close to his death bed and given up hope but Jean continues to be the best friend he never deserved. The super secretive love interest of Locke Sabetha finally gets her grand entrance. In a mix of alternating between two parallel story lines - the current task of rigging elections along with a back story with Sabetha back as kids makes for a good mix up as Locke continues to get fleshed out more and more as a character along with Jean.

A mix of Tom Sawyer, Merlin, Lancelot, Huckleberry Finn, Bonny and Clyde and few more and you get this series. The background premise of politics though remains in the background so compared to the previous books, this wouldnt count as the best in the series but I still think it does a pretty good damned job of being a fast paced action and adventure series as they con, thieve and fight to get through all the misfortune headed their way. Unlike the prior ones, the ending seems a lot more tame and you get the closure even before you get to the end.

Overall, a great read stand alone and as a part of the series that really has grown onto me.

View all my reviews