My bride, Ms. Barbara Bry, is a voracious reader. Lots of books, of all genres, fiction, nonfiction, and throw in a few children’s books for the grandchildren. We both believe that every entrepreneur needs to broaden their personal perspective, leave the comfort zone of tech-talk from time to time and read.
Herewith her offerings.
Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
This book covers the time period between the election of Abraham Lincoln as president and the start of the Civil War. Even though we know the ending, this book is hard to put down. Larson focuses on a few key people on both sides. What particularly resonated with me was the intensity of their feelings and beliefs and the sacrifices that they made. A recurring theme was that leadership matters, in particular of course President Abraham Lincoln and people I had never heard about such as Major Robert Anderson, the commander of Fort Sumter.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Lily, whose scientist parents fled China, and Matthew, who comes from a wealthy New York family, meet in New York City in 2000. Although they are from very different backgrounds, they become involved, get married and have a son. What happens after that is unexpected. Khong challenges our assumptions about the superficiality of physical appearance, what makes us who we are, and how our decisions impact others.
Shanghai by Joseph Kanon
In 1938, Daniel and Leah, two Jewish refugees who are fleeing Germany, meet on a ship to Shanghai and start a passionate romance. Arriving in Shanghai, their lives separate, and they make difficult choices that test their values and courage as each faces the challenges of surviving in the criminal world that runs the city. When Daniel is asked to perform a particularly difficult task, he comments, “Things won’t change until we change them.”
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
In an unnamed country in South America, a powerful Japanese businessman, Mr. Hosakawa, attends a special concert featuring well-known opera singer Roxanne Coss, whom he has idolized for years. The perfect evening turns into terror when a group of armed terrorists take the entire party hostage. Despite the language and cultural differences, what transpires next demonstrates that even the most unlikely people can forge relationships.
All of these books remind me of anthropologist Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
I am no match for Ms. Bry. She is smarter and more literate, but my true claim to fame is that she said yes to marrying me when she thought she was saying yes to going to a Thai restaurant. But once spoken, you can’t take it back, it still counts.
Herewith some of my offerings.
A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean
It is a novella about the life of Norman and his brother Paul, the sons of a Scottish Presbyterian minister, growing up in rural Montana in the 1920’s. At least that’s what the back cover says. What it is really about is fly fishing, the power of intertwined personal histories and finally about life and death.
The Hollow Tree by Philip Miller
I love smart women. This is a Shona Sandison crime thriller, complete with betrayal, subterfuge and the dark haunting of deception. It reminded me of some of my interactions with venture capitalists and investment bankers.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Again, I am humbled by the story of a powerful young woman, raised on idyllic Coronado Island, who becomes a nurse and serves in Vietnam during the war. “Women can be heroes, too.”
I confess that I also consume tons of magazine and newspaper journalism. I love the stories of the rich and powerful brought to justice and of the low and discounted raised to the heights of achievement and success.
I love the stories of human stupidity. What I call the “what were you thinking” moment right before the world explodes in your face.
I am a sucker for the brilliance of the human condition when it is presented in great writing and storytelling.
Please let us know your favorites.
Rule No. 820: Don’t let the sand get into your Kindle.
Senturia is a serial entrepreneur who invests in startups. Please email ideas to [email protected].
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