Books I Read in 2022
· 6 min read
After a long drought in my 20s, I’m glad I got into reading more books again in 2022. The internet and YouTube, in particular, have such a strong pull that I almost have to force myself to take time and dedicate myself to reading something longer than an article. Also, I’m a terribly slow reader, which is just unbearable when I see people casually finishing a book in a couple of days. Still, I found great satisfaction in committing and extending my attention span beyond the instant rewards of today’s internet.
Favorites
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
- The Wizard and the Prophet
- What If? 2
English Books
After Steve
Tripp Mickle
This book is an exciting read for those who follow Apple closely. It sheds light on what went on behind the scenes at Apple and is a compelling read for all self-proclaimed Apple fans out there. Apparently, I gave 5 stars on Goodreads. Still, in retrospect, I’d give it four stars (let’s face it – a book about Apple can’t be that good or profound to justify 5 stars).
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Eating Animals
Jonathan Safran Foer
I have to admit something: I love eating meat. I like the taste, and I like the diversity of dishes. I like the cuisine and the culture surrounding meat products. But: I don’t eat meat, and I’ve basically been vegetarian since 2016. I may not be the target audience for this book. But it had nothing new to offer, and I didn’t find the anecdotes entertaining or insightful.
My rating
⭐⭐⭕⭕⭕
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Jared Diamond
This book is so jam-packed with mind-blowing facts that it’s hard to keep reading without being nerd sniped constantly. One of my instant favorites.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How I Learned to Understand the World
Hans Rosling
Hans Rosling has taught me, and many others, to look for the data and not be misguided by stereotypes and outdated worldviews. This book is definitely more of a biography than an educational book. But Hans Rosling had a fascinating life worth reading about.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Money Men
Dan McCrum
I know, I know. A book about insert scandal here might not be the highest form of literature. But, looking back, this true-crime-adjacent genre has been an easy way for me to get back into reading. So I’m not too ashamed. Also: Wirecard is a unique case in modern German history – with open questions still. On the other hand, I found this one a bit over the top. The plot is hard to follow, and sometimes you wonder how on earth the author is supposed to know what some banker thought 10 years ago. Also, this one feels too much like patting himself on the back for “I told you so.”
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭕⭕
Permanent Record
Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden changed our knowledge about state-sponsored mass surveillance. This book explains how he decided to sacrifice so much for the greater good.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Risk Savvy
Gerd Gigerenzer
Although many of his examples shouldn’t be news to most, this book is a good refresher on how we often make irrational decisions.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Afghanistan Papers
Craig Whitlock
At times, you want to bang your head on the table and ask, “What on earth were they all thinking?” Still very US-centric.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭕⭕
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Shoshana Zuboff
This book really didn’t resonate with me. It didn’t add anything new for me. And even though I agree with the general premise, the delivery was more annoying than convincing.
My rating
⭐⭐⭕⭕⭕
The Wizard and the Prophet
Charles C. Mann
At first, I couldn’t quite grasp what this book was about. Similar to Guns, Germs, and Steel, it is filled with interesting facts about all kinds of topics. From history to technology, medicine, and biology. A fascinating book and an instant all-time favorite.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What If? 2
Randall Munroe
An absolute delight to read. Entertaining and educational. A must-read for anyone who likes XKCD or any of Randall Munroe’s previous books.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Greatest Show on Earth
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Magic of Reality
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭕⭕
German Books
Dangerous Faith
Pia Lamberty, Katharina Nocun
Original Title
Gefährlicher Glaube: Die Radikale Gedankenwelt der Esoterik
An interesting read. While it doesn’t offer anything fundamentally new or groundbreaking, it’s still a worthwhile summary.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Football Leaks 2
Rafael Buschmann, Michael Wulzinger
Original Title
Football Leaks 2: Neue Enthüllungen aus der Welt des Profifußballs
Yes, another book uncovering major corruption. And yes, another book with absolutely mind-boggling numbers. Hard to overstate how widespread corruption in today’s pro football is.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Germany, an Economic Fairy Tale
Ulrike Herrmann
Original Title
Deutschland, ein Wirtschaftsmärchen: Warum es kein Wunder ist, dass wir reich wurden
I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of economics. And I’m not sure economists still active in the field would agree with the author. Still, I found this book an interesting read as it gave me a new perspective on the post-World War II German economy.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Cum-Ex-Files
Oliver Schröm
Original Title
Die Cum-Ex-Files: Der Raubzug der Banker, Anwälte und Superreichen - und wie ich ihnen auf die Spur kam
Most certainly the largest theft ever exposed – probably (maybe?) legal because the powerful in politics are also involved. Sometimes the sheer size of this crime is hard to grasp.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ibiza Affair
Bastian Obermayer, Frederik Obermaier
Original Title
Die Ibiza-Affäre: Innenansichten eines Skandals
Interesting read about a fascinating story that made the news worldwide. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I found this book a bit less engaging and entertaining, as I’m not Austrian and I’m not that into Austrian politics.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Panama Papers
Bastian Obermayer, Frederik Obermaier
Okay, okay. Who am I fooling? Scandalous books are my guilty pleasure, okay? I know it’s not better than True Crime, but that’s what it took to get me into reading again.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Scholz File
Oliver Schröm, Oliver Hollenstein
Original Title
Die Akte Scholz: Der Kanzler, das Geld und die Macht
After over 16 years as Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel was succeeded by Olaf Scholz from the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). But unlike Angela Merkel (aka the “nonstick pan”), Scholz has had multiple scandals in his political career. This book gives a detailed account of Scholz’s wrongdoings, his rise to power, and how his failings don’t seem to matter.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐