Books I Read in 2022
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 reading twice as fast as me. 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: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul
Author
Abstract
“After Steve” is a book that tells the story of Apple after the passing of Steve Jobs, following his top lieutenants, Jony Ive and Tim Cook, and how the fading of the former and the rise of the latter led to Apple losing its soul. The book is based on interviews with over 200 current and former Apple executives, including Trump administration officials and fashion luminaries such as Anna Wintour. It delves into how Cook, with his focus on maximizing margins, squeezed suppliers and forged global alliances, took over from Jobs, and oversaw a period of tremendous revenue growth, but at the cost of Apple’s innovative spirit.
Thoughts
This book is an exciting read for those who follow Apple closely. It casts light 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
Author
Abstract
Eating Animals is a book by Jonathan Safran Foer that examines the moral dimensions of food choices, particularly the consumption of animals. The book is part memoir and part investigative report, exploring the origins of eating traditions and the fiction that sustain them. Foer raises important questions about our dining habits and the ethical implications of consuming animals through his personal journey and research.
Thoughts
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 eating 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: The Fates of Human Societies
Author
Abstract
Guns, Germs, and Steel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Jared Diamond that provides a global account of the rise of civilization. It argues that geographical and environmental factors played a crucial role in shaping the modern world and that societies that had a head start in food production advanced beyond the hunter-gatherer stage, developing writing, technology, government, and organized religion. The book refutes ideas of human development based on race. It is considered a major advance in our understanding of human societies.
Thoughts
This book is jam-packed with mind-blowing facts that it’s hard to keep reading instead of delving into one Wikipedia rabbit hole after another. One of my instant favorites.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How I Learned to Understand the World: A Memoir
Author
Abstract
This book is the memoir of Hans Rosling, a statistics mastermind, researcher, and author of the global bestseller “Factfulness.” It details his journey of becoming a revolutionary thinker. It takes readers from an emergency clinic in Mozambique to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Written with the same storytelling joy that made Rosling a popular speaker, it is a book that contains few numbers. It focuses on the people who inspired and educated him.
Thoughts
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 educational. But Hans Rosling had a fascinating life worth reading
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Money Men: A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth
Author
Abstract
Money Men is a book that tells the story of the collapse of Wirecard, a tech company that was once worth $30 billion. Journalist Dan McCrum, who followed a tip to investigate the company, found that everything about Wirecard looked too good to be true. The book delves into the world of short sellers, whistleblowers, hackers, spies, and more as McCrum uncovers a story of fraud and deception. The book is an inside look at Wirecard’s multi-billion dollar fraud. It offers a searing exposé that will finally lay bare the truth.
Thoughts
I know, I know. This scandal thing is getting out of hand. But 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. If this is the correct term, 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
Author
Abstract
Edward Snowden’s memoir, Permanent Record, details his life story, including his role in building the US government’s mass surveillance system and his decision to expose it to the world. The book covers his upbringing in the suburbs and his experiences working for the CIA and NSA. It’s an intimate and candid account of his journey from being an intelligence insider to becoming a whistleblower.
Thoughts
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: How to Make Good Decisions
Author
Abstract
Risk Savvy is a guide to making better money, health, and personal decisions by using simple rules and considering less information. Author Gerd Gigerenzer shows that most misunderstand statistics, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation. He offers a solution by teaching readers how to make smarter, more confident decisions without the need to consult an expert or supercomputer.
Thoughts
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: A Secret History of the War
Author
Abstract
The Afghanistan Papers is a book by Craig Whitlock that exposes the deception of the US government regarding the war in Afghanistan. It is based on interviews with over 1,000 people directly involved in the war and documents that reveal the true extent of the failure of strategies, nation-building, and the impact of drugs and corruption on the Afghan government. The book is a damning indictment of senior military and civilian officials’ deceit, blunders, and hubris. It will change the way the conflict is remembered.
Thoughts
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: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power
Author
Abstract
This book examines the phenomenon of “surveillance capitalism,” where technology is used to predict and control human behavior for profit. The book highlights the challenges to humanity posed by the digital future and the potential dangers to democracy and freedom. It also explains the extreme concentration of knowledge and lack of oversight in this form of power.
Thoughts
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 sometimes annoyed me.
My rating
⭐⭐⭕⭕⭕
The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World
Author
Abstract
In “The Wizard and the Prophet,” Charles Mann explores the conflicting ideologies of two 20th-century scientists, Norman Borlaug and William Vogt, whose views on the environment and population growth shape our understanding of the world today. Mann delves into the opposing viewpoints of “Wizards” who believe in innovation and progress and “Prophets” who advocate for conservation and limitations and examines the impact these ideologies have on addressing the challenges of food, water, energy, and climate change in the face of a rapidly growing population. Mann provides historical context and examines potential solutions for the future in this insightful analysis of a crucial topic.
Thoughts
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.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
Author
Abstract
What If? 2 is a book by XKCD creator Randall Munroe that answers weird questions about the world through the latest research and practical examples. The book is filled with bonkers science, curiosity, and Randall’s signature stick-figure comics. It is sure to be a hit with curious readers of all ages.
Thoughts
An absolute delight to read. Entertaining and educational. Must read for anyone who likes XKCD or any of Randall Munroe’s previous books.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
German Books
Dangerous Faith: The Radical Thought World of Esotericism
Authors
Original Title
Gefährlicher Glaube: Die Radikale Gedankenwelt der Esoterik
Abstract
In a time of upheaval and change, many people are looking for stability and guidance in the esoteric models of the world. Horoscopes reveal what the future holds, spiritual healers become role models, and the market for esotericism is booming! Is belief in invisible forces that guide our lives just harmless fantasy, or does the trend in esotericism come with more dangerous risks than it may appear? Bestselling authors shed light on the topic.
Thoughts
An interesting read. While not anything fundamentally new or groundbreaking, still a worthwhile summary.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
Football Leaks 2: New revelations from the world of professional football
Authors
Rafael Buschmann, Michael Wulzinger
Original Title
Football Leaks 2: Neue Enthüllungen aus der Welt des Profifußballs
Abstract
The SPIEGEL journalists Rafael Buschmann and Michael Wulzinger provide new, exclusive insights into the increasingly criminal structures in top-level football. They also tell the story of the man whose courage made the spectacular revelations possible and who is now in prison. The fate of the whistleblower “John” illustrates how mercilessly the industry acts against anyone who poses a threat to it.
Thoughts
Yes, another book uncovering some 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: Why it’s no Miracle that we became Rich
Author
Original Title
Deutschland, ein Wirtschaftsmärchen: Warum es kein Wunder ist, dass wir reich wurden
Abstract
Ulrike Herrmann’s book debunks myths and legends of the German economic miracle, revealing that it is not due to the supposed “father” of the economic miracle Ludwig Erhard, or the Bundesbank, but instead harms society by benefiting the rich and causing unemployment. The book also claims that real successes, such as reunification, were not costly and that it’s time to move on from these legends to understand our future.
Thoughts
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 German post world war II economy.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Cum-Ex-Files: The Raid of Bankers, Lawyers, and the Super Rich - and How I tracked them down
Author
Original Title
Die Cum-Ex-Files: Der Raubzug der Banker, Anwälte und Superreichen - und wie ich ihnen auf die Spur kam
Abstract
This book exposes the largest theft of taxpayers’ money in European history. The book is written by Oliver Schröm, who led a team of journalists from 12 countries to uncover the European dimension of the century-long scandal. The book is an account of the author’s often adventurous research, in which he becomes both hunter and hunted, revealing the involvement of wealthy investors, bankers, lawyers, and politicians in the Cum-Ex-Deals.
Thoughts
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 - Inside Views of a Scandal
Authors
Bastian Obermayer, Frederik Obermaier
Original Title
Die Ibiza-Affäre: Innenansichten eines Skandals
Abstract
This book tells the story of the rise of two right-wing populists in Austria and exposes the entire course of the affair that resulted in the downfall of the government. It reveals the behind-the-scenes of the biggest political crisis in post-war Austria.
Thoughts
Interesting read of a fascinating story that made the news world wide. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I found this book a bit less engaging and a bit more entertaining, as I’m not Austrian and I’m not that into Austrian politics.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭕
The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money
Authors
Bastian Obermayer, Frederik Obermaier, Simon Pare (Translator), Seiriol Dafydd (Translator), Alice Paul (Translator)
Abstract
The Panama Papers is an investigative book based on the largest data leak in history. It reveals how the world’s wealthiest individuals and companies use complex networks of letterbox companies to hide their money. The book follows the journalists who uncovered the story, including their struggles and challenges, as they uncovered cases involving European prime ministers, dictators, emirs, kings, celebrities, and aristocrats. The book is an intense, unputdownable account that exposes the secret world of the elite and their different set of rules.
Thoughts
Okay, okay. Who am I kidding? 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: The Chancellor, the Money and the Power
Authors
Oliver Schröm, Oliver Hollenstein
Original Title
Die Akte Scholz: Der Kanzler, das Geld und die Macht
Abstract
The book “The Scholz File: The Chancellor, the Money, and the Power” provides a unique insight into the role of Olaf Scholz, the current Chancellor of Germany, in the 47-million-euro tax gift to a private bank while he was the Mayor of Hamburg. The book reveals the reality behind the scenes, how the Chancellor and his associates act under pressure, and a system of dependencies, questionable alliances, small and big lies, and manipulation of public opinion.
Thoughts
After over 16 years as Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel was succeeded by Olaf Scholz from the Social Democratic Party of Germany. But unlike Angela Merkel (aka the “nonstick pan”) has had multiple scandals in his political career. This book gives a detailed account of Scholze’s wrongdoings, his rise to power, and how his frails seemingly don’t seem to matter.
My rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐