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Andrew Chen

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Andrew Chen is a writer and entrepreneur focused on mobile products, metrics, and user growth. He is a startup investor at Andreessen Horowitz. His newsletter on growth/metrics is available at "andrewchen.co".

11 books on the list

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"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!"

Adventures of a Curious Character

Richard P. Feynman - 2018-02-06 (first published in 1985)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (199k)

Science Nonfiction Physics

Join the outrageous adventures of a Nobel Prize-winning physicist in this New York Times bestseller. In his own unmistakable voice, he recounts trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and Bohr, cracking uncrackable safes guarding nuclear secrets, and even painting a naked female toreador. Feynman's life is an eccentric mix of high intelligence, curiosity, and chutzpah that is not to be missed.

Andrew Chen

2022-12-28T21:52:45.000Z

@KieranO Great book – source

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Theory of Fun for Game Design

Raph Koster - 2014-01-01 (first published in 2004)

Goodreads Rating

3.9 (3k)

Nonfiction Design Art

Discover the secrets of designing games that are truly fun and engaging with this classic book, now in its 10th anniversary edition and updated with full-color illustrations. Theory of Fun for Game Design explores the multidimensional landscape of game design, covering topics like computer science, environmental design, and storytelling. Whether you're a professional game developer or a young gamer, this book provides insightful and inspiring guidance on how to create games that strike the perfect balance between challenge and reward, order and chaos, and more. You'll learn why certain games are enjoyable while others are boring, and how to ensure your games offer a fun and memorable experience for all players.

Andrew Chen

2022-11-03T22:34:59.000Z

Theory of fun Written by one of gaming’s OGs, this is a super easy to read book about the fundamentals of what makes games fun. – source

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Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

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"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!"

Adventures of a Curious Character

Richard P. Feynman - 2018-02-06 (first published in 1985)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (199k)

Science Nonfiction Physics

Andrew Chen

2022-12-28T21:52:45.000Z

@KieranO Great book – source

View on Amazon ➔

View Details

Theory of Fun for Game Design

Raph Koster - 2014-01-01 (first published in 2004)

Goodreads Rating

3.9 (3k)

Nonfiction Design Art

Andrew Chen

2022-11-03T22:34:59.000Z

Theory of fun Written by one of gaming’s OGs, this is a super easy to read book about the fundamentals of what makes games fun. – source

View on Amazon ➔

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Masters of Doom

How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

David Kushner - 2004-05-11 (first published in 2003)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (18k)

Nonfiction History Business

Discover the amazing true story of two friends who transformed the world of video games and ruled big business. Follow the rise and fall of John Carmack and John Romero, the Lennon and McCartney of the gaming industry, as they escape broken homes to create the most successful game franchises in history. But their groundbreaking creations ultimately tear their friendship apart, revealing the powerful and compassionate account of what it's like to be young, driven, and wildly creative.

Andrew Chen

2022-11-03T22:34:58.000Z

Masters of doom This book tells the story of Id Software, one of the most influential gaming studios of all time. They made Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake - my childhood favorites - and really defined the shooter genre – source

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Ogilvy on Advertising

David Ogilvy - 1985-03-12 (first published in 1983)

Goodreads Rating

4.1 (11k)

Business Nonfiction

Advertising mastermind David Ogilvy shares his candid and indispensable expertise on all aspects of the industry in this must-read primer. With a focus on effective techniques and insider knowledge, this book is a goldmine of invaluable advice for anyone interested in the world of advertising. Featuring 223 photos, Ogilvy's insights will have you thinking differently about the power of branding and messaging.

Andrew Chen

2021-03-09T16:43:44.000Z

@nevmed Such a great book! – source

Recommended by

Noah KaganNeville Medhora

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The Emperor of All Maladies

A Biography of Cancer

Siddhartha Mukherjee - 2010-11-16

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (101k)

Nonfiction Science History

Explore the fascinating history of cancer with this Pulitzer Prize-winning "biography" that takes readers on a journey from its first documented appearance thousands of years ago to modern-day treatments. With the precision of a cellular biologist and the passion of a biographer, the author tells the story of human perseverance and hubris in the face of an infinitely resourceful adversary. Riveting, urgent, and surprising, this book provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer and offers a glimpse into the future of cancer treatments.

Andrew Chen

2019-11-27T01:48:13.000Z

wow. this book. 👌 Incredible story interleaving the histories of chemotherapy, mastectomies, radiation, tobacco, and so much more. The pulitzer prize is well deserved. Highly recommended. – source

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Dune

Deluxe Edition

Frank Herbert - 2019-10-01 (first published in 1965)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (1m)

Science Fiction Fiction Fantasy

Explore a unique and captivating world in this bestselling science fiction novel, now available in a deluxe hardcover edition. Set on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, the story follows the young Paul Atreides as he navigates a treacherous political landscape where the only valuable resource is a coveted drug called "spice." As Paul's family is betrayed and destroyed, he embarks on a journey that will lead him to a destiny beyond his wildest dreams. With a stunning blend of adventure, mysticism, and politics, Dune is a triumph of the imagination and a true masterpiece of science fiction.

Andrew Chen

2019-07-05T19:39:19.000Z

@KatyJeremko amazing book! – source

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The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

Ben Horowitz - 2014-03-04

Goodreads Rating

4.2 (92k)

Business Nonfiction Entrepreneurship

Learn the unfiltered truth about the challenges of running a business from Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Ben Horowitz. Drawing from his own experiences founding, managing, and investing in technology companies, Horowitz offers essential advice for navigating the toughest problems business schools don't cover. Using anecdotes from his own rise to success, he covers everything from firing friends to poaching competitors, and managing your own psychology while leading a company. With humor and candidness, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is a must-read for both veteran entrepreneurs and those aspiring to start their own ventures.

Andrew Chen

2019-03-13T21:33:21.000Z

7. Ben Horowitz’s book The Hard Things About Hard Things is the best book about being a CEO and managing your own psychology as you set out to do this crazy hard thing. It’s fantastic. Read and re-read it. – source

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Creative Selection

Ken Kocienda - 2018-09-04

Goodreads Rating

4.1 (5k)

Business Nonfiction Design Art Technology

Discover the creative process behind Apple's legendary success in "Creative Selection." Written by Ken Kocienda, a software engineer who worked behind the scenes during the Golden Age of Apple, this book explores the symbiotic relationship between software and product development. You'll learn about the essential elements of innovation and how a small group of people developed an evolutionary design model that revolutionized technology as we know it. This insider's tale of creativity and innovation at Apple is a must-read for anyone interested in productive work culture and groundbreaking software development.

Andrew Chen

2019-01-09T20:05:37.000Z

@SJeneris @a16z @cdixon btw this is an awesome book that talks in depth about Apple's efforts around the first soft keyboard: – source

Recommended by

The Rise and Fall of Information Empires

Tim Wu - 2010-11-02

Goodreads Rating

3.9 (8k)

Nonfiction History Technology Business

Explore the history of the American information industry and discover how each new medium became dominated by monopolies and cartels. From the telephone to radio to film, each industry was once open and chaotic, inhabited by entrepreneurs and utopians. But will the same fate befall the Internet? In "The Master Switch," Tim Wu examines the strategic maneuvers of today’s information giants, Apple, Google, and an eerily resurgent AT&T. He warns that a battle royale for the Internet’s future is brewing, and this is one war we dare not tune out.

Andrew Chen

2018-08-24T19:13:34.000Z

Now starting the section now these information empires eventually got dismantled, by the internet, cable, and the government antitrust efforts on the 1950s! Awesome book so far – source

Recommended by

Chris HayesBrian ArmstrongDev Khare

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Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley