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Michael Batnick

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14 books on the list
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American Tabloid book cover
American Tabloid
James Ellroy - 2001-04-01 (first published in 1995)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the seedy world of political conspiracy, mob connections, and covert anarchy in this gripping novel. Follow three law enforcement renegades as they navigate the underworld of Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and D.C. alongside figures like J. Edgar Hoover, Howard Hughes, and Jimmy Hoffa. As James Ellroy's electrifying prose brings history to life, prepare to uncover the shocking secrets of a time still shrouded in mystery. Don't miss this daring and vastly entertaining book, named one of Time magazine's top ten of the year.
Michael Batnick
2021-05-19T12:21:38.000Z
@Jonathan_Novy Such a good book. I can’t believe they successfully turned his novel into a movie. Could have gone horribly wrong in lesser hands.      source
Recommended by
Brian Koppelman
City of Thieves book cover
City of Thieves
A Novel
David Benioff - 2008-05-15
Goodreads Rating
Set during the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, two cellmates are given an impossible task – to secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel’s daughter’s wedding cake. Lev and Kolya journey through the dire lawlessness of Leningrad and enemy lines to find the impossible. An intimate coming-of-age story with an utterly contemporary feel for men, City of Thieves is a gripping, cinematic World War II adventure.
Michael Batnick
2021-05-08T20:13:40.000Z
@_JeremyGoldberg @morganhousel @BullandBaird @jposhaughnessy Only audio book I ever did was City of Thieves, it was excellent.      source
Factfulness book cover
Factfulness
Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Hans Rosling - 2018-04-03
Goodreads Rating
Factfulness by Hans Rosling is an eye-opening book about understanding the world we live in. Rosling reveals the ten biases that distort our perspective and teaches readers how to focus on facts instead. Through lively anecdotes and moving stories, Factfulness empowers readers to see the world clearly and respond to the crises and opportunities of the future. This book is an urgent and essential read for anyone looking to reduce stress and think more clearly about global issues.
Michael Batnick
2021-04-07T12:31:38.000Z
@gregsalterjhb yes, terrific book.      source
The Soul of America book cover
The Soul of America
The Battle for Our Better Angels
Jon Meacham - 2018-05-08
Goodreads Rating
The Soul of America by Jon Meacham is a #1 New York Times bestseller that offers a timely exploration of American politics and life. Meacham looks back at critical moments in our history when hope overcame division and fear, showing how the "better angels of our nature" have repeatedly triumphed. He profiles influential leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as influential citizen activists who have pushed for progress. Meacham's inspiring book reassures us that, even in darker times, our country has always maintained a belief in progress - and that we can do so again.
Michael Batnick
2020-06-01T00:01:55.000Z
“To hear such voices is to be reminded of what we have lost, but also what can one day be recaptured.” This book does a wonderful job telling the American story. We are a giant ball of contradictions: Hope and fear, racism and progress, division and unity.      source
Don't Fall For It book cover
Don't Fall For It
A Short History of Financial Scams
Ben Carlson - 2020-02-26
Goodreads Rating
Learn from the biggest financial frauds and scams in history with this compelling book. Delve into the specific instances of financial fraud, successful charlatans, and hucksters of all-time, and explore the lessons that apply to business, money management, and investing. Discover why even the most intelligent among us get taken advantage of in financial scams, what makes fraudsters successful, and how to avoid being scammed out of your money. This engaging book is a must-read for finance professionals, investors, and general interest readers alike.
Michael Batnick
2020-01-08T15:45:44.000Z
Nic Cage, Al Capone, and Bill Clinton. And that's just the Cs! If you're a fan of Ben's work, you have to buy this book. He worked hard on it and it came out great.      source
The Giving Tree book cover
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein - 1964-10-07
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming and insightful tale about the bond between a tree and a boy. As the boy grows, so do his desires, and the tree selflessly provides. Shel Silverstein's poignant story explores the beauty and power of giving and receiving love. Suitable for all ages, this book is a touching reminder of the joy found in generosity.
Michael Batnick
2019-08-25T21:38:31.000Z
@albertwenger The Giving Tree      source
Beneath a Scarlet Sky book cover
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
A Novel
Mark Sullivan - 2017-05-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the incredible true story of Pino Lella, a normal Italian teenager whose life is upended by World War II. Amidst the horrors of the war and Nazi occupation, Pino finds love, courage, and resilience as he becomes a key player in the underground railroad helping Jewish people escape over the Alps. Forced to enlist as a German soldier, Pino becomes the personal driver for Hitler's top commander in Italy, providing him with an opportunity to spy for the Allies. This riveting saga of history, suspense, and love is perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken.
Michael Batnick
2019-03-15T13:30:39.000Z
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Only $2.99 on Kindle, $6.99 paperback. H/t @charliebilello      source
Amusing Ourselves to Death book cover
Amusing Ourselves to Death
Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
Neil Postman - 2005-12-27 (first published in 1985)
Goodreads Rating
This thought-provoking book explores the role of television in shaping our society and its impact on critical thinking and public discourse. The author highlights how our obsession with visually stimulating content is hampering our ability to engage in meaningful conversations about important issues. With compelling insights and solutions, the book urges readers to take control of their media consumption and strive towards a more reasoned and informed society.
Michael Batnick
2019-01-30T00:19:57.000Z
Here is Neil Postman on the Telegraph, which was the Twitter of its day. From Amusing Ourselves to Death Huge h/t to @patrick_oshag. This is one of the best books on communication that I’ve ever read.      source
Red Notice book cover
Red Notice
A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice
Bill Browder - 2015-02-03
Goodreads Rating
This gripping book is part financial biography, part political crusade, and part crime thriller - perfect for anyone looking to understand the corruption and murder engulfing Putin's Russia. The author, accidentally turned activist, Bill Browder became Putin's number one enemy after exposing corruption and was almost killed for it. Red Notice details the plight of Browder's lawyer who wasn't so lucky, and the campaign of one man to expose Putin's regime. Discover how Browder succeeded in having a law passed in the United States - The Magnitsky Act - and the lengths Putin went to in retaliation. A captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Michael Batnick
2018-01-15T23:46:20.000Z
Red Notice was one of the most entertaining finance books I've ever read. It reads like a movie. Thank you @Perth_Tolle for sending it to me :)      source
One Hundred One Years on Wall Street by John Dennis Brown
Herbert Hoover in the White House by Charles Rappleye
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
The Money Game by Adam Smith