10 great summer reads on investing, work, tech Jersey gem
Learn how others found success, happiness
Is your family’s dream vacation dragging on? Summer reading can pass the time and empower you.
In December, I shared a list of my 13 all-time favorite investment books. Depending on tastes, they’re all great summer reads, too. But for far broader palates, here are 10 more suggestions.
Bored in your job?
John Tamny’s, “The End of Work: Why Your Passion Can Become Your Job,” argues we can increasingly fashion the future to turn what we love into our careers. The editor of RealClearMarkets.com, Tamny sees the intersection of technology and capitalism creating changes ahead that steadily vaporize drudgery. Lead that charge. Start by reading Tamny’s prescription.
Looking backward at how we got to Tamny’s reality, try Linda J. Barth’s, “A History of Inventing in New Jersey.” I recently stumbled on this gem. Who would think the Jersey Girl world would create so very much over so very long that so changed everything – from the first wireless radio messages to antibacterial toothpaste. If New Jersey could create in 100 years everything in this fast, fascinating book, imagine what the whole world can create in the next 20 for you.
Rethinking history
While on history, you won’t be able to put down S.C. Gwynne’s, “Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History.”
You’ll never see U.S. history the same again. It completely alters any perceptions of both Native Americans and white settlers. Sometimes tough to take – and other times breathtaking. There is lots here between the lines on business, economics, culture and more.
Contemplation
John Templeton was among the greatest investors of all time. I met him multiple times and immediately adored him. His little-known book, “The Humble Approach,” is about the intersection of science and spirituality. It changes how you think of both. I first read it just because it was his book – never anticipating how it would change my thinking on almost everything by teaching me to contemplate the unfathomable.
Templeton binge
Simply anything on investing by, or about, Templeton is worthy, including “Templeton’s Way with Money“by Jonathan Davis and Alasdair Nairn. Or Templeton’s own “The Templeton Plan.” Or William Proctor’s “The Templeton Touch.”
Team spirit
“Team Genius” details why it’s human partnerships in business and their complementary nature that matters – not conventional visions of singular leadership. My friend, Rich Karlgaard, and Michael S. Malone give you a whole new, valid view of success. Malone’s “The Intel Trinity“is a parallel and stunning tour de force of how we got to modern electronics.
Pistol-packin’ mama
“The Most Unlikely Champion” is Vera Koo’s story of how as a petite, middleaged Chinese immigrant, wife and mother, she became the most successful female pistol champion ever. Just retired from competition, Koo’s story convinces you that anyone can become anything with the right attitude, activity and commitment. Easy, fun read while teaching the essence of championship thinking.
Ken Fisher is the founder and executive chairman of Fisher Investments, author of 11 books, four of which were New York Times bestsellers, and is No. 200 on the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans. Follow him on Twitter @KennethLFisher.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.