4/5

An accessible look into how New Zealand's economy works, what has driven our GDP growth and what indicators are useful to look at for forecasting. Plenty of interesting tidbits throughout too - two examples: 1) New Zealand's per capita incomes were 40% higher than the US in 1880, the highest in the world alongside Australia, 2) up until 1967, most of our wages were decided by an Arbitration Court, which fell apart after they decided no one was getting a raise one year.

4/5

Writing is thinking on paper. Anyone who thinks clearly should be able to write clearly—about any subject at all. Moreover, any subject is accessible through clear writing. The author spends the first part of the book expanding on these two points, and the second part giving examples of quality writing from science, math, art, music, physics, chemistry and psychology. Zinsser is an excellent writer. If you want to emulate him, you're best to start with On Writing Well.

4/5

Another money book, I can't help myself. Strong opinions on career planning, wealth building and what it means to have a good life. Some new ideas, some rehashed old ones, but all written very well. I like the author's tone of voice.

4/5

I was keen to know more about the context surrounding the signing of the Treaty, and the primary points of contention. This book is a thorough and well-balanced introduction which does a good job of explaining the situation without demonising either party. The second half of the book was pretty dry, so I ended up skimming through it, but the first half was solid.

4/5

An absolutely cooked science fiction story from 1961. Shayol is a prison planet where criminals are sent to be punished eternally by being forced to grow extra organs and limbs which are then harvested. The story itself is good, but the descriptions of the 'herd' of prisoners is what will haunt you.

4/5

I'm a sucker for a book on money, and this is a good one. No new ideas, but very well articulated by the author.

4/5

A wonderfully cynical examination of bureaucracy, written by someone who sounds like he's had an absolute guts full. Written in 1957, but it holds up pretty well. The whole thing has a deliberately overdone scientific tone to it which adds to the appeal.

4/5

A short, practical guide to retaining employees. Focused on startups but broadly applicable to any type of company. The author has clearly been through the wringer when it comes to losing key people, which makes him a believable source of advice.

4/5

This book examines some 'riddles' within different cultures, past and present, like Hindu cow worship, Native American potlatch ceremonies, and witch hunts. It was written in the mid-70s so some of the language is a bit dusty, but still an interesting read.