The a16z crypto team has released its reading list for winter 2025, showcasing a wide range of topics that span from industry history to personal narratives and captivating fiction. This carefully curated selection aims to appeal to a variety of interests, offering insights that are both professionally relevant and personally engaging.
Among the standout recommendations is “The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power” by Daniel Yergin. This book presents a thorough exploration of the oil industry”s history, emphasizing its significance in the context of modern technological advancements, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Another noteworthy title is “The Collapse of Complex Societies” by Joseph Tainter, which analyzes the factors leading to societal breakdowns and underscores the necessity of sustainable growth strategies.
In the realm of biographies and memoirs, Sonal Chokshi from the a16z editorial team recommends “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai. This deeply psychological novel examines the intricacies of human ambition and desire. Additionally, “When the Going Was Good” by Graydon Carter provides a nostalgic look at the golden era of magazines, featuring personal stories that also offer insights into the evolution of media.
For those who appreciate fiction, “Ra” by qntm is highlighted for its imaginative fusion of science fiction with themes of magic and contemporary issues. Taku Ashibe“s “Murder in the House of Omari” is commended for its complex mystery set against the backdrop of Japan”s societal transformations in the early 20th century.
The reading list also includes titles that explore governance and societal structures. “Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, along with “The Technological Republic” by Alex Karp and Nicholas Zamiska, delve into the intersection of governance and innovation, presenting contrasting perspectives on the roles of public and private sectors in societal advancement.
Other significant mentions are “Humankind” by Rutger Bregman, which offers an optimistic perspective on human nature, and “The Scaling Era: An Oral History of AI, 2019–2025” by Dwarkesh Patel and Gavin Leech, providing valuable insights into the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
This diverse reading list from a16z crypto promises to engage readers with a mix of informative, reflective, and entertaining narratives, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of various subjects.
