Books matching: corporate decisions
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- #1
Save:A gripping, human-centered look at tech innovation under pressure - equal parts inspiring, harrowing, and surprisingly timeless. Still a must-read for anyone fascinated by what makes teams (and technology) tick.
'The Soul of a New Machine' by Tracy Kidder is a nonfiction book that delves into the world of computer engineering in the late 1970s. The book follows the development of Data General's Eagle minicomputer, providing insights into the challenges, triumphs, and dynamics of the team working on this groundbreaking project. Tracy Kidder's writing style immerses the reader into the technical and social aspects of the computer industry at that time, painting a vivid picture of the personalities involved and the dedication required to bring a new technology to life.
FOR A TIME after the first pieces of Route 495 were laid down across central Massachusetts, in the middle 1960s, the main hazard to drivers was deer. About fifteen years later, although traffic went b...1981•309 pages - #2
Save:A big, bold look at the rise and fall of industrial giants, rich with fascinating details - best for patient readers curious about the forces that shape entire industries.
'The Reckoning' by David Halberstam is a journalistic-style book that delves into the rise and fall of the American auto industry, focusing on the histories of Ford and Nissan. The book is praised for its in-depth research, providing a narrative that allows readers to relate to the key figures involved and understand the consequences of historical events that still impact us today. Through detailed accounts and portraits, the book explores how the industry lost its manufacturing prowess due to bad corporate decisions, arrogance, and greed, with a particular emphasis on the personal and professional conflicts within companies like Ford.
1986•779 pages - #3
Save:A smart, scathing, and deeply personal account of how power and carelessness at Facebook ripple out to affect us all - entertaining, enraging, and hard to put down.
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams is both a memoir and a critique of the corporate culture at Facebook. The book reveals the misogyny and harassment that women face in high-pressure environments, illustrated through Wynn-Williams' personal experiences. She paints a vivid picture of her struggles within the company and highlights the ethical failings of its leadership, particularly regarding the widespread impacts of their decisions on society, politics, and vulnerable communities such as the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Wynn-Williams' writing is engaging and sharp, blending humor with a serious examination of power dynamics. Her storytelling holds the reader's attention while provoking critical thought about the consequences of unchecked corporate power. By sharing her story, she encourages a reassessment of our relationship with technology, urging a cautionary approach to how social media influences democracy and personal wellbeing.
March 2025•397 pages - #4
Save:'Run the Storm' by George Foy delves into the maritime disaster genre with a unique perspective, blending hands-on experience as a sailor and captain with a deep understanding of navigation and shipboard life. Foy uncovers the chain of events leading to the tragic sinking of the El Faro, exploring themes of corporate interests, flawed leadership, and the eternal savagery of the sea. Through meticulous research, including NTSB proceedings and voice transcripts from the ship's black box, Foy paints a chilling narrative of a disaster exacerbated by modern technology and human error.
The book intertwines historical context, technological insights, and personal reflections to create a compelling account of the El Faro's final voyage amidst a raging hurricane. Foy's writing style is described as detailed, engaging, and informative, providing a balanced perspective on the events leading up to the disaster without bias. The use of factual data, interviews, and historical weather analysis adds depth to the story, offering readers a glimpse into the human spirit and failures that unfolded aboard the ill-fated ship.
2015•261 pages A quick, clever, and biting lampoon of corporate culture - light on depth, heavy on laughs. Perfect for anyone who's ever rolled their eyes at an all-hands meeting.
'Company' by Max Barry is a satirical novel that delves into the absurdities of corporate culture through the eyes of various employees at the fictional Zephyr Holdings. The story follows Jones, a new hire, as he uncovers the dark truths behind the company's operations, leading to a revelation about the nature of businesses and their treatment of employees. The writing style mixes humor, cynicism, and social commentary to provide a thought-provoking and entertaining look at the inner workings of a large corporation.
The Zephyr Holdings building sits nestled among the skyscrapers of Seattle's Madison Street like a big, gray brick. It is bereft of distinguishing features. You could argue that it has a certain neutr...2006•342 pages- #6
Save:A reliably entertaining, if not groundbreaking, modern family saga with all the hallmarks of classic Banks: clever prose, flawed characters, dark humor, and a dash of social critique. Not his most innovative, but definitely a solid, enjoyable read.
'The Steep Approach To Garbadale' by Iain M. Banks tells the story of Alban McGill, a young man from the wealthy Wopuld family who becomes entangled in a family dispute over selling their game business to an American corporation. As Alban reconnects with his family, particularly his first love and cousin Sophie, secrets from his past and the reasons behind his mother's suicide are revealed. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring complex family dynamics, personal struggles, and the impact of corporate decisions on familial relationships.
Banks' writing style in this book is characterized by intricate plotting, engaging characters with internal conflicts, and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the final pages. The story unfolds gradually, building tension and suspense as Alban navigates his relationships, confronts family secrets, and grapples with his own emotions and past decisions. The novel delves into themes of family loyalty, love, betrayal, and the complexities of personal identity within the backdrop of a multigenerational family saga.
His name is Fielding Wopuld. Of those Wopulds, the games family, the people with their name plastered all over the board of Empire! (still the UK’s best-selling board game, by some margin). They’re be...2005•393 pages - #7
Save:A quietly powerful, beautifully observed slice of working-class life - perfect for readers who savor character and detail over action. Short, heartfelt, and bittersweet.
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan is a short novel that takes place on the final day of operation at a Red Lobster restaurant in Connecticut. The story follows Manny, the manager, as he navigates the challenges of closing down the restaurant amidst a snowstorm and emotional farewells from his staff. The book provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals, focusing on the mundane yet poignant moments of their last day at work.
The plot of Last Night at the Lobster revolves around Manny's efforts to keep the restaurant running smoothly on its final night, despite facing corporate closures, dwindling supplies, and personal struggles. O'Nan's writing style captures the authenticity of the characters and their interactions, painting a realistic picture of life in the service industry and the bittersweet emotions that come with endings and new beginnings.
Mall traffic on a gray winter’s day, stalled. Midmorning and the streetlights are still on, weakly. Scattered flakes drift down like ash, but for now the roads are dry. It’s the holidays—a garbage tru...November 2007•157 pages - #8
Save:An unfiltered, sometimes tough-love guide for anyone steering a company through stormy waters - indispensable for startup leaders, but may not click for everyone.
'The Hard Thing About Hard Things' by Ben Horowitz provides unique insights into startup success and CEO thinking. It delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship, drawing from the author's experiences in founding, managing, and selling technology companies. offers well-founded advice on leadership roles, hiring, performance management, and company strategies. It navigates through the complexities of transitioning from small to big, emphasizing the importance of committing to a strategy and making tough decisions for business growth.
Horowitz's writing style blends storytelling with practical advice, offering readers a glimpse into the mindset required to be a successful CEO. covers the struggles and triumphs of being a founding CEO, providing actionable information and guidance on navigating the hard, messy problems in business such as layoffs, losing deals, and failing companies. It highlights the importance of managing one's psychology, adapting leadership styles in peacetime and wartime, and the challenges of setting up a company without prior business connections or experience.
The other day I threw a big barbecue at my house and invited a hundred of my closest friends. These types of gatherings aren’t unusual. My brother-in-law, Cartheu, and I have been barbecuing for years...March 2014•306 pages - #9
Save:A delightfully snarky, thought-provoking satire on names and identity; not for everyone, but a treat for fans of smart, unconventional fiction.
'Apex Hides the Hurt' by Colson Whitehead follows the story of a nomenclature consultant tasked with renaming a small town named Winthrop. The town council members have conflicting ideas on what the new name should be, ranging from Freedom to New Prospera. As the consultant delves into the town's history and the motives of the council members, he navigates through satire on contemporary culture, history, advertising, race relations, and branding. The novel explores the complexities of naming, identity, and the impact of history on present-day decisions, all while delivering sharp and witty commentary on society.
HE CAME UP WITH the names. They were good times. He came up with the names and like any good parent he knocked them around to teach them life lessons. He bent them to see if they’d break, he dragged t...2006•224 pages - #10
Save:A fascinating, meticulously researched account of Enron's spectacular collapse that reads like a thriller - a dense but rewarding ride for anyone interested in corporate scandals.
Conspiracy of Fools by Kurt Eichenwald is a detailed and gripping account of the downfall of Enron, one of America's giants in the energy industry. Eichenwald presents a cautionary tale of corporate mismanagement, focusing on key players like Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, and Andy Fastow. The book reads like a thriller, with complex business dealings explained in an understandable and engaging manner, making it a page-turner for readers interested in the Enron scandal.
The writing style of Eichenwald in Conspiracy of Fools is praised for its investigative depth and storytelling prowess. The book is described as a masterpiece in investigative economic journalism, comparable to a thriller by John Grisham. Eichenwald's ability to present the complexities and twists of the Enron story in an easy-to-digest format keeps readers engaged and provides a fast-paced journey through the scandal.
THE TWO MEN PUSHED through the glass-and-chrome doors of the Enron building and hurried down the polished granite steps outside. Across the street, a white fountain resembling a mammoth three-tiered w...March 2005•784 pages
