Ask HN: Best books you read in 2023
What are the best books you’ve read in 2023? And why?
Prev: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33849267
Prev: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33849267
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38556188 (255 points | 4 days ago | 230 comments)
Here's a gloss on my list for this year:
"Slouching Towards Utopia" by J. Bradford DeLong (2022). A narrative economic history of the 20th century that focuses on the interaction between policy and economic thought.
"Lost Continents" by L. Sprague de Camp (1954). Looks at Atlantis and other lost continents as rhetorical devices in ancient history and philosophy, 20th century pseudoscience/pseudohistory, and science fiction.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle (1902). My favorite Sherlock Holmes tale yet. Really embraces the themes of gothic literature.
"The Rise of Universities" by Charles Homer Haskins (1923). Three short lectures on the history of universities. Quite funny! This was part of a project where I looked back at research from 1923: https://bcmullins.github.io/research-from-1923/.
"The Book of Yokai" Michael Dylan Foster (2015). Explores an interesting aspect of Japanese folklore which has found its way into all sorts of popular media.
Similarly, if you live in Montreal (particularly if you're an Anglo or Allophone), you might relate to this premise on a deep level as I have.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_City_and_the_City_(TV_se...
[0]: The Will of the Many: A fun take on the genre. You get magic, academia, mystery, etc
[1]: Jade City: My favorite series I've read in the last year or so. Super bummed it's over. Highly recommend.
[0]: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58416952-the-will-of-the... [1]: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43587154-jade-city
"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. Beautiful, magical story about a circus that opens only at night.
"The Leviathan" by Rosie Andrews. Dark and mysterious story set in 1643 England. I was so blown away that this was her debut novel! Just wow!
"I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy. This was my favorite non-fiction book by far! I devoured this in less than a week! Amazingly insightful and well written!
Fiction: My Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl- nsfw story about a young guy in early 20th century Europe who develops a method for increasing libido - hilarity ensues.
Michael Easter "Scarcity Brain"
Annie Duke "Thinking In Bets"
Annie Duke "Quit"
All were readable and yet informative and intriguing.
Rick Ruben's "The Creative Act" was also good, tho I felt it should have been more heavily edited (read: it was too long). That flaw makes me hesitant to recommend it.
Yes, it doesn't have to be read cover to cover. But some chapters could have been removed and "the work" would have gotten stronger. Ironic since that's a practice he champions.
I'd recommend "The War of Art" over "Creative Act".
1. "The Shadow Factory" by James Bamford James Bamford takes you behind the scenes of the NSA's domestic surveillance operations, providing an unparalleled look into their methods and motivations. With access to exclusive sources, Bamford delves into the agency's quest for information on modern threats while raising questions about privacy and security.
2. "Fake: Forgery, Lies, & eBay" by Kenneth Walton Discover the world of art scams and online manipulation through the lens of eBay's unregulated auction system. Walton's account details how con artists exploited the platform, luring unsuspecting bidders and amassing fortunes. This captivating narrative sheds light on both high-profile scammers and their unsuspecting victims, prompting shifts in eBay's policies.
3. "The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan" by Sam Kleiner Sam Kleiner unveils the thrilling tale of American pilots who, before Pearl Harbor, were secretly recruited to aid Chinese allies against Japan. As events unfolded, they found themselves on the front lines of the Pacific war. This untold story sheds light on their bravery and the pivotal role they played during a critical time.
4. "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel Delve into the fascinating life of Christopher Knight, who disappeared into the wilderness for nearly three decades. Finkel's narrative explores Knight's survival in harsh conditions, his resourcefulness, and the mysteries surrounding his isolated existence. It's a thought-provoking exploration of solitude, community, and the human spirit.
5."The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" by Michael Finkel Unearth the astonishing true-crime account of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the world's most prolific art thieves. Finkel delves into Breitwieser's audacious exploits, shedding light on his motivations, the world of stolen art, and the complex dynamics of his criminal pursuits.
6. "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed mass surveillance by the US government, opens up about his life and the events that led him to expose the system he helped build. This memoir provides an insider's perspective on the motives, challenges, and consequences of his actions.
7. "September's Camera" by Jeffrey Scarborough Jeff Scarborough recounts his harrowing experience as the sole cameraman during the 9/11 attacks. His lens captured the unfolding tragedy and its aftermath, offering a unique perspective on that fateful day and a career spent capturing human fragility in various forms.
These non-fiction gems offer thought-provoking narratives, from the hidden world of espionage to tales of survival and resilience. Dive into these pages and embark on a journey through history, art, and human stories that have shaped our world. Happy reading!
My Review
Prepare to be taken on an unforgettable journey through history with Sam Kleiner's "The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan." This meticulously researched and deeply moving book shines a light on the remarkable but often overlooked story of the American volunteer pilots who fought in the shadows of World War II.
What makes this book truly exceptional is its foundation in the personal writings of the Flying Tigers themselves. Kleiner weaves together the pilots' journals, letters, and first-hand accounts to create a narrative that feels incredibly intimate and emotionally resonant. As you read the letters these brave men wrote to their loved ones, you can't help but be moved by the depth of their commitment and the sacrifices they were willing to make.
The heart of "The Flying Tigers" lies in its portrayal of the pilots as real people with fears, hopes, and dreams. Kleiner takes us beyond the cockpit and introduces us to the individuals behind the aviator goggles. We witness their camaraderie, their struggles, and their determination to defend China against Japanese aggression. It's this human touch that elevates the book from a mere historical account to a deeply personal and touching story.
The level of research that has gone into this book is nothing short of astonishing. Kleiner's attention to detail is evident on every page, as he provides a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, and military context of the time. His ability to blend historical facts seamlessly with personal narratives is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and historian.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to transport readers back in time, allowing us to experience the adrenaline-pumping dogfights over the skies of China and the challenges faced by the Flying Tigers on the ground. Kleiner's vivid descriptions make it feel as though you are right there alongside these courageous pilots, facing the same dangers and sharing in their triumphs.
While the amount of research is impressive, it never bogs down the narrative. Kleiner strikes a perfect balance between historical context and the personal stories of the Flying Tigers, ensuring that the book remains engaging and accessible to a wide range of readers.
In conclusion, "The Flying Tigers" by Sam Kleiner is a masterful work that does justice to the bravery and sacrifice of the American volunteer pilots who waged a secret war in China during World War II. It's a book that not only educates but also tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. If you're a history enthusiast, an aviation buff, or simply someone who appreciates tales of heroism and sacrifice, this book deserves a prominent place on your bookshelf. Kleiner's storytelling prowess and the personal touch of the pilots' letters make it a captivating and emotionally charged read that is not to be missed.