My Year in Books - 2024

January 13, 2025

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Here’s what I read in 2024 - in order of what I liked most (highest rated first):

1. Drug Hunters: The Improbable Quest to Discover New Medicines

Author: Donald R. Kirsch, Ogi Ogas
My rating: ★★★★★

"Drug Hunters" is an enthralling dive into the world of drug discovery, spanning from ancient healers to today's big pharma. The stories of scientific breakthroughs (as unrelated as dye production) dramatically transforming drug development are gripping. I particularly loved the story on contraceptive discovery, blending scientific ingenuity & societal challenges. It’s a vivid, engaging read that appeals to both experts & casual readers, offering a unique lens on the art of scientific zeitgeist and its life-saving impact.

2. How Prime Ministers Decide

Author: Neerja Chowdhury
My rating: ★★★★★

This book gives a fascinating insight into the complex decision-making in the Indian politburo. Every decision is an intricate balancing act and the immense personal will required to push through reforms is crazy. The book is impressively well-researched and manages to maintain an unbiased perspective. The impact of efficient decision-making or the lack of it is truly mind-boggling.

3. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Author: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters
My rating: ★★★★★

Peter Thiel offers insightful frameworks for addressing fundamental questions in business while going from zero to one. It’s enriched with fascinating anecdotes from Silicon Valley. Unlike many business reads, the signal-to-noise ratio is refreshingly high.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling
My rating: ★★★★★

5. Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity

Author: Peter Attia, Bill Gifford
My rating: ★★★★★

Outlive is a great book on the science of longevity. It has sensible advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep & emotional health.

6. Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics

Author: Tim Marshall
My rating: ★★★★☆

“Prisoners of Geography” offers a compelling introduction to understanding global conflicts through a geographical lens. The chapters on the Middle East, Latin America, and Russia (& Ukarine) stood out for me.

7. Critical Care Radiology

Author: Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop
My rating: ★★★★☆

Good insights into ICU radiology.

8. Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense

Author: Gad Saad
My rating: ★★★★☆

“The Parasitic Mind” by Gad Saad is refreshingly candid and unapologetically direct, devoid of any political correctness. Saad offers a compelling glimpse into the frustrations felt by the political right toward the extreme left, passionately arguing that the “pursuit of truth” should always take precedence over “not hurting feelings”. His examples highlight how scientific rigor has sometimes declined in the face of this fear. The witty and humorous writing style makes this a fun read - especially in light of incidents at the recent Olympic games.

9. Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes

Author: Thomas Cathcart, Daniel Klein
My rating: ★★★★☆

“Pluto and a platypus” is a light, fun intro to philosophy. The jokes work well, even if you are already familiar with philosophical concepts. A chuckling read!

10. The Happiest Man on Earth

Author: Eddie Jaku
My rating: ★★★★☆

A deeply moving story of a Holocaust survivor, showcasing an unwavering will to live with joy and kindness in face of unimaginable despair. Inspiring and full of resilience.

11. नीम का पेड़

Author: राही मासूम रज़ा
My rating: ★★★☆☆

आज़ादी के वक़्त की सियासत लिए गांव के इर्द-गिर्द कुछ परिवारों की पीढ़ियों के बनने बिगड़ने की कहानी है। कुछ रोचक मोड़ लेती है ये कहानी पर आपको पूरी तरह बांधे रखने में अक्षम।

12. The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness

Author: Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
My rating: ★★★☆☆

Good introduction to the Alderian philosophy. Useful ideas presented through breezing dialogue.