Of Musk and (Other Innovative) Men

Work Rules! Insights From Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead Laszlo Bock Twelve/Grand Central Publishing 406 pp. The Plot Authored by the leader of Google’s “People […]

Work Rules! Insights From Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead
Laszlo Bock
Twelve/Grand Central Publishing
406 pp.

The Plot
Authored by the leader of Google’s “People Operations,” a close look at the philosophy of work. You’ll find lessons on how to attract talent to your business and how to best support your employees’ success.
The Meat
Bock examines the latest research in behavioral economics and human psychology. Contemplate important questions, like: How do you find balance between creativity and structure? And, can you measure success in quality of life as well as market share? Includes insights from myriad industries, as you learn from the best: Google has been named the Best Company to Work For 30+ times.
The Twist
Read this book to “reawaken your joy in what you do.”

A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age
Matt Richtel
William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers
403 pp.

The Plot
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Matt Richtel examines the impact of technology on our lives.
The Meat
A well-researched response to the question on all of our minds: “What is technology doing to us?” Richtel frames the book with the story of a young man who fatally struck two rocket scientists in a tragic “texting-while-driving” car crash.
The Twist
Are our devices actually addictive? How can we balance ourselves? You’ll never look at your smartphone the same again.

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Ashlee Vance
Ecco/HarperCollins Publishers
392 pp.

The Plot
Learn of the man whose, “vision and execution seem to combine the best of Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller.” Vance brings us a precisely reported account of Musk’s life, his startup companies, and also of the space, automotive, and energy industries.
The Meat
An engaging journey into “Musk Land.” Get to know Musk, one of the richest men in the world, and his companies – Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, PayPal. Musk’s motivating quote: “I would like to die thinking that humanity has a bright future.”
The Twist
You’ll likely feel compelled to buy a Tesla Model S or to reserve a Model X (their SUV).