What’s on Your Nightstand?

NOTE: This post has almost nothing to do with the intersection of health IT and nephrology. With the proposed rule for the Stage 2 objectives now officially four days old, I know many of you are up late at night digesting this 455 page tome. I am in the midst of wrapping my grey matter around it and will certainly be weighing in next week, but in the interim I thought I would stray from my usual path.

 

As I know many of you do, I spend quite a bit of time reading a wide variety of materials, including journal articles, white papers, web postings, blogs and, yes, even old-fashioned books. I do not own a Kindle or a Nook but instead prefer the experience of holding the book in my hands, turning pages made of paper. I read quite a few books, and my wife would tell you I actually finish them on occasion. So today, instead of discussing an aspect of meaningful use or eRx, I thought I would share some of the books I have recently enjoyed enough to recommend. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not an Amazon shareholder. In no particular order:

1. Thinking, Fast and Slow: Okay, there is perhaps a semblance of order here. Daniel Kahneman’s book is possibly the best I have read in a decade. Kahneman is a psychologist and happened to win the Nobel Prize in economics ten years ago for his work in the emerging field of behavioral economics. This is a long one, but an easy read; one you will find yourself nodding in agreement with as he unravels some of the mysteries surrounding human decision-making. Bottom line, all that crap we learned in economics 101 about rational decisions is clearly misleading.
2. Predictably Irrational: Daniel Ariely’s classic takes a similar tact to Kahnehan’s but is full of very practical examples of the very unusual choices people make even when confronted with a more logical option. Ariely’s style is pleasing and creates an easy read that will leave you scratching your head about the choices we frequently make.
3. Once A Runner: As a runner for the past 30 years or so, I can honestly say that John Parker’s novel is by far the best piece of running fiction ever written. A cult classic in the 70’s, this book has recently been reprinted and is now widely available. The remarkable diligence and perseverance displayed by Parker’s hero, Quenton Cassidy, appeals to weekend joggers and Olympians alike. This book culminates in the best description of a race you will ever read.
4. Drive: Daniel Pink’s review of what motivates people in the 21^st century is an eye opener. Citing multiple contemporary examples, Pink argues the three most important motivators are mastery, autonomy and purpose. Cliff notes aside, check out this powerful video that captures Pink’s thesis. Pink’s book would have made my list without the image of the runner on the cover, but the reference is certainly a bonus.
5. The Innovator’s Dilemma: Those of you familiar with Clay Christensen’s work will recognize his role in championing the concept of “disruptive innovation.” In my view this is a remarkably important concept regardless of what you find yourself focused on when you wake up every morning. I will sneak in a mention of his healthcare-related book The Innovator’s Prescription, which I also enjoyed.
6. Crossing the Chasm: Geoffrey Moore’s description of the perceptions and adoption of high-tech products perhaps does not have widespread appeal, but if you find yourself in the business of developing and deploying these products, Moore hits a home run with his book.
7. The Social Animal: David Brooks has made a career of writing about political policy for a number of well-known news organizations in this country. I mention this because Social Animal is not classically in this sphere of influence. Brooks’ creates a couple of fictitious characters and takes us through their lives while exploring the science behind brain development and emotional personality. In spite of the odd ring to this bell, you will find this one tough to put down.
8. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion: Robert Cialdini provocatively describes the heuristics that govern many of our actions. Kahneman also touches on this in his book above, but Cialdini goes the extra mile in Influence. I read quite a bit of material during my time in business school and this book ranks near the top with respect to the utility harvested during those two years of study.
9. The Perfect Mile: It has been over 50 years since a little-known medical student by the name of Roger Banister became the first human to run a 4-minute mile. Four laps, four minutes, the symmetry alone creates an elegance that begs our attention. Neal Bascomb does a fantastic job of chronicling the months leading up to that historic event and the parallel paths of three runners on three continents as they pursue what many thought was impossible.
10. A March to Madness: I am a basketball fan and “Linsanity” aside I definitely prefer the college game. Of course for every ardent fan there exists a significant other who is perplexed by our preoccupation with the television for three consecutive weekends in March. John Feinstein does a great job of capturing the enthusiasm for college hoops (especially if you are a fan of the ACC). Hard to leave this one off the list with March just around the corner.
11. Nudge: The most recently completed tome on this list, I was turned onto this book through both Kahneman’s work and a colleague’s recommendation. Thaler and Sunstein create and define the provocative phrase “Libertarian Paternalism” then show the importance of choice architecture. Wonderful read with some very interesting suggestions.
12. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: Perhaps a bit too mystical for the mainstream, but if you find yourself burning the candle at both ends, Robin Sharma’s parable provides an interesting perspective. As a disclaimer, this one contains a heavy dose of Eastern philosophy/religion and may not appeal certain segments of Western civilization.
13. The Naked Presenter: Have you ever found yourself sitting through a presentation in which you see more of the presenter’s back than face because he or she is busy reading the slides to you? Next time you find yourself in one of those “death by powerpoint” situations, consider sending the presenter a copy of Garr Reynold’s book. All of us can become better communicators, and this is especially important when you plan to stand in front of group with the intent to educate or persuade.

So many books so little time. I know I have left some compelling reads off the list, but I have to stop somewhere, so why not end this discussion with an unlucky prime number? (For the superstitious among us, note that I actually mentioned 14 books.)

 

What’s on your favorites list? Please share with us here. I, for one, could always use another book on my nightstand.