Game Matters

The Little Book That Beats the Market
I've totally revised my investment strategy on this once-in-a-lifetime investment book. Very quick read, as it gets right to the point. (*****)

The One Percent Doctrine
Superb book on the policies that lead us to the current Iraq war. Two words: Blame Cheney! (Well, and Bush too, but he's not the linchpin.) (*****)

Brands & Gaming
Mostly inconsequential book that doesn't really explain HOW to make a successful game brand. Instead, it focuses on marketing for game brands. (***)

Cleopatra's Nose: Essays on the Unexpected
Truly wonderful book, mostly dealing with history, by one of my all-time favorite writers. The final chapters, written in 1995, give a clear reason why America should not be in Iraq, if you read the underlying message. (*****)

Myth & the Movies
Great study of a wide range of hit movies, using The Hero's Journey as a measuring stick. Very useful for game developers. (****)

Kitchen Confidential
This chef is clearly in love with his writing, but the fact that he's a non-innovative, hack chef makes this book less insightful than I was hoping. Still, a fun read. (***)

See No Evil
I do not list 2-star or lower books here, and this book almost didn't make the cut. A somewhat unexciting behind-the-scenes look at the life of a CIA field agent working against terrorism. The book's title is spot on. (***)

The Discoverers
Love books like this, that offer deep insights into the growth of science throughout history, and giving a foundation of context that makes it all the more incredible that certain people were able to rise above their time. (*****)

Disney War
I started reading this and simply could not stop. A brilliant behind-the-scenes account of the mistakes even renowned CEOs make, and the steps they'll take to control their empire, even against the good of shareholders. (*****)

The Hundred-Year Lie: How Food and Medicine Are Destroying Your Health
Do not read this book if you prefer to believe that the government actually gives a poop about your well being. (*****)

From Reel to Deal
Subtitled, "Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film." And much of it applied to the game industry. A revealing look at the true machinery of movie making. (****)

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
The building of world's most technological structure for its time, against pitfalls, deaths and political intrigue. An amazing tale, told amazingly well. (*****)

Richard Feynman: What Do You Care What Other People Think?
My first book by Feymann will not be my last. A champion of common sense and insightful thought, Feymann's story-telling about life's events is riveting. (*****)

Marketing Warfare
A revised re-release of one of the all-time best marketing books. Only bother reading this is you care about running a successful company. (*****)

YOU: The Owner's Manual
Another good overview of way to protect your health in the long run. It's all about prevention, rather than hoping medicine can fix us when we're broken (i.e. heart disease or cancer). (****)

The Universe in a Single Atom
Perfectly subtitled, "The Convergence of Science and Spirituality." Buddhism meets relativity, and believe it or not, there's a lot of common ground. (****)

See Spot Live Longer
Feeding your dog at least 65% protein? Most likely not, as all dry dog foods (and most canned, too) absolutely suck and have less than 30% protein. And that is seriously hurting your dog's health in the long run. (****)

17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free
Anyone who needs motivation to make something of their life -- we only get one chance, after all! -- MUST read this book. (*****)

Ultrametabolism
Perfect follow up to Ultraprevention. Health is at least 80% diet related--nearly all of us have the potential to live to at least 90, if we just eat better. (****)

How to Tell a Story
Great overview of story creation, especially from the point of view of making a compelling stories, with essential hooks. (****)

Positioning
The bible of marketing. Positions marketing as the science of consumer behavior.

Focus
The bible for positioning a successful company.

Patton on Leadership
The bible of team leadership.

Good to Great
The bible of managing a successful company.

Buzz
The bible for building buzz.

First, Break All the Rules
The bible for managing people.

Tested Advertising Methods
The bible for advertising, just edging out Ogilvy on Advertising.

The Origin of Brands
The bible on building powerful brands.