A collection of books that have shaped my thinking about product design, user psychology, and life. Each one has added something to how I approach my work.
Geoffrey Engelstein
A sharp exploration of motivation psychology and how achievement systems shape behaviour. Actionable and clear, with examples that translate directly to product design and onboarding flows. Recommended for designers, product thinkers, or anyone interested in systems of motivation.
Walter Isaacson
A fast-paced look into obsessive ambition and first-principles thinking. I appreciated the raw intensity and system-level problem solving, even if some of the personal chaos felt excessive. Recommended if you're interested in how extreme vision shapes industries.
Haruki Murakami
Surreal, dreamlike, and layered with symbolism. I liked the puzzle-like nature of the narrative, but some of the abstraction can feel deliberately unresolved. Best for readers who enjoy mysteries without clear answers.
Viktor Frankl
A powerful reflection on suffering, resilience, and purpose. I appreciated the simplicity and clarity of Frankl's ideas around meaning. A must-read if you're interested in psychology or deeper questions about how we choose to live.
Haruki Murakami
A quiet, melancholic story that lingers. I enjoyed the atmosphere and emotional honesty, though it's not a plot-driven book. Recommended if you like slow, reflective novels that feel like memories rather than stories.
Walter Isaacson
A striking portrait of creativity, taste, and ruthless clarity. I loved the focus on product intuition and the craft behind simplicity. Hard to read at times because of the personality flaws, but inspiring if you care about design.
James Cheshire & Oliver Uberti
A beautiful blend of storytelling and data-visualisation. I loved how it turns complex global patterns into clear, elegant maps - the kind of design work that feels both informative and artistic. Recommended if you enjoy seeing the world through systems, structures, and visuals rather than text alone.
Selwyn Raab
A detailed account of the American mafia's rise and structure. I loved the organisational complexity, informal hierarchies, and how systems of trust and power form in the absence of formal institutions. Long but rewarding if you like history or systems thinking.
Plato
A look at moral conviction, truth, and philosophy through dialogue. I enjoyed the blend of historical narrative and reasoning, though the structure can feel dense. Recommended if you're curious about the foundations of Western thought.