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The reading list for December 2024

Book recommendations from David Pakman

Dec 8

This month I read a number of narrative non-fiction books that had piled up over the last few months. Check them out and if any look interesting, consider picking them up. I also included one fiction recommendation.

The Snakehead by Patrick Radden Keefe

I've long been a fan of Patrick Radden Keefe's investigative reporting. This book tells the incredible true story of Sister Ping, a woman who ran one of the largest human smuggling operations in history, helping thousands of Chinese immigrants enter the United States. Keefe digs into the world of human trafficking, immigration, and the immigrant experience, weaving together a narrative that’s thrilling and heartbreaking. It’s a reminder of the human cost behind global migration and the desperate measures people will take to seek a better life. Keefe is one of my favorite writers in this space.

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

I've always been interested in the art world, and in the world of high-stakes crime. In The Art Thief, Michael Finkel tells the true story of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the most prolific art thieves in history, who managed to steal over 200 pieces of priceless art from museums across Europe. Finkel’s writing pulls you into the mind of this obsessive thief, who didn’t steal for money, but out of a deep love for art. It’s a compelling exploration of human psychology, art, and what happens when passion crosses the line into criminality.

A Body Made of Glass by Caroline Crampton

This one is a hybrid personal memoir and nonfiction book about the history of hypochondria and health anxiety. Caroline Crampton’s story of her own cancer diagnosis is interwoven with fascinating history. I highly recommend this book.

Black Edge by Sheelah Kolhatkar

Black Edge is an absolute standout of investigative reporting. Sheelah Kolhatkar takes us into the world of Wall Street and the massive insider trading scandal surrounding billionaire hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen. Kolhatkar unpacks the complexity of the case, diving into the practices that fueled some of the biggest profits in the hedge fund world. It’s a revealing look at how the system allows, or sometimes encourages, this kind of behavior.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

This month's only fiction entry is one of those books that I somehow ended up never previously reading, and finally got the chance to. Ernest Hemingway takes us deep into the heart of the Spanish Civil War, where Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter is tasked with blowing up a key bridge. Over the course of just a few days, we follow Jordan as he navigates the dangers of war, forms intense relationships with guerrilla fighters, and wrestles with the weight of his mission. Hemingway’s classic is as much about the human spirit as it is about war.

If you aren't in the habit of reading, it's very easy to get started: Get an interesting book and commit to reading just one page per day, which takes about one minute. Over time, just read a bit more.

You can also pre-order my forthcoming book The Echo Machine anywhere that books, e-books, or audiobooks are sold, and at http://www.davidpakman.com/echo