Best Books of 2020: Gift Guide Recommended by VCs & TechCrunch
Greetings from TechCrunch’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide! Searching for the perfect present? We’re dedicated to assisting you! We will be publishing various gift guides from now until the close of December. Our complete collection of guides is available here. This represents the first installment of our Best Books gift guide. A second part, featuring additional choices, will be released soon.
Despite the difficulties experienced by everyone in 2020, it proved to be a remarkably successful year for books (a somewhat unusual statement!). Increased sales were observed, fueled by stay-at-home orders, a sense of monotony, and a desire for distraction. However, 2020 also appeared to be a pivotal year for media overall, a period during which we began to seriously evaluate the importance of instantaneous communication often motivated by anxiety.
While books aren’t necessarily a solution to the constant demands of the information age, they offer space for both readers and writers to reflect, assess our current situation, and consider future possibilities. They offer perspective not on the immediate present, but *of* the present. This could involve immersing oneself in the stories of invented characters in distant worlds, or gaining insight into the experiences of others right here on Earth; books supply the resources that can help us re-evaluate current events and anticipate what lies ahead.
Therefore, I am pleased to present nine book suggestions from my colleagues at TechCrunch, along with recommendations from several venture capitalists, regarding essential reading for 2020. These books range in publication date from a few weeks to a few years, but each one significantly impacted the reviewers’ perspectives during a particularly demanding year.
Please note that this article includes links to our affiliate partners. TechCrunch may receive a commission on purchases made through these links.
Dark Mirror: Edward Snowden and the Surveillance State by Barton Gellman
Penguin Random House, 2020, 448 pages
Recommended by Zack Whittaker, Cybersecurity Editor at TechCrunch
“Dark Mirror” recounts the experiences of Barton Gellman, a journalist who earned a Pulitzer Prize, as he reported on one of the most significant leaks of classified information in recent history. The source of this leak was Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency who became a whistleblower.
Gellman was among a select group who received a copy of the extensive collection of “top secret” documents taken by Snowden in 2013. These documents brought to light the vast extent of the surveillance powers held by the U.S. government—and its international partners. Primarily written from a first-person perspective, the book offers a new examination of the Snowden disclosures and the subsequent published reports, detailing errors in judgment and presenting previously untold revelations.
The book provides deeper insight into Snowden himself, exploring his personality and motivations, detailing how he secretly gathered thousands of classified documents while working at the NSA, and explaining the circumstances surrounding his initial contact with Gellman, as well as the reasons behind his decision to come forward publicly.
The narrative also follows Gellman’s process of verifying and investigating the most important findings within the documents—supported by the work of researchers Ashkan Soltani and Julie Tate—from the unveiling of the PRISM slides to the moment Gellman informed a Google engineer about the NSA’s clandestine extraction of data from its private data center connections. Gellman provides a comprehensive account of his years-long reporting on these documents, openly discussing his own challenges, including safeguarding the information from intelligence agencies and the fear of becoming a target himself.
Gellman offers a renewed perspective and valuable context to the events following the scandal, filling in gaps in understanding during a period of global upheaval. Even seven years after the initial stories emerged, “Dark Mirror” continues to reveal previously unknown details in each chapter. The author’s storytelling is compelling, and may cause readers to reconsider their use of the internet.
Price: $20 from Amazon
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran
Belknap Press (Harvard University Press), 2017, 384 pages
Recommended by Liz Sisson, Chief Operating Officer of Urban Us
Individuals involved in financial management, investment, or simply those interested in the American economic landscape should consider reading “The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap” by Mehrsa Baradaran. She is an associate dean and professor at the University of California-Irvine, and also a fellow at the Roosevelt Institute.
Baradaran’s 2017 publication examines historical attempts at fostering economic inclusivity within the United States, analyzing their shortcomings and outlining what genuine progress toward closing the wealth gap would require, particularly regarding improved access to financial resources.
The book thoroughly investigates the financial institutions and policies that have contributed to and perpetuated racial economic disparities in the U.S. It details the racial wealth gap and its connection to the banking system, alongside a historical overview of the policies, political ideologies, and individuals who upheld these discriminatory systems that controlled access to capital and, consequently, wealth. The work also clarifies that wealth and equality are not synonymous.
Currently, the typical white family in America possesses 13 times the wealth of the typical Black family. “The Color of Money” explains the historical roots and ongoing impact of factors like redlining and GI Bills, as well as discriminatory practices, that contribute to this disparity, and details how the gap tripled between 1984 and 2009.
Baradaran provides a comprehensive history of financial entities, including community banks, Black-owned banks, mortgage lending practices, and government initiatives (such as CDFI, CRA, GSE, OMBE and FDIC), and their roles in shaping these systems. She also analyzes the constraints placed on capitalism by segregation and exploitation during periods like Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the New Deal, the Jim Crow era, and throughout the neoliberal policies, emphasis on limited government, and the war on drugs of the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond.
The book presents the viewpoints of numerous influential figures, ranging from Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King Jr., and Presidents Nixon and Reagan, all of whom believed that economic empowerment through Black capitalism – encompassing banking, ownership, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship – held the key to achieving equality. However, the author contends that these approaches are insufficient solutions to address centuries of poverty and limited economic prospects resulting from discriminatory government policies, banking practices, and under-resourced communities. The book challenges the common narrative of self-help, which suggests that increased savings, reduced spending, and individual effort are the sole determinants of financial success, and dismisses the notion that financial literacy or mentorship alone can overcome systemic barriers. The author asserts that “Self-help microfinance cannot overcome macro inequality and systemic racism.”
Understanding the racial wealth gap and the history of banking, credit, and capital in the United States is crucial when deploying capital and fostering economic opportunity in venture capital and startup ecosystems. As a society, continuous learning from past errors is essential to ensure more equitable and informed decision-making for the future. “The Color of Money” is a vital resource that encourages us to rectify past injustices.
Price: $15 from Amazon
The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech by William Deresiewicz
Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2020, 368 pages
Recommended by Danny Crichton, TechCrunch Managing Editor
The rise of the internet has fundamentally changed how art is produced—often referred to as “content” within current economic terminology. Initially, the internet appeared to offer creatives boundless opportunities—a platform for unrestricted expression and a network for connecting with talented individuals globally, providing unprecedented access. It seemed poised to become the foundation for a new golden age of artistic endeavor, dismantling previous limitations.
However, the internet simultaneously undermined the financial stability of the art world. Despite the attention given to platforms such as Kickstarter, Patreon, and Substack, it has largely failed to provide sustainable, middle-class careers for artists as were once readily available.
William Deresiewicz, known for his essays including “The Disadvantages of an Elite Education” and a study of how universities cultivate “Excellent Sheep,” now focuses on the creator economy and the financial realities of art. He brings a unique perspective as both an analyst and a practitioner, having transitioned from a decade-long teaching position at Yale to a full-time freelance career. For this book, he conducted interviews with approximately 150 creators across diverse disciplines—painting, sculpture, writing, illustration—and his findings are, predictably, disheartening.
In essence, the current economic landscape for art is deeply concerning. Streaming services like Spotify offer minimal compensation for artistic work, and the value of art created by those outside the top tier is diminishing. While the internet hosts a vast number of creators, very few are adequately compensated, and only a select few achieve substantial financial success. This mirrors a pattern seen in many knowledge-based fields, where a small number of individuals dominate while the majority struggle.
Beyond the statistics regarding income and benefits, Deresiewicz examines the historical context of arts funding, tracing its evolution from Renaissance patronage to the modern system of grants and foundations, to provide perspective on our present challenges. He offers critiques of both artists who resist adapting to contemporary economic realities and the art institutions that benefit from student debt. The work presents a balanced analysis, rather than a biased argument.
This is a revealing book, though not exhaustive. The core issue is a simple imbalance: there are more individuals seeking to create art than there are consumers willing to financially support it. This disparity is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. While the author explores concepts related to copyright and intellectual property, the challenges faced by artists are not likely to be resolved by technological solutions.
While much of the book’s content isn’t groundbreaking, few economic analyses of art are. “The Death of the Artist” underscores the impact of consumer choices on the art we experience—and the outlook is not promising.
Price: $20 from Amazon
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
Penguin Random House, 2019, 368 pages
Recommended by Ron Miller, TechCrunch enterprise reporter
Historical accounts of World War II often focus on prominent male figures – the leaders and generals who directed the conflict. However, many crucial contributions came from individuals working behind the scenes, whose efforts were vital to achieving victory.
Sonia Purnell’s book centers on one such individual: Virginia Hall.
Purnell’s work, titled “A Woman of No Importance,” details Hall’s extraordinary life and her pivotal role in organizing and supporting the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation. Hall operated with remarkable courage and ingenuity, navigating the French countryside while evading both the Gestapo and French authorities, all while relaying critical intelligence to England.
Adding to the complexity of her mission, Hall accomplished all of this as a woman in a time when women were often underestimated, and despite having lost a leg in a hunting accident. She utilized a prosthetic limb, which arguably made her more noticeable to those seeking to apprehend her.
Originally from Baltimore, Hall developed a strong connection to France during her youth. Following the hunting accident, she volunteered as an ambulance driver in France when Germany launched its attack in 1940, motivated by a desire to assist. Upon her return to London, she successfully joined a newly formed spy network established by the British government, leveraging her knowledge of France and existing contacts, ultimately proving to be an invaluable asset.
Hall’s achievements included the creation of a network encompassing spies, safe houses, and supply lines. She quietly coordinated the French Resistance, ensuring they received essential resources such as funding, weaponry, provisions, and training. She even orchestrated a daring rescue operation, freeing colleagues held captive in a heavily guarded prison camp. When forced to flee France, she bravely traversed the challenging Pyrenees Mountains through deep snow to reach safety in Spain.
Throughout her career, Hall faced considerable sexism, often being compelled to answer to less capable male superiors. She frequently bypassed bureaucratic obstacles, focusing instead on completing the task at hand.
Despite receiving recognition after the war, Hall largely dismissed the accolades, seemingly content to remain a behind-the-scenes operative. She continued her service with the CIA, the successor to the Office of Strategic Services, where she again encountered prejudice and a lack of appreciation for her accomplishments.
Virginia Hall deserves to be remembered as a historical icon—a source of inspiration for all, and a woman whose unwavering determination, intelligence, and resourcefulness significantly contributed to the Allied victory. This meticulously researched book is captivating, filled with astonishing tales of bravery and daring, and reveals how easily such an exceptional individual could have been forgotten.
Price: $16 from Amazon
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
Scribner (Simon & Schuster), 2016, 400 pages
Recommended by Nicole Quinn, partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners
As a former competitive runner, I’ve always valued activities that provide mental clarity and balance. Therefore, I often suggest “Shoe Dog,” Phil Knight’s narrative of building his business from selling affordable running footwear into a globally recognized $160 billion brand, to the entrepreneurs I advise.
I first encountered “Shoe Dog” shortly after completing my degree and beginning work on my own venture, while situated beneath the arches of the Knight Management Center at Stanford University. This building is named in honor of Phil Knight, who is an alumnus of Stanford’s MBA program and a generous donor, having contributed $105 million to the institution.
A key insight from the book is Knight’s early understanding of the impact of influencer marketing, most notably demonstrated through Nike’s collaboration with Michael Jordan in the 1980s. This arrangement was a true partnership between a developing company and a burgeoning star, fundamentally reshaping both the athletic footwear industry and the landscape of celebrity endorsements.
Knight’s recounting of this partnership underscored the importance of valuing and nurturing all partnerships. I am fortunate to collaborate with influential figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga, supporting Lightspeed portfolio companies Goop and Haus Laboratories, respectively. By approaching these relationships as mutually beneficial collaborations, we aim to replicate the success seen by Nike and Jordan.
“Shoe Dog” also powerfully illustrates the significance of organic, word-of-mouth marketing. Knight describes how individuals noticed his first employee, Jeff Johnson, wearing Blue Ribbon Tigers and inquired about where to purchase them: “People kept stopping him and pointing at his feet and asking where they could buy some neat shoes like those.”
During our evaluation of Calm and Cameo for potential investment, we carefully assessed their capacity to generate positive word-of-mouth, and both companies impressed us. Similar to Nike’s early success, word-of-mouth remains a crucial indicator of a brand’s long-term viability.
Knight’s book also emphasizes the benefits of a global outlook. As early as 1980, Knight was already formulating plans to leverage Nike’s presence in Japan to expand into the Chinese market. Currently, many successful U.S. companies still struggle to achieve similar results internationally. Lightspeed’s establishment of offices in China, India, Israel, and London reflects our commitment to providing companies with the insights and guidance needed to broaden their global reach.
Lastly, “Shoe Dog” has given me a greater appreciation for the diverse funding opportunities available to startups today. In the early 1970s, when Knight was working to establish Nike as a global entity, initial public offerings (IPOs) were often a necessity, not a cause for celebration. “If we didn’t go public, we risked losing everything,” Knight explains, noting that an IPO was his only viable option for scaling the business despite his reservations.
This contrasts sharply with the current environment, where startups have access to a wide range of investment rounds and funds, allowing them to pursue growth at their own pace before considering a public offering, should they choose to do so.
These are just a few of the reasons why I recommend “Shoe Dog.” It beautifully embodies the entrepreneurial drive I witness in the individuals and businesses I work with daily, and it motivates me to support them as they strive to emulate Knight’s achievements.
Price: $11 from Amazon
The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood by James Gleick
Vintage (Penguin Random House), 2011, 544 pages
Recommended by Danny Crichton, TechCrunch Managing Editor
The nature of information – its definition, validity, and purpose – has been a central topic within the technology sector in recent years. Currently, numerous publications explore the challenges of misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and “false news,” aiming to help us navigate the complexities of the contemporary world. However, this is not the first instance of humanity experiencing a significant shift in how information is handled, and it likely won’t be the last.
Published nearly ten years ago, James Gleick’s “The Information” feels remarkably timely. The book delivers a comprehensive historical account of our understanding of information, detailing how it is structured and disseminated between individuals. It offers a truly compelling perspective on history, and stands as a prime illustration of how synthesizing knowledge can reshape our worldview.
Within its pages, you’ll find the origins of the alphabet and the dictionary. It also examines the utilization of drums and signal fires for conveying warnings and communicating across distances. The development of the telegraph and telephone are covered, as is the evolution of mathematics, particularly information theory. Furthermore, the book explores both quantum and traditional computing. All of these elements are woven together into a broad narrative concerning humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge and a deeper comprehension of the universe. Along the way, the book introduces readers to a remarkable group of influential figures in the fields of physics, mathematics, and computer science.
Gleick primarily concentrates on the theoretical underpinnings and the invention of these technologies, occasionally branching into discussions about the societal consequences of these communication advancements. A greater focus on the latter would have been welcome, as each new wave of communication technology consistently produces distinct short-, medium-, and long-term effects. Considering the rapid acceleration of information we’ve witnessed over the past decade or two, it’s increasingly evident that further substantial changes are already underway.
Ultimately, “The Information” is a thoroughly researched and captivating historical exploration, encouraging us to place the significant changes occurring in our world within a broader context.
Price: $16 from Amazon
Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by David A. Sinclair with Matthew D. LaPlante
Atria Books (Simon & Schuster), 2019, 459 pages
Recommended by Alex Iskold, managing partner of 2048 Ventures
Harvard Medical School genetics professor David Sinclair has devoted his career to the study of aging. His most recent book, “Lifespan,” centers on the concept that the process of aging and eventual death is not a predetermined fate for humankind. Sinclair proposes that conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer are not isolated illnesses, but rather different expressions of a single underlying condition – the aging process itself. He further details how advancements in science promise to significantly decelerate, and ultimately reverse, aging, potentially allowing individuals to live well past 150 years.
This book presents a compelling combination of Sinclair’s own investigations, actionable guidance regarding anti-aging strategies, considerations for the future of healthcare and medical practices, philosophical perspectives on extending lifespan, and thought-provoking implications for society as lifespans increase dramatically.
Price: $15 from Amazon
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Bloomsbury, 2005, 864 pages
Recommended by Anthony Ha, TechCrunch senior writer
For years, I possessed a copy of “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell,” yet I lacked the impetus to begin this substantial, nearly thousand-page work. That changed after reading a profile of its author, Susanna Clarke, in The New Yorker a few months prior.
I now regret my delay in starting it. The book is thoroughly enjoyable throughout, and once I began reading, I constantly sought opportunities to devote time to reading even a few more pages – whether ten, fifty, or a hundred.
The story unfolds in an alternative version of England where magic is believed to be real. By the year 1806, when the narrative commences, faeries are no longer seen, and magicians are limited to those who are “theoretical,” dedicating themselves to the study of magical history instead of performing actual spells.
Gilbert Norrell, a somewhat reserved and solitary scholar of magical arts, alters this situation. When presented with a challenge by The Learned Society of York Magicians, Mr. Norrell demonstrates his abilities by animating the stone figures of an entire cathedral. He then travels to London with the intention of restoring the practice of English magic. He subsequently mentors Jonathan Strange, a magician of comparable skill. Strange is characterized as being younger, more charismatic, and more spontaneous, and their initial camaraderie eventually evolves into a competitive dynamic.
This represents only the foundational elements of a story that incorporates themes such as the Napoleonic Wars, the consequences of resurrecting deceased loved ones, and the lore surrounding a mysterious entity known as the Raven King. “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” more than justifies its considerable length – it effectively contains the scope of an entire trilogy within a single, swiftly moving volume.
I particularly appreciated the chance to become immersed in the characters and the world Clarke has crafted, beyond simply discovering the unfolding events. Both Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell feel like authentic individuals, and the alternate historical setting (often detailed in informative footnotes) possesses a sense of genuine history.
Furthermore, more than any other novel I’ve encountered, “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” portrays magic as something profoundly and inexplicably strange – not merely a literary device, but a concealed dimension of reality that only a gifted magician (or author) can unveil.
Price: $10 from Amazon
Exhalation: Stories by Ted Chiang
Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2019, 368 pages
Recommended by Danny Crichton, TechCrunch Managing Editor
We conducted a trial book club centered around the short story collection “Exhalation,” which delves into a diverse range of concepts concerning relationships, the human condition, and intriguing explorations of time. Chiang possesses an exceptional talent for crafting inventive narrative structures and expanding upon them into intricate and thoughtful reflections. This book is highly recommended, and you can find our detailed, story-by-story conversations from earlier this year on TechCrunch:
- An Examination of Ted Chiang’s The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate
- Could a time machine reveal life’s purpose?
- What role does meaning play in our lives within a technologically advanced world?
- Is it possible to discuss free will and fate within the confines of a short story?
- As generalized AI advances, what defines an individual?
- How can we best introduce children to technology?
- Might enhanced memory of photos and videos diminish our capacity for forgiveness?
- Why is attention to detail crucial when pursuing groundbreaking innovation?
- What is the value of belief in an era of constant innovation?
- If alternate realities were visible, would we be inclined to explore them?
Price: $15 from Amazon
