I know many people who support my blog aren't in computer security. This post today is for you. I just purchased an Offensive Security Unlimited subscription, which has been taking up most of my time. So I thought I would post about a question I often get, what are you currently reading?
My selection of books by many has been called boring, obscure, and academic. However, I'll share what I have found interesting in the past few years. My rule of thumb is I find a subject I know nothing about and pick a book based on that. These are in no particular order.
An Assassin in Utopia
Summary:
This true crime odyssey explores a forgotten, astonishing chapter of American history, leading the listener from a free-love community in upstate New York to the shocking assassination of President James Garfield.
My thoughts:
I thought this book would be interesting because I knew nothing about the assassination of Garfield. This was a compelling time in history that is taught seldom in school. The author goes on tangents that stray away from the topic at hand, but it doesn't go long for a book that is less than 300 pages.
My Father's House
Summary:
My Father’s House is inspired by the extraordinary true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who, together with his accomplices, risked his life to smuggle Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy right under the nose of his Nazi nemesis. Suspenseful and beautifully written, My Father’s House tells an unforgettable story of love, faith, sacrifice, and courage.
My thoughts:
The role of the Vatican during World War II has always been a position of neutrality. However, this story goes into how an Irish priest and a group of supporters were able to help countless people escape the concentration camps. This one is a real page-turner, so make sure it's not too late when you get towards the end of the book. I think I finished this almost at 2 am.
Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author William Alexander takes readers on a surprisingly twisty journey through the history of the beloved tomato in this fascinating and erudite microhistory.
My thoughts:
When planning a trip to Italy, I came across this book. Tomatoes are so iconic to Italy that this was a captivating and fitting history for my trip. Every single chapter of this book is fascinating. I ended up sharing tomato facts with friends and family for weeks after finishing this book.
The Gulag Archipelago
Summary:
Volume 1 of the gripping epic masterpiece, Solzhenitsyn's chilling report of his arrest and interrogation, which exposed to the world the vast bureaucracy of secret police that haunted Soviet society. Features a new foreword by Anne Applebaum.
My thoughts:
This is a long book. Not only is it a long book, but it's a 3-part series. I have only gotten through the first book. It's sad and depressing but gives you a real insight into the life of someone in the Gulags. It's a challenging read but provides an otherwise unseen view of the terrors of history.
Bad Blood
Summary:
The gripping story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos—one of the biggest corporate frauds in history—a tale of ambition and hubris set amid the bold promises of Silicon Valley, rigorously reported by the prize-winning journalist. With a new Afterword.
My thoughts:
I picked up this book when the Elizabeth Holmes trial started. It's different from the Hulu series Drop out if you have seen that. There is much less drama in the book. Understanding the complex and flawed character of Holmes is eye-opening. It provokes the question of what someone would do for success.
After writing this post, I realized that it deserves to be broken up into separate parts. So be sure to stay tuned for part two in a few weeks. I always find reading relaxing and takes me away from technology, I'm sure my eyes appreciate it. If you end up reading any of these or have a new suggestion for me, don't hesitate to send a message my way.
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