Some highlights of my 2024 reading challenge

Noise by by Cass R. Sunstein, Daniel Kahneman, and Olivier Sibony

This book explores the flaws in human judgment and strategies to minimize, if not entirely eliminate, them. The book reveals that errors in judgment occur far more often than we might expect, particularly in areas where precision is critical.

 Consider a judge who imposes penalties while being influenced by their mood or a criminal’s resemblance to someone they know. Or imagine a doctor making a diagnosis based on their personal characteristics or … the time of the day. These types of interference in decision-making are real, yet we rarely question the judgments of authority figures.

 One of the key solutions proposed in the book to reduce such errors—referred to as ‘noise’—is systematization. This means creating a standardized process: compiling data, assigning scores, and using formulas to automate decision-making.

 ‘Formulas and robots beat human judges’, is justifiably argued in the book. However, the drawback is that people might feel their dignity is undermined—everybody wants to be treated individually. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of standardised approaches explains why we see seemingly strange rules and rigid regulations prevail in various systems.

 Insightful though the book was, it was difficult to read due to the length of sentences and the complications of ideas. I had this feeling that sentences were not following coherently from one to another and totally new ideas popped up out the blue. The author spared the reader some cognitive load by summarising the key points at the end of each paragraph and chapter, but the text proper could have been made more readable

 In my scope of work I use the insights of the book in two areas: first, while assessing exam writing makeovers; and second, while elaborating my Cambridge Advanced Course. ‘Numbers don’t lie’ has become my motto, and the application of numerical and statistical knowledge to my strictly linguistic job has added a perspective that had eluded me before reading ‘Noise’. And I’m sure the book will appeal to anyone who is involved in making decisions and judgements

Pay Back the Devil by Graham Masterton

This was the most shocking book I read last year. Of all the crime thrillers I’ve devoured, this one tops the list with its unsettling content. Graphic depictions of terrorism, masochism, hardcore violence, and mutilations leave no room for respite. The shocks keep coming, leaving you reeling from one horror only to be jolted by the next.

My recommendation: if you’re impressionable, steer clear of this book. But if you’re looking for an intense, nerve-wracking read, give it a go.

Продающие тексты. Модель для сборки. Копирайтинг для всех, Дмитрий Кот

This is the only book in Russian I’ve read, and it’s an invaluable resource for creating texts that sell products or services while presenting you in the best possible light. The reason why I resorted to a marketing book by a Russian author is that I was looking for knowledge that would be applicaple to our Russian mentality.

The book provides a well-structured, step-by-step guide on crafting each section (or "блок") of a selling text. Free from unnecessary fluff, it focuses on actionable insights. You can implement the recommendations immediately, leaving no room for doubt about whether you’re on the right track.

It’s a must-read for entrepreneurs and marketers. After reading it, I revamped my content across platforms where I engage with clients—and the results were phenomenal. Some people even commented on how informative and impressive my content had become.

In short, this book is a game-changer!

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

This sprawling fantasy epic defies natural laws and pushes the boundaries of imagination. However, it’s infamous for its excruciatingly long descriptions and the overwhelming number of invented names that seem to pop up at every turn. While some may find this captivating, others might see it as a test of patience.

I listened to the audiobook at 2x speed, which I found sufficient for grasping the gist of the story. By way of an exception, I would recommend watching the films before reading the book—something I rarely suggest.

As someone who isn’t a big fan of fantasy, I read this novel to tick a box, rather than for inspiration. While it’s undeniably a cornerstone of the genre, I feel it’s better suited to readers who delight in Tolkien’s intricate world-building rather than those seeking a faster-paced narrative.

These books provided a mix of insights, shocks, and challenges. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, a nerve-wracking thriller, or a deep dive into epic fantasy, there’s something here for everyone.

I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sathi

Written by an Indian author, this book is peppered with Indian humor and offers straightforward advice on various aspects of personal finance, from paying off debts to long-term investing. While there are references to the American financial system, such as Roth IRAs, the core message is universal: eliminate debt, invest for the long term while you're young, and don’t compromise your quality of life. Spend money on what truly matters to you, and avoid wasting it on things that don’t. In my opinion, this book will resonate most with people in their twenties, as its focus is primarily on building wealth over time.

These books provided a mix of insights, shocks, and challenges. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, a nerve-wracking thriller, or a deep dive into epic fantasy, there’s something here for everyone.

What were your 2024 reading highlights? Share them in the comments!