Chris Lichti's Book List

Bird by Bird
Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
ISBN: 0-385-48001-6
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I immediately picked up this book when my father shared this quote with me, from page 22: "...you can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."

Hokkaido Highway Blues
by Will Ferguson
ISBN: 1841952885
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Hitchhiking in Japan is unheard of. Yet this English teacher traveled almost the full length of Japan using (mostly) his thumb and luck, with some amusing results.

It's Not About the Bike
My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong
ISBN: 0-425-17961-3
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The candid story of Lance Armstrong's early career, fall to cancer, and phoenix-like rise to become one of the world's most recognized athletes.

Japan
True Stories of Life on the Road by Donald W. George and Amy Greimann Carlson
ISBN: 1-885211-04-X
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Follow dozens of travelers as they recount stories of their adventures throughout Japan. After reading this book, I wanted to take a year off work and follow in their footsteps.

Lakota Woman
by Mary Crow Dog
ISBN: 13 978-0-06-097389-6
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The riveting true story of Mary Crow Dog's life as a Native American.

Metamagical Themas
Questing for the Essence of Mind and Pattern by Douglas R. Hofstadter
ISBN: 0-465-04540-5
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Flip to any random chapter for brain-twisting fun.

Public Speaking
by Osborn and Osborn
ISBN: 0-618-53195-5
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I wouldn't ordinarily post a textbook, but I found this one about public speaking to be unusually clear and helpful.

Schott's Original Miscellany
by Ben Schott
ISBN: 0-7475-6320-9
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A gift from a close friend, this book defies conventional labels. Living up to its title, this book provides detailed, sometimes comprehensive knowledge on hundreds of subjects, like a skipping stone bouncing across Lake Encyclopedia.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell
ISBN: 974-0-7852-8935-7
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A good friend gave me this book. Reading it has both affirmed and enriched my understanding of leadership, both on a personal and professional level.

The Design of Everyday Things
by Donald A Norman
ISBN: 13 978-0-465-06710-7
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Donal Norman's views on design from years ago are somehow even more relevant today, as technology has enabled a burgeoning army of amateur designers to inflict their work upon the masses.

The Future of Freedom
Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad by Fareed Zakaria
ISBN: 0-393-32487-7
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Mr. Zakaria's observations about freedom and politics struck a cord with me.

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
by Edward R. Tufte
ISBN: 0-9613921-0-X
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Tufte is an expert in the field of visualization. I've been fortunate hear him speak at a Computer Human Interface (CHI) conference. Check out the sobering map on page 176, which shows Napolean's march on Russia.

Where does the Weirdness Go?
Why quantum mechanics is strange, but not as strange as you think by David Lindley
ISBN: 0-465-06786-7
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Somehow, David Lindley found a way to discuss quantum mechanics using clear language, good humor, and accessible imagery and metaphors.

Why Service Stinks
...and Exactly What to Do About It! by T. Scott Gross
ISBN: 0-7931-7681-6
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Burgeoning with hilarious anecdotes and sage advice, I liken this book about Service to Donald Norman's book about Design.