Books Recommended by Ev Williams: My Insights and Reviews
Written on
Exploring Ev Williams' Top Book Picks
Ev Williams, the founder of Medium and former CEO, is a passionate reader who frequently shares his favorite books. As an avid reader myself, I was intrigued to dive into three of his recommendations to see if they lived up to the hype.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction, 384 pages
Synopsis: Following a devastating sandstorm, Mark Watney’s crew abandons Mars, believing him to be dead. However, he survives alone and must find a way to signal NASA for rescue.
Ev's Thoughts:
“If I were stranded on a deserted island, this book would be invaluable. While the movie is entertaining, the book offers more depth for those long hours. This adventure celebrates intellect, creativity, and science.” — Ev Williams via The New York Times
My Reflection:
I have a deep affection for this book and even dedicated an entire article to it. My fond memories of reading it with my father enhance my appreciation. Andy Weir’s storytelling is exceptional, and despite focusing on a single character, Mark Watney, the narrative never becomes dull. His humor and resourcefulness in problem-solving make the read captivating.
One of my favorite quotes encapsulates the spirit of the book:
“I need to ask myself, ‘What would an Apollo astronaut do?’ He’d drink three whiskey sours, drive his Corvette to the launchpad, then fly to the moon in a command module smaller than my Rover. Man those guys were cool.” — The Martian by Andy Weir
Though I recently read Project Hail Mary and found it slightly more enjoyable, I wholeheartedly recommend The Martian.
Would I suggest reading The Martian? Absolutely — it ranks among my favorites!
The Dip by Seth Godin
Genre: Nonfiction, 80 pages
Synopsis: The key to success lies in knowing when to quit and when to push through challenges, a concept Godin refers to as “the Dip.”
Ev's Thoughts:
“Godin excels at presenting obvious concepts in enlightening ways. This book was both inspiring and clarifying regarding the path to success.” — Ev Williams via Goodreads
My Reflection:
This brief read felt somewhat repetitive. Godin emphasizes the importance of quitting at the right moment — distinguishing between a temporary setback (the Dip) and a dead-end (the Cul-de-Sac). While the advice is valuable, the book lacks concrete strategies for applying these concepts in real life.
He also advocates striving to be the “best in the world,” which, while aspirational, can create undue pressure. This perspective seems better suited for CEOs and business owners, which aligns with Ev Williams's background.
Would I recommend The Dip? Not really. While some may find it beneficial, it didn't resonate with me, and you could probably glean similar insights from a blog post.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Genre: Spirituality, 112 pages
Synopsis: Jonathan, unlike his flock, desires to fly for the joy of flying, seeking freedom and self-discovery.
Ev's Thoughts:
“My cousin gifted me this book during my lonely teenage years on the farm. Its message of a broader world and the importance of individuality left a lasting impact.” — Ev Williams via The New York Times
My Reflection:
This book serves as a metaphor for life through the lens of a seagull. It encourages readers to break free from constraints and embrace their potential. Although I enjoyed the quick read, the latter half delved into themes that felt overly fantastical.
One quote that resonated with me was:
“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.” — Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Would I recommend Jonathan Livingston Seagull? Yes, but it's best suited for those in the right mindset to appreciate its philosophical insights.
Key Takeaways
These three selections are just a glimpse into the vast array of books Ev Williams endorses. While I found one book less appealing, the others were engaging. The common thread among them is the theme of self-improvement and pushing boundaries, even in solitude.
If you're on the lookout for intriguing reads this year, consider picking up one of these. You might just discover your next favorite!
Ev Williams also recommends The Catcher in the Rye, which I discussed in another article about James Clear’s favorite books. You can read more about that here:
In this episode, Ev Williams shares insights from his journey and discusses his favorite reads that shaped his perspective.
Chris Williamson discusses ten transformative books that significantly impacted his life, providing valuable recommendations for readers.