Episode · a16z Podcast · 2016-02-02

Books mentioned on a16z Podcast: How to Be Original and Make Big Ideas Happen

9 books · With Adam Grant · Listen · Watch on YouTube

From Aaron Sorkin to Steve Jobs to Meredith Perry and Elon Musk, "original" thinkers -- such as entrepreneurs -- do a lot of different things to move the world to their visions. And many of those things (and traits) are counterintuitive, such as ...

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

  1. The Last Supper

    Leonardo da Vinci · at 3:31

    Discussed
    “Leonardo da Vinci for example who spent roughly 15 years trying to finish up the Last Supper and kept putting it off”
    Where to get it
  2. Pollyanna

    Eleanor Hodgman Porter; Porter; Neil Reed; Lee Giles · at 14:04

    Discussed
    “in reality Pollyanna is actually a story about overcoming hardship the reality of the movie is and I hope I'm not giving spoilers”
    Where to get it
  3. Oh, the Places You'll Go!

    Dr. Seuss · at 27:39

    Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr.

    Discussed
    “and more recently oh the places you'll go I think was the most popular children's book of the 90s which was all about choosing your own path”
    Where to get it
  4. The Lord of the Rings

    J.R.R. Tolkien · at 28:18

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

    Discussed
    “if you ask Peter Thiel and Elon Musk to name their favorite childhood books they both pick Lord of the Rings”
    Where to get it
  5. A Wrinkle in Time

    Madeleine L'Engle · at 28:25

    A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is a beloved 1962 science fantasy novel that follows young Meg Murry on a space-time journey to rescue her father from a dark, consuming cosmic evil.

    Discussed
    “Jeff Bezos and Sheryl Sandberg boasted a wrinkle in time”
    Where to get it
  6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    J. K. Rowling · at 29:04

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.

    Discussed
    “I really think Harry Potter's gonna have this impact I probably put my money on JK Rowling as the most influential original life”
    Where to get it
  7. The Hunger Games

    Suzanne Collins · at 30:10

    The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian young adult novel set in a ruined nation where youths are forced to participate in a televised death match for the entertainment of a decadent ruling capital.

    Discussed
    “you know like obvious examples include The Hunger Games with Katniss Everdeen the divergent series by Veronica Roth”
    Where to get it
  8. Divergent

    Veronica Roth · at 30:12

    Discussed
    “include The Hunger Games with Katniss Everdeen the divergent series by Veronica Roth”
    Where to get it
  9. How Non-Conformists Move the World

    Adam Grant · at 39:24

    Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant is a popular nonfiction book exploring how individuals can champion new ideas, foster originality, and spark positive change without conforming to traditional expectations.

    Recommended
    “but I think people just go ahead read your book originals how non conformist move the world which is out now”
    Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Own book Originals
“and he has a new book out originals how non conformist moved the world”
Passing The Cat in the Hat
“was the era where doctors like published Cat in the Hat like super high on patents”