A collection of books that have shaped my thinking about game design, product strategy, psychology, and life. Each one has added something to how I approach my work.
Geoffrey Engelstein
A brilliant exploration of game-design psychology and how achievements motivate behaviour. I liked how actionable and clear the examples were. Highly recommended for designers, product thinkers, or anyone interested in systems of motivation.
Walter Isaacson
A fast-paced look into obsessive ambition and first-principles thinking. I appreciated the raw intensity and system-level problem solving, even if some of the personal chaos felt excessive. Recommended if you're interested in how extreme vision shapes industries.
Haruki Murakami
Surreal, dreamlike, and layered with symbolism. I liked the puzzle-like nature of the narrative, but some of the abstraction can feel deliberately unresolved. Best for readers who enjoy mysteries without clear answers.
Viktor Frankl
A powerful reflection on suffering, resilience, and purpose. I appreciated the simplicity and clarity of Frankl's ideas around meaning. A must-read if you're interested in psychology or deeper questions about how we choose to live.
Haruki Murakami
A quiet, melancholic story that lingers. I enjoyed the atmosphere and emotional honesty, though it's not a plot-driven book. Recommended if you like slow, reflective novels that feel like memories rather than stories.
Walter Isaacson
A striking portrait of creativity, taste, and ruthless clarity. I loved the focus on product intuition and the craft behind simplicity. Hard to read at times because of the personality flaws, but inspiring if you care about design.
James Cheshire & Oliver Uberti
A beautiful blend of storytelling and data-visualisation. I loved how it turns complex global patterns into clear, elegant maps - the kind of design work that feels both informative and artistic. Recommended if you enjoy seeing the world through systems, structures, and visuals rather than text alone.
Selwyn Raab
A detailed account of the American mafia's rise and structure - perfect for someone designing a 1920s mafia board game. I loved the organisational complexity and real-world mechanics. Long but very rewarding if you like history or systems.
Plato
A look at moral conviction, truth, and philosophy through dialogue. I enjoyed the blend of historical narrative and reasoning, though the structure can feel dense. Recommended if you're curious about the foundations of Western thought.