The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

My original motivation to read this book was to understand what all the buzz was about; I had seen The Lean Startup make its rounds in the entrepreneurial blogger circuit and it was also mentioned by several colleagues in the Creative Good Executive Councils, yet the latter more often hail from midsize or even bigger companies.  I wasn’t sure what to expect given the title but I was pleasantly surpised to see how Eric integrated of lean manufacturing wisdom as well as hard-won lessons working in digital startups - both topics that I can relate to firsthand.

What I read validated much of my own beliefs and I came away with some new things to try as well.  I recommend this book and its framework for thinking through problems to innovators at organizations both large and small.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

This one has already been well covered elsewhere but I thought it would be an enjoyable read to get to know Steve a little better. 

Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon

Finally got around to reading one of Stephenson’s older works and loved it; a classic!

Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle

If you want to immerse yourself in 17th Century England with a plot that involves natural philosphers and all sorts of interesting characters, this is the series to read.  Impressive in its scope and detail, the audiobook format kept me entertained in my commute for months.

Seal Team Six

Chronicle of a SEAL sniper from initial training and deployment.  Good read that will build appreciation for what these guys go through and rarely get to talk about.