The Self-Cultivation of Crypto People: What Books and Games is the a16z Team Reading and Playing This Winter?

Original Title: 《Some books we're reading (and games we're playing) this winter》

Author: a16z

Compiled by: Qianwen, ChainCatcher

Here are some books and games that a16z is reading and playing this winter, covering topics like diving, semiconductors, and espionage… and mostly (science fiction) novels.

1. Recommender: Brittney Burrows, Event Research Team

《Hamnet》｜ Maggie O'Farrell

A story about Shakespeare's life and how he wrote the famous and educational tragic historical novel "Hamlet," one of my favorite books this year.

《On Writing》 ｜ Stephen King

This outstanding horror novelist compiles his writing secrets into this book. It made me feel like "I can be a writer too!" This book is inspiring, entertaining, both a memoir and a guide.

《Madame Bovary》 ｜ Gustave Flaubert

A classic work where no character appears in a flattering light. If you enjoyed its TV drama, this book is for you!

《Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow》 ｜ Gabrielle Zevin

As someone who doesn't particularly enjoy games, this book gave me a new perspective on gaming. It's both romantic and an entrepreneurial story, with an inspiring and sweet narrative that is quite brilliant.

《The Institute》 ｜ Stephen King

Possibly my favorite book this year, it's a wonderful supernatural story about a group of powerful and brave children. If you liked the author's "The Little Stranger," you'll enjoy this one too.

《The Glass Hotel》 ｜ Emily St. John Mandel

It kept me up all night! This book takes you across space and time, making you question the structure of our world.

Games

《It Takes Two》 ｜ Hazelight Studios

A fun team-building game, perfect for playing with your spouse or partner.

2. Recommender: Elena Burger, Investment Team

《The Condition of Postmodernity》 ｜ David Harvey

An epic work of art, culture, economics, social, and political history, it discusses the emergence of "postmodernism" from around 1920 to the 1980s. Harvey's key argument—new technologies compress space and time while simultaneously reshaping human experience—is highly relevant to the cryptocurrency space. Despite being published in 1990, it remains applicable today without feeling heavy or obscure.

3. Recommender: Sonal Chokshi, Editorial Team

《The House of the Earth and Blood》 ; 《The House of Sky and Breath》 ｜ Sarah J. Maas

Over the years, I've added Maas's works to almost every reading list we've made because I'm a super fan of her fantasy series—especially her world-building and character development (the characters are complex, three-dimensional, and imperfect). These two books from her latest series "Crescent City"—following the "Throne of Glass" series and the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series—were published recently, and I couldn't wait to read them. The wait for the next installment is indeed torturous, but it's always worth it!

《Ninth House》 ｜ Leigh Bardugo

Similarly, I'm a super fan of all of Bardugo's works. From her currently popular "Shadow and Bone" trilogy to the "Six of Crows" duology—also known as the "Grishaverse"—this book is the first in her latest "Alex Stern" fantasy detective series. The next book, Hell Bent (no Chinese translation yet), will be published in early January, so if you add this book to your holiday list, you won't have to wait long.

《Book Lovers》 ｜ Emily Henry

This is a charming and delightful book about book lovers, family, friendship, and the people and places we love. I know these themes sound too common, and such books can sometimes be overly cliché, but this one does it best.

《The Secret of Devonshire Forest: My Nature Journal》 ｜ Joe Brown

This is not just a book to read, but one to visually experience, as it is an artist's journal—filled with beautiful modern plant illustrations of things she observed and magnified in her backyard… For me, it evokes the feelings of the early years of the pandemic when many of us were confined locally, walking familiar paths and seeing things around us from a new perspective. On her website, she quotes the "North Pond Hermit," who lived in isolation for years, saying, "Solitude has given me a precious gift—perception."

《Identity and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Hierarchy Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change》 ｜ W. David Marx

This book examines and understands various aspects of the modern (and ancient) world from the perspective of status, from cultural to technological production. What creates status, and how does it change? Of course, nothing is more brilliant than my friend Eugene Wei's article on "Status as a Service," which is essential reading for anyone in tech—it coined the famous phrase "status-seeking monkeys." This book, while a bit dry, is a great overview of the topic, covering several fields. The insights feel almost obvious yet are very important. It focuses on social signals and social value; taste, authenticity, and identity; subcultures and countercultures; and the chapter on the fashion cycle seems particularly relevant to industry professionals.

《Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature》 ｜ Alva Noë

I love the premise of this book, that art shapes us rather than we shape art. After finishing the book, Noë added, "Artists create not because they can produce something unique, but because the process of creation is unique." I'm fascinated not only by the process behind artistic outcomes and the production of art but also by the interaction between art ("strange tools") and the audience, which is equally important. This philosopher's reflections on art and evolution, and how we are born to design (drawing > writing, image > text), resonate with me. These insights may also reflect some of our current reactions to AI art and the excitement around on-chain art (my favorite part).

Games

《Kentucky Route Zero》 ｜ Annapurna Interactive

A surreal and immersive mystery game. It seems never-ending (I'm still stuck in the game).

4. Recommender: Chris Dixon, General Partner

《The Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of World War II's Last Mysteries》 ｜ Robert Kurson

I read this book a bit late; it tells a great story about the Night Stalker subculture, a part I had never ventured into. It's a true human adventure story.

Games

《Stray》 ｜ Annapurna Interactive

In this innovative PS/PC game, you play as a cat trying to find its friend in a mysterious future city, featuring stylish graphic design and strong playability.

5. Recommender: Shari Doherty, Marketing Team

《Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen》 ｜ Christopher McDougall

An epic, engaging adventure story that goes far beyond just running.

6. Recommender: Robert Hackett, Editorial Team

《She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity》 ｜ Carl Zimmer

Zimmer's investigation into heredity is broad and eye-opening, and her writing style is accessible. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the declining Habsburg lineage to blood tests that failed to save Charlie Chaplin's career, to the future of CRISPR gene editing. This book combines history and personal anecdotes, with vibrant prose, even in the most technical chapters.

Games

《Horizon Forbidden West》 ｜ Guerrilla Games

I haven't played this game yet, but I plan to. I really enjoyed the first game in the series, "Horizon Zero Dawn" (2017), where you fight as a post-apocalyptic cave dweller against half-mechanical dinosaurs.

7. Recommender: Mason Hall, Investment Team

《From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds》 ｜ Daniel Dennett

Dennett starts with atoms and discusses the development of life, consciousness, and transcendence. He seamlessly connects biology, information theory, memory theory, and cognitive science through practical mental models, changing the way I view the world.

Games

《Cosmoteer: Starship Designer and Captain》 ｜ Walternate Realities

The game is easy to pick up, but you can develop it into a rich and complex ecosystem at your own pace.

8. Recommender: Liz Harkavy, Investment Team

《The Overstory》 ｜ Richard Powers

In a wonderful way, it reminds us of the importance of books and their ability to connect humanity.

9. Recommender: Scott Duke Kominers, Research Team

《The Decagon House Murders》 ｜ Yukito Ayatsuji

This is one of the greatest puzzle mystery novels of all time. It is a classic of Japanese honkaku, inspired by golden age mystery writers like Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, and Van Dine. All the clues are in plain sight—the question is whether you can see them.

《The Demolished Man》 ｜ Alfred Bester

Bester's first Hugo Award-winning work is a fast-paced thriller. In the novel's world, telepathy exists, but people's thoughts are not always trustworthy, and the author strives to present the issues of conspiracy and due process.

《Not Just a T-Shirt: A Brand, A Culture, A Community》 ｜ Bobby Hundreds

This memoir is a visionary work about brands as communities—this is a core principle of building web3, which the author has explored since the early days of the internet. It's also an unusual (and very interesting) entrepreneurial story with some quite bizarre challenges. [Disclosure: I hold some NFTs from the author's NFT project and too many hats under the author's brand.]

《Cosmicomics》 ｜ Italo Calvino

Have you ever wondered what the universe was like before the Big Bang or when colors first appeared? Thanks to Calvino and his omnipresent narrator Qfwfq, you can now learn the answers to these questions.

10. Recommender: Eddy Lazzarin, Head of Protocol Design and Engineering

《Why Are Prices So High?》 ｜ Eric Helleiner and Alex Tabarrok

Concise, fun, and engaging. The authors provide a comprehensive and intuitive framework explaining why technological advancements lead to some goods becoming cheaper while others become more expensive (but seemingly paradoxically—more affordable). This book has strengthened my thoughts on opportunity costs and the implications of resource allocation throughout the economy.

Games

《Dwarf Fortress (Steam Version)》

This game is the result of a decade-long effort by an engineer who aimed to simulate the inner workings of a dwarf fortress, down to the perspective of a cat. However, this simulation is presented through a very primitive terminal-like ASCII character interface, and there were no tutorials—until this month. Amid much anticipation, "Dwarf Fortress" has just released a new graphics set and tutorials on Steam to guide new explorers for a deeper experience.

《Overcooked!》 ｜ Yogscast Games

I never thought "cooking simulation" and "rogue-like" styles would blend so perfectly in a cooperative game. "Overcooked!" is a more lasting, party-friendly version of "Cook, Serve, Delicious 2!" The game relies less on high-difficulty level design and more on decisions made by the team after multiple rounds of thoughtful consideration. For those who may not be deep gamers but enjoy cooperation, this will be a great experience.

11. Recommender: Porter Smith, Trading and Network Operations

《Chip War》 ｜ Chris Miller

A comprehensive overview of the semiconductor industry, discussing its geopolitical implications on the supply chain and how it affects the future of the world.

《The Pigeon Tunnel》 ｜ John le Carré

An interesting, revealing memoir showcasing the real people and places that inspired many of his spy novels.

《Working》 ｜ Robert Caro

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro describes his famous writing and research process, providing an accessible introduction to how he conducts in-depth writing on his subjects—including portrayals of Robert Moses and Lyndon Baines Johnson.

12. Recommender: Mario Sorgente, Investment Team

《Nonviolent Communication》 ｜ Marshall Rosenberg

This book gave me a new perspective on people's motivations and communication styles. When someone verbally attacks or judges you, it can be hard to see the reasons and feelings behind their words. This book helps you empathize and understand the feelings and needs behind people's words and actions.

《Far Star Story》 ｜ Radical Fish Games

An outstanding indie game with retro visuals but modern mechanics. The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable, the storyline is stunning, and the pixel art style and music are captivating. It's one of the best single-player games I've ever played.

13. Recommender: Tim Sullivan, Editorial Team

《Breath》 ｜ Jiang Fengnan

Jiang Fengnan's short stories possess a kind of magic—intricate, surprising, and powerful. If you enjoy mystery novels, his works are worth reading—but take your time, as his output is limited.

《Primitive Shark Texts》 ｜ Stephen Hall

A fictional novel about an amnesiac waking up while being hunted by a shark that "feeds on human memories and inner self-awareness," and how he re-establishes his life.

《The Shepherd's Life》 ｜ James Rebanks

Rebanks tells the story of the English Lake District from the perspective of a modern shepherd, with tales that can be traced back hundreds or even thousands of years. This lyrical narrative is candid and moving.

《Toward Utopia: A Twentieth-Century Economic History》 ｜ James Bradford

When it comes to history books, there are always many authoritative tomes. But this one is truly exceptional. DeLong, an economist at UC Berkeley, covers many aspects of the long history of the 20th century, with surprises on every page.

Games

《Flower Tile Story》

"Flower Tile Story" is a tabletop tile-placement game but includes elements of strategy gaming. It's also easy to pick up—but if you play it multiple times, you won't get bored because it's dynamic. It's also relatively quick (under an hour). All these factors make it very suitable for gatherings of various ages. It's visually stunning as well.

14. Recommender: Ish Verduzco, Marketing Team

《Smart Cuts: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success》 ｜ Shane Snow

This is the first book I recommend to any builder, creator, or founder. It's inspiring and entertaining while also tactical, changing the way you view achieving seemingly difficult (and borderline impossible) goals. I've read it eight times and plan to reread it many more to keep its core messages fresh in my mind.

15. Recommender: Guy Wuollet, Investment Team

Games

《Total War: Warhammer III》 ｜ Creative Assembly

The Total War series may be the most comprehensive encapsulation of nerd-snipe in video games, bringing unprecedented fun.

16. Recommender: Michael Zhu, Engineering Team

《The Secret History》 ｜ Donna Tartt

An investigation into the reasons behind a college student's conspiracy, with a brutally realistic portrayal of winter in New England, the plot is captivating. Perfect for reading while sipping whiskey by the fireplace.

Games

《Wingspan》 ｜ Stonemaier Games

This is a game with aesthetic appeal, and you need to follow the rules. For example, every time you play this game, you must read aloud the bird facts printed on the cards. It even has a companion app (Wingsong) that can scan cards and play recordings of the birds' songs.

17. Recommender: Stephanie Zinn, Editorial Team

《Every Child Can Do It Well: Heartwarming Stories from Music Class》 ｜ Jeremy Denk

A memoir suitable for go-getters (also for music lovers). Renowned classical pianist Jeremy Denk explains music in accessible language, discussing the power of music, practice, and what you want to present to the world.

Games

《No Man's Sky》 ｜ Hello Games

The procedurally generated planets in the game allow players for infinite exploration. Study alien life with ethereal beats. Mathematical programs drive the vast and fantastical landscapes. Starting this year, it can be played on handheld devices.

TROIKA ｜ Melson Art Council

This is a charming sci-fi/fantasy RPG game that can be played with good friends. Playable characters include a monkey seller who once sold "edible monkeys" to starving villagers and a sprite predator with "a sixth of an empty sprite jar." The game encourages players and content creators to adopt and utilize the rules (using third-party licenses). The effective open-source nature of the game allows for mechanisms to be open, creating a wonderful library of community-created content.