Bill Gates’ all-time favorite books | What are you thankful for in tech? 

• His five picks aren’t his favorite books of the year, but rather five of his all-time favorites — many of which he has recommended to family and friends over the years. Here are the five books. 

Seattle science-fiction author Greg Bear, who played a leading role in defining how global audiences saw future final frontiers, has died at age 71.

• Bear wrote more than 50 books — including multiple award-winning series, a Star Trek novel and a Star Wars novel, plus a trilogy set in the Halo video-game universe. But his influence on the science-fiction community extended far beyond the written page. Read more.

Tech Moves 

• Hootsuite hired a new chief technology officer from Docusign; Cascadia Capital CEO Michael Butler moved to Austin to open a new office; and other key personnel changes. 

Microsoft’s pending $69 billion bid to acquire Activision Blizzard is a “fundamental test” of growing antitrust scrutiny on Big Tech.

• The New York Times takes a look at the massive gaming deal that requires approval from 16 governments and is critical for Microsoft’s most important consumer business. 

Headed out on a drive for Thanksgiving? 

• Listen to our latest GeekWire Podcast episode as we discuss the layoffs at Amazon HQ; Redfin’s real estate reversal; and Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z.

What are you thankful for in tech? Amid some doom and gloom, let’s take a moment to look on the bright side.

• Is there a breakthrough that has changed your life, your job, or your company for the better this year? Or perhaps a trend in the economy or the industry that you’re especially grateful to see? Share your thoughts for the next episode of the GeekWire Podcast.