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J.R.R. Tolkien, the esteemed author of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," was a codebreaker during World War II. In 1939, as the war loomed, Tolkien was recruited by the British cryptanalytic department, known as the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park. Although he did not work there full-time, Tolkien contributed to the war effort by training others in cryptographic techniques, which played a crucial role in cracking encrypted enemy messages.

📷️ Bookshelf Humble Brag

📝 Note

📚️ Staff Pick of the Week

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

Outlive is a book by Dr. Peter Attia that presents a strategic and tactical approach to extending lifespan while improving physical, cognitive, and emotional health. The book challenges the traditional medical approach of intervening too late in the diseases of aging that kill most people, and advocates for a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity. Dr. Attia emphasizes the importance of optimizing exercise and sleep, addressing emotional and mental health, and using technology and data to personalize nutritional biochemistry. With the right roadmap, Dr. Attia believes that aging and longevity are far more malleable than we think, and that we can outlive our genes and make each decade better than the one before.

🎥 Reading Talk's

📈 Rising Quickly - Week of March 27, 2023

Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America by Abraham Riesman

Ringmaster is a book that chronicles the life and rise to power of Vince McMahon, the defining figure of American pro wrestling. McMahon is responsible for creating some of the biggest stars in wrestling history and has been a performer himself for over 25 years. He is also a major Republican donor and a close friend of Donald Trump. The book, which is accessible to anyone, is based on exclusive interviews with over 150 people, including McMahon's childhood friends and those who accuse him of destroying their lives. Ringmaster provides a new lens for understanding the contemporary American apocalypse by using McMahon's story as a case study.

🪄Most Talked About Fiction - Week of March 27, 2023

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

Rare-book dealer Ashlyn Greer’s affinity for books extends beyond the intoxicating scent of old paper, ink, and leather. She can feel the echoes of the books’ previous owners―an emotional fingerprint only she can read. When Ashlyn discovers a pair of beautifully bound volumes that appear to have never been published, her gift quickly becomes an obsession. Not only is each inscribed with a startling incrimination, but the authors, Hemi and Belle, tell conflicting sides of a tragic romance.

With no trace of how these mysterious books came into the world, Ashlyn is caught up in a decades-old literary mystery, beckoned by two hearts in ruins, whoever they were, wherever they are. Determined to learn the truth behind the doomed lovers’ tale, she reads on, following a trail of broken promises and seemingly unforgivable betrayals. The more Ashlyn learns about Hemi and Belle, the nearer she comes to bringing closure to their love story―and to the unfinished chapters of her own life.

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A Sophisticated Newsletter from Graydon Carter

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📚️ Most Talked About Non-Fiction - Week of March 27, 2023

Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail by Ray Dalio

In Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order, legendary investor Ray Dalio explores the historical patterns and cause/effect relationships underlying major shifts in wealth and power. Drawing from his study of the Dutch, British, and American empires, Dalio identifies the "Big Cycle" that has driven their successes and failures. With today's unique convergence of economic and political conditions, Dalio offers practical advice for navigating the radically different times ahead by understanding the universal forces driving these changes and positioning oneself accordingly.

🆕 New and Noteworthy

Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results by Shane Parrish

Clear Thinking, by Farnam Street founder Shane Parrish, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing critical moments in life to achieve desired outcomes like love, belonging, success, and wealth. The book provides tools to identify these moments and reshape the decision-making process, highlighting the need to break free from autopilot and make reasoned, rational choices. By integrating mental models, stories, and insights from behavioral science, Parrish presents a comprehensive guide to optimize decision-making, gain a competitive edge, and lead a more intentional life.

✍️ Quote of the Week

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