# Reading List Sometimes, I got questions about what I typically read about or whether I had any recommendations. So here's my attempt to document some of them. So far, it seems that there are three subjects I mostly read about, i.e., computer science, economics, and history. Hence, I will try to group based on them (though things sometimes may also overlap) and add an extra section for others that fall outside those categories. If you are curious about the almost complete list of books I have read (and partially read), feel free to check my [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/stevenwjy) profile. I try to update the list based on my tracking notes semi-regularly. ## CS Given my academic and professional background, it's perhaps expected that I read a lot in this area. However, honestly, it's also the one I find the most difficult to write here. Because most of my knowledge is derived from working on engineering projects or reading blogs, [news](https://news.ycombinator.com), research papers, lecture notes, etc. Well, I occasionally read books, but usually more on a need basis. Some that are biased towards my primary interests: - [Handbook of Computational Social Choice](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27192744-handbook-of-computational-social-choice) - [Dive into Deep Learning](https://d2l.ai) - [Designing Data-Intensive Applications](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23463279-designing-data-intensive-applications) ## Econs Econs is my favorite reading subject when it comes to books. Maybe because, compared to CS, the field is more mature, and many great books have stood the test of time. Besides, I feel the field's impacts are so significant that almost all of the most challenging problems in our society have something to do with it. Indeed, economic incentives and market mechanisms are often so influential that they could drive behaviors[^1] -- indirectly controlling our livelihood. Some of my favorites: - [Governing the Commons](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1048424.Governing_the_Commons) - [The Divide](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32603498) - [Talking to My Daughter About the Economy](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/36490332) Honestly, it's tough to shortlist them because each book tends to present their unique perspectives. Perhaps my [shelf](https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/116986293-steven-wijaya?shelf=econs) would better reflect my interests. ## History At first, I favored history simply because I enjoy reading stories (esp. considering countless fiction I have watched or read). However, my interest deepened as I realized how historical events could offer insights into many present situations,[^2] especially when viewed through the lenses of philosophy, politics, economics, and more. Some that I have enjoyed: - [The Lessons of History](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174713.The_Lessons_of_History) - [Guns, Germs, and Steel](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1842.Guns_Germs_and_Steel) - [A New World Begins](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45031867-a-new-world-begins) Besides, it's perhaps worth mentioning [r/AskHistorians](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books) for being a great resource to explore what to read and for being a discussion space for many interesting historical stuff. ## Others Aside from all the above, I also enjoy reading many other diverse areas, especially if I read good reviews about the books. Some that I consider worth mentioning here: - [Change](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53369466-change) - [Why Don't Students Like School?](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4959061-why-don-t-students-like-school) - [How Will You Measure Your Life?](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425570-how-will-you-measure-your-life) --- [^1]: [The Republic of Beliefs](The%20Republic%20of%20Beliefs.md) explains an interesting interplay between economics, law, and game theory and how, ultimately, it all comes down to people's beliefs or norms. [^2]: As [George Santayana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Santayana) once said: "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."