Publisher’s note: The Texas Lawbook is pleased to offer this column in partnership with Texas-based Half Price Books sharing our readers’ favorite reads. “My Five Favorite Books” will publish every other Wednesday. Please email brooks.igo@texaslawbook.net for more information.
Anarchy, State and Utopia by Robert Nozick
On the surface this work by the late Harvard philosopher is a treatise on the relationship between government and the individual. However, Nozick’s use of a form of in-depth thought analysis, seldom seen elsewhere in public discourse, also acts as a course in logic and critical reasoning that leaves a reader with lasting impact on thought process. Click here to purchase.
How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen
Business law professor Clayton Christensen, along with his co-authors, explore the importance of life goals in a world where some people go through modern life reacting to whatever demands their immediate attention, without having a focus on, or even knowledge of, the long term standards that they will use to measure the success of their lives (which are often different than what loudly demands short term attention and in practice drives much of our actions). The result is a potentially life-changing book for any professional. Click here to purchase.
Migrations and Cultures by Thomas Sowell
The Hoover Institute economist undertakes a well-researched study of various cultures and patterns of migration in vastly different parts of the world and time periods. Despite those differences in time and geography, the author finds similarities in what, on a positive side, leads to the success of certain groups and, on a darker side, what leads to prejudice against them. The outcome is a thought-provoking analysis on how good and bad aspects of human nature transcend both geographic and temporal confinement. Click here to purchase.
Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
The American educator and author’s description of his freedom from slavery is compelling by itself. However, an added feature is how after gaining freedom, he constantly overcame obstacles and setbacks to achieve success in helping others, despite circumstances that would have led so many to abandon hope. His narrative is an inspiring story of triumph. Click here to purchase.
Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild
This book by Hochschild (better known as the author of King Leopold’s Ghost, another compelling work) details the history of the English abolition movement. Its most poignant part addresses how contributions made in its nascent phase by activists, including freed slave Olaudah Equiano, helped spark the cause in the face of daunting hostility. The culmination is a narrative of moral courage, combined with a well-written and compelling historical account, all with themes that are still relevant in the modern world. Click here to purchase.
James A. Deeken is a partner in the Dallas office of Akin, where he has practiced for 25 years and represents private fund managers in fund formation activities and in investments into a wide range of investment funds.
Here are five more My Five Favorite Books columns from our readers you might have missed:
Natalie LeVeck reveals her long-standing (and deeply ingrained) obsession with true crime.
Kristen Cook gravitates toward fiction, but she also enjoys mixing in leadership and business books.
Leigha Simonton’s reading list inspired by her secret hobby of advising high-school seniors (and younger students) about college admissions.
Five books that never fail to make Shamoil Shipchandler laugh.
A handful of books that have stayed with Melanie Koltermann long after the final chapter.