From history to finance, fishing to science fiction, the team at FIIG share their favourite reads and podcasts for 2024.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
By Daniel Kahneman
Written by the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize winner in Economic Sciences, Thinking, Fast and Slow delves into the two systems of thought that shape our decisions: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and analytical. Kahneman explores
how these systems create cognitive biases that influence our choices, often leading to errors in judgment. The book reveals the hidden forces behind our thinking processes and offers insights into improving decision-making.
I enjoyed reading Thinking, Fast and Slow as Kahneman makes you fall for a lot of the cognitive biases that he describes which gives you an instant appreciation for them and gives the book a real 'page turner' effect as you keep falling for these biases
and become evermore intrigued as to how our thought process is so flawed.
Reviewed by Ben Collings, Associate - Fixed Income - NSW
The Boys in the Boat
By Daniel James Brown
This came out as a movie earlier this year, which I watched first. I really liked it so went back and read the book, and it was fantastic.
It tells the story of Joe Rantz, who rowed in 7 Seat in the University of Washington rowing crew and eventually the US Men’s Eight at the 1936 Olympics. A large part of the book is dedicated to Joe’s upbringing; his family was quite poor and
he was abandoned when he was a teenager. He arrived at the University of Washington and joined the rowing club. The rest of the crew also came from poor backgrounds, not to mention that the story occurs in the midst of the Great Depression. The book
also describes some of the things happening in Nazi Germany at that time, particularly trying to show itself as an inclusive and powerful country as the Olympics is about to start. And of course, it describes the races that the boys partake in.
It was great because, more than anything, it was an inspiring story. Against all odds, the boys (and Joe) fought destitution and struggles, came together as a team, and defeated the world (spoiler alert).
Reviewed by Thomas Sharp, Associate - Research - NSW
All In Podcast
By Various
The All In Podcast is a high-energy, in-depth weekly discussion featuring industry giants Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. They cover a range of topics from economics and tech to politics and current affairs, often
bringing their expert analysis and sometimes heated debates on issues shaping the world. With diverse professional backgrounds, these four host an engaging show, digging deep into big tech, investment trends, and sociopolitical shifts.
All In stands out because of its unique blend of personalities and expertise. The hosts’ chemistry, combined with their willingness to challenge each other's perspectives, keeps every episode engaging and insightful. The panel is often refreshingly
direct, whether discussing regulatory policies, market movements, or tech innovations. Each host brings insider knowledge from Silicon Valley, venture capital, and political circles, giving listeners rare insights. They frequently host high-profile
guests, including tech founders, economists, and public figures, adding even more depth. It’s a perfect mix of entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking content, especially for anyone interested in economics, tech, or current affairs.
Reviewed by Ben Taylor, Director - Fixed Income - NSW
Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology
By Chris Miller
You may be surprised to learn that microchips are the new oil - the scarce resource on which the modern world depends. Today, military, economic, and geopolitical power are built on a foundation of computer chips. Virtually everything - from missiles to
microwaves - runs on chips, including cars, smartphones, the stock market, even the electric grid. Until recently, America designed and built the fastest chips and maintained its lead as the #1 superpower, but America's edge is in danger of slipping,
undermined by players in Taiwan, Korea, and Europe taking over manufacturing. Now, as Chip War reveals, China, which spends more on chips than any other product, is pouring billions into a chip-building initiative to catch up to the US. At stake is
America's military superiority and economic prosperity.
Economic historian Chris Miller explains how the semiconductor came to play a critical role in modern life and how the US became dominant in chip design and manufacturing and applied this technology to military systems. America's victory in the Cold War
and its global military dominance stems from its ability to harness computing power more effectively than any other power. Until recently, China had been catching up, aligning its chip-building ambitions with military modernisation.
Why you liked it: For one, chips are ubiquitous and integral to everyday life, so they are highly relevant. In addition to that, I was particularly fascinated by this book from a previous role where the organisation I worked for was the asset manager
of several companies designing and manufacturing semiconductors, and so I grew a huge appreciation for what went into bringing these chips to life. It is extremely capital-intensive and requires substantial investment into R&D and highly specialised
technical expertise. I am just in awe of anyone who is successful in this field and who bets on where technology is headed and succeeds, i.e. the likes of Nvidia with AI. It provides such a great insight into where we've been and, how we got here,
and why this precious resource is considered the "new oil".
Reviewed by Sarah Lepelaar, Head of Marketing and Communications - QLD
Dune
By Frank Herbert
Dune is one of the classic science fiction novels set on a desert planet called Arrakis. It follows the political struggle over a substance called ‘spice’ that is harvested on the planet.
The main character goes through a hero’s journey navigating religion, power, and survival on the planet.
Why you liked it: Detailed storytelling and great characters. The book was written in the 1960’s which blew my mind, the concept of power and technology is captured so well for a book written 60 years ago.
Reviewed by Hannah McDonald, Software Developer - QLD
The Wager
By David Grann
The Wager tells the true story of a British naval crew shipwrecked on a remote island in the 18th century. Struggling to survive, they face mutiny, violence, and betrayal. The book explores their fight for survival and the moral dilemmas that arise, culminating
in a trial for the survivors.
I loved this book because it was filled with compelling firsthand accounts that made it a true page-turner. It vividly illustrates the extreme lengths to which humans can be pushed, all while reading it from the comfort of a warm, clean home. It really
makes you appreciate the modern amenities we often take for granted.
Reviewed by Morgan Cooper, Associate - Fixed Income - QLD
How to Think Like a Fish
By Jeremy Wade
Published in 2019 but brought to my attention this year. Jeremey Wade provides a reflection on lessons learned in his coloured career as the world’s most famous freshwater angler.
Jeremy is well known for his TV documentary style series River Monsters, where he investigates reports of huge fish in remote parts of the world. Despite commercial success the show concluded in 2017 after nearly 10 years as Jeremey had essentially caught
almost all the large freshwater species on earth. From Giant Freshwater stingrays in the Mekong River to Catfish from Chernobyl’s Reactor 4 cooling pond exclusion zone, the lessons learned, have been stress tested in the extreme. Something which
is often not the case in modern advice/self-help books which tend to be overly theoretical, relying on abstract concepts and generalized advice, often without substantial evidence or practical backing.
At its core the book teaches the art of fishing not the technique. Jeremy lists the tenets he draws upon when attempting to catch fish that have sometimes never been caught on traditional rod and reel, in places where convention and standard protocol
simply do not exist.
While the clear object - catching a fish - is not lost on the reader, these lessons are not confined to angling, but approaching problems.
The history of fishing, and the human history are very much entangled and while perhaps this has been lost somewhat in modernity, it will be clear to all readers of this book how the hobby for some, has as much nuance as most endeavours.
Reviewed by Harry deFries, Associate - Fixed Income - WA
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull
By Richard Bach
A confusing recommendation I got from a colleague years ago, when we were discussing our favourite reads. A book about a seagull, how dull, so naturally I bought a copy.
The novella follows the story of a seagull named Jonathan who decides that flying is not a means to an end but a worthy pursuit worth mastering. He then contends with being ostracised by the flock and the trials that follow. At its heart, this book contends
with self-mastery and how this can incur scorn from contemporaries.
A simple novella, that will read differently for all who decide to.
I am not an avid fiction reader; however, this is one I am glad I have read.
Reviewed by Harry deFries, Associate - Fixed Income - WA
Gladius: Living, Fighting and Dying in the Roman Army
By Guy De La Bedoyere
Like many others, I was a fan of the original Gladiator film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe as the iconic Decimus Maximus Meridius. In anticipation of Gladiator 2, I decided to pick up this novel at the excellent Elizabeth Bookshop in
Fremantle.
Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier by Guy de la Bédoyère offers an engaging look at the daily life of Roman soldiers, focusing on their experiences rather than military strategy. Drawing from inscriptions, tombstones, graffiti and other
primary sources, the book covers everything from recruitment and training to frontier duty, naval service, engineering, and retirement. It highlights the soldiers' diverse roles in Roman society, showing them as warriors, tax collectors, engineers,
and police officers. De la Bédoyère emphasizes how soldiers, often far from home, served across the empire, providing a human perspective on the men who built and sustained Rome. The book was somewhat scholarly, but it definitely gave
more depth to the movies.
Reviewed by Judd Bogust, Director - Fixed Income - WA
The Creature from Jekyll Island: A second Look at the Federal Reserve
By G. Edward Griffin
With the current uncertainty surrounding interest rates I thought it timely to circle back and read the latest edition of one of the more controversial publications on the Federal Reserve Bank.
Originally released in 1994 and updated for a 5th time in 2018 the book is one of the subjects’ all-time best-sellers. The Creature from Jekyll Island is a critical examination of the origins of the Federal Reserve, framing its creation as the result
of a secretive meeting among powerful bankers and politicians. G. Edward Griffin argues the Federal Reserve was designed to consolidate financial power in the hands of a few, with significant long-term consequences for the U.S. economy. While the
book raises important questions about central banking and monetary policy, its tone often leans toward conspiracy theory. Despite this, it remains a thought-provoking examination of the Federal Reserve's history and influence, urging readers to reconsider
the true costs of concentrated financial control.
Reviewed by Judd Bogust, Director - Fixed Income - WA
Miracle In The Andes
By Nando Parrado
A memoir by Nando Parrado, documenting his perspective within a rugby team's survival of a 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 into the Andes mountains, and his life afterward.
While this book may not be to everyone's taste, I found it incredibly moving and suspenseful. The emotional rollercoaster it takes you on, combined with the author's ability to maintain a sense of positivity throughout, made it impossible for me to put
down. I’ve returned to it several times over the years, each reading leaving a lasting impact.
Reviewed by Sierra Conklin, Associate - Fixed Income - WA
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
By Dave Grohl
An autobiography of the life of Dave Grohl as he worked his way to become one of the most successful musicians of this generation.
I have been a huge Foo Fighter and Dave Grohl fan since I was a kid and so, when my sister gifted me this for Christmas, I spent the next 48 hours with my head buried in the book. From the aftermath of Nirvana, to rubbing shoulders with Paul McCartney and
the forming of Foo Fighters, it was a fantastic light-hearted read.
Reviewed by Sierra Conklin, Associate - Fixed Income - WA
Ghost Empire
By Richard Fidler
Richard and his son go on a trip to what is now Istanbul and what was once Constantinople. As the author travels through the city in the current day (2016) we also get to travel
back in time to when Constantine became Roman Emperor and moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Constantinople.
During Fidler’s travels through the city we are shown some of the most wonderful tales in history. The clash of civilisations, the rise of Christianity, revenge, lust, murder, and finally, the fall of a great empire.
I used ‘shown’ above because Fidler’s writing is so vivid it’s easy to imagine yourself there, either in the present day or in the past. I love history and this is probably one of my favourite historical reads, it truly is history as story-telling.
Reviewed by Samantha Edwards, Senior Marketing Manager - NSW