B-Schoolers Catch Up on Reading

This exhaustive sampling of summer reading lists from some of your B-school peers will help you choose which pages to lose yourself in

Pradeep Inamati

MBA '07
UCLA Anderson School of Management

The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas L. Friedman

In this fascinating book, Friedman recounts the recent emerging trends in developing countries such as India and China, and provides insight into how to make business decisions related to globalization. This book is a must-read for those interested in pursuing international careers because it discusses how companies can take advantage of new labor pools, resources, and markets in developing countries. On the other hand, for those who are staying put at home, Friedman's predictions can also offer insight into potential threats and career opportunities. Overall, it's a nice read even during a leisurely summer vacation.

In an Uncertain World: Tough Choices from Wall Street to Washington by Robert Rubin and Jacob Weisberg

Few presidential administrations have faced as many widespread international currency crises as President Clinton's did. Robert Rubin, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Clinton, summarizes how his financial experience from Wall Street at Goldman Sachs (GS) enabled him to provide advice that prevented or limited the effects of currency crises in developing countries. Rubin's perspective on government and finance sheds light on how you can better analyze problems when the information to make the correct decision is not necessarily clear.

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?: Leading a Great Enterprise through Dramatic Change by Louis V. Gerstner

Gerstner's direct business style shines through this book, which attempts to show the reader how large companies can perform better if they focus more on core issues and less on following thorny, cumbersome systems. During his tenure at IBM (IBM), Gerstner turned around the company and led its impressive growth by enacting strategies and tactics he learned while consulting for McKinsey. Read this book to learn how you can improve operations at any large enterprise.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

This is not a traditional business book, but insights from ancient European and Asian mythological heroes that can be applied to how you may want to approach business. Campbell has learned several ancient languages from different parts of the world and has broken down the success factors for them. Perhaps not as direct as The Art of War, this book can help any business career, from that of a seasoned executive to a newly minted college grad.

Danny Seo

MBA '07
UCLA Anderson School of Management

The Abs Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide by David Zinczenko and Ted Spiker

While running on an elliptical trainer one morning, I was watching Good Morning America and the author of this book was interviewed. I was intrigued because his book is specifically focused on abs. As an active male, I never worried about what I ate. Well, I am now at the age where my metabolism is slowing down, so I need to know what foods I should be consuming to stay in shape.

Irrational Exuberance by Robert J. Shiller

I've always been interested in psychology and business. I was advised to follow Bob Shiller and his thoughts regarding markets. In this edition, the economist profiles the current real estate market, which is the industry I work in, and the human psyche. Further understanding how psychology plays into markets should be an interesting read.

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron

In the movie When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan's character asks whether she is high maintenance or low maintenance. Harry, Billy Crystal's character, responds: "You're the worst kind. You're high maintenance but you think you're low maintenance."