I’m back with more Billy Crafton favorite books, specifically four brand new book suggestions, some of my favorite reads here in 2023.
We start with a biography on Elon Musk, penned by legendary biographical writer Walter Isaacson.
Next, we pivot from a look at success to a look at fast success and even faster failure with GOING INFINITE, Michael Lewis’ book on the FTX scandal.
Third up, a very unique book with a unique perspective, from longtime sports gambler Billy Walters, who ESPN once called “the greatest and most controversial sports gambler ever.”
Finally, it’s OUTLIVE: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF LONGEVITY, written by Dr. Peter Attia, MD. Another New York Times Bestseller, this book may literally help you live longer, so I saved the best for last.
I hope you enjoy these Billy Crafton favorite books of 2023, and please let me know if you think they are indeed great reads.
For more, check out these other book selections of mine from earlier as well.
— Billy Crafton
Walter Isaacson
Elon Musk
2023
This book is a relatively sweeping account of Musk, including his work with Tesla, SpaceX, and OpenAI as well. There’s a lot to digest, certainly not a boring read for a biography, with tales of both triumph and tragedy. Indeed, this book is most definitely not short on stories.
It can also be considered a somewhat cautionary tale – a look at the world’s richest man, who no matter how much money gets stuffed into his coffers, still seems incapable of finding true happiness.
The background on Musk from his childhood is particlularly compelling, as one excerpt from the book’s summary notes –
“His father’s impact on his psyche would linger. He developed into a tough yet vulnerable man-child, prone to abrupt Jekyll-and-Hyde mood swings, with an exceedingly high tolerance for risk, a craving for drama, an epic sense of mission, and a maniacal intensity that was callous and at times destructive.”
In the end, I think this quote from The Economist’s review of the book says it best:
“Whatever you think of Mr. Musk, he is a man worth understanding— which makes this a book worth reading.”
Michael Lewis
Going Infinite
2023
“This book has received some glowing reviews out the gate, including one critic from The Atlantic calling it “an instant classic.” I’m not sure I’d go quite that far, but it’s definitely a very enjoyable read. Michael Lewis’ talent clearly shines through in this book.
Regardless of how enjoyable the read may be, the truth here is that the FTX saga is inarguably one very sad story — not just for Sam Bankman-Fried, but more importantly for all the unfortunate people who lost so much thanks to Sam’s sheer negligence.
As the book summary adeptly notes, Lewis takes “readers into the mind of Bankman-Fried, whose rise and fall offers an education in high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, philanthropy, bankruptcy, and the justice system…. tracing the mind-bending trajectory of a character who never liked the rules and was allowed to live by his own―until it all came undone.”
Perfect summary of what’s in store for the reader, and much credit to Michael for making it such an enjoyable read, even when it times it feels like it shouldn’t be.
Billy Walters
Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk
2023
Interesting take here, a sports gambler writing an autobiography…
It’s made even more interesting by the fact that, not only does Billy share his life story, he actually pulls back the curtain on his own successful betting system. I’m guessing every gambler on the planet wants to pick up a copy of this book, considering Walters is oft-referred to as “the Michael Jordan of sports betting.”
If you’re wondering just how good Walters really is, he went on an unbelievable thirty-six year winning streak. True story.
As the book summary notes, “Now, after decades of avoiding the spotlight and fiercely protecting the keys to his success, Walters has reached the age where he wants to pass along his wisdom to future generations of sports bettors.”
That’s pretty much a massive win I’d say for anyone in the sports betting world, outside of maybe the sportsbooks themselves.
One surprise for me, however, was Walters’ strained friendship with pro golfer Phil Mickelson. That added an unexpected wrinkle to the story, one that is worth a read if you’re a gambler or are simply just curious to see into the mind of someone who was literally at the very top of his game.
Peter Attia, MD
Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity
2023
This New York Times #1 Bestseller is truly worth a read. If you’re at all interested in living longer (and really better along the way), you can’t help but appreciate the work Peter has done here. Of all the new Billy Crafton favorite books on this list, I’d put Outlive at the very top.
With a brand new angle on both preventing chronic disease and improving long-term health, you’ll find everything from invigorating nutritional interventions, to exercise and sleep optimizations, to unique methods for handling mental and emotional health.
One aspect that really hits home for me is the mainstream medicine habit of prolonging our lifespans at the expense of our quality of life. You see this in the vast majority of older people, particularly in America, and I love Dr. Attia’s approach to combating it.
100% worth the read. Period.
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