Curated Collections

How economies really run—from incentives and inequality to crashes and comebacks.

From Columbia's transformative general education curriculum — the essential reads that turn students into "more versatile thinkers with richer lives." These books span humanities and global cultures, handpicked from courses designed to expand minds and discover hidden intellectual passions.

When done right, a work of literary journalism can be as compelling as a great novel. In the following books, all by Columbia alumni, the authors have immersed themselves in complex events or difficult situations in dogged pursuit of two things — a great story, and the truth.

Beat resistance, find flow, and ship work you're proud of—again and again.

Trauma, therapy, brain science, and everyday behavior—understand people, starting with yourself.

Start, prove, and grow—field notes from builders who've shipped for real.

Design legends, visual literacy, and the business behind style—fashion in full context.

From the faculty at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs — inspiring reads on global affairs and policy that require "no homework assignments, just inspiration." These carefully chosen books promise to broaden your worldview, one page at a time.

A16Z founders, general partners, and senior operators were asked to share the under-recognized books that shaped how they think about building companies, markets and culture. This is the curated list. Happy Reading!

Power, liberty, media, revolt—how politics moves and how citizens respond.

From Data Rebels to Sci-Fi Prophets: A Celebration of Women Who Code, Calculate, and Create Worlds. This curated list celebrates visionary women who challenge the status quo. From scientists who reshaped our understanding of the universe to activists wielding data for justice and forgotten authors who prophesied our digital future, these books showcase how women have always been at the forefront of science, technology, and critical thought.

From Yale University Library's Reading Resilience Project, a comprehensive initiative launched in 2015 to amplify diverse voices and foster inclusive reading communities through curated recommendations of works by and about people of color. This community-driven collection features user-generated suggestions, aiming at promoting cultural understanding and belonging across the community.