Curated Collections

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Cut the noise. Set boundaries, fix energy leaks, and do the right work at the right time.

The best way to learn about design is to do it, but this curated selection offers books that help contextualize what the d.school does. Drawn from works written by d.school or Stanford faculty, these titles are intended to deepen readers’ understanding of design mindsets and applications. Selective rather than exhaustive, it is presented as the “staff favorites” section one might find in a local bookstore — a starting point for exploring the world of design.

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

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!

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.

The UC Berkeley Summer Reading List is a decades‑long tradition, now in its 40th year, showcasing books recommended by Berkeley faculty, staff, and students. This year’s theme, generosity, brings together books that explore acts of kindness, magnanimity, and moments that can alter lives or communities. Selected works invite readers to reflect on how generosity shapes our decisions, relationships, and future, offering insights that resonate far beyond campus.