Thanks – I'm the one that picked The Nix for the list (I work for YC on their admissions team).
One reason I picked it is that is indeed a great book that I have been recommending plenty to friends.
Another is that I do think it's incredibly important to be able to enjoy and indulge and make time for fiction, especially when you work in tech. It's too easy to "read for facts / information / theory" and forget the joy that good writing can bring.
It took me some reflection to realize I heavily bias towards non-fiction unless I make an effort. But when I do get the chance to read a great novel, it tends to affect me more than reading non-fiction.
The world needs more literature, poetry, and art, so I also like supporting authors who ship that product too :)
(FWIW, the book probably isn't for everyone, but I think reading great literature is – give it a shot if you haven't in a while!)
One reason I picked it is that is indeed a great book that I have been recommending plenty to friends.
Another is that I do think it's incredibly important to be able to enjoy and indulge and make time for fiction, especially when you work in tech. It's too easy to "read for facts / information / theory" and forget the joy that good writing can bring.
It took me some reflection to realize I heavily bias towards non-fiction unless I make an effort. But when I do get the chance to read a great novel, it tends to affect me more than reading non-fiction.
The world needs more literature, poetry, and art, so I also like supporting authors who ship that product too :)
(FWIW, the book probably isn't for everyone, but I think reading great literature is – give it a shot if you haven't in a while!)