The first book that comes to my mind when people ask for a recommendation. A journalist's first-hand account of an attempt to climb Everest, which turns deadly when a storm hits.
Raising the Dead, Tim Zimmerman
Another adventure classic. While on a cave dive, Dave Shaw discovers the body of a 20-year old diver who'd disappeared a decade ago. He promises to return to recover the body and prepares a team for a rescue mission.
I'm always curious about Korean culture. It's a feeling any Korean American will relate to, since we're born in America but Korean culture shapes so much of our upbringing. Pachinko was the first time I'd learned much about Korea in the colonial era, and the Koreans that lived in Japan at the time.
High Output Management, Andy Grove
For someone who's learned economics or business management in school, many of Andy's lessons are probably obvious. But I went to school for design, and until I read this book I never thought of my work as being part of a structured system of inputs, labor, and outputs.
An excellent collection of sci-fi short stories. A more hopeful, less bleak take on the future than something like Black Mirror.
The Ride of a Lifetime, Bob Iger
I came away impressed with Bob's approach to his career and work relationships: fair, compassionate, and respectful.
Cockpit Confidential, Patrick Smith
A pilot's tell-all on flying. I like how conversational the book is - it feels like you met Patrick at the bar while waiting for a flight, and he's got endless stories to tell.