Christmas 2024 Reading List
📚 arvy's Book Club
arvy's Teaser: Great books spark great ideas — and like quality investments, they compound in value over time. This winter, we've selected three books that weave together history, negotiation, and the courage to think differently: a gripping true story of shipwreck and leadership under extreme conditions, a negotiation masterclass from a former FBI hostage negotiator, and a study of eight CEOs who achieved extraordinary results through unconventional thinking. Here is the arvy Christmas Reading List 2024.
The 3 Books at a Glance
1. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
by David Grann · Recommended by Florian, Co-Founder arvy
In "The Wager", David Grann masterfully recounts the harrowing true story of a British naval expedition in the 18th century that ended in catastrophe. The shipwrecked crew, stranded on a desolate island, faced the relentless forces of nature, dwindling supplies, and the collapse of their collective will. As survival instincts collided with duty and morality, the story unfolded into a gripping drama of mutiny, betrayal, and the brutal human struggle to survive.
What sets this book apart is Grann's ability to place the reader at the heart of the story. Beyond the historical intrigue, "The Wager" offers profound lessons in leadership, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure — parallels that resonate with investors and leaders navigating turbulent environments.
Florian's Takeaway
"'The Wager' is not just a survival story — it's a study in leadership, resilience, and moral complexity. David Grann delivers a narrative that captivates and teaches. A must-read for anyone inspired by history's most extraordinary trials."
2. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
by Chris Voss · Recommended by Patrick, Co-Founder arvy
In "Never Split the Difference", former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss delivers a groundbreaking approach to negotiation that goes far beyond traditional tactics. Drawing from his experience in high-stakes crisis situations, Voss introduces techniques such as tactical empathy, calibrated questions, and mirroring — to uncover hidden information and create win-win outcomes.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on human psychology. Voss emphasises that successful negotiation isn't about compromise — it's about building trust, recognising emotions, and steering conversations toward creative solutions. His strategies, battle-tested in life-or-death situations, empower readers to negotiate with confidence and clarity even under intense pressure.
Patrick's Takeaway
"'Never Split the Difference' equips readers with practical, actionable skills to master negotiations. Chris Voss understands negotiation as an art of empathy and strategy — offering tools that go beyond business and enrich everyday interactions."
3. The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
by William N. Thorndike Jr. · Recommended by Thierry, Co-Founder arvy
In "The Outsiders", William N. Thorndike takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the remarkable stories of eight unconventional CEOs. These leaders defied traditional corporate norms and achieved extraordinary results — not through flashy strategies, but through a relentless focus on capital allocation and long-term value creation.
Thorndike reveals how these CEOs — from Warren Buffett to John Malone — prioritised shareholder value, avoided unnecessary risks, and operated with a radical independence that set them apart from their peers. Their success wasn't built on charisma or following the crowd, but on clear thinking, calculated decisions, and the willingness to act differently.
Thierry's Takeaway
"'The Outsiders' is essential reading for anyone seeking timeless insights on leadership and value creation. Thorndike redefines leadership and shows how visionary thinking combined with disciplined execution creates lasting value. The case studies inspire readers to question conventional wisdom and focus on what truly matters."
3 Sentences to Remember
1. Leadership isn't revealed in calm times — it's forged in extremes. Resilience and resourcefulness are the foundations of every lasting strategy.
2. Successful negotiations aren't built on compromise, but on empathy, preparation, and understanding human psychology.
3. The best CEOs don't follow the crowd — they think independently, focus on capital allocation, and create long-term value instead of short-term hype.
Do you like the list? Share it with your friends and colleagues!
Grab your favourite blanket, a warm drink, and settle in for a winter of enriching and enlightening reads. Happy Holidays and happy reading! — Your arvy Team
Done reading? Start investing.
Set up a savings plan. Open Pillar 3a. Quality investing in the world's 30 best companies. Compounding does the rest.
This article was written by Thierry Borgeat, Co-Founder of arvy, and reviewed by Patrick Rissi, CFA, and Florian Jauch, CFA.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personal investment advice. Amazon links are affiliate links. arvy is a FINMA-supervised asset manager.
