Books on tape & `Red Notice`

I'm headed to Georgia next month. It's my dad's 70th birthday and he's invited his friends to join him in his birthplace. I'm looking forward to a new experience and to seeing Georgia from my father's eyes.

I had travelled back to Russia, where I was born, with my dad in 1996. Although my dad was born in Georgia, he grew up in Moscow and went to medical school in Leningrad, where he met my mom. It was a highlight of my life to experience Russia through my dad's lens and I'm looking forward to doing it again.

As it happens, Alex is heading to Russia next month with his parents. Given that we're both in the VC world and heading back to parts of the former Soviet Union, Alex recommended that I read `Red Notice`. I think at the same time, Alex mentioned that "read" it via Audible.

Audible is an Amazon property which essentially provides books on tape. Given that it's 2019, the tape reference is dated, but the concept remains the same. Listening to a book is like listening to a podcast, although in long form.

I'd set a goal for myself of reading 12 books in 2019. That's one book per month. It's certainly not a lofty goal, but at the same time, I've struggled to get through that many books in recent years. And as of March, I had started 3 books, but finished zero. Alex's Audible suggestion resonated with me and I decided to give it a try.'

"Red Notice" was interesting in many ways. The book is a nonfiction autobiographical thriller. Bill Browder may have embellished to make the stories more entertaining, but the end result is a riveting account of international finance, politics, human suffering and achievement. A better summary than I can provide is available via The New York Times.

`Red Notice` was compelling and I got through it quickly. My initial reaction to Audible is that I love it. I listened to `Red Notice` while walking my dog, Aria. I listened while walking down the street. I listened while taking Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport. And I listened while driving over six hours to and from Mammoth. Time that I had been somewhat wasting was now available to consume quality content. As I write this, I'm halfway through my second audio book, which I plan on completing shortly.

I've been converted.