GAZAR
73 Reviews Published

Things I've read

Honest reviews of books, tools, and resources I've actually used. The ones that shaped how I think about software, leadership, and the move from senior to staff and principal.

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The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win
Review

The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win

Apr 30, 2026
Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter
Review

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

Nov 7, 2024
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
Review

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness

Nov 7, 2024
The Natural Order of Money by Roy Sebag – A Refreshing Look at What Money Really Is
Review

The Natural Order of Money by Roy Sebag – A Refreshing Look at What Money Really Is

Nov 6, 2024
Work Smarter, Live Better by Joe Robinson – A Science-Based Guide to Redefining Balance
Review

Work Smarter, Live Better by Joe Robinson – A Science-Based Guide to Redefining Balance

Nov 6, 2024
The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan – An Eye-Opener to the Global Future
Review

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan – An Eye-Opener to the Global Future

Nov 6, 2024
Shape Up by Ryan Singer & Jason Fried – A Personal Review
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Shape Up by Ryan Singer & Jason Fried – A Personal Review

Nov 6, 2024
Raising Leaders by Wendy Born
Review

Raising Leaders by Wendy Born

Nov 6, 2024
The Meaning of Life by The School of Life
Review

The Meaning of Life by The School of Life

Nov 6, 2024
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Review

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Nov 6, 2024
The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett
Review

The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett

Nov 6, 2024
Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards: Book Review
Review

Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards: Book Review

Nov 6, 2024
Staff Engineer: Leadership Beyond the Management Track by Will Larson – A Journey into Technical Leadership
Review

Staff Engineer: Leadership Beyond the Management Track by Will Larson – A Journey into Technical Leadership

Nov 6, 2024
The Like Switch by Jack Schafer & Marvin Karlins
Review

The Like Switch by Jack Schafer & Marvin Karlins

Nov 6, 2024
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
Review

The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane

Nov 6, 2024
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – A Story of Survival, Humor, and Resilience in the Face of Injustice
Review

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – A Story of Survival, Humor, and Resilience in the Face of Injustice

Nov 6, 2024
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – A Riveting Exposé of Ambition Gone Wrong
Review

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – A Riveting Exposé of Ambition Gone Wrong

Nov 6, 2024
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – Why Real Leadership Means Putting Others First
Review

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – Why Real Leadership Means Putting Others First

Nov 6, 2024
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport – My Path to a More Focused Life
Review

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport – My Path to a More Focused Life

Nov 6, 2024
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker – A Wake-Up Call About the Value of Sleep
Review

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker – A Wake-Up Call About the Value of Sleep

Nov 5, 2024
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond – Understanding History Through Geography, Biology, and Beyond
Review

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond – Understanding History Through Geography, Biology, and Beyond

Nov 4, 2024
Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Review

Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Nov 4, 2024
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Review

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Nov 4, 2024
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason: Timeless Financial Wisdom Told as Parables
Review

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason: Timeless Financial Wisdom Told as Parables

Nov 4, 2024
The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant
Review

The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant

Nov 4, 2024
On the Meaning of Life by Will Durant: A Search for Purpose in a Complex World
Review

On the Meaning of Life by Will Durant: A Search for Purpose in a Complex World

Nov 4, 2024
On Writing Well by William Zinsser: A Timeless Guide for Clarity, Simplicity, and Passion in Writing
Review

On Writing Well by William Zinsser: A Timeless Guide for Clarity, Simplicity, and Passion in Writing

Nov 4, 2024
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: A New Way to Think About Courage and Connection in Leadership
Review

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: A New Way to Think About Courage and Connection in Leadership

Nov 4, 2024
The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee: A Journey Through the Minds That Shaped Our World
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The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee: A Journey Through the Minds That Shaped Our World

Nov 4, 2024
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss: Rethinking Work, Freedom, and Lifestyle
Review

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss: Rethinking Work, Freedom, and Lifestyle

Nov 2, 2024
The Artist's Way at Work
Review

The Artist's Way at Work

Nov 2, 2024
On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis: A Personal Reflection
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On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis: A Personal Reflection

Nov 2, 2024
The Science of Learning: My Journey Through "Learn Better"
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The Science of Learning: My Journey Through "Learn Better"

Nov 2, 2024
When Philosophy Meets Therapy: My Journey Through "When Nietzsche Wept"
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When Philosophy Meets Therapy: My Journey Through "When Nietzsche Wept"

Nov 2, 2024
My Journey Through "Where Good Ideas Come From"
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My Journey Through "Where Good Ideas Come From"

Nov 2, 2024
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
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Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

Nov 2, 2024
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan
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In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

Nov 1, 2024
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World
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Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World

Nov 1, 2024
We Are All Weird: The Rise of Tribes and the End of Normal by Seth Godin
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We Are All Weird: The Rise of Tribes and the End of Normal by Seth Godin

Nov 1, 2024
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
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Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Nov 1, 2024
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills
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The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills

Nov 1, 2024
The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
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The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli

Nov 1, 2024
The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: Why Now Is the Time to #Join the Ride by Darren Hardy
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The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: Why Now Is the Time to #Join the Ride by Darren Hardy

Nov 1, 2024
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Translated by Alan R. Clarke
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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Translated by Alan R. Clarke

Nov 1, 2024
The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers & Learn If Your Business Is a Good Idea When Everyone Is Lying to You by Rob Fitzpatrick
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The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers & Learn If Your Business Is a Good Idea When Everyone Is Lying to You by Rob Fitzpatrick

Nov 1, 2024
Animal Farm by George Orwell, Illustrated by Chris Mould
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Animal Farm by George Orwell, Illustrated by Chris Mould

Nov 1, 2024
Atlantis: Lessons from the Lost Continent by J. Allan Danelek
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Atlantis: Lessons from the Lost Continent by J. Allan Danelek

Nov 1, 2024
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Nov 1, 2024
Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming by Marijn Haverbeke
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Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming by Marijn Haverbeke

Nov 1, 2024
Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth H. Blanchard
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Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth H. Blanchard

Nov 1, 2024
Hands-on Node.js: The Node.js Introduction and API Reference by Pedro Teixeira
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Hands-on Node.js: The Node.js Introduction and API Reference by Pedro Teixeira

Nov 1, 2024
MONEY: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom: A Roadmap to Financial Empowerment
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MONEY: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom: A Roadmap to Financial Empowerment

Oct 27, 2024
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity: Unlocking Your Creative Potential
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The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity: Unlocking Your Creative Potential

Oct 27, 2024
Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum: A Roadmap to Agile Success
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Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum: A Roadmap to Agile Success

Oct 27, 2024
Agile Estimating and Planning: A Comprehensive Guide to Agile Success
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Agile Estimating and Planning: A Comprehensive Guide to Agile Success

Oct 27, 2024
React in Patterns: A Guide to Better React Development
Review

React in Patterns: A Guide to Better React Development

Oct 27, 2024
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Techniques for Retraining Your Brain: A Practical Guide to Mental Well-Being
Review

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Techniques for Retraining Your Brain: A Practical Guide to Mental Well-Being

Oct 27, 2024
Professor Frisby's Mostly Adequate Guide to Functional Programming: A Playful Journey into FP
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Professor Frisby's Mostly Adequate Guide to Functional Programming: A Playful Journey into FP

Oct 27, 2024
Remote: Office Not Required: Rethinking Work in a Digital Age
Review

Remote: Office Not Required: Rethinking Work in a Digital Age

Oct 27, 2024
Rework: A Game-Changer for Business Thinking
Review

Rework: A Game-Changer for Business Thinking

Oct 27, 2024
The Color Purple: A Story of Survival, Sisterhood, and Self-Discovery
Review

The Color Purple: A Story of Survival, Sisterhood, and Self-Discovery

Oct 27, 2024
The Kite Runner: A Story of Redemption in a Fractured Land
Review

The Kite Runner: A Story of Redemption in a Fractured Land

Oct 27, 2024
Blindness: A Haunting Exploration of Humanity's Fragility and Resilience
Review

Blindness: A Haunting Exploration of Humanity's Fragility and Resilience

Oct 27, 2024
Leadership Without the Title: A Deep Dive into Staff Engineer by Will Larson
Review

Leadership Without the Title: A Deep Dive into Staff Engineer by Will Larson

Oct 14, 2024
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code
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Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code

Oct 14, 2024
JavaScript: The Good Parts - A Reflection on a Classic
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JavaScript: The Good Parts - A Reflection on a Classic

Oct 14, 2024
Book Review: Man's Search for Meaning
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Book Review: Man's Search for Meaning

Oct 14, 2024
Review of Tuesdays with Morrie
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Review of Tuesdays with Morrie

Sep 22, 2024
A Review of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
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A Review of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

Sep 20, 2024
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don't
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Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don't

Sep 14, 2024
Review of Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly
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Review of Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly

Sep 14, 2024
Review of Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin
Review

Review of Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin

Sep 14, 2024
Review: "Getting Real" by Jason Fried
Review

Review: "Getting Real" by Jason Fried

Sep 8, 2024
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One book, tool, or idea I've actually used, delivered to senior engineers thinking about architecture, leadership, and the path to staff or principal.

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