The week that I spent exploring Israel and Jordan was one of my favorite trips ever…the best kind combining fascinating and layered history, challenging cultural and religious dynamics, amazing food, warm people, and bucket list experiences.
In Israel we were lucky to have friends from the U.S. who’d been living there for a couple years as one of them was getting their doctorate, and so they took us around. Turns out, Steven has a back-up career as a tour guide if he ever needs it, because he’d soaked up so many interesting stories and could spout out history in a way that made it really come to life.
As we talked, he recommended that I read “Start-Up Nation” if I really wanted to get a sense of Israel as a modern nation and how it had come to be—and how their early history was driving the tech success of modern-day.
Whether you’ve already spent time exploring Israel, or are just interested in the country’s history and may want to visit in the future, this is a must-read in my opinion. You can find it here (yes, Kindle is okay but I always like the paperback for this type of book).
What to expect from “Start-Up Nation”
Did you know Israel has the most venture capital investment per capita of any country in the world? And by like…a LOT.
Told as a series of stories chronicling Israel’s technology, economy, and business triumphs, “Start-Up Nation” deftly weave parts of the country’s history and culture through tales of wild startup ideas and ballsy technology breakthroughs that became reality.
Whether it’s technology that combats digital payment fraud or how the country’s mandatory military service helps shape and connect future entrepreneurs, you get a real feel for the ethos that drives these entrepreneurs and leaders.
Singer and Senor’s writing style is really great, making this a natural and easy read despite what could be kind of dry topics. Though the stories in each chapter are fairly independent of each other, somehow they feel cohesive and like they’re each building upon each other.
Basically, if you can’t tell, I loved this book and think it’s a must-read!
Other books you’ll love:
- The 10 Best Books I Read In 2022
- The 10 Best Books I Read In 2020
- Book Recommendation: The Vineyard at the End of the World
- My Favorite Summer Beach Reads
Pin for later!
