What I’m Reading

This is a selection from my reading history, including both physics/non-physics related books. Hopefully you can gauge my interest towards certain topics with this list. Updated regularly.

Physics Texts

Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition by R. Shankar (Aug 31  1994): Amazon.com: Books

Out of all the quantum mechanics textbooks I’ve read, this one is by far the best. It presents the subject in a self-contained and coherent manner without overwhelming the reader. Highly recommend.

Sakurai - Modern Quantum Mechanics.pdf | Modern Physics | Physics

The book starts great, then it becomes less great as you progress. The intuition from the first chapter can offer you some interesting perspective on operators, although a very similar approach was done in the Feynman lectures in a less sophisticated manner.

Introduction to Electrodynamics - Wikipedia

Offers a very standard approach to electrodynamics(or you could say it became the standard). Doesn’t have the problem of sacrificing content for narrative like other books from the same author.

Everyone I know likes to gripe about this book of being too sadistic. Although I can clearly see where they’re coming from, If you don’t obsess over every paragraph this book can offer a very clear and logical overview of the subject.

Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 3: Quantum Mechanics: Richard P. Feynman,  Robert B. Leighton, Matthew Sands: Amazon.com: Books

This series by Feynman is famous for its unique narratives. But the book is a bit outdated for modern use and lacks some necessary math that the author intentionally left out.

Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology: A Basic Introduction (Oxford Master  Series in Physics, 11): Cheng, Ta-Pei: 9780199573646: Amazon.com: Books

This was the book I most relied on to write my paper back in high school. It covers from basic tensor calculations to general relativity, black holes, and cosmology without giving the reader too much pressure.

Quantum Field Theory: Srednicki, Mark: 8601415708523: Amazon.com: Books

I’m a bit hesitant to review QFT textbooks, since I don’t think I’ve understood the subject enough. But I do think that among the number of QFT books that I’ve (tried to) read, this one is the most polished overall.

Books

Fictions: Amazon.co.uk: Jorge Luis Borges: 8601300112459: Books

Philosophy text disguised as a novel. Each short piece contains a whole book worth of ideas. Stumbled upon this during a fantasy literature class, a very unexpected but pleasant experience.

The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness:  Housel, Morgan: 9780857197689: Amazon.com: Books

A phenomenal book about behavioral finance. The book illustrates how your behavior and emotional decisions can completely overshadow your analytic skills if they’re not treated properly. The same lesson extends to our everyday lives.

A collection of short sci-fi stories by Ted Chiang. His style of writing fiction like non-fiction sparks a very unique vibe. This and the new book <Exhalation> are both great.

The INTP: Personality, Careers, Relationships, & the Quest for Truth and  Meaning - Kindle edition by Drenth, Dr. A.J.. Health, Fitness & Dieting  Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

When I first learned about MBTI personality types, I was impressed on its ability to predict one’s cognitive structure. This book goes in depth about the characteristics of INTP and how it can be best utilized.

Websites

Astrobites

Collaborative Funds