Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR72LlRr-Hc

Introduction and Purpose of Video (0:00)

- Introduction by Alex Chan, VP in life sciences lending, about the 2025 book recommendations.

- Goal: Share noteworthy books read by Oak Tree team members over the past year.

Book Recommendation: For Blood and Money by Nathan Vardy (1:00)

- Recommended by Alex Chan, focusing on the development of two drugs in the CLLL space, a type of cancer.

- Detailed narrative of Bob Dugen's journey from preclinical studies to commercialization.

- Emphasizes the extensive effort required to bring a drug to market.

Book Recommendation: Beauty Land by Marie Helen Portino (2:00)

- Recommended by Priya Prasad Bau, head of strategic development for multistrategy private credit.

- Science fiction about an alien protagonist evaluating Earth as an alternative home.

- Highlights everyday interactions and relationship building, blending humor and poignancy.

Book Recommendation: Biography of Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (3:00)

- Recommended by Jared Parker, co-head of North America for Oaktree's Global Opportunity Strategy.

- Explores Mark Twain's life and impact, providing context for his quotes frequently used by Howard Marks.

Book Recommendation: The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina (4:00)

- Recommended by Caitlyn Theer, associate in global convers based in NYC.

- Fictional story inspired by a real place in Japan, exploring themes of grief and connection.

- Features a mother dealing with loss after the Japanese tsunami, with a focus on emotional resonance.

Book Recommendation: North to the Future by Ben Weisenbach (5:00)

- Recommended by Todd Moltz, COO at Oak Tree.

- Chronicles a young man's adventures in Alaska, engaging with scientists and explorers.

- Appeals to readers interested in the outdoors and environmental changes.

Book Recommendation: The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom (6:00)

- Recommended by Katie Boyven, VP in fund accounting and operations.

- Challenges traditional financial wealth concepts, introducing the "wealth score" for personal assessment.

- Offers a lifetime of insights with practical visualizations of strengths and weaknesses.

Book Recommendation: Who Knew by Barry Diller (7:00)

- Recommended by Hanku, senior VP on the Hayo Bong Group.

- Memoir of Barry Diller's influential role in the media industry, detailing his rise from the mailroom to head of Paramount.

Book Recommendation: Age of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria (8:00)

- Recommended by Devon Pursuiti from the marketing and communications team.

- Analyzes historical and current revolutions in globalization, technology, identity, and geopolitics.

- Provides perspective on modern disruptions and transformations.

Book Recommendation: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (9:00)

- Recommended by Phil Jabber, head of insurance solutions for Asia-Pacific.

- Horror story about a marine biologist's mysterious deep-sea mission and its aftermath.

- Offers a unique narrative with suspense and emotional depth.

Book Recommendation: Slanting Towards the Sea by Lydia Hillier (10:00)

- Recommended by Susanna Paritch, part of the sourcing and origination team.

- Set on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, exploring themes of identity, boldness, and duty.

- Appreciated for its linguistic style and philosophical questioning.

Conclusion (11:00)

- Closing remarks and thanks for joining the 2025 book recommendations session.