The Monk and the Riddle

Randy Komisar, a Silicon Valley insider who works as a virtual CEO providing leadership on demand for several companies, tells his story through a running dialogue with two would-be entrepreneurs, Lenny and Allison. Rather than offering lists and frameworks, the book is a narrative. Tracking Komisar's meetings with investors and hopeful founders, it shows how startups get started, how venture deals are struck and how plans are prepared and pitched. Along the way it draws lessons on the difference between leadership and management, and between passion and drive. Its larger theme is personal: finding fulfillment in work itself rather than in its rewards. The Washington Post once described Komisar as a mentor, investor, trouble-shooter and door opener.

Buffer co-founder Joel Gascoigne said it introduced him to the idea of a deferred life plan and makes the case that many things matter more than money. Marvin Liao of 500 Startups also listed it in his Book-Talk interview.