One may say you can find a lot about a person if you peek into their reading list. Following that logic, with wish to know Omnisearch CEO better, we peeked into his Goodreads list and were impressed. Did you know our CEO is a passionate reader? With many daily tasks and responsibilities, Marin still finds time to read on a daily basis. Does the saying  “readers are leaders” really have some truth to it?

If you ask any CEO, the majority of them would agree on the importance of reading and how reading influenced their success. Besides expanding your vocabulary and sparking your imagination, reading has numerous other benefits. Gaining knowledge on different disciplines, thinking critically, developing cognitively, and improving memory are good things you get when hanging out with books. 

Our CEO says that reading helped him with a broader understanding of the world around him, different life stories and cultures, and better analysis of cause-to-colleration events. If you ever find yourself in a casual conversation with Marin, you will quickly realize that he is knowledgeable about many different topics and fields. You wouldn’t deduct that guy who is always thinking in code during office hours, knows every little detail of American history, or has a great interest in Dostoevsky and other literary classics. 

The idea for this blog came while reading about David Bowie, actually. Bowie was against writing an autobiography and said a person’s reading list is the best autobiography on its own. Following the idea of getting to know someone based on their reading list, we asked Marin to recommend 15 books that left the most impact on him and the list is full of gems, so we didn’t want to gatekeep this from this blog’s loyal readers.

 If you’re out of inspiration on what to read next, looking for a perfect Christmas present for somebody special, or just wanting to know Marin better, you’ll find something in this blog!  Let’s scratch the surface and discover what goes through the head of the guy who is head of Omnisearch! 

The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman

Marin says that reading Maus felt like stepping into a part of history that words alone often fail to convey. The raw emotion in its pages made him reflect on the weight of intergenerational trauma and how storytelling can connect us to truths we might otherwise avoid. This graphic novel masterfully intertwines the harrowing experiences of a Holocaust survivor with the complexities of a father-son relationship, making history profoundly personal and hauntingly real.

Grant by Ron Chernow

‍‍Grant’s story is a reminder that greatness is often hidden behind humility and perseverance. His resilience, even when the odds were stacked against him, taught the value of steadfastness in leadership—even when others might not immediately see your potential. This biography delves into his journey from a struggling civilian to a remarkable general and president, highlighting his vision for equality.

Effective C++ by Scott Meyers

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As someone who’s spent countless hours debugging code, Marin felt this book was a mentor guiding him through better habits and clearer thinking. It showed him how even minor, deliberate improvements can lead to profound results—both in code and in life. The book distills C++ programming into actionable, practical advice that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell

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Nixon’s life is a fascinating contrast study. It makes you reflect on how ambition can both drive us forward and trip us up. This biography pushes you to think deeply about integrity, the choices made under pressure, and the legacy we leave behind. It examines his complex presidency, from groundbreaking diplomacy to the Watergate scandal, painting a nuanced picture of a deeply flawed leader.

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester

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Churchill’s early life is a testament to vision and grit. His ability to see beyond the immediate challenges remindes you that boldness and foresight are indispensable when navigating uncertain times. This book captures his transformation into one of history’s greatest politicians, chronicling his struggles, triumphs, and unrelenting determination to lead through adversity.

Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph by Jan Swafford

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Beethoven’s life strucks as a vivid example of turning pain into brilliance. His ability to create beauty in the face of deafness and despair remindes you of the creative power within all of us, even when life feels overwhelming. The book explores his fiery personality, his innovative music, and how his personal battles shaped his genius.

At the Existentialist Café by Sarah Bakewell

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Reading about Sartre, de Beauvoir, and the rise of existentialism feels like sitting in on conversations that could change your life. This book nudges you to look at everyday moments—like sharing a drink with friends—as opportunities to find deeper meaning. It’s an engaging introduction to existentialist philosophy and the personalities who shaped it.

The Roman Revolution by Ronald Syme

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Syme’s take on Augustus’s rise to power teaches you that revolutions are rarely clean or predictable, whether in politics or business. It’s a gripping reminder of how power transforms people and systems alike. The book reexamines the fall of the Roman Republic and the emergence of an empire through sharp historical analysis.

Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar

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Yourcenar’s lyrical imagining of Emperor Hadrian’s thoughts remindes you of the heavy responsibility that comes with leadership and the quiet moments when you question if you’ve done enough. It’s a philosophical meditation on power, mortality, and the bittersweet nature of legacy.

The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

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This book comes as deus ex machina when still figuring out what it means to be a leader. reading it feels like a friend telling you: “Hey, it’s okay not to know everything—here’s how you figure it out.” This book helps approach management with more confidence and empathy. It’s a practical guide for anyone navigating the challenges of leading a team.

Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender

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Steve Jobs is often painted as a larger-than-life genius, but this book humanizes him. Seeing how his growth came not from innate brilliance alone but from learning, failing, and evolving was inspiring. It explores the evolution of Jobs from a brash innovator to a more mature and reflective leader.

A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

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This book is a marathon to get through, but it changes the way you think. It’s like walking through the minds of history’s greatest thinkers and realizing how much of today’s world is built on the foundations they laid. It’s a sweeping overview of Western philosophy, connecting ancient ideas to modern dilemmas.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

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Kundera’s novel shakes you in ways I didn’t expect. It makes you question the meaning we assign to our choices and whether life’s “lightness” or “weight” is something we should embrace—or fear. It’s a deeply philosophical and emotional exploration of love, freedom, and the burden of existence.

Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler

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Disney’s story is about dreaming big, facing setbacks, and building something that touches people in ways you can’t always measure. His journey remindes you to believe in the magic of what we’re creating, even on tough days. The biography captures his relentless creativity and the vision that redefined entertainment.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn

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This book reframes how you think about progress—not as a straight line, but as a series of paradigm shifts. It’s makes you more comfortable questioning assumptions and embracing the idea that change often starts with discomfort. Kuhn’s insights into scientific innovation apply to how we approach transformation in all areas of life.

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After taking a closer look at Marin’s favorite reads, it’s clear that his interests are as varied and fascinating. His shelves are filled with stories of history—American and Roman alike—paired with biographies of great leaders whose life path inspires and teaches valuable lessons. You’ll also spot philosophy, business strategies, and insightful books on management, all of which show the depth of his curiosity and his constant drive to grow. This paints Marin in all different colors, and you can see that he is quite an interesting individual whose interests span beyond the code. 

It’s often said that building something significant takes more than hard work—it takes inspiration. Marin’s inspiration comes from the leaders and visionaries whose lives he studies. Studying Disney’s boundless imagination, observing Churchill’s unshakable grit, and analyzing Steve Jobs’s constant evolution, Marin absorbs lessons that shape his leadership style and outlook on the future.

At Omnisearch, Marin isn’t just solving today’s challenges—he’s focused on anticipating tomorrow’s needs, reshaping how knowledge is accessed, and always pushing boundaries. The books he reads reinforce his belief in curiosity, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of solutions that matter. As his reading list suggests, the path to excellence isn’t always easy, but the commitment to making a meaningful impact makes the journey worthwhile.

As I stated earlier, all CEOs swear that reading has dramatically impacted their success. So, if we consider reading books as a measure, Marin is on a good path to having a book written about him!  

Thanks for tagging along on this journey through Marin’s bookshelf. Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration for your own next read. And remember, if you’re ever looking for something—whether it’s your next book or something entirely different—reach out. We search everything!

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