Miscellaneous suggestions

Table of Contents

Miscellaneous suggestions
The Steve Jobs Nobody Knew
32 Books That Will Actually Change Your Life
John Amaechi shares some of the books that changed his thinking
- Whistling Vivaldi by Claude Steele
- Think Again by Adam Grant

Miscellaneous suggestions

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Daniel Goleman :

In Focus, Psychologist and journalist Daniel Goleman, author of the #1 international bestseller Emotional Intelligence, offers a groundbreaking look at today’s scarcest resource and the secret to high performance and fulfillment: attention.
The Motivation Manifesto: Brendon Burchard :

The Motivation Manifesto is a pulsing, articulate, ferocious call to claim our personal power. World-renowned high performance trainer Brendon Burchard reveals that the main motive of humankind is the pursuit of greater Personal Freedom. We desire the grand liberties of choice—time freedom, emotional freedom, social freedom, financial freedom, spiritual freedom. Only two enemies stand in our way: an external enemy, defined as the social oppression of who we are by the mediocre masses, and an internal enemy, a sort of self-oppression caused by our own doubt and fear.
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose: Tony Hsieh :

Now in trade paperback, the hip, iconoclastic CEO of Zappos shows how a different kind of corporate culture can make a huge difference in achieving remarkable results – by actually creating a company culture that values happiness –and then delivers on it.
The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life: Thomas M. Sterner :

In those times when we want to acquire a new skill or face a formidable challenge we hope to overcome, what we need most are patience, focus, and discipline, traits that seem elusive or difficult to maintain. In this enticing and practical book, Thomas Sterner demonstrates how to learn skills for any aspect of life, from golfing to business to parenting, by learning to love the process.
Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error: Kathryn Schulz :

An illuminating exploration of what it means to be in error, and why homo sapiens tend to tacitly assume (or loudly insist) that they are right about most everything.
The Lessons of History: Will Durant, Ariel Durant :

A concise survey of the culture and civilization of mankind, The Lessons of History is the result of a lifetime of research from Pulitzer Prize–winning historians Will and Ariel Durant.
The Selfish Gene: Richard Dawkins :

Richard Dawkins’ brilliant reformulation of the theory of natural selection has the rare distinction of having provoked as much excitement and interest outside the scientific community as within it. His theories have helped change the whole nature of the study of social biology, and have forced thousands of readers to rethink their beliefs about life.
Sam Walton: Made In America :

Meet a genuine American folk hero cut from the homespun cloth of America’s heartland: Sam Walton, who parlayed a single dime store in a hardscrabble cotton town into Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world. The undisputed merchant king of the late twentieth century, Sam never lost the common touch. Here, finally, inimitable words. Genuinely modest, but always sure if his ambitions and achievements. Sam shares his thinking in a candid, straight-from-the-shoulder style.
Managing Oneself: Peter Ferdinand Drucker :

We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity: with ambition, drive, and talent, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession regardless of where you started out. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Companies today aren’t managing their knowledge workers careers. Instead, you must be your own chief executive officer. That means it’s up to you to carve out your place in the world and know when to change course. And it’s up to you to keep yourself engaged and productive during a career that may span some 50 years. In Managing Oneself, Peter Drucker explains how to do it.
Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School: Richard Branson:

It’s business school, the Branson way.

Whether you’re interested in starting your own business, improving your leadership skills, or simply looking for inspiration from one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time, Richard Branson has the answers.
When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead: Jerry Weintraub, Rich Cohen:

Here is the story of Jerry Weintraub: the self-made, Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised impresario, Hollywood producer, legendary deal maker, and friend of politicians and stars. No matter where nature has placed him–the club rooms of Brooklyn, the Mafia dives of New York’s Lower East Side, the wilds of Alaska, or the hills of Hollywood–he has found a way to put on a show and sell tickets at the door.
War and Peace: Leo Tolstoy :

War and Peace is a vast epic centered on Napoleons war with Russia.
Drive: Daniel H. Pink :

Most people believe that the best way to motivate is with rewards like money—the carrot-and-stick approach. That’s a mistake, says Daniel H. Pink
Creativity, Inc.: Ed Catmull, Amy Wallace :

From Ed Catmull, co-founder (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter) of Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Award–winning studio behind Inside Out and Toy Story, comes an incisive book about creativity in business.
Emergence: Seven Steps for Radical Life Change: Derek Rydall :

In his bestselling book Emergence, Derek Rydall helps you throw aside the self-help books and recognize one simple, radical truth: the answer is already in you.
Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long: David Rock :

In this book, we travel inside Emily and Paul’s brains as they attempt to sort the vast quantities of information they’re presented with, figure out how to prioritize it, organize it and act on it.
Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success: Napoleon Hill: Using his legendary ability to get to the root of human potential, Napoleon Hill digs deep to reveal how fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy prevent us from realizing our personal goals.
Think and Grow Rich: Napoleon Hill :

Think and Grow Rich has been called the “Granddaddy of All Motivational Literature.” It was the first book to boldly ask, “What makes a winner?” The man who asked and listened for the answer, Napoleon Hill, is now counted in the top ranks of the world’s winners himself.
World Order: Henry Kissinger: 9780143127710: Amazon.com: Books :

Henry Kissinger offers in World Order a deep meditation on the roots of international harmony and global disorder.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: Nir Eyal :

Why do some products capture widespread attention while others flop? What makes us engage with certain products out of sheer habit? Is there a pattern underlying how technologies hook us?
The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century: George Friedman :

A fascinating, eye-opening and often shocking look at what lies ahead for the U.S. and the world from one of our most incisive futurists.
The Story of the Human Body: Daniel Lieberman:

In this landmark book of popular science, Daniel E. Lieberman gives us a lucid and engaging account of how the human body evolved over millions of years.
~~How to Win Friends & Influence People: Dale Carnegie :~~

~~For more than sixty years the rock-solid, time-tested advice in this book has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.~~
How to Win at the Sport of Business: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It: Mark Cuban :

Mark Cuban shares his wealth of experience and business savvy in his first published book, HOW TO WIN AT THE SPORT OF BUSINESS.
Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft: Paul Allen :

Paul Allen, best known as the cofounder of Microsoft, has left his mark on numerous fields, from aviation and science to rock ‘n’ roll, professional sports, and philanthropy.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Stephen R. Covey:

One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for 25 years.
Crime and Punishment (9780486454115): Fyodor Dostoyevsky :

One of the supreme masterpieces of world literature, Crime and Punishment catapulted Dostoyevsky to the forefront of Russian writers and into the ranks of the world’s greatest novelists.
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela :

Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time: an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country.
Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind : David Buss :

This book examines human psychology and behavior through the lens of modern evolutionary psychology.
The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing: Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig, Warren E. Buffett :

The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” – which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies – has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.
Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger :

Long time business partner of Warren Buffet.
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition: William Strunk Jr., E. B. White, Test Editor, Roger Angell :

This is The Elements of Style, the classic style manual, now in a fourth edition. A new Foreword by Roger Angell reminds readers that the advice of Strunk & White is as valuable today as when it was first offered.This book’s unique tone, wit and charm have conveyed the principles of English style to millions of readers. Use the fourth edition of “the little book” to make a big impact with writing.
The Magic of Thinking Big: David J. Schwartz :

Millions of readers have acquired the secrets of success through The Magic of Thinking Big.Achieve everything you always wanted: financial security, power and influence, the ideal job, satisfying relationships, and a rewarding, happy life.
MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom: Tony Robbins :

Tony Robbins has coached and inspired more than 50 million people from over 100 countries. More than 4 million people have attended his live events. Oprah Winfrey calls him “super-human.” Now for the first time—in his first book in two decades—he’s turned to the topic that vexes us all:How to secure financial freedom for ourselves and our families.
In Defense of Anarchism : Robert Paul Wolff:

An analysis of the foundations of the authority of the state and the problems of political authority and moral autonomy in a democracy.
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love: Amir Levine :

We rely on science to tell us everything from what to eat to when and how long to exercise, but what about relationships? Is there a scientific explanation for why some people seem to navigate relationships effortlessly, while others struggle? According to psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
Built from Scratch: How a Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion: Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank:

One of the greatest entrepreneurial success stories of the past twenty years.
The Hiltons: The True Story of an American Dynasty: J. Randy Taraborrelli :

THE HILTONS is a sweeping saga of the success-and excess-of an iconic American family. Demanding and enigmatic, patriarch Conrad Hilton’s visionary ideas and unyielding will established the model for the modern luxury hotel industry.
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life : Dalai Lama:

As human beings, we all share the desire for happiness and meaning in our lives. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ability to find true fulfillment lies within each of us.
Plato - Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo :

These dialogues by Plato have been translated from the original Greek by the scholar G.M.A Rube, whose translations are known for their lucidity and sensitivity to the nuance of argument and the interplay of philosophical ideas.
The Social Contract: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston :

“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains”

These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has not ceased to stir vigorous debate since its first publication in 1762.
The Analects of Confucius: Arthur Waley :

The Analects of Confucius is one of the central books of Chinese literature and Chinese thought; memorized and studied for many centuries, it has been certainly one of the most influential books in world history.
The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking: Dale Carnegie :

Now streamlined and updated, the book that has literally put millions on the highway to greater accomplishment and success can show you how to have maximum impact as a speaker–every day, and in every situation that demands winning others over to your point of view.
Don’t Touch This Book!: Jan van Helsing :

If you are someone who is not interested in secrets, who has never felt the wish for internal and external wealth, who is unconcerned about success and health, then it will certainly be better if you follow the well-meant advice and keep your hands off this book.
Grinding It Out: The Making Of McDonald’s: Ray Kroc :

Few entrepreneurs can claim to have actually changed the way we live, but Ray Kroc is one of them. His revolutions in food service automation, franchising, shared national training and advertising have earned him a place beside the men who founded not merely businesses but entire new industries.

The brilliant Henry Kissinger book, “World Order” was like trying to drink from a fire hydrant, and I could only read it in small doses, and had to reread several of the more dry academic sections.

I read an interview where Neil Strauss mentioned John Fante’s Ask the Dust, so I bought it, read it, and fell in love with it and in reading about John Fante, I learned that he had been influenced by Nietzsche and Knut Hamsun, so I read both of them. Napoleon and Alexander Hamilton were changed by Plutarch’s Lives (and so were about a million other people across history), so of course, I read it. I heard that Phil Jackson recommended his players read Corelli’s Mandolin, and that Pete Carroll recommends The Inner Game of Tennis. Lots of successful people have reading lists that they either post on their blogs or that their biographers have compiled after their deaths. I made my way through those, too, book by book.

Everybody seems to want a mentor. Meanwhile, they are passing up the opportunity to learn directly from the people who taught the people you aspire to be. When someone like John McCain spends his whole life raving about For Whom The Bell Tolls, why would you not check it out? Clearly, it got him through some shit. Peter Thiel credits Rene Girard and Things Hidden Since the Foundation Of the World with shaping his worldview. Clearly, it’s made him some money? And you are not going to pick that up? Angela Merkel (Forbes number one most powerful women for 12 of the last 13 years) lists Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov as her favorite reads. Add them to the list!

Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus The story of a person who does right and gets punished for it for all eternity.

The Cathedral and the Bazaar: Musings on Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary (abbreviated CatB) is an essay, and later a book, by Eric S. Raymond on software engineering methods, based on his observations of the Linux kernel development process and his experiences managing an open source project, fetchmail. It examines the struggle between top-down and bottom-up design. The essay was first presented by the author at the Linux Kongress on May 27, 1997 in Würzburg (Germany) and was published as part of the book in 1999.

Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman’s Crusade for Free Software (ISBN 0-596-00287-4) is a free book licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License about the life of Richard Stallman, written by Sam Williams and published by O’Reilly Media on March 1, 2002. Williams conducted several interviews with Stallman during the writing of the book, as well as with classmates, colleagues of Stallman, and his mother. The book has received positive reviews.

Enlightenment Now, Harvard psychology professor Stephen Pinker

(don’t own a copy) Greg McKeown writes about in Essentialism Read “Essentialism: The Discliplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown” a few years back and it was life changing. It challenged me to take a step back and identify what were the most important things in my life and prioritize those things. I took a mental health break from social media, focused more on family, and took a minimalist approach to material things. Definitely recommended!

Holistic medicine and such books as Norman Cousins’s account of his successful fight against terminal illness and Dr. Bernie Siegel’s descriptions of self-healing are beginning to redress the abstractly materialist view of health that has become so prevalent in this century.

Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War In Thucydides’s morally coherent universe, moral action is also, inevitably, practical action, and immoral action is inevitably impractical, no matter how insistently short-sighted strategists pretend that it isn’t. In the two years since the 2016 US election, it seems ever more clear that Thucydides is the greatest historian not only of empire but also of contemporary politics.

Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactor Your Wetware by Andy Hunt

Software development happens in your head. Not in an editor, IDE, or design tool. You’re well educated on how to work with software and hardware, but what about wetware–our own brains? Learning new skills and new technology is critical to your career, and it’s all in your head.

In this book by Andy Hunt, you’ll learn how our brains are wired, and how to take advantage of your brain’s architecture. You’ll learn new tricks and tips to learn more, faster, and retain more of what you learn.

You need a pragmatic approach to thinking and learning. You need to Refactor Your Wetware.

Programmers have to learn constantly; not just the stereotypical new technologies, but also the problem domain of the application, the whims of the user community, the quirks of your teammates, the shifting sands of the industry, and the evolving characteristics of the project itself as it is built.

We’ll journey together through bits of cognitive and neuroscience, learning and behavioral theory. You’ll see some surprising aspects of how our brains work, and how you can take advantage of the system to improve your own learning and thinking skills.

In this book you’ll learn how to: Use the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition to become more expert Leverage the architecture of the brain to strengthen different thinking modes Avoid common “known bugs” in your mind Learn more deliberately and more effectively Manage knowledge more efficiently

(already added to librarything collections) The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by Antonin Sertillanges

“Fr. Sertillanges’s teachings are as timeless as any truths which describe the genuine nature of things. . . . This book is highly recommended not only for intellectuals, but also for students and those discerning their vocation in life.”–New Oxford Review

“[This] is above all a practical book. It discusses with a wealth of illustration and insight such subjects as the organization of the intellectual worker’s time, materials, and his life; the integration of knowledge and the relation of one’s specialty to general knowledge; the choice and use of reading; the discipline of memory; the taking of notes, their classification and use; and the preparation and organization of the final production.”–The Sign (less)

What makes Sammy run - Budd Schulberg A fiction but very inspiring.

Fighting for air - The battle to control America’s media - Eric Klinenberg

Complement The Black Swan, which is fascinating it its totality, with astrophysicist Marcelo Gleiser on how to live with mystery in a culture obsessed with certitude, philosopher Hannah Arendt on how unanswerable questions give shape to the human experience, and novelist Marilynne Robinson on the beauty of the unknown.

Bibliography from the article “The 9% is the new aristocracy”

The price of Admission - Daniel Golden
The captured economy - Brink Lindsey and Steven Teles

The Steve Jobs Nobody Knew

Some books that Steve Jobs used to read.

The Primal Scream, a book by Arthur Janov.
Neem Karoli Baba - a book of Baba’s teachings, Miracle of Love.

32 Books That Will Actually Change Your Life

And all you have to do is read them!

Erin La Rosa

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

This heartbreaking memoir, written by Jean-Dominique Bauby, follows the life of a narcissistic editor turned ward of the hospital after a sudden stroke leaves him paralyzed and unable to communicate. It’ll make you realize how important the people in your life are, and how precious every moment really is. Did I mention you might weep through the whole thing?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Read this philosophical novel, and Robert Pirsig will help you realize how important it is to actually care about what you’re doing. In other words, if you’re fixing a motorcycle, then really fix it. Don’t listen to music, or do something else simultaneously. Do what you need to do, and take pride in it.

Cat’s Cradle

Of all the Vonnegut you could possibly read, this is the one that will raise the most questions - in a great way. Jonah, our narrator, wants to write a book about the inventor of the atomic bomb, Dr. Frank Hoenikker.

This book will make you question whether or not there should be a limit to the pursuit of knowledge. And it’ll get you to think about the power of weapons, and how even the most competent people can make mistakes with them. Plus, with all of that science comes the exploration of religion, or the futility of it, really.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

This book is special because it gives voice to a type of person that often isn’t written about in fiction. That narrator is a 15-year-old boy named Christopher John Francis Boone, and he’s a brilliant mathematician who also happens to suffer from a behavioral disorder. (Some say Asperger’s, others suggest autism, but author Mark Haddon is adamant that it’s not about any one specific disorder.) Either way, this will help you think about prejudices and preconceived notions.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Because it’s so wonderful to get sucked into the world of Macondo, it’s easy to forget that One Hundred Years of Solitude isn’t just a masterpiece of magical realism. It’s an allegory for colonialism, the human condition, and the political strife in Latin America.

Invisible Monsters

Full disclosure: This book is disturbing. Like, a model gets shot in the face with a rifle and goes on a journey to find out who did it kinda disturbing. That being said, the writing and structure, much like the story, proves that nothing is ever as it seems. And ultimately, this is a lesson and exploration of what it is to really love someone.

White Oleander

Life will make or break you, and when Astrid’s mother is sent to prison for murdering a former lover, Astrid is put into foster care in Los Angeles. That’s enough to break anyone, but what we see is that she manages to survive, and relies on her inner strength to do that. (Inspirational much?!)

In Cold Blood

This nonfiction novel revolves around the murder of the Clutter family in 1959, and why the murderers, Perry and Dick, committed their crimes. Author Truman Capote leads us in without judgment, and in doing so lets us come up with our own conclusions about the penal system, justice, and the nature of violent crimes.

Middlesex

This stunning novel revolves around Calliope Stephanides (or Cal), and it’s a great read for anyone interested in gender and taking a closer look at how family and biology shape your identity.

Play It As It Lays

Play It As It Lays is a story about Maria Wyeth, a Hollywood actress who has lost control of her life and identity. It’s a tragic read that will force you into deep self- reflection, as it exposes the fact that we live in a culture where nothing is quite good enough.

Ada, or Ardor

Don’t get me wrong, I love Lolita - it’s an absolutely perfect novel. But Ada, or Ardor is so much more complex. Amidst the romance plot of Van Veen and his cousin Ada is a larger theme on the nature of time - and how it can change everything and nothing.

Beloved

This suspenseful novel follows Sethe, who was freed from slavery but never really escapes her memories. It’s an unflinching look into the horrors of slavery, but even more than that, it will fill you with hope.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Junior grew up on a Spokane Indian Reservation, but he’s also a budding cartoonist who dreams of getting off the rez. This book is funny, smart, and heartbreaking, but because of all that, it will make you question the idea of destiny.

Push

You don’t know a thing about the power of redemption until you meet Precious Jones. This book is gut-wrenching and horrifying, but it will ultimately inspire anyone to feel like they can overcome the odds.

Granted, this is Stephen King, so it’s going to be a scary read. That being said, this story about a group of children being terrorized by some anonymous entity goes beyond surface-level horror. It opens up a dialogue about childhood trauma and the power of memory, as well as the unspoken ugliness that hides in small-town values.

~~Under the Banner of Heaven~~

The amazing part of Krakauer’s nonfiction novel is that while it’s incredibly comprehensive - encompassing the early foundation of the Mormon church to the present-day scandals - it’s also a complete page-turner. This book will make you question your own faith as it examines the faith of a relatively new religion.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

David Sedaris is hilarious, period. But in Me Talk Pretty One Day he manages to weave all of his funny and true stories with the idea that humans have a problem with communication. His strange experiences with people will make you question how you communicate on a daily basis. (And he manages to pull it off with the reader barely noticing. How’s that for improved communication skills?!)

World War Z

Yes, believe it or not, a book about zombies can change your life. That’s because it’s not just about eating brains, it looks at cultural divides, politics, war, and conflicts that seem petty once the fate of the world is at stake. It’s an eye-opener that just happens to also be filled with awesome zombies.

The Giver

This book takes us into Jonas’ world, where there is no pain and everything is controlled. Until he turns 12, which is when he learns that there is pain, and fear, and passion, and emotions that he’s never experienced before. Ultimately, this book has the gift of reminding you that life is pain, but that is what makes life so wonderful. We make choices that may be the wrong ones, but they give our life purpose.

The Fault in Our Stars

Warning: This book will make you weep and weep, until there’s no more weeping left to do and all you’re left with are the characters, story, and beautiful language that will inevitably inspire you to live life and really enjoy every moment.

A Brief History of Time

Being that this is a book by Stephen Hawking, it isn’t the easiest in the world to read.

That being said, it’s incredibly smart, and if you can manage to get past the first few chapters, you’ll start to see that the big message here is all about time, and that it has a clear direction. If anything, reading this book will make you feel a little closer to understanding the universe (i.e., it’ll make you smarter!).

Sophie’s World

“Who are you?” and “Where does the world come from?” are the two questions that 14-year-old Sophie Amundsen is faced with. So begins this outline of Western philosophy set in a fictional story. It’s an incredibly accessible path to thinking about philosophy, and it sheds light on the importance of certain discoveries and advances in our society.

Crime and Punishment

This is a heavy book, but it’s also an amazingly detailed look at the inner workings of the human mind and the repercussions of committing a crime.

Life of Pi

Much as the book cover suggests, there’s a tiger, and this is the story of a young boy from India who’s stranded at sea in a lifeboat with said tiger. Yikes. Some people might mistakenly think that this is about religion, but what it’s really about is just that you should believe in something - whether that be God, the world, goodness, or yourself. The end message is that life is filled with possibilities, if you let it be.

Invisible Man

The great thing about this book is that it seems like it’s about one unnamed protagonist dealing with race issues. But underneath all that, it’s about humankind, and how we’re all stumbling along, trying to find ourselves. This book will teach you that actions really do speak louder than words. And what’s true for you isn’t true for anyone else.

Joy of Cooking

Coming from someone whose finest moments happen in front of a microwave, I can say that this book is a lot different than most cookbooks. The tone is conversational, and it’s filled with recipes, tutorials, and short pieces that actually convince you to try out some new things. Everyone should read this, because it will actually make cooking fun!

Catch-22

First of all, Catch-22 is just plain funny, and that makes it wonderful all on its own. But it’s also a really great read, because it skillfully points out the absurdity of war.

The Train

This novella is brief, but t manages to encompass the terror and horror of the Nazis invading a bucolic suburb in France. Our unlikely hero is Marcel FerÃ³n, who has an affair after the invasion leaves him separated from his pregnant wife. It explores the idea of living in the moment and will make you question whether or not disassociating from your responsibilities is ever OK.

The Artist’s Way

The Artist’s Way is almost more of a course book than an actual book, but if you need to unlock your creative side, then this will do exactly that. By following the book, you are choosing to turn on your creativity.

The Beautiful & Damned

More money, more problems. Or so it goes for the novel’s protagonist, Anthony Patch, and his wife, Gloria. This book deals with extreme wealth and the devastating effects alcoholism can have.

Prodigal Summer

In this book, we meet three different characters whose stories eventually intertwine. It all takes place in southern Appalachia and deals with their relationships toward the balance of nature around them. It will make you question your own relationship with evolution, and put into perspective what a small part of that we really are. The novel also explores the ideas of life and death, love, and the importance of the community around you.

Never Let Me Go

There’s nothing easy about reading Never Let Me Go, because it has an honesty that will make you question so many things. Like the social alienation of specific groups of people, and the painful fact that love can be lost or missed, all because of timing. It’s beautiful, haunting, and complex. Did I also mention it’s science fiction? Yeah, go read this.

John Amaechi shares some of the books that changed his thinking

https://bigthink.com/books/john-amaechi-books/

The psychologist, educator, and former NBA player discusses the professional volumes and childhood stories that shaped his life and his approach to it.

Whistling Vivaldi by Claude Steele

Stanford social psychologist Claude Steele’s early work focused on concepts such as self-image, self-affirmation, and the role of self-regulation in addiction. But today, he is best known for his work on stereotype threat, and his 2010 book, Whistling Vivaldi, encapsulates this groundbreaking research.

Stereotype threat is the concept that when people risk conforming to stereotypes about their race, gender, cultural group, etc., they grow anxious and feel other disruptive emotions. These can lead to a loss of confidence, poor performance on tasks, and harmful health outcomes, which in turn lead to more negative emotions, resulting in further deleterious effects that ultimately spiral into a vicious cycle.

Steele examines this research while also suggesting potential actions that institutions and individuals can take to mitigate stereotype threat and promote diversity.

“Whistling Vivaldi is Claude Steele’s insightful exploration of (and my first introduction to the concept of) stereotype threat and how identity shapes performance and experience, especially in education and the workplace,” Amaechi says. “It’s a foundational text for anyone serious about understanding the psychological barriers to equity and inclusion — and how to begin dismantling them.”

Think Again by Adam Grant

Many view intelligence as possessing extensive knowledge and having confidence in what you know. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, not only questions this notion but also our social tendency to valorize self-assurance in one’s intelligence.

What if, he asks, there exists another set of cognitive skills that are even more valuable? Those being: rethinking and unlearning.

In this 2021 book, Grant explores research that shows the benefits of questioning your assumptions, letting go of outdated opinions, and rethinking to improve your mental acuity. He lays out the evidence for why these cognitive skills lead to better results than raw intelligence and shows how individuals and organizations can better encourage healthy doubt and rethinking.

Given that, it’s little wonder that this book changed the way Amaechi thinks: “Think Again is [Grant’s] invitation to embrace intellectual humility and the inherent power of reconsidering our beliefs. In a world such as this, the recommendations in this book are a collective survival imperative.”

He adds, “I love Adam’s work (and am proud of our friendship) and his ability to frame ideas in a provocative and thoughtful way.”

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