Reading improves analytical thinking, increases vocabulary and improves writing skills. Students, whether that of formal schooling or being a life long learner, should always be reading. Reading is relaxing, fun and does so many amazing things for you. This is my list of books that address current and historical issues as well as keep you thinking no matter in what stage of life you are.
1. Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel
Sandel discusses the morality issues that surface in society today such as the politics intertwined with the free market and the morality of lying as taught by Immanuel Kant. This opens up understandings of how everyone else might think.
2. White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son by Tim Wise
Using his own life experiences, Tim Wise explores the consequences of racial bias for those of color as well as those who are 'white like him.' This book gives you a different perspective of what it means to be a different race.
3. Night by Elie Wiesel
Wiesel tells his story of survival as a Jew living in Nazi Germany. He explores his feelings and experiences living in Auschwitz and Buchenwald at the height of the Holocaust. Learning about this history through his eyes can provide a profound understanding of this important event.
4. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Dr. van der Kolk examines his research and experiences with trauma. From military veterans to rape survivors, his work with trauma is the foremost resource for professionals around the world. Through this book PTSD and related disorders are given validity and merit in all academic communities.
5. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
This is a murder-mystery told through the eyes of an autistic boy. The main character, Christopher, is on the lower end of the autism spectrum and this is his story of coping with his social issues along with trying to solve the murder of the dog next door, Wellington.
6. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
This novel tells the story of Paul Baumer and his classmates as they embark on their first journey into war during WWI. Baumer faces the issue of his personal feelings of fight boys his age in war.
7. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Dante's exploration of the afterlife is given in poem form of three different books. Inferno, Paradiso and Purgatorio all consider probable outcomes when examining morality of humans and the metaphoric state of each part of the afterlife.
8. The Bible/ Qur'an/ Torah
Each of these, within their own teachings, provide a background for morality and how you should live. By choosing one (or more) of these books to read you can open yourself up to other perspectives.
9. The Coalwood Series by Homer Hickman
The written story, as depicted in the popular movie October Sky, of 'The Rocket Boys' as they build rockets in their small hometown of Coalwood, WV. The series is written by the most successful of 'The Rocket Boys' who until his retirement in 1998 was the Payload Specialist for the International Space Station Program.
10. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Whether omnivore, vegetarian or vegan, it is important to learn from where your food comes. Pollan discusses the use of corn and it's impact on all the food we eat on a normal basis. Knowing what you eat and its sources can help you eat healthier and feel better about your impact on the planet.
11. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Drawing from her life experiences, this popular TEDx talk author gives ample examples and reasoning for being a feminist in the 21st century. Learning how those of all genders affect the treatment of one gives us knowledge on how to fight those against this popular, and misunderstood movement.
