One of my favorite things to do is read. The power of books is incredible; reading is one of the best ways to learn. The amount of ideologies you are exposed to through books is limitless, and this is so inspiring. Furthermore, you can find a book to satisfy any of your desires. Whether you are looking to read to learn about science or fulfill your thirst for an adventure, there is something out there to do that. Over the course of the last year, here are 15 books that I was so glad that I read.
1. 'How and Why We Age' by Leonard Hayflick, Ph.D.
The book refers to the biological mechanisms as to why humans age. Super interesting to read the science behind aging from an evolutionary perspective and the direction of a potentially ever-increasing human life-span.
2. 'Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One' by Dr. Joe Dispenza
This book dives into the neuroscience regarding the immensely intimidating power of the human mind.
3. 'Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind' by Dr. Joe Dispenza
This book corresponds to the second one on this list. Specifically, this book examines the effect of meditation on the structure of the brain and how humans have the ability to impact the structure of the brain. Amazing.
4. 'Wonderul Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History' by Stephen Jay Gould
This book thoroughly details the immense project of uncovering the Burgess Shale discovered by paleontologist Charles Doolittle Walcott. The amount of time, perseverance, and detail orientation that went into this project is awe-inspiring
5. 'Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them' by Gina Kolata
This story details a woman's decision to undergo genetic testing and the role of the genetic counselors who assist her in accepting the test results and making decisions about the future.
6. 'Your Brain On Nature' by Eva M. Selhub and Alan C. Logan
A very pleasurable read that includes scientific evidence about the positive implications of nature therapy for humans. It inspired me to appreciate nature and make more of an effort to incorporate it into my daily life.
7. 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn
This fictional murder-mystery story is definitely a page-turner. More than a huge plot-twist, this book gives a voice to violent females who are victims of the trauma and violence that composes their environment.
8. 'Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness' by Susan L. Smalley, PhD and Diana Winston
This novel combines multiple facets in which to view mindfulness and reasons why people choose to make this a part of their daily routine.
9. 'The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts' by Gary Chapman
Whether you are in the middle of your first relationship, pursuing your fifth, been married for 20 years, or have never dated anyone at, you need to read this book. It exposes you to the five categories of receiving love; this is good knowledge to have when determining how you feel most loved and how to fulfill the needs of your (future) partner(s).
10. 'The Race Myth: Why We Pretend Race Exists in America' by Joseph L. Graves, Jr.
Have you ever wondered why we don't base the social construct of "race" on height or eye color? These traits are on a spectrum and are not distinguished by one single factor; this also holds true for skin color. Why then, do people so easily base "race" on a trait that can fall anywhere on a spectrum? This book explores the social construction of "race" and how the implications of the color of one's skin possess the potential to affect the life of that human being.
11. 'Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On and Off Your Mat' by Stephanie Spence
This book intimately intertwines the personal anecdotes of several yogis explaining why they practice yoga, what inspired them to begin, and how this form of exercise is much more than that.
12. 'The Mindful Twenty-Something' by Holly B. Rogers, MD
This introduction to mindfulness and meditation is a great resource for young adults wishing to learn more about these topics and how to implement them into their daily lives. The book was a super quick read and highlights the importance of mindfulness meditation as a method for coping with stress and difficult emotions. Learning about these techniques early is not only extremely helpful in the present moment, but also when exposed to difficulties of greater magnitudes in the future.
13. 'The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World's Happiest People' by Dan Buettner
This book explores the factors that people who have lived long lives deem to make them happiest. Reading the detailed accounts from people living all over the world is truly interesting and inspiring to figure out what gives your own life purpose.
14. 'It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness' by Sylvia Boorstein
Such a simple book with powerful life lessons that are good reminders to read each day.
15. 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro
This science fiction piece was difficult to put down as it prompted questions of how far the parameters of science should be taken in and examined the ethics behind cloning strictly for the purpose of organ donation.
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