Whether you’re looking to brush up on your history, hone your cooking skills, or understand the mysteries of the universe, these fascinating books are here to help. Written by experts in various fields—from physics to farming—these titles are outstanding sources of knowledge that will leave you feeling more intelligent and eager to learn even more. Read on to discover which book you should pick up next.
INVISIBLE WOMEN
Data drives countless decisions in today’s world, yet it often fails to account for gender, leaving women at a disadvantage. In her latest book, Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Perez tackles this gender data gap, exploring how it influences everything from politics to healthcare to technology. This fascinating examination of gender inequality and institutional bias delves into the reasons behind the data gap and underscores the necessity of closing it.
For Small Creatures Such as We
Written by the daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan, For Small Creatures Such as We is a celebration of the beautiful and vast world around us. Sagan explores the meanings behind our most important traditions and rituals—from weddings to funerals—considering them through a secular lens. Richard Dawkins describes it as “a charming book, ringing with the joy of existence,” while scientist Bill Nye notes that reading it will leave you with “a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath.”
The Yellow House
The 2019 winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction, The Yellow House tells the story of the author’s childhood home: the titular yellow house her mother purchased in New Orleans East in 1961. Sarah M. Broom chronicles her family’s history and their experiences in New Orleans, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on the house. The result is a poignant memoir that explores themes of family, place, and race.
Jubilee
No “Best Cookbooks of 2019” list would be complete without Jubilee. Toni Tipton-Martin, author of the James Beard Award-winning The Jemima Code, explores 200 years of African American cuisine, introducing readers to over 100 recipes. In addition to learning how to prepare dishes like seafood gumbo and spoon bread, readers will discover the rich history behind these culinary traditions. The New Yorker describes Jubilee as “a testament to the essentiality of African American gastronomy to all of American cuisine.”
Ruffage
You’ll be eager to eat your vegetables after exploring this comprehensive cookbook by Abra Berens, a Midwestern chef and farmer. Berens offers valuable information on how to buy, store, and prepare 29 types of vegetables, leading to 300 diverse and delicious recipes. Ruffage also features compelling essays that delve into each vegetable, providing insight into how farmers view and interact with them.
Hidden Figures
This New York Times bestseller chronicles the contributions of Black female mathematicians who played crucial roles in the Space Race and helped shape the future of the United States. Hidden Figures tells the stories of four women who worked at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, following their careers over three decades and highlighting their invaluable work and calculations. Readers interested in the lives of Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson will also appreciate the Oscar-nominated film based on this inspiring narrative.
Joy at Work
In collaboration with Scott Sonenshein, a Rice University professor and organizational psychologist, New York Times bestselling author Marie Kondo shares valuable tips for improving your professional life in Joy at Work. Whether you’re seeking guidance on managing your inbox, decluttering your desk, or navigating difficult conversations with coworkers, this book has you covered. Kondo’s practical advice makes it easy to implement changes and maximize your productivity at work.
Humble Pi
Who among us hasn’t made a mistake when it comes to math? While our errors may have resulted in a poor grade, the miscalculations explored in Matt Parker’s engaging book had far more significant consequences—think collapsing bridges or failed NASA projects. Ryan North, author of How to Invent Everything, describes Humble Pi as “a charming and very readable guide to some of humanity’s all-time greatest miscalculations,” reminding us that it’s okay to feel a little better about our own mistakes.
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee
A National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller, The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee examines Native American history and culture from 1890, following the massacre at Wounded Knee, to the present day. David Treuer, an anthropologist and member of the Ojibwe tribe, explores various topics, including the role of Native Americans in World War I and the impact of the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He also profiles relatives and friends across the U.S., such as North Dakota teacher Sierra Frederickson and Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman.
Midnight in Chernobyl
Adam Higginbotham’s deep dive into the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster is a thrilling read, rich with historical detail. Featuring firsthand accounts of the catastrophe and two decades of reporting, Midnight in Chernobyl takes readers from the construction of the nuclear plant to the night of the disaster and its aftermath in the Soviet Union. Higginbotham’s work is described by Hampton Sides, author of On Desperate Ground, as “a triumph of investigative reportage, exquisite science writing, and heart-pounding storytelling.”
American Sherlock
Anyone fascinated by true crime stories will be captivated by Kate Winkler Dawson’s latest book, which explores the life of Edward Oscar Heinrich, one of America’s first forensic scientists. Throughout his career, Heinrich solved thousands of cases, earning the nickname “American Sherlock Holmes” and transforming both forensic science and the American legal system. American Sherlock offers a fascinating portrait of criminal investigation, which Kirkus describes as “an entertaining, absorbing combination of biography and true crime.”
The Color of Law: a Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
In his engrossing and meticulously researched book, Richard Rothstein illustrates how local, state, and federal governments enforced residential segregation through their housing policies. The Color of Law also examines the long-lasting effects of this de jure segregation and its impact on our world today. Sherrilyn A. Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, notes that Rothstein “reveals a history of racism hiding in plain sight and compels us to confront the consequences of the intentional, decades-long governmental policies that created a segregated America.”
The Art of Statistics
Using practical examples, statistician David Spiegelhalter illustrates the prevalence and importance of statistics in our world today. Hailed by Publishers Weekly as “both fully comprehensible and valuable in a digitally driven world,” The Art of Statistics serves as an approachable guide to understanding numbers. Readers will learn analytical techniques to solve everyday problems and recognize common mistakes people make when applying statistics.
Talking to Strangers
In Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell explores how we interact with strangers and where we often go wrong in those encounters, whether by trusting the wrong people or misunderstanding them entirely. The New York Times bestselling author consults a range of experts, from criminologists to military psychologists, to delve into the significance of these interactions and their broader implications. As Oprah Winfrey states, reading this book “will actually change not just how you see strangers, but how you look at yourself.”
Digital Minimalism
Whether you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone or worrying about the news, Cal Newport provides practical solutions for limiting screen time and reducing our dependence on devices. He suggests undertaking a 30-day digital declutter, which involves removing optional apps like Facebook or Twitter from your life. This New York Times bestseller is ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their digital commitments and seeking to engage with technology in a healthier way.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Ready to rethink everything you know about thinking? In his award-winning and bestselling book, Nobel Prize–winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores the two distinct systems that shape our thought processes. System 1 is characterized by speed and intuition, while System 2 involves a slower, more logical approach. Readers will discover the benefits and drawbacks of each system, along with practical advice on how to leverage the advantages of slow thinking.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
The 2018 James Beard Award winner for Best General Cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat breaks down cooking into its four titular elements. Author Samin Nosrat — hailed as “America’s next great cooking teacher” by acclaimed chef Alice Waters — explains the science behind each component, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for home cooks of all levels. In addition to a deeper understanding of what makes food taste good, readers will find over 100 recipes to explore, ranging from buttermilk-marinated roast chicken to miso-cured eggs.
Beloved
The Source of Self-Regard is a compelling collection of essays, meditations, and speeches that offers illuminating commentary on race, identity, and art, including the late Toni Morrison’s own award-winning works. Spanning over 40 years, the pieces — such as her 1987 eulogy for James Baldwin — reflect Morrison’s timeless wisdom. As NPR notes, she “tackles headfirst the weighty issues that have long troubled America’s conscience.”
Sapiens
Recommended by figures such as Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and Mark Zuckerberg, Sapiens explores the history of humanity. Historian Yuval Noah Harari takes readers back over 70,000 years to a time when at least six different human species coexisted, examining why only Homo sapiens remain today. This thought-provoking New York Times bestseller will leave you contemplating questions that, as Gates suggests, you’ll want to discuss with your fellow Homo sapiens. After finishing Sapiens, be sure to explore Harari’s follow-up, Homo Deus, which examines the future of humanity.
You Never Forget Your First
You might think you know George Washington, but in You Never Forget Your First, author Alexis Coe offers a fresh perspective on America’s first president. This New York Times bestseller debunks the tall tales we’ve come to accept and presents a well-researched portrait of Washington. Coe’s engaging writing style and sense of humor make it easy to navigate through the biography’s pages.
Successful Aging
In his latest book, neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, author of The Organized Mind, challenges how we think about and plan for aging. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on your “health span” rather than just your “life span,” highlighting how factors like diet and friendships significantly influence our well-being as we age. New York Times bestselling author Daniel H. Pink notes that Levitin “debunks the idea that aging inevitably brings infirmity and unhappiness, offering a trove of practical, evidence-based guidance for living longer and better.”
Until the End of Time
Have questions about the cosmos? Until the End of Time offers a profound exploration of our quest to understand the universe and humanity’s purpose. Physicist Brian Greene delves into topics ranging from the Big Bang and black holes to the interplay between science and religion, ultimately examining what the future holds for humanity. The New York Times describes the book as “a love letter to the ephemeral cosmic moment when everything is possible.”
Because Internet
Whether you’re a language enthusiast or an emoji lover, you’ll find Because Internet to be an engaging read. In this New York Times bestseller, internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch combines humor and insight to explore how the digital age is rapidly transforming our language. She delves into the origins of online communication trends, explaining why we enjoy everything from memes to using lowercase letters for emphasis.
The Body
In this captivating read, you’ll discover everything you need to know about your body, from anatomy and evolution to illness. Through intriguing facts and entertaining anecdotes, the beloved author Bill Bryson dispels misinformation and common myths, shedding light on the “thousands of rarely acknowledged tasks our bodies manage as we go about our daily lives.”
CONCLUSION
These 24 books offer a gateway to a world of knowledge, sparking curiosity and challenging our perspectives. Whether delving into the complexities of human nature, exploring the vastness of the universe, or understanding the intricacies of society, these literary gems invite us to think critically, question the status quo, and expand our intellectual horizons. As we embark on this intellectual journey, let us remember that the true power of reading lies not only in acquiring knowledge but in cultivating a lifelong love of learning.
