Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives (David Eagleman)
This is a wonderfully creative book that describes forty different possibilities of what the afterlife might be like once we die. In one story, you work as a background character in someone else's dreams. In another, God is a microbe entirely unaware of your existence. I love books that present unique ideas about what might be.
The Awakened Brain (Lisa Miller, PhD)
Why are humans drawn towards the intangible realm of spirituality? This book explores the new science of spirituality and provides insights on how to achieve a more inspired life. Through stories, interviews, and scientific research, Lisa Miller outlines the most current understanding of how our brains are connected to our spiritual lives. Through her own research and that of leading scientists, Miller reveals that spiritual practice can create greater aspects of our lives, including improved mental and physical health, increased joy, and increased creative and intuitive abilities. If you're not already convinced to add this book to your list, it also includes also a wonderful story about geese.
Einstein's Dreams (Alan Lightman)
What if time was ... different?
This is a wonderful, fictional book recommended to me by dear friends (👋 Leah and Meer) that explores how Albert Einstein may have been dreaming while he was crafting his theory of relativity. Each chapter paints a world where time is different than how we experience it and speculates how people would live in those worlds. Einstein's Dreams is a reminder to use that fantastic brain of yours to play around with things that you may have never questioned before. See where a "What if..." question will take you!
The Embodied Mind (Thomas Verny, M.D.)
Where do we keep our memories? The brain, right? Actually, the answer is a bit more complicated than that.
This fascinating book challenges traditional understandings of the connection between the mind and brain. Through exploring new research in fields such as physiology, genetics, and quantum physics, Verny illustrates the ways in which our entire bodies, not just our brains, contribute to our minds and consciousness. This thought-provoking read encourages readers to consider the fluid and adaptable nature of the mind and encourages us to think about the ways in which our bodies and minds are interconnected.
How to Change Your Mind (Michael Pollan)
This book is an enlightening exploration of the history and recent resurgence of psychedelics. Through personal accounts and scientific studies, Pollan reveals the transformative potential of these drugs to heal mental illness, addiction, and depression, and to inspire transcendent experiences. This book challenges conventional beliefs about mental health and spirituality and offers a new perspective on the mysteries of the human mind.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story (Donald Miller)
This book isn't all that much about cycling, despite what the cover and title suggests, but ... it'll get your wheels turning.
After Miller published his first book with impressive success, he fell into a funk, neglecting responsibility, sleeping all day, and anxiously avoiding responding to his publisher. When two filmmakers approach him to make a movie about his life, he has a chance to edit his actual life into a better story. It's a book about the stories we tell ourselves in life.
All the Young Men (Ruth Coker Burks)
I picked up this book because, being a 90s kid, I never have a firsthand account of the AIDS epidemic and I wanted to learn more. In this memoir, Ruth Coker Burks tells her story of volunteering her time, energy, money, and activism in her home state of Arkansas to support patients living with HIV and AIDS, during a time when no one knew how to help them and a place where no one wanted to help them. The stigma – both in the form of a lack of humanity and a lack of attention from the state – was (and still is) absolutely rage-inducing.
The Call of the Wild (Jack London)
This classic adventure novel is told from the point of view of a domesticated dog named Buck, who is stolen from his comfortable home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog. As Buck navigates his new surroundings, he must learn to adapt and survive in the wild. The book not only provides a thrilling adventure but also makes the readers reflect on the nature of civilization, the call of the wild, and what it means to be truly free. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will keep you engaged from start to finish. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story and wants to experience it from a unique point of view.
The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity (Steven Strogatz)
Whether you aced advanced calculus or nearly flunked eighth grade algebra (me), I think you'll really enjoy this book. Each chapter explains a key concept of math starting with the basics (e.g. what numbers are) all the way up to the tricky stuff (e.g. differential equations). It's written in an impressively easy-to-digest manner with fun examples, diagrams, and stories.
Being Mortal (Atul Gawande)
Being Mortal offers a moving examination of end-of-life care and the challenges of modern medicine. Atul Gawande shares personal anecdotes and patient stories, questioning our approach to aging, illness, and death. With compassion and insight, he explores how we can improve end-of-life experiences through hospice care and patient autonomy. This illuminating book is a valuable read for anyone interested in healthcare, aging, and what it means to live a good life.
Fun fact: I read this book while I was recovering from a thrown-out back last year. I was definitely reminded of my mortality during that experience!
Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut)
Kurt Vonnegut tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes "unstuck in time" and travels through different moments of his life, including his experience as a prisoner of war during World War II. Vonnegut's dark humor and non-linear narrative style challenge readers to think critically about the impact of war on individuals and society.
It's also one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors. Please read this (or re-read it) so I have more people to geek out about Kurt Vonnegut with.
Free Play (Stephen Nachmanovitch)
This book explores the role improvisation plays in both art and daily life. Nachmanovitch urges readers to cultivate spontaneity, curiosity, and collaboration in their creative endeavors. Drawing from the worlds of music, dance, and theater, Nachmanovitch provides actionable tips and inspiring insights for those seeking to tap into their own creative potential. With practical examples and relatable anecdotes, Free Play is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their ability to improvise in all areas of life.
You Are the Music (Victoria Williamson)
This captivating book takes you on a journey that begins in the womb, exploring how music shapes our development even before we're born. From there, it delves into the ways music influences our emotional well-being, memory, and social connections as we grow into adulthood. Williamson skillfully weaves together scientific insights and personal anecdotes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the profound role that music plays in our lives at every stage. It's a fascinating exploration that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of music in shaping our human experience.
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover (Robert Moore and Doug Gillette)
This book offers a powerful examination of the male psyche and introduces four archetypes – King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover – that men must embody to achieve a mature and fulfilling life. Drawing from mythology, psychology, and anthropology, the authors explore how these archetypes manifest in the lives of men and offer guidance on how to cultivate them. King, Warrior, Magician, Lover is an insightful read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of masculinity.
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void (Mary Roach)
What kinds of psychological testing do astronauts go through? How do you know if you need to pee when you're in zero gravity? Just how big of a deal is motion sickness when you're out in space? All of these questions and more are covered in a fantastically logistical and eye-opening book about space and its visitors.
India On My Platter: The 20,000 km Food Journey (Saransh Goila)
In this travelogue, food writer and chef, Saransh Goila shares his journey across India in search of unique and authentic regional cuisines. From Kashmir to Kerala, he encounters a vast array of culinary traditions and meets the local people behind them. Through vivid storytelling and mouth-watering descriptions, India On My Platter showcases the rich diversity and cultural significance of India's food heritage.
A Beginner's Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death (B.J. Miller and Shoshana Berger)
This book offers practical and compassionate advice for those facing death and their loved ones. Drawing from their personal experiences and professional expertise, Miller and Berger provide guidance on everything from preparing for the end of life to finding peace and purpose in the midst of illness. This insightful and accessible book is an essential resource for anyone navigating the complexities of death and dying (which – unless you’re immortal – is all of us).
Gratitude (Oliver Sacks)
I haven't read other books by Oliver Sacks (yet), but this one definitely convinced me to add them to my list. Oliver Sacks, a clinician and author, wrote a series of essays close to and during the final months of his life. You get to know an author if they write with honesty and vulnerability – like having a conversation with them. Reading this book was like having a conversation with Oliver who showed profound gratitude and peace with the imminent end of their life. A great reset if life has thrown more than a few challenges your way.
18 Books to Give You New Perspectives
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