10 Books to Learn About How We Got Here
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot)
Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman from Baltimore, was dying from cervical cancer when her cells were taken by doctors without her knowledge or consent. Her "immortal cells" were found to be durable and prolific and enabled countless scientific discoveries, including the vaccines for polio and HPV. Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, the book also explores the ethical questions surrounding medical research and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. It's a thought-provoking read that will have you considering the complexities of science and the importance of informed consent.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses (Tom Standage)
A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is a fascinating look at how different beverages have shaped human history. From beer in ancient civilizations to Coca-Cola in modern times, this book explores how these drinks have impacted the way societies have developed and interacted with one another. It's a great reminder to think about the ways in which seemingly everyday things like drinks can have such a significant impact on the world around us.
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death (Caitlin Doughty)
Travel the world and learn about all the unique, tender, and thoughtful ways different cultures honor their dead. Beyond being an anthropological survey of different funeral traditions, this book was philosophically eye-opening in what it means to be alive and what it means to be dead. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how emotionally healing it can be for loved ones of the deceased to personally wash and handle their beloved to allow for a tender act of love before saying goodbye.
Citizen Hobo (Todd Depastino)
This book traces the history of homelessness in America from the late 19th century to the present day. Through in-depth research and personal narratives, he illuminates the stories of hoboes and tramps and their impact on the country. DePastino offers an insightful perspective on homelessness, showing how it is intertwined with issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice in American society.
It's a pretty dense, academic book, but I found it to be an illuminating look at the history of homelessness in the United States and how it has impacted culture.
Salt (Mark Kurlansky)
If you're interested in food history, boy have I got a book for you!
Salt takes readers on a journey through the history of the world's most ubiquitous seasoning. From ancient times to the modern day, Kurlansky explores the impact that salt has had on human civilization, from the development of trade routes and empires to the rise of mass production and processed foods. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and historical details, Salt is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in food, culture, and history.
Fair warning: The book is nearly 500 pages long, so it's not book club material. But I greatly enjoyed it despite skipping a few less than captivating sections.
How the Word Is Passed (Clint Smith)
This page-turning non-fiction book takes you on a journey across America to explore how the legacy of slavery is still alive today. From Louisiana's Whitney Plantation to Angola Prison, Smith examines the ways in which slavery has been memorialized, remembered, and forgotten. It's a powerful blend of personal reflection, history, and investigative journalism. This is great book to learn about how the phenomenon of collective, societal memory shapes America today.
Bicycle Day (Brian Blomerth)
Here's a fantastically illustrated book about the discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide, otherwise known as LSD. This book covers the events of April 19, 1943 when Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann intentionally ingested an experimental dose of the new compound and went on the first acid trip. It's packed with absolutely gorgeous artwork and I would only do a disservice if I tried to describe the artist's style. A great one-sitting read of an infamous day.
The Woman's Hour (Elaine Weiss)
This book tells the gripping story of the final push to ratify the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote (though Black women would not practically get the right to vote until after the Jim Crow Era in many places). With vivid detail and engaging prose, Weiss brings to life the key players in the suffrage movement and their efforts to secure this fundamental right. This book is a captivating account of the history of women's rights and the tireless efforts of those who fought for them. I found this book to be particularly enlightening learning about the perspective of the women who fought against suffrage out of fear for the moral collapse of the nation if women were allowed to vote.
The Color of Law (Richard Rothstein)
This thoroughly-researched, yet easy-to-ready book sheds light on the government's role in racially segregating America, from local to federal levels. It covers the practices of redlining, zoning, and other policies that created and enforced the residential segregation that still exists today. Through compelling research and storytelling, Rothstein exposes the systemic racism that mandated segregation and undermined the ability of Black families to own homes and build wealth. If you're going to read a book about housing policy, I highly recommend this one.
The Library Book (Susan Orlean)
This book is an ode to libraries, librarians, and books. Centered around the fire that engulfed the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986, destroying and damaging over 1.1 million books, The Library Book delves into the history, evolution, and cultural significance of libraries, celebrating them as enduring symbols of knowledge and community. Orlean weaves personal stories, historical anecdotes, and interviews with librarians and researchers, painting a poignant portrait of a beloved institution and its integral role in society. Bonus points if you rent it from the library.
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