NON - FICTION BOOK COLLECTION | AUGUST 2019
I have a few non-fiction books that I've enjoyed in the few years. I'm always fascinated in the slim line between fiction and non-fiction, because inevitably fiction is very much inspired by the non-fiction elements of everyday factual life.
The first book of non-fiction nature that I absolutely loved was 'Sapiens; A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. This book explains the intricate development and adaptation that has occurred in humankind and geographical elements to get us where we are today. I adored this book, because it really explained minute details that fascinate me about how humans have developed to how we are in the present.
The next book, is in fact its sequel, 'Homo Deus; A Brief History of Tomorrow'. This book is a little more pessimistic because of its mention and repetitive contribution of artificial intelligence, and out inevitable future with robots and climate change. Sounds thrilling, I know. But, it also allows readers to have their eyes opened about what the future holds for humankind. Harari's writing is so phenomenal because it isn't just a boring drab of facts and figures, he really invites the reader in to all the information that is needed to feel interested in our world and how we have created it (the good and the bad).
The third book by Yuval Noah Harari is '21 Lessons for the 21st Century'. This is his most recent non-fiction works, which involves chapters on technological change, political change, despair and hope, truth and resilience. This book explores the presents, and how we can adapt to living in the future when everything is going to change. The book views the present political climate and how poverty is increasing in the most richest countries in the world. If you're really interested in social and political issues then you will really love Yuval Noah Harari's writing and work.
Another book that adds to the human historical element of our species is 'Origins: How the Earth made us' by Lewis Dartnell. This book is slightly different because it focuses on how the Earth made us, and not the other way round which most of us assume. The assumption that humans have created the earth to how it is, is partly right in terms of climate change and man-made developments. However, this book focuses on the geographical elements primarily, and how that has effected the social arrangement of the 21st century.This book follows the story of plate tectonics, climate change and ocean currents, connecting them to social behaviours.
Moving on to more political texts, I have 'Women and Power: A Manifesto' by classicist Mary Beard. This is quite a small book that could be read in less than an hour. It consists of the historical treatment of women, from the Roman times, literary figures and the 21st century. This is a small book to educate how women have been oppressed throughout history, in a time when women and the feminist movement is becoming bigger and more effective in some ways.
Another political text is 'The Good Immigrant' edited by Nikesh Shukla. This is a collection of essays exploring what it is like to BAME in Britain. I found it very interesting because being an ignorant white female I have a lot of privilege in Britain, and in society itself, so this book opened by eyes to the everyday racism that an ethnocentric country can inhibit. It also makes me question, is it changing? The rise in right-wing politcal groups such as the Brexit Party, and the gained status of the EDL's ex leader Tommy Robinson in recent years, often creates doubt on whether this country is pushing forward for diversity and inclusion which it should be, or moving backwards.
The final two books are some-what self-help books by Matt Haig. Matt Haig was recently named by the Duchess of Sussex as a 'force for change', after one of his pieces of text got published in her edited edition of Vogue. 'Reasons to Stay Alive' and 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' really helped me when going through (still going through) mental health struggles, and I always recommend them to my friends when they are going through problems as well. He writes so eloquently, but bluntly at the same time. A lot of my personal anxiety is led through what other people think of me, but Haig really puts it bluntly that someone else's opinion does not matter in the long run. The only opinion that should matter is your own.
That is my very small collection of non-fiction books, hope you enjoyed!
Rose x
The first book of non-fiction nature that I absolutely loved was 'Sapiens; A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. This book explains the intricate development and adaptation that has occurred in humankind and geographical elements to get us where we are today. I adored this book, because it really explained minute details that fascinate me about how humans have developed to how we are in the present.
The next book, is in fact its sequel, 'Homo Deus; A Brief History of Tomorrow'. This book is a little more pessimistic because of its mention and repetitive contribution of artificial intelligence, and out inevitable future with robots and climate change. Sounds thrilling, I know. But, it also allows readers to have their eyes opened about what the future holds for humankind. Harari's writing is so phenomenal because it isn't just a boring drab of facts and figures, he really invites the reader in to all the information that is needed to feel interested in our world and how we have created it (the good and the bad).
The third book by Yuval Noah Harari is '21 Lessons for the 21st Century'. This is his most recent non-fiction works, which involves chapters on technological change, political change, despair and hope, truth and resilience. This book explores the presents, and how we can adapt to living in the future when everything is going to change. The book views the present political climate and how poverty is increasing in the most richest countries in the world. If you're really interested in social and political issues then you will really love Yuval Noah Harari's writing and work.
Another book that adds to the human historical element of our species is 'Origins: How the Earth made us' by Lewis Dartnell. This book is slightly different because it focuses on how the Earth made us, and not the other way round which most of us assume. The assumption that humans have created the earth to how it is, is partly right in terms of climate change and man-made developments. However, this book focuses on the geographical elements primarily, and how that has effected the social arrangement of the 21st century.This book follows the story of plate tectonics, climate change and ocean currents, connecting them to social behaviours.
Moving on to more political texts, I have 'Women and Power: A Manifesto' by classicist Mary Beard. This is quite a small book that could be read in less than an hour. It consists of the historical treatment of women, from the Roman times, literary figures and the 21st century. This is a small book to educate how women have been oppressed throughout history, in a time when women and the feminist movement is becoming bigger and more effective in some ways.
Another political text is 'The Good Immigrant' edited by Nikesh Shukla. This is a collection of essays exploring what it is like to BAME in Britain. I found it very interesting because being an ignorant white female I have a lot of privilege in Britain, and in society itself, so this book opened by eyes to the everyday racism that an ethnocentric country can inhibit. It also makes me question, is it changing? The rise in right-wing politcal groups such as the Brexit Party, and the gained status of the EDL's ex leader Tommy Robinson in recent years, often creates doubt on whether this country is pushing forward for diversity and inclusion which it should be, or moving backwards.
The final two books are some-what self-help books by Matt Haig. Matt Haig was recently named by the Duchess of Sussex as a 'force for change', after one of his pieces of text got published in her edited edition of Vogue. 'Reasons to Stay Alive' and 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' really helped me when going through (still going through) mental health struggles, and I always recommend them to my friends when they are going through problems as well. He writes so eloquently, but bluntly at the same time. A lot of my personal anxiety is led through what other people think of me, but Haig really puts it bluntly that someone else's opinion does not matter in the long run. The only opinion that should matter is your own.
That is my very small collection of non-fiction books, hope you enjoyed!
Rose x
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