I know the title is probably a common one for this sub and also just very broad, but I really want a good summer reading list of good books to become smarter or more knowledgeable. My first book on my list is Guns, Germs, and Steel. The books can be on any topic as well, I don't mind if it's on history, economics, science, philosophy, etc. Just something interesting that will make me more knowledgeable about the world around me
Edit: Good fiction books are okay too, but they need to be very good
by Forward-Nature-648
5 Comments
guns germs and steel is solid choice for starting point. sapiens by harari is another good one that covers lot of ground without being too heavy
for economics maybe freakonomics since it makes the subject actually interesting instead of dry textbook stuff. if you want something more sciencey i really liked mary roach’s books – packing for mars was fun read about space program
bill bryson’s short history of nearly everything is also great because he covers so much in way that doesn’t make your brain hurt. covers science history geography all mixed together
for fiction that actually teaches you stuff try historical fiction like all quiet on western front or things fall apart – they give you perspective on different times and cultures while still being engaging stories
If you’re American, or perhaps even if you’re not, you might be interested in *How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States* by Daniel Immerwahr.
It was really well written and engaging, and had a ton of crazy historical information about how the US became an empire while pretending we’re not.
If you’re American, or perhaps even if you’re not, you might be interested in *How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States* by Daniel Immerwahr.
It had a ton of crazy historical information about how the US became an empire while pretending we’re not.
**Capital in the 21st Century** by Thomas Piketty
Piketty explores the history of capital and its association with labor, noting the recent large increase in inequality. He calls for the state to increase access to quality health care, education, employment through the progressive implementation of taxation on the most wealthy.
His other book, **A Brief History of Equality**, is more accessible to the average reader.
Also, **The Price of Inequality** by Joseph Stiglitz covers some of the same ground. He won the Nobel prize in economics for his work on inequality.
On the more young oriented reader spectrum, you have *The Book of Knowledge* And *I Wonder Why.* both series have a wide breadth of topics.
More mature books could be things like *Lawrence in Arabia* or a book on Teddy Roosevelt. When I get home I’ll look at the title of that TR book.