Hello, I’m new to reading books. The book I’m currently reading, (also my first book) is Atomic Habits by James Clear, but apart from improving myself I want to become more knowledgeable about things so I can have interesting conversations and just know about the world and become more intelligent in general.
What are some worthwhile books for me? Thanks!
by PlayboiLaFlame
14 Comments
Well depends on what you want to know. There are so so many books about different historical topics or science topics or whatnot. You’re gonna have to specify my dude.
This is a great inquiry. It might be a good idea to start with things you’re interested in, curious about or areas you think you should know more about. What are a few of those things?
For history, I would recommend **The Chronicle Of The World** and **The Chronicle Of The Twentieth Century**.
Both are huge books, but they’re *dip in and out*-style written in a manner similar to broadsheet newspapers and providing an overview of historical events.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING
by Bill Bryson
Start here👍
These books all broadened my view of the world and are good primers on their respective areas of interest: Zealot by Rez Aslan. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson. The New Yorker Book of War Pieces. Good luck.
Bill Bryson books are a great place to start. I really loved One Summer.
Sophie’s World.
[How The Internet Happened](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5a3e1adf-6e50-4dc6-9dca-140e3fcadc81) by Brian McCullough
Krakatoa by Simon Winchester. Its history, geology geography etc.
Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader. Seriously
It takes a few hundred classic novels and summarizes each one in two pages. I’m smart, and I read a lot, but I like trashy stuff with dragons and vampire accountants. Fortunately, Uncle John’s has let me knowledgeably discuss books that are considered important but that I have no interest in reading. It also helps me get references in other books and movies.
Furniture Man by Beth Macy. I learned so much about the furniture industry. I don’t know why I picked up the book but I’m so glad I did.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari! I have the graphic version though, and it’s just as knowledgeable! Since the graphic version has pictures (obviously), it takes up more space and divides the book into 3 graphic novels 😅
If I were you, I would think of the top 5 things I was interested in and go for those. In the past I tried to focus on a subject or two that I thought would be useful for some time or other not against it because I wasn’t interested. You’ll do best by reading what you love! I abandoned chemistry and took up WW2.
If you are interested in philosophy, I’ll suggest one of my favorites as I am very deep into existentialism. At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails,”written by Sarah Bakewell. This is a great jumping off place for most philosophy interests IMO.