Word by Word
Kory Stamper
A fascinating and humorous peek behind the scenes at Merriam-Webster, revealing the quirky, dedicated people who define the English language and the unexpected challenges they face. From etymology to usage debates, discover the secret life of dictionaries and the words we take for granted.
Work: A Deep History, from the Stone Age to the Age of Robots
James Suzman
An exploration of the concept of work throughout human history, from hunter-gatherer societies to the modern age of automation. It delves into the relationship between work, energy, and the human experience, questioning our current preoccupation with scarcity and the future of labor in an increasingly automated world.
Work Won’t Love You Back
Sarah Jaffe
An exploration of the pervasive myth that loving your job is the key to success and fulfillment, and how this belief leads to exploitation and burnout. Unveiling the historical and cultural forces that have shaped our expectations of work, this book challenges us to reclaim our lives and redefine our relationship with labor.
You Can’t Read This Book
Nick Cohen
An exploration of censorship in its various forms – clerical, economic, and political – and a defense of free speech as essential in a free society. From religious extremism to corporate power and state control, this book examines historical and contemporary controversies, arguing that the limits on free speech should be few and that debate should continue unimpeded.
Young Women of the Arab Spring
Elizabeth Dickinson
A compelling exploration into the lives of young women in the Arab world, navigating tradition and modernity in the wake of the Arab Spring. Through intimate stories and insightful analysis, this book reveals the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of a generation caught between two worlds.
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates
In this powerful and deeply personal letter to his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the realities of being Black in America. He reflects on the history of racial injustice, the vulnerability of Black bodies, and the challenges of raising a Black child in a society shaped by systemic racism. A poignant and essential read that grapples with identity, survival, and the search for meaning in a world marked by inequality.
Eating Animals
Jonathan Safran Foer
A thought-provoking exploration of the ethical, environmental, and personal dimensions of eating animals. Foer weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical arguments, and investigative reporting to challenge readers to reconsider their relationship with food and the creatures that become it. A compelling journey that questions our choices and their impact on the world.
Hood Feminism
Mikki Kendall
A powerful collection of essays that critiques mainstream feminism for its focus on the concerns of privileged women, while ignoring the needs and experiences of marginalized women, particularly women of color. Kendall challenges readers to consider how issues like food insecurity, gun violence, and access to education are feminist issues, and calls for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminism that centers the most vulnerable members of society.