The best 81 Alternative Perspectives books

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1
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Michael Pollan
A Natural History of Four Meals
4.5 (83 ratings)

What's The Omnivore's Dilemma about?

We face an overwhelming abundance of choices when it comes to what we eat. Should you opt for the local, grass-fed beef, or save time and money with cheap chicken nuggets? Organic asparagus shipped from Argentina, or kale picked from your neighbor’s garden? The Omnivore’s Dilemma examines how food in America is produced today and what alternatives to those production methods are available.

Who should read The Omnivore's Dilemma?

  • Anyone thinking about changing their eating habits – whether by becoming a vegetarian, switching to organic produce or trying their hand at hunting, gathering or growing their own food
  • Anyone interested in sustainability, food policy or food politics

2
Alternative Perspectives Books: Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky

Manufacturing Consent

Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
The Political Economy of the Mass Media
4.5 (178 ratings)

What's Manufacturing Consent about?

Manufacturing Consent (1988) takes a critical view of the mass media to ask why only a narrow range of opinions are favored whilst others are suppressed or ignored. 

It formulates a propaganda model which shows how alternative and independent information is filtered out by various financial and political factors allowing the news agenda to be dominated by those working on behalf of the wealthy and powerful. Far from being a free press, the media in fact maintain our unequal and unfair society.

Who should read Manufacturing Consent?

  • Anyone who wants to know who sets the agenda of the mass media
  • Anyone who would like to know whose interests the media serve
  • Anyone who wants to understand why the mass media suppress independent voices

3
Alternative Perspectives Books: Fooling Houdini by Alex Stone

Fooling Houdini

Alex Stone
Adventures in the World of Magic
4.0 (8 ratings)

What's Fooling Houdini about?

Alex Stone is a magic-enthusiastic and Ph.D. candidate in Physics at Columbia University. He's written for several magazines and newspapers. Fooling Houdini is his first bestselling book.

Who should read Fooling Houdini?

  • Magicians and mentalists
  • People who’ve been fooled by magic or mentalism

4
Alternative Perspectives Books: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah
Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
4.4 (27 ratings)

What's A Long Way Gone about?

A Long Way Gone (2007) is a story of how, as a young boy in Sierra Leone, the author found himself caught in a civil war and recruited as a child soldier. You’ll travel alongside during his harrowing journey, eventual rescue and recovery guided through the kindness and grace of loving people.

Who should read A Long Way Gone?

  • Anyone interested in modern history of Sierra Leone
  • Students of history exploring civil wars and warfare
  • People curious about the ongoing plight of child soldiers in Africa

5
Alternative Perspectives Books: Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler

Bourbon Empire

Reid Mitenbuler
The Past and Future of America's Whiskey
4.5 (24 ratings)

What's Bourbon Empire about?

Bourbon Empire (2015) takes you on an exciting journey through time, revealing the complex history of America’s famous corn-based whiskey. Learn how this tipple survived the dry period of Prohibition, numerous corruption scandals and competition from overseas spirits while making its mark in politics and society.

Who should read Bourbon Empire?

  • People interested in what makes a “true” bourbon
  • Students curious about the role whiskey played in American history
  • Bartenders, mixologists or anyone exploring the popularity of bourbon

6
Alternative Perspectives Books: Rain by Cynthia Barnett

Rain

Cynthia Barnett
A Natural and Cultural History
4.0 (17 ratings)

What's Rain about?

Rain (2015) tells the story of one of the most valued, destructive and inspiring natural forces on our planet. These blinks trace a journey from rain worship in ancient cultures to the use of weather forecasting throughout the ages – and even the scientific explanation behind raining frogs.

Who should read Rain?

  • Anyone interested in the relationship between the natural world and human civilization
  • Hobby meteorologists seeking some background to the science

7
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Big Necessity by Rose George

The Big Necessity

Rose George
The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters
4.9 (10 ratings)

What's The Big Necessity about?

The Big Necessity (2008) takes a detailed look at the issues surrounding human excrement. Most people would rather ignore these issues – but turning a deaf ear is precisely what’s led to the sanitation crises plaguing the world today. Sanitation is too important to dismiss; a lack of it is causing thousands of needless deaths worldwide. Find out what can be done to help in these blinks.

Who should read The Big Necessity?

  • Anyone who’s ever had a bowel movement
  • Anthropologists interested in city-planning, urban design and living
  • Activists interested in global health and saving lives

8
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson

The Triumph of Seeds

Thor Hanson
How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses & Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History
4.3 (29 ratings)

What's The Triumph of Seeds about?

The Triumph of Seeds (2015) tells the amazing story of the influence of seeds. Find out how plants have managed to endure and evolve over the course of Earth’s long history and how they manipulated both man and animal into doing their bidding.

Who should read The Triumph of Seeds?

  • Students of biology, ecology or agriculture
  • Botanists
  • Readers who love natural science or gardening

9
Alternative Perspectives Books: Playing the Whore by Melissa Gira Grant

Playing the Whore

Melissa Gira Grant
The Work of Sex Work
3.4 (146 ratings)

What's Playing the Whore about?

Playing The Whore (2014) busts the myths still surrounding the topic of sex work and explores how and why society continues to shame the chosen profession of the sexually liberated. Unfortunately, society’s attitudes and laws often endanger, rather than protect, those who work in the sex industry. Discover why that is and why it’s time to change our perspective on one of the oldest professions in the world.

Who should read Playing the Whore?

  • Sexually liberated people tired of being judged
  • Conservative people curious about the opinion of a sex worker
  • Social workers looking for a different perspective

10
Alternative Perspectives Books: Napoleon’s Buttons by Penny LeCouter & Jay Burreson

Napoleon’s Buttons

Penny LeCouter & Jay Burreson
How 17 Molecules Changed History
4.5 (60 ratings)

What's Napoleon’s Buttons about?

Napoleon’s Buttons (2004) is all about the molecules that have guided the course of human history in the unlikeliest of ways. These blinks explore how major geopolitical and social changes can be traced back to the simple bonding of atoms in a molecule.

Who should read Napoleon’s Buttons?

  • People interested in the history of chemistry
  • Students of history who want a different perspective on world events
  • Anyone who’s intrigued by the ways everyday objects have changed world history

11
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Story of Sushi by Trevor Corson

The Story of Sushi

Trevor Corson
An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice
4.0 (48 ratings)

What's The Story of Sushi about?

The Story of Sushi (2007) takes a closer look at the classic Japanese dish that has taken the Western world by storm. Discover the secrets behind both the traditional and more modern ingredients of sushi – and find out what kind of rituals and techniques are used to make the perfect nigiri.

Who should read The Story of Sushi?

  • Sushi skeptics wondering what’s so great about tiny portions of rice and fish
  • Foodies who want to know what makes the best sushi
  • Chefs and restaurateurs wishing to add sushi to their menu

12
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Wellness Syndrome by Carl Cederström and André Spicer

The Wellness Syndrome

Carl Cederström and André Spicer
3.0 (48 ratings)

What's The Wellness Syndrome about?

The Wellness Syndrome (2015) explains why a health craze that’s sweeping the world may not be all that healthy for you. These blinks get to the root of why we’re obsessed with making ourselves happier, healthier and harder-working – and who is reaping the benefits of this obsession.

Who should read The Wellness Syndrome?

  • Self-help practitioners looking for alternate viewpoints
  • Students of sociology
  • People suffering from work-related anxiety or depression

13
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Rift by Alex Perry

The Rift

Alex Perry
A New Africa Breaks Free
4.3 (60 ratings)

What's The Rift about?

The Rift (2015) is a revealing look at Africa’s emergence as a continent no longer defined by poverty, war, corruption and dependence on the West. Find out how modern farming methods, solar and mobile technologies and new leadership are creating a brighter future for Africa.

Who should read The Rift?

  • Investors looking for new opportunities in Africa
  • Those dubious of the idea that Africa is only about war and famine

14
Alternative Perspectives Books: Narconomics by Tom Wainwright

Narconomics

Tom Wainwright
How to Run a Drug Cartel
4.5 (45 ratings)

What's Narconomics about?

Narconomics (2016) gives us a tour of the business side of the $300-billion global narcotics industry. From human resources to PR to franchising and diversification, these blinks show how drug cartels run their operations not unlike highly successful businesses. By exploring the economic phenomena at work behind the world’s drug problem, the author presents new insights into how governments can defeat it.

Who should read Narconomics?

  • Students looking for fascinating applications of micro and macroeconomics
  • Readers interested in alternative perspectives on social issues
  • Anyone curious as to how the narcotics industry really works

15
Alternative Perspectives Books: Moody Bitches by Julie Holland

Moody Bitches

Julie Holland
The Truth About the Drugs You’re Taking, the Sleep You’re Missing, the Sex You’re Not Having, and What’s Really Making You Crazy
4.0 (55 ratings)

What's Moody Bitches about?

Moody Bitches (2015) is your guide to the female body and brain. These blinks explain some of the reasons behind the emotions and fluctuating moods that women can experience and how they can better tune into themselves, embrace their feelings and their bodies.

Who should read Moody Bitches?

  • Women who are frustrated by their mood swings
  • Young girls who want to know more about their brains and bodies
  • Women who want to have better sex

16
Alternative Perspectives Books: Falling Upwards by Richard Holmes

Falling Upwards

Richard Holmes
How We Took to The Air
4.0 (13 ratings)

What's Falling Upwards about?

Falling Upwards (2014) details the surprisingly rich history of hot-air balloons. It begins with the first successful human attempts to take to the air using balloons and goes on to chronicle their clandestine role in escape attempts and military ventures. From daring balloonists from the golden age of ballooning to the literature they inspired, it’s all covered here.

Who should read Falling Upwards?

  • Anyone with a taste for exploration and invention
  • Science enthusiasts
  • Historians of science

17
Alternative Perspectives Books: Built by Roma Agrawal

Built

Roma Agrawal
The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures
4.9 (7 ratings)

What's Built about?

Built (2018) tells the story of some of society’s unsung heroes: structural engineers. Sadly, structural engineering tends only to enter the news when something goes wrong, like when a building falls or a bridge collapses. In Built, Agrawal gives a fuller picture of what it means to be an engineer, offering a range of stories and engaging tidbits about the structures of our world and the people who built them.

Who should read Built?

  • People curious about how buildings are made
  • Aspiring structural engineers
  • Students interested in the history of engineering

18
Alternative Perspectives Books: We Are Displaced by Malala Yousafzai

We Are Displaced

Malala Yousafzai
My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
4.4 (85 ratings)

What's We Are Displaced about?

In We Are Displaced (2018), international activist Malala Yousafzai shares her story of becoming displaced from her homeland of Pakistan. She also shares the stories of some of the women and girls she has met while visiting refugee camps across the globe. With over 68.5 million people currently displaced from their homes worldwide, these stories are a vivid and important reminder of the individuality and humanity of each and every displaced person.

Who should read We Are Displaced?

  • Anyone interested in the stories of refugees
  • People inspired by the resilience of women and girls
  • Those looking to dig deeper into the causes of displacement

19
Alternative Perspectives Books: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind

Michael Pollan
What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
4.4 (315 ratings)

What's How to Change Your Mind about?

How to Change Your Mind (2018) is a fascinating account of one man’s exploration of the psychedelic drug world. Author Michael Pollan takes readers along for the ride as he learns first-hand about the positive aspects of psychedelic drugs, including the healing and restorative effects they can have on people suffering from depression and addiction. Readers will also hear from neuroscientists to learn exactly what is happening in the brain during a psychedelic trip.

Who should read How to Change Your Mind?

  • Psychologists and therapists
  • Depressive people and addicts
  • Spiritual seekers

20
Alternative Perspectives Books: Go Like Hell by A. J. Baime

Go Like Hell

A. J. Baime
Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans
4.4 (25 ratings)

What's Go Like Hell about?

Go Like Hell (2009) tells the remarkable story of a high point in automotive racing: the mid-60s rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, two very different car manufacturers that wanted to win at all costs. The pinnacle of this rivalry was the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most gruelling endurance race in the world as well as the most prestigious.

Who should read Go Like Hell?

  • Fans of the Ford vs. Ferrari movie
  • NASCAR and racing enthusiasts
  • Anyone who loves a good sports story

21
Alternative Perspectives Books: Written in History by Simon Sebag Montefiore

Written in History

Simon Sebag Montefiore
Letters that Changed the World
3.8 (93 ratings)

What's Written in History about?

Written in History (2018) takes a look at some of the world’s most important letters. From love letters revealing the intimate sides of Mozart and Stalin to political statements which altered the course of history, these blinks guide you through the personal thoughts of many renowned figures of the past. As you’ll see, letters give us insight into historical events as well as remind us what it means to be human.

Who should read Written in History?

  • History buffs
  • Students of political science or communications
  • Readers interested in the private thoughts of powerful people

22
Alternative Perspectives Books: Touching the Rock by John M. Hull

Touching the Rock

John M. Hull
An Experience of Blindness
4.6 (24 ratings)

What's Touching the Rock about?

Touching the Rock (1990) is an account of one man’s understanding of blindness. Having lost his sight as a full-grown man, John M. Hull explores the daily psychological and physical experience of being blind, the tools that the blind use to navigate space and relationships, and the meaning of blindness in a sighted world.

Who should read Touching the Rock?

  • Friends, relatives, or romantic partners of the blind
  • Anyone suffering from depression or a physical disability
  • Students of philosophy or psychology

23
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth by Thomas Morris

The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth

Thomas Morris
And Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine
3.6 (65 ratings)

What's The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth about?

The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth (2018) charts some of the most interesting and unpredictable events in the emergence of modern medicine. From tragic operations to bizarre cures, these blinks explore a history of medicine that most doctors would prefer to ignore.

Who should read The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth?

  • Medical workers interested in the hidden history of medicine
  • Science buffs keen to discover some of history’s wackiest medical theories
  • History nerds interested in a fascinating historical niche

24
Alternative Perspectives Books: Ping-Pong Diplomacy by Nicholas Griffin

Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Nicholas Griffin
The Secret History Behind the Game That Changed the World
4.6 (67 ratings)

What's Ping-Pong Diplomacy about?

Ping-Pong Diplomacy (2014) is the tale of how China and the United States ended two decades of diplomatic silence and antagonism. This breakthrough did not originate in embassies or politicians’ offices. Instead, it began at the ping-pong table. These blinks show how a sport shaped by a communist-leaning aristocrat changed politics forever. 

Who should read Ping-Pong Diplomacy?

  • Those with an eye for unusual history
  • People who are interested in ping-pong and politics
  • Sports fans interested in how their passion can change the world

25
Alternative Perspectives Books: Open by Johan Norberg

Open

Johan Norberg
The Story of Human Progress
4.5 (65 ratings)

What's Open about?

Open (2020) traces the progress of ancient and modern human accomplishments, and reveals that behind all of our major advancements is a policy of openness, tolerance, and free trade. You’ll see how, from the Phoenicians to the Dutch East India Trading Company, the free flow of commerce and ideas has led to wealth, innovation, and problem-solving that would have never been possible otherwise.

Who should read Open?

  • History buffs
  • Those interested in the Brexit debate
  • People keen to know the secrets of innovation and progress

26
Alternative Perspectives Books: Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

Minor Feelings

Cathy Park Hong
A Reckoning on Race and the Asian Condition
3.8 (51 ratings)

What's Minor Feelings about?

Minor Feelings (2020) is poet Cathy Park Hong’s searing account of life as an Asian American. Drawing on her own experiences alongside penetrating insights, it paints a picture of the purgatorial status that Asian Americans still face.

Who should read Minor Feelings?

  • Those looking to explore what it means to be Asian in the United States today
  • Memoir lovers
  • People who want to expand their understanding of racial issues

27
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Light of Days by Judy Batalion

The Light of Days

Judy Batalion
The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos
4.6 (74 ratings)

What's The Light of Days about?

The Light of Days (2021) tells the thrilling and harrowing story of the Jewish women in Nazi-occupied Poland who served as resistance fighters during World War II. These women took up arms in ghetto uprisings and served as important couriers on dangerous missions to transport guns and supplies across a hostile territory.

Who should read The Light of Days?

  • History buffs
  • Anyone interested in forgotten World War II stories
  • People who are inspired by fearless women

28
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Authoritarian Moment by Ben Shapiro

The Authoritarian Moment

Ben Shapiro
How the Left Weaponized America's Institutions Against Dissent
3.6 (184 ratings)

What's The Authoritarian Moment about?

The Authoritarian Moment (2021) is a plea to preserve America’s foundational freedoms in an era of rising authoritarianism. Rejecting a culture of censorship and conformity, it urges readers to stand up against the intolerance endemic to many modern institutions.

Who should read The Authoritarian Moment?

  • Americans of all political parties who fear for their nation’s future
  • Skeptics of widespread wokeism, ideological intolerance, and cancel culture
  • Anyone concerned with preserving foundational American freedoms

29
Alternative Perspectives Books: Woke, Inc. by Vivek Ramaswamy

Woke, Inc.

Vivek Ramaswamy
Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam
3.9 (206 ratings)

What's Woke, Inc. about?

Woke, Inc. (2021) explores how the ideology of wokeness has come to infect America’s corporate sphere. While paying lip service to various social-justice causes, major American companies are acting in ways that are anything but just –⁠ and generating major profit in the process. Aside from being a nefarious way for corporations to make money, this strategy is also doing lasting damage to American democracy in surprising ways, and it’s time to snuff it out.

Who should read Woke, Inc.?

  • Conservatives and centrists worried about the excesses of progressivism
  • Liberals who want to hear the other side’s perspective
  • Anyone interested in American social ills

30
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul

The Extended Mind

Annie Murphy Paul
The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain
4.8 (1,003 ratings)

What's The Extended Mind about?

The Extended Mind (2021) is an exploration of the power of thinking outside the confines of your brain. It shows that the path to greater intelligence is not locked within your skull. Rather, it's a path through your body, your environment and your relationships with others. 

Who should read The Extended Mind?

  • People interested in the interaction of the body, brain and environment
  • Anyone interested in designing better spaces for creativity and teamwork
  • Anyone who’d like to optimize their working and learning relationships

31
Alternative Perspectives Books: On the Fringe by Michael D. Gordin

On the Fringe

Michael D. Gordin
Where Science Meets Pseudoscience
4.0 (112 ratings)

What's On the Fringe about?

On the Fringe (2021) delves into what defines a pseudoscience along historical and philosophical lines. With the rise of climate-change deniers and anti-vaxxers, understanding the demarcation between science and pseudoscience has a newfound urgency. By exploring pseudosciences such as astrology, the flat-Earth model, and ESP, we can learn about the nature of science in both the past and the present.

Who should read On the Fringe?

  • Historians, scientists, and philosophers
  • Astrology enthusiasts
  • Climate-change activists

32
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende

The Soul of a Woman

Isabel Allende
A personal meditation on life, feminism, and what it means to be a woman
4.4 (69 ratings)

What's The Soul of a Woman about?

The Soul of a Woman (2021) is an honest and personal meditation on life, feminism, and what it means to be a woman. Drawing on experiences from the author’s life, it explores issues around women’s oppression, love, ambition, aging, and abuse. It is at once the story of one woman and the story of all women.

Who should read The Soul of a Woman?

  • Anyone who has experienced misogyny
  • Men who want to understand what life is like for women
  • Fans of biographies and memoirs

33
Alternative Perspectives Books: Wanting by Luke Burgis

Wanting

Luke Burgis
The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
4.5 (123 ratings)

What's Wanting about?

Wanting (2021) provides a riveting, philosophical answer to the question Why do we want the things we want? Drawing on theories originally developed by the celebrated polymath René Girard, it reveals an uncomfortable truth: that our desires are all ultimately a product of other people’s desires. The point isn’t to eliminate them,⁠ but rather to choose, carefully and consciously, which ones we should actually strive for. 

Who should read Wanting?

  • Lovers of philosophy, psychology, and literature
  • Dedicated self-improvers
  • Young entrepreneurs and business leaders

34
Alternative Perspectives Books: Disability Visibility by Alice Wong

Disability Visibility

Alice Wong
First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century
4.2 (83 ratings)

What's Disability Visibility about?

Disability Visibility (2020) is a compilation of original essays by people with disabilities. There are too few stories about what it’s like to be a disabled person navigating environments designed for the nondisabled. This collection brings visibility to some of these diverse experiences, and shows how limiting our ideas about disability really are.

Who should read Disability Visibility?

  • Disabled people looking for stories that represent diverse experiences of living with disabilities
  • Nondisabled people interested in confronting their prejudices about what it means to be disabled
  • Activists wanting to strengthen their movements by making them more intersectional

35
Alternative Perspectives Books: This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan

This Is Your Mind on Plants

Michael Pollan
4.3 (294 ratings)

What's This Is Your Mind on Plants about?

This Is Your Mind on Plants (2021) is a vivid, intricate probe into the history, chemistry, and effects of three plant-derived drugs: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. These substances – a sedative, a stimulant, and a hallucinogen – represent a large part of the human experience with drugs. It’s time to shed new light on how they’ve shaped our histories, cultures, and minds.

Who should read This Is Your Mind on Plants?

  • Psychonauts and introspective thinkers
  • Botanists, plant lovers, and science geeks
  • Anyone interested in the history of the US war on drugs and its effects

36
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine

Rashid Khalidi
A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017
4.4 (225 ratings)

What's The Hundred Years' War on Palestine about?

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine (2020) is a detailed and rigorous look at one of the most misunderstood regions of the world. This timely text chronicles Palestinian history from the perspective of Palestinians. 

Who should read The Hundred Years' War on Palestine?

  • Outsiders keen to learn Palestine’s complex history
  • Zionists open to alternative perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict
  • Anyone seeking to understand current events in the Middle East

37
Alternative Perspectives Books: Nice Racism by Robin DiAngelo

Nice Racism

Robin DiAngelo
How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm
3.1 (294 ratings)

What's Nice Racism about?

Nice Racism (2021) challenges everything we think we know about racism. Most racists don’t belong to the far right, and they don’t consciously support white supremacy. Instead, they’re “nice” progressive white people who commit daily microaggressions because they’ve never properly confronted their own biases. By abandoning niceness and becoming accountable instead, white people can develop into better allies in the fight for racial justice.

Who should read Nice Racism?

  • White activists seeking better tools to fight racism 
  • White would-be allies who are ready to confront their internal biases
  • Black people and people of color interested in learning more about the workings of white supremacy

38
Alternative Perspectives Books: How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton

How Proust Can Change Your Life

Alain de Botton
4.6 (321 ratings)

What's How Proust Can Change Your Life about?

How Proust Can Change Your Life (1997) melds literary biography with a self-help structure to argue that reading the work of twentieth-century French author Marcel Proust is not only culturally enriching, but potentially life-enhancing. Botton’s close reading of Proust’s masterpiece, In Search of Lost Time, offers up surprising and delightful insights into how to live better.

Who should read How Proust Can Change Your Life?

  • Voracious readers who have yet to embark on In Search of Lost Time
  • Reluctant readers who’d like to read more than they currently do
  • Anyone looking to take on a literary challenge

39
Alternative Perspectives Books: You Are Your Best Thing by Edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown

You Are Your Best Thing

Edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience
4.2 (94 ratings)

What's You Are Your Best Thing about?

You Are Your Best Thing (2021) is an anthology of original essays that explore Black experiences of living, loving, and parenting in America today. It examines concepts like vulnerability and shame, and shows that the key to personal healing lies in confronting white supremacy and the racist systems that make Black people feel unsafe in their communities. 

Who should read You Are Your Best Thing?

  • Black people looking for tools to heal from trauma
  • Psychology-lovers seeking new perspectives on how the personal and political intersect
  • Those who want to deepen their understanding of the impact of racism in America

40
Alternative Perspectives Books: A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century by Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century

Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein
Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life
3.9 (418 ratings)

What's A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century about?

Hunter Gatherers (2021) explores the mismatch between our evolutionary tendencies and our modern environments. It outlines how seemingly innocuous aspects of contemporary living are harming us, and stifling our true nature and potential.

Who should read A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century?

  • Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights
  • Anyone interested in evolutionary biology
  • Fans of natural history

41
Alternative Perspectives Books: How to be a Conservative by Roger Scruton

How to be a Conservative

Roger Scruton
3.6 (173 ratings)

What's How to be a Conservative about?

How to be a Conservative (2014) presents the case for traditional conservatism in a world that seems inhospitable to its existence. In this short volume, English philosopher Sir Roger Scruton lays out the case for the nation-state, a free market, and a more sensible approach to multiculturalism and human rights.

Who should read How to be a Conservative?

  • Those who walk on the right side of politics
  • Anyone interested in political philosophy
  • Leftists looking for an alternative perspective

42
Alternative Perspectives Books: A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

A Room of One’s Own

Virginia Woolf
4.5 (226 ratings)

What's A Room of One’s Own about?

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

Who should read A Room of One’s Own?

  • Artists looking for inspiring words
  • Women exploring the history of feminism 
  • Those struggling to understand social injustice

43
Alternative Perspectives Books: No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler

No Cure for Being Human

Kate Bowler
(and Other Truths I Need to Hear)
4.1 (247 ratings)

What's No Cure for Being Human about?

No Cure for Being Human (2021) is the thoughtful chronicle of Kate Bowler’s attempts to make the most of her life after a brutal cancer diagnosis at only 35. Part memoir, part critique of the widespread obsession with positivity, No Cure for Being Human is a poignant dispatch from the fragile border between life and death.

Who should read No Cure for Being Human?

  • Those who’ve supporting a loved one through a serious diagnosis, or have received one themselves
  • Critics of the prosperity gospel and impeccably curated Instagram feeds
  • Those grappling with the idea that they, too, might be incurably human

44
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Quick Fix by Jesse Singal

The Quick Fix

Jesse Singal
Why Fad Psychology Can't Cure Our Social Ills
4.2 (78 ratings)

What's The Quick Fix about?

The Quick Fix (2021) is a skeptical study of recent trends in behavioral psychology. Academic studies and TED talks may appear to make a convincing case for the power of positive thinking or the impact of implicit bias, but sometimes the evidence just isn’t there. In a complex world, the explanations for human behavior are often more nuanced than some modern psychologists would have you believe.

Who should read The Quick Fix?

  • Psychology skeptics
  • Those interested in societal problems and human behavior
  • Anyone who has ever viewed a TED talk

45
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber & David Wengrow

The Dawn of Everything

David Graeber & David Wengrow
A New History of Humanity
4.1 (354 ratings)

What's The Dawn of Everything about?

The Dawn of Everything (2021) is a reimagining of the history of humanity, based on new discoveries in the worlds of anthropology and archeology. According to the authors, new findings challenge what we thought we knew about hierarchies, inequality, property, and the state. 

Who should read The Dawn of Everything?

  • Anyone who’s ever shaken their fist at bureaucracy
  • History lovers of all stripes
  • Those who want to be Indiana Jones when they grow up

46
Alternative Perspectives Books: Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino

Cinema Speculation

Quentin Tarantino
4.1 (129 ratings)

What's Cinema Speculation about?

Cinema Speculation (2022) is part personal history, part movie criticism, and part film reporting. It takes a look at several key 1970s movies from director Quentin Tarantino’s perspective. While he discusses each movie, he sometimes also indulges in a few what-ifs.

Who should read Cinema Speculation?

  • Film buffs eager to get inside Quentin Tarantino’s mind
  • Dirty Harry, Taxi Driver, and Escape From Alcatraz aficionados
  • Fans of Don Siegel and Martin Scorsese

47
Alternative Perspectives Books: Dominion by Tom Holland

Dominion

Tom Holland
How the Christian Revolution Remade the World
4.3 (85 ratings)

What's Dominion about?

Dominion (2021) is a grandiose look at the impact Christianity has had on the development of the Western mind. From its roots in antiquity to the pop singles of the twentieth century, the story follows the dramatic development of Christian thought over three thousand years.

Who should read Dominion?

  • Lovers of broad-sweep history
  • Those looking for an insouciant take on European history
  • Anyone who thinks they know what Christianity is all about

48
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman

The Forgotten 500

Gregory A. Freeman
The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
4.6 (192 ratings)

What's The Forgotten 500 about?

The Forgotten 500 (2007) tells the story of Allied airmen who were trapped behind enemy lines in World War II and the courageous citizens of Yugoslavia who risked everything to help them get home. For political reasons, the story remained classified for decades until the 1980s. But now, the events leading to the largest rescue operation of the war are available to us all.

Who should read The Forgotten 500?

  • Any and all who are interested in the Balkans or World War II history
  • Serbians and Americans looking to learn more about their nations’ past
  • Everyone who enjoys a riveting story about people overcoming overwhelming odds

49
Alternative Perspectives Books: Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama

Free Speech

Jacob Mchangama
A History from Socrates to Social Media
4.5 (128 ratings)

What's Free Speech about?

Free Speech (2022) traces the history of this world-defining idea. It provides a soapbox for some of free speech’s greatest proponents and highlights key events that pushed the idea forward from ancient times to the present. Offering an evenhanded treatment of the costs and benefits of free speech throughout history, it’s a powerful retort to all those forces that threaten to erode free speech today.

Who should read Free Speech?

  • Passionate defenders of free speech who could use more argumentative ammunition 
  • Students preparing for campus debates on whether free speech should be limited
  • Anyone on the left or right seeking insight into modern-day debates on free speech

50
Alternative Perspectives Books: Dear America by Graham Allen

Dear America

Graham Allen
Live Like It's 9/12
3.4 (195 ratings)

What's Dear America about?

Dear America (2021) is a call to action for Americans. It implores them to unite despite differences – and preserve their nation before it’s too late.

Who should read Dear America?

  • Americans of all political stripes
  • Anyone interested in US history
  • People intent on preserving free speech and diversity of thought

51
Alternative Perspectives Books: Rogues by Patrick Radden Keefe

Rogues

Patrick Radden Keefe
True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks
4.0 (137 ratings)

What's Rogues about?

Rogues (2022) is a compilation of veteran journalist Patrick Radden Keefe’s most famous profiles for the New Yorker Magazine. Keefe delves into the lives of notorious criminals and con artists, exploring their complex motivations. He examines the societies that made them and the systems we have for bringing people to justice.

Who should read Rogues?

  • Fans of long-form journalism 
  • Anyone interested in how the rogues of this world get away with their crimes
  • People interested in psychology and how past events can influence human behavior

52
Alternative Perspectives Books: Nomad Century by Gaia Vince

Nomad Century

Gaia Vince
How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World
4.0 (79 ratings)

What's Nomad Century about?

Nomad Century (2022) proposes a radical solution to the looming climate apocalypse, one that’s as practical as it is controversial. To tackle the effects of climate change, we need to migrate and be more tolerant of those who’ve been forced to move.

Who should read Nomad Century?

  • Supranational bodies trying to tackle the climate crisis
  • Governments dealing with climate migration
  • Scientists, communities, and NGOs

53
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Myth of American Inequality by Phil Gramm, Robert Ekelund & John Early

The Myth of American Inequality

Phil Gramm, Robert Ekelund & John Early
How Government Biases Policy Debate
4.0 (87 ratings)

What's The Myth of American Inequality about?

The Myth of American Inequality (2022) corrects widespread misconceptions about inequality in the United States. Taking aim at misleading official statistics, it shows that poverty has all but disappeared in today’s America and that the gap between rich and “poor” isn’t nearly as large as many people assume. 

Who should read The Myth of American Inequality?

  • Politicos and policymakers
  • Historians and economists
  • Anyone interested in contemporary debates about economic justice

54
Alternative Perspectives Books: Walk the Blue Line by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

Walk the Blue Line

James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
They walk the line between life and death
4.2 (13 ratings)

What's Walk the Blue Line about?

Walk the Blue Line (2023) is a collection of real-life stories from police and law enforcement officers working across the United States. Their experiences detail the good, the bad, the gory, and the lasting influence these events have on their lives.

Who should read Walk the Blue Line?

  • Anyone with an interest in policing
  • Organizations seeking dialogue between communities and law enforcement
  • Citizens trying to understand what it feels like to work as a policeman in the US

55
Alternative Perspectives Books: Faith Still Moves Mountains by Harris Faulkner

Faith Still Moves Mountains

Harris Faulkner
Miraculous Stories of the Healing Power of Prayer
3.9 (47 ratings)

What's Faith Still Moves Mountains about?

Faith Still Moves Mountains (2022) is a collection of inspiring real-life stories that reveal God’s presence in our lives. Drawing on the testimonies of people who have triumphed against the odds, it shows that prayer is more than a ritual – it’s an essential spiritual strategy in a world filled with hardships.

Who should read Faith Still Moves Mountains?

  • Believers interested in spiritual practices
  • History buffs
  • Anyone who loves inspiring stories

56
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

The Myth of Normal

Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
4.6 (883 ratings)

What's The Myth of Normal about?

The Myth of Normal (2022) unpacks why chronic disease and mental illness are on the rise. Western medicine focuses on individual pathologies, but what if the key actually lies in our culture? Things we consider normal – like stress, adversity, and trauma – are often toxic and breed disease. The pathway back to health rests in identifying and addressing these underlying conditions.

Who should read The Myth of Normal?

  • Health professionals who want the bigger picture
  • Lovers of a good social critique
  • Anyone working through health challenges

57
Alternative Perspectives Books: “You Just Need to Lose Weight” by Aubrey Gordon

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”

Aubrey Gordon
And 19 Other Myths About Fat People
2.6 (25 ratings)

What's “You Just Need to Lose Weight” about?

“You Just Need to Lose Weight” (2023) takes a deep dive into some of society’s most harmful myths about fat people. By revealing the facts behind these common misconceptions, Aubrey Gordon gives readers the tools to analyze their own internal biases, combat anti-fat discrimination, and support the goal of social acceptance for people of all sizes.

Who should read “You Just Need to Lose Weight”?

  • Anyone who wants to learn about the myths surrounding fatness
  • People interested in confronting anti-fat bias and discrimination
  • Supporters of fat activism

58
Alternative Perspectives Books: Live Wire by Kelly Ripa

Live Wire

Kelly Ripa
Long-Winded Short Stories
3.1 (101 ratings)

What's Live Wire about?

Live Wire (2022) is a compilation of humorous essays by actor and talk show host Kelly Ripa. She opens up about her 30 years in showbiz and shares the challenges and joys of getting ahead in a male-dominated industry while raising a family. 

Who should read Live Wire?

  • Fans of Kelly Ripa looking for the inside scoop
  • Memoir-lovers who want to learn about one of the power players in media
  • Women looking for inspiration on how to thrive in a male-dominated industry

59
Alternative Perspectives Books: Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott

Little Women

Louisa M. Alcott
4.6 (39 ratings)

What's Little Women about?

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

Who should read Little Women?

  • Fans of stories told from a female perspective
  • Lovers of classic literature
  • Anyone who likes a good young adult story

60
Alternative Perspectives Books: Picasso's War by Hugh Eakin

Picasso's War

Hugh Eakin
How Modern Art Came to America
4.7 (194 ratings)

What's Picasso's War about?

Picasso’s War (2022) reveals the fascinating story behind America’s rocky relationship with modern art. It shows how a small group of individuals were able to overcome ridicule and accusations of “degenerate art” in order to turn the country into a haven for the world’s most progressive artists.

Who should read Picasso's War?

  • History buffs
  • Fans of Pablo Picasso and modern art

61
Alternative Perspectives Books: Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin

Real Self-Care

Pooja Lakshmin
A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)
4.2 (304 ratings)

What's Real Self-Care about?

Real Self-Care (2023) exposes the dark side of the global self-care industry by connecting the systemic inequality faced by marginalized groups like women and people of color, and the stress, burnout and chronic illness faced by so many. It offers a science-based alternative and cognitive strategies for living with ease and purpose. 

Who should read Real Self-Care?

  • Frustrated self-carers who feel they’re somehow doing it wrong
  • Tired life-optimizers who wonder why they still feel behind
  • Those looking for kinder, gentler transformation from the inside-out

62
Alternative Perspectives Books: Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza

Becoming Supernatural

Joe Dispenza
How Common People are Doing the Uncommon
4.2 (559 ratings)

What's Becoming Supernatural about?

Becoming Supernatural (2017) explores how everyday people can become supernatural. It references breakthrough studies, ongoing research, and incredible stories from regular people that show how anyone can create incredible mental and physical changes within themselves and others by connecting to the unseen energies of the world.

Who should read Becoming Supernatural?

  • Anyone interested in intentionally improving their life
  • People searching for greater connection with the world
  • Those curious about how humans can directly access the quantum realm

63
Alternative Perspectives Books: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind

Annie Grace
Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life
4.2 (154 ratings)

What's This Naked Mind about?

This Naked Mind (2015) challenges our culture's love affair with alcohol. It offers matter-of-fact, actionable insights that help free drinkers from its perceived hold.

Who should read This Naked Mind?

  • Party animals who want a permanent break
  • Mindful drinkers seeking balance
  • Curious cats who question cultural norms

64
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton

The Ethical Slut

Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton
A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love
3.9 (81 ratings)

What's The Ethical Slut about?

The Ethical Slut (1997) has long been the trusted handbook for anyone exploring sex, romance, and intimacy outside the constraints of monogamy. An updated 2017 edition combines time-tested strategies for navigating polyamory with advice on how to embrace an even greater diversity of orientations and relationship configurations.

Who should read The Ethical Slut?

  • Pleasure-seekers who’d like to explore a greater variety of sexual partners
  • Seasoned polyamorists who want to make multiple partnerships really work
  • Anyone who lives – or would like to live – outside the strictures of conventional monogamy

65
Alternative Perspectives Books: I Am the Storm by Janice Dean

I Am the Storm

Janice Dean
Inspiring Stories of People Who Fight Against Overwhelming Odds
4.1 (34 ratings)

What's I Am the Storm about?

I Am the Storm (2023) is an inspiring dive into what it takes to stand as a David against a Goliath. From a single gymnast who took on a whole abusive system, to a grieving mother who chose to tackle the US opioid epidemic head on, it shows that anyone can make a stand for what they believe in, no matter how big their opponent may seem.

Who should read I Am the Storm?

  • Anyone looking for inspiration to face the challenges in their life
  • People sick of big organizations acting with impunity
  • Believers in the strength of human will

66
Alternative Perspectives Books: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

Guns, Germs and Steel

Jared Diamond
The Fates Of Human Societies
4.1 (423 ratings)

What's Guns, Germs and Steel about?

Guns, Germs, and Steel (1997) is a short history of humanity over the last 13,000 years. The question it poses is as simple to state as it is hard to answer: Why did some parts of the world develop advanced technologies while others didn’t? It rejects explanations that rely on assumptions about the relative intelligence of different peoples. Instead, it argues that the divergence of human societies is best explained by natural factors such as climate, biology, and geology. 

Who should read Guns, Germs and Steel?

  • History buffs
  • Scientists
  • Anyone interested in the big picture of humanity’s development

67
Alternative Perspectives Books: Saving Time by Jenny Odell

Saving Time

Jenny Odell
Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock
4.0 (368 ratings)

What's Saving Time about?

Saving Time (2023) takes a deep dive into the complicated concepts surrounding time and the multitude of ways it can be experienced. Combining historical research, philosophical ideas, and social commentary, it offers new approaches to perceiving time that can help us learn to truly live in the present while looking toward a more hopeful future.

Who should read Saving Time?

  • Anyone curious about the concept of time
  • People suffering from a lack of time or burnout
  • Fans of history, science, and philosophy

68
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Harvard Psychedelic Club by Don Lattin

The Harvard Psychedelic Club

Don Lattin
How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America
4.2 (177 ratings)

What's The Harvard Psychedelic Club about?

The Harvard Psychedelic Club (2010) tells the remarkable story of four individuals, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil. Each of these men crossed paths at Harvard University in the early 1960s, where experiments were ongoing involving the consciousness-expanding effects of psychedelic substances. Each went on to explore different paths during the counterculture movement that followed.

Who should read The Harvard Psychedelic Club?

  • Spiritual seekers
  • People interested in 1960s culture
  • Anyone curious about psychedelic drugs

69
Alternative Perspectives Books: Myths of Strategy by Jérôme Barthélemy

Myths of Strategy

Jérôme Barthélemy
Dispel the Misconceptions and Deliver a Winning Strategy
4.6 (51 ratings)

What's Myths of Strategy about?

Myths of Strategy (2022) responds to the oversimplified generalizations of modern business gurus and consultants by debunking assertions about strategy. Using peer-reviewed research, the book holds advice on business strategy to the same stringent standards as other scientific and sociological fields of study.

Who should read Myths of Strategy?

  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders
  • C-Suite executives
  • Business students

70
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Comfort Zone by Kristen Butler

The Comfort Zone

Kristen Butler
Create a Life You Really Love with Less Stress and More Flow
4.3 (514 ratings)

What's The Comfort Zone about?

The Comfort Zone (2023) busts the age-old myth that growth only happens outside the comfort zone, and offers an alternative vision for achieving goals with ease and flow instead of stress and burnout.

Who should read The Comfort Zone?

  • Exhausted achievers looking for better results from less effort
  • Burnt-out workaholics seeking balance and joy
  • Anyone looking for more flow in pursuing their goals

71
Alternative Perspectives Books: Prosperity by Colin Mayer

Prosperity

Colin Mayer
Better Business Makes the Greater Good
4.1 (148 ratings)

What's Prosperity about?

Prosperity (2018) examines how business thinking has led to our current state of social, political, and environmental disaster. Drawing on historical, legal, and economic knowledge, it presents a radical new framework in which both corporations and the broader community can flourish together.

Who should read Prosperity?

  • Business leaders and company directors
  • MBA students
  • Economic policy developers wanting to fix our broken system

72
Alternative Perspectives Books: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse
4.6 (219 ratings)

What's Siddhartha about?

Siddhartha (1922) is the beloved classic novel about a pampered prince who goes on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. Through the depths of asceticism to the heights of worldly success, the novel traces one seeker’s path to enlightenment taking the road less traveled.

Who should read Siddhartha?

  • Seekers curious about this classic texts
  • Path-finders and way-makers looking for stories of kindred souls
  • Anyone interested in alternative visions for society, religion, success, and relationships

73
Alternative Perspectives Books: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

Poverty, by America

Matthew Desmond
3.8 (153 ratings)

What's Poverty, by America about?

Poverty, by America (2023) delves into the paradoxical issue of poverty in the abundant country of the United States. It explores potential solutions to this pervasive issue, based on extensive research.

Who should read Poverty, by America?

  • Poverty abolitionists
  • Lawmakers
  • Corporate leaders and shareholders

74
Alternative Perspectives Books: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash

Neal Stephenson
4.1 (79 ratings)

What's Snow Crash about?

Snow Crash (1992) is a cyberpunk sci-fi novel starring katana-wielding, pizza-delivering hacker Hiro Protagonist and his partner, spunky teen skateboarder Y.T. It features a virus called Snow Crash which pervades both the physical world and the virtual world, also known as the Metaverse. But it soon becomes apparent that Snow Crash is more than just a virus –⁠ as Hiro delves deeper, he discovers a conspiracy that has its roots in ancient Sumerian legends and poses a dire threat to humanity.

Who should read Snow Crash?

  • Science fiction buffs
  • Tech enthusiasts and futurists 
  • Linguistics and anthropology nerds 

75
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Kybalion by Three Initiates

The Kybalion

Three Initiates
A Study of Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece
4.3 (161 ratings)

What's The Kybalion about?

Kybalion (1908) is an occult classic of the New Thought movement that claims that mind and thought are the ultimate powers of the universe, and human beings can harness those primal forces – like thought, rhythm, and polarities – for health, wealth, and influence. 

Who should read The Kybalion?

  • History buffs curious about the foundations of the New Age and self-help movements
  • Esoteric thinkers seeking out the texts that shaped modern occultism
  • Anyone wanting to expand their perspective on metaphysics and consciousness

76
Alternative Perspectives Books: Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

Quit Like a Woman

Holly Whitaker
The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
3.6 (14 ratings)

What's Quit Like a Woman about?

Quit Like a Woman (2019) encourages women to reconsider their relationship with alcohol, uncovering the misogynist underpinnings of how alcohol is packaged and marketed to women and proposing a new, feminist road map to sobriety. Through personal anecdotes, insights, and research, the narrative provides a road map for individuals seeking a path to sobriety that aligns more closely with their own experiences and identities.

Who should read Quit Like a Woman?

  • Women who feel increasingly dependent on alcohol to wind down and relax 
  • Newly sober women eager for guidance on this exciting journey
  • Women in recovery who are tired of patriarchal programme-speak

77
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Unemployed Millionaire by Matt Morris

The Unemployed Millionaire

Matt Morris
Escape the Rat Race, Fire Your Boss and Live Life on YOUR Terms!
3.8 (75 ratings)

What's The Unemployed Millionaire about?

The Unemployed Millionaire (2009) takes you on a transformative journey from financial despair to self-made prosperity. It provides actionable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of mindset, persistence, and smart decisions in achieving financial freedom. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, it offers a roadmap to success even in challenging circumstances.

Who should read The Unemployed Millionaire?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for motivation and guidance
  • Professionals considering transitioning away from traditional employment
  • Anyone facing financial difficulties and seeking help to turn their situations around

78
Alternative Perspectives Books: More Than Two by Franklin Veaux & Eve Rickert

More Than Two

Franklin Veaux & Eve Rickert
A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory
4.2 (10 ratings)

What's More Than Two about?

More Than Two (2014) is a guide to ethical polyamory that delves into the complexities of building and maintaining relationships with multiple partners. Through a combination of real-life examples and thoughtful analysis, it explores some of the possibilities of polyamorous relationships, provides practical advice on navigating common challenges, and offers insights into fostering open and honest communication.

Who should read More Than Two?

  • People curious about exploring ethical non-monogamy
  • Those already practicing consensual non-monogamy and looking for guidance
  • Anyone interested in relationship philosophies beyond traditional monogamy

79
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide by James Fadiman

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide

James Fadiman
Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
4.5 (15 ratings)

What's The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide about?

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide (2011) is the definitive manual for psychedelic voyagers and those who guide them. Combining original research, personal reports, and shamanistic tradition, it teaches how to create safe and successful psychedelic experiences that facilitate healing, self-discovery, and creativity. 

Who should read The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide?

  • Psychedelic voyagers or those curious about psychedelic experiences
  • Therapists and psychology professionals interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy
  • Anyone seeking healing from trauma, addiction, anxiety, or depression

80
Alternative Perspectives Books: Travel Light by Light Watkins

Travel Light

Light Watkins
Spiritual Minimalism to Live a More Fulfilled Life
4.7 (20 ratings)

What's Travel Light about?

Travel Light (2023) is a refreshing take on the practice and philosophy of minimalism. Rather than focusing on streamlining physical possessions, it suggests that true minimalism begins from within, with the streamlining of beliefs and desires. 

Who should read Travel Light?

  • Minimalism enthusiasts
  • Those who want to live more simply but don’t necessarily want to give away all their stuff
  • Individuals who’ve already given away their stuff who’re questioning the effectiveness of minimalism

81
Alternative Perspectives Books: What They Teach You at Harvard Business School by Philip Delves Broughton

What They Teach You at Harvard Business School

Philip Delves Broughton
My Two Years Inside The Cauldron of Capitalism
3.7 (276 ratings)

What's What They Teach You at Harvard Business School about?

What They Teach You at Harvard Business School (2008) is a candid insider's view into one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, providing insights into its curriculum, culture, and impact on students' lives. Through case studies, math, and unsolicited advice, it follows one unlikely student’s memorable experience obtaining this coveted MBA, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of the HBS education along the way.

Who should read What They Teach You at Harvard Business School?

  • Business and marketing students
  • Those curious about the inner workings of the world-renowned Harvard Business School
  • Anyone considering doing an MBA

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