The best 100 Alternative Perspectives books

Considering alternative perspectives is crucial for broadening our thinking and understanding diverse viewpoints. This book list delves into unconventional angles, challenging traditional outlooks and prompting deeper reflection.

Dive into our selection to expand your horizons and approach familiar topics from fresh angles. Ready to explore new insights and embrace alternative viewpoints?

The best 100 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
4.4 (120 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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
4.4 (236 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah
Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
4.4 (35 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

4
Alternative Perspectives Books: Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler

Bourbon Empire

Reid Mitenbuler
The Past and Future of America's Whiskey
4.5 (34 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

5
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 (39 ratings)
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00:00

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

6
Alternative Perspectives Books: Playing the Whore by Melissa Gira Grant

Playing the Whore

Melissa Gira Grant
The Work of Sex Work
3.4 (156 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

7
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 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

8
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 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

9
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Wellness Syndrome by Carl Cederström and André Spicer

The Wellness Syndrome

Carl Cederström and André Spicer
3.2 (57 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

10
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Rift by Alex Perry

The Rift

Alex Perry
A New Africa Breaks Free
4.2 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

11
Alternative Perspectives Books: Narconomics by Tom Wainwright

Narconomics

Tom Wainwright
How to Run a Drug Cartel
4.5 (52 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

12
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
4.1 (65 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

13
Alternative Perspectives Books: Falling Upwards by Richard Holmes

Falling Upwards

Richard Holmes
How We Took to The Air
4.1 (15 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

14
Alternative Perspectives Books: Built by Roma Agrawal

Built

Roma Agrawal
The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures
4.7 (18 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

15
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 (92 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

16
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 (349 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

17
Alternative Perspectives Books: Range by David Epstein

Range

David Epstein
Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
4.3 (613 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Range about?

At a time when many see specialization as the route to success, Range (2019) shows that having broad interests and taking your time to find your focus in life lead to excellence and innovation. Drawing on examples from business, sports, science and human psychology, Range urges us all to stay open-minded and curious.

Who should read Range?

  • Individuals searching for a purpose in life
  • The intellectually curious
  • Those seeking an unconventional path to success

18
Alternative Perspectives Books: Written in History by Simon Sebag Montefiore

Written in History

Simon Sebag Montefiore
Letters that Changed the World
3.8 (98 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

19
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
3.7 (85 ratings)
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00:00

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

20
Alternative Perspectives Books: Ping-Pong Diplomacy by Nicholas Griffin

Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Nicholas Griffin
The Secret History Behind the Game That Changed the World
4.5 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

21
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 (200 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

22
Alternative Perspectives Books: Woke, Inc. by Vivek Ramaswamy

Woke, Inc.

Vivek Ramaswamy
Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam
4.0 (251 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

23
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 (1,025 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

24
Alternative Perspectives Books: On the Fringe by Michael D. Gordin

On the Fringe

Michael D. Gordin
Where Science Meets Pseudoscience
4.0 (124 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

25
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 (77 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

26
Alternative Perspectives Books: Wanting by Luke Burgis

Wanting

Luke Burgis
The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
4.5 (142 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

27
Alternative Perspectives Books: This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan

This Is Your Mind on Plants

Michael Pollan
4.3 (315 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

28
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
4.2 (431 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

29
Alternative Perspectives Books: Nice Racism by Robin DiAngelo

Nice Racism

Robin DiAngelo
How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm
3.1 (305 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

30
Alternative Perspectives Books: How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton

How Proust Can Change Your Life

Alain de Botton
4.5 (349 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

31
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
4.1 (105 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

32
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
3.8 (437 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

33
Alternative Perspectives Books: How to be a Conservative by Roger Scruton

How to be a Conservative

Roger Scruton
3.7 (178 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

34
Alternative Perspectives Books: A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

A Room of One’s Own

Virginia Woolf
4.5 (248 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

35
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 (387 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

36
Alternative Perspectives Books: Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino

Cinema Speculation

Quentin Tarantino
4.1 (138 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

37
Alternative Perspectives Books: Dominion by Tom Holland

Dominion

Tom Holland
How the Christian Revolution Remade the World
4.2 (111 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

38
Alternative Perspectives Books: Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama

Free Speech

Jacob Mchangama
A History from Socrates to Social Media
4.4 (188 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

39
Alternative Perspectives Books: Nomad Century by Gaia Vince

Nomad Century

Gaia Vince
How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World
4.1 (87 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

40
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
3.9 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

41
Alternative Perspectives Books: Faith Still Moves Mountains by Harris Faulkner

Faith Still Moves Mountains

Harris Faulkner
Miraculous Stories of the Healing Power of Prayer
4.0 (63 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

42
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

The Myth of Normal

Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture
4.6 (1,146 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

43
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 (38 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

44
Alternative Perspectives Books: Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott

Little Women

Louisa M. Alcott
4.6 (82 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

45
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 (346 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

46
Alternative Perspectives Books: Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza

Becoming Supernatural

Joe Dispenza
How Common People are Doing the Uncommon
4.2 (752 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

47
Alternative Perspectives Books: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind

Annie Grace
Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life
4.1 (183 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

48
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
4.0 (115 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

49
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 (39 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

50
Alternative Perspectives Books: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

Guns, Germs and Steel

Jared Diamond
The Fates Of Human Societies
4.0 (599 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

51
Alternative Perspectives Books: Saving Time by Jenny Odell

Saving Time

Jenny Odell
Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock
4.0 (404 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

52
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 (191 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

53
Alternative Perspectives Books: Myths of Strategy by Jérôme Barthélemy

Myths of Strategy

Jérôme Barthélemy
Dispel the Misconceptions and Deliver a Winning Strategy
4.5 (108 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

54
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 (574 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

55
Alternative Perspectives Books: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse
4.6 (271 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

56
Alternative Perspectives Books: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

Poverty, by America

Matthew Desmond
3.8 (190 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

57
Alternative Perspectives Books: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

To the Lighthouse

Virginia Woolf
4.3 (26 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's To the Lighthouse about?

To the Lighthouse (1927) places you squarely in the heart of the Ramsay family’s summer home, providing intimate insights into their complex dynamics. It weaves an intricate web of familial relationships, artistic inspiration, and philosophical musings, while contemplating the concept of time and death.

Who should read To the Lighthouse?

  • Fans of stream-of-consciousness
  • Readers exploring feminist literature
  • Enthusiasts of modernist novels

58
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe

The Black Cat

Edgar Allen Poe
4.0 (26 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Black Cat about?

The Black Cat (1843) explores the dark themes of guilt, perversity, and violence. It's a tale of a man driven to self-destruction by his own malevolent actions and the haunting presence of a vengeful black cat.

Who should read The Black Cat?

  • Fans of Gothic fiction  
  • Psychology enthusiasts  
  • Horror literature aficionados

59
Alternative Perspectives Books: Gender Trouble by Judith Butler

Gender Trouble

Judith Butler
Feminism and the Subversion of Identity
3.6 (53 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Gender Trouble about?

Gender Trouble (1990) is a touchstone work of theory in gender studies. Notably, it introduces the concept of gender performativity, which has had a profound impact on feminist and LGBTQ+ scholarship and activism, and shaped contemporary ideas around gender. 

Who should read Gender Trouble?

  • Students of gender theory 
  • Feminists and LGBTQ+ activists 
  • Those keen to inform themselves about gender fluidity and performativity

60
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Idiot

Fyodor Dostoevsky
3.8 (66 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Idiot about?

The Idiot (1869) follows the naïvely optimistic prince Myshkin as he moves through Russia’s confusing and cynical society, offering a profound discussion on the struggle between idealism and worldly disillusionment.

Who should read The Idiot?

  • Connoisseurs of Russian literature
  • Readers interested in philosophy
  • Enthusiasts of character-driven narratives

61
Alternative Perspectives Books: On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche

On the Genealogy of Morals

Friedrich Nietzsche
3.7 (73 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's On the Genealogy of Morals about?

On the Genealogy of Morals (1887) delves deeply into Nietzsche’s evolving moral philosophy, exploring the origins and meanings of traditional Western morality. It suggests a radical departure from it and posits the emergence of new moral constructs.

Who should read On the Genealogy of Morals?

  • Philosophers and thinkers
  • Readers interested in morality
  • Nietzsche’s followers

62
Alternative Perspectives Books: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash

Neal Stephenson
4.1 (94 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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 

63
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Kybalion by Three Initiates

The Kybalion

Three Initiates
A Study of Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece
4.2 (273 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

64
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
4.1 (40 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

65
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!
3.6 (178 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

66
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 (17 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

67
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide by James Fadiman

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide

James Fadiman
Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
4.4 (36 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

68
Alternative Perspectives Books: Travel Light by Light Watkins

Travel Light

Light Watkins
Spiritual Minimalism to Live a More Fulfilled Life
4.3 (59 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

69
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 (417 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

70
Alternative Perspectives Books: Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

Doppelganger

Naomi Klein
A Trip into the Mirror World
3.9 (34 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Doppelganger about?

Doppelganger (2023) explores what happened after the author, Naomi Klein, spent years being mistaken for media personality Naomi Wolf, her ideological opposite, and how this bizarre situation provided insight into our polarized era. Blending memoir, analysis, and doppelganger mythology, Klein uses her uncanny experience to investigate the fragmented culture of social media avatars, conspiracy thinking, and political tribalism threatening modern democracies.

Who should read Doppelganger?

  • Those curious about the impacts of social media on society and politics
  • Political thinkers concerned with increasing polarization and conspiracy theories
  • Anyone seeking insights on how to bridge divides and find common ground in a divided culture

71
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries

Ernesto Che Guevara
4.1 (43 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Motorcycle Diaries about?

The Motorcycle Diaries (1952) invites you on a pivotal journey across South America that transforms a youthful traveler into a revolutionary icon. As you delve into these vivid narratives, you'll experience an intimate glimpse of a continent’s rich cultures and the awakening of a profound social consciousness. This captivating odyssey is not just a travel tale, but also a profound coming-of-age story that challenges you to explore the depths of your own beliefs and ideals.

Who should read The Motorcycle Diaries?

  • Adventure enthusiasts seeking inspiration from epic journeys
  • History buffs interested in revolutionary figures and ideologies
  • Travel literature fans exploring diverse cultural narratives

72
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

The Portrait of a Lady

Henry James
4.1 (8 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Portrait of a Lady about?

The Portrait of a Lady (1881) represents a highpoint in the literary career of Henry James, one of the most accomplished novelists in the English language. It tells the story of Isabel Archer, a beautiful and spirited American brought to Europe by a wealthy aunt. Defying social expectations, she turns down two marriage proposals in order to pursue a journey of self-discovery. Her love of liberty, however, leads her into a trap of her own devising: a union with the outwardly charming yet manipulative Gilbert Osmond.

Who should read The Portrait of a Lady?

  • Fans of classic literature 
  • Readers interested in themes of identity and freedom
  • Anyone who loves nuanced storytelling 

73
Alternative Perspectives Books: Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie
3.8 (111 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Midnight's Children about?

Midnight’s Children (1981) is the tale of Saleem Sinai, a child born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947 – the exact moment of India’s independence. This biographical and historical coincidence shapes his destiny, connecting him to a thousand other midnight’s children endowed with miraculous powers and intertwining his own fate with that of his nation. 

Who should read Midnight's Children?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magical realism
  • Individuals interested in exploring the themes of identity, nationalism, and postcolonialism
  • Those looking to delve into a complex and imaginative narrative that challenges conventional storytelling

74
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

The Corrections

Jonathan Franzen
3.7 (88 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Corrections about?

The Corrections (2001) invites you into an exploration of family dynamics, as it delves into the turbulent lives of the Lambert family. You’ll find yourself engrossed in their struggles with personal demons, societal pressures, and the relentless march of time.

Who should read The Corrections?

  • Fans of contemporary family dramas
  • Anyone interested in explorations of societal norms and aging
  • Enthusiasts of literary fiction with psychological depth

75
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston

The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory

Dedeker Winston
Everything You Need to Know About Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Alternative Love
3.8 (27 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory about?

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory (2017) offers practical relationship advice for women seeking to break free from jealousy, possessiveness, and competition through discovering polyamory. Incorporating real-world experiences and practical exercises, it covers exploring your relationship style, conquering jealousy, and “coming out” as polyamorous – helping you craft unique connections tailored to your needs.

Who should read The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory?

  • People interested in exploring non-monogamy and alternative relationships
  • Those curious about opening up a current monogamous relationship
  • Anyone looking to gain confidence in communication skills

76
Alternative Perspectives Books: Strangers by Taichi Yamada

Strangers

Taichi Yamada
Uncover a Haunting World Amid Tokyo’s Mysterious Shadows
4.6 (40 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Strangers about?

Strangers (1987) is the story of a lonely Japanese script writer who returns to his childhood home and, by chance, meets a couple who are uncannily like his parents, who died in a car crash when he was 12. As he becomes increasingly involved with them, the narrative explores the boundaries between the living and the dead, past and present, and the deep longing for familial bonds.

Who should read Strangers?

  • Lovers of literature in translation 
  • Japanophiles eager to learn more about one of the country’s most beloved novels
  • Movie buffs interested in the book that inspired 2023’s All of Us Strangers

77
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord

The Society of the Spectacle

Guy Debord
3.8 (74 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Society of the Spectacle about?

The Society of the Spectacle (1967) plunges into an intricate world where media, culture, and consumerism converge, shaping perceptions and experiences. It’s a journey through a labyrinth of modern life's illusions, offering insights on discerning reality amidst the dazzling distortions and finding your path in a world awash with reflective deceits.

Who should read The Society of the Spectacle?

  • Critical thinkers and social commentators
  • Students and enthusiasts of political theory
  • Budding philosophers and cultural theorists

78
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Seven Circles by Chelsey Luger & Thosh Collins

The Seven Circles

Chelsey Luger & Thosh Collins
Indigenous Teachings for Living Well
4.6 (49 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Seven Circles about?

The Seven Circles (2022) draws on Indigenous ancestral wisdom for achieving spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. It proposes a holistic model called the Seven Circles – a template for modern living that’s intended to keep all aspects of life in balance including food, movement, sleep, ceremony, sacred space, land, and community.

Who should read The Seven Circles?

  • People interested in Native American culture and spirituality
  • Wellness and self-help enthusiasts
  • Individuals seeking community and connection

79
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim Alberta

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory

Tim Alberta
American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism
4.0 (179 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory about?

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (2023) is an expansive and critical portrait of evangelical Christians in post-Trump America. Penned by the son of a pastor, it tells the story of a religious movement that has subordinated its faith to worldly politics – and lost its way.

Who should read The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?

  • History buffs and politicos
  • Readers curious about evangelical politics
  • Those exploring the societal impact of faith

80
Alternative Perspectives Books: Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard

Simulacra and Simulation

Jean Baudrillard
4.2 (172 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Simulacra and Simulation about?

Simulacra and Simulation (1981) explores the concepts of hyperreality and the blurring of boundaries between reality and representation in contemporary culture. Through a series of essays, it argues that in a world saturated with media and technology, reality itself has been replaced by simulations and copies without originals.

Who should read Simulacra and Simulation?

  • Artists, filmmakers, and writers inspired by the concepts of simulacra and hyperreality in their creative work
  • Cyberpunk and science fiction fans interested in the philosophical and cultural implications of simulated realities
  • Anyone curious about the nature of reality, the influence of media, and the philosophical underpinnings of our contemporary world

81
Alternative Perspectives Books: Man Enough by Justin Baldoni

Man Enough

Justin Baldoni
Undefining My Masculinity
3.3 (30 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Man Enough about?

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations and pressures surrounding masculinity. Through candid anecdotes and introspective reflections, the book challenges traditional notions of manhood, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy as essential human qualities. It calls for men to break free from limiting gender roles and redefine masculinity on their own terms.

Who should read Man Enough?

  • Those who identify as men who feel confined by traditional gender roles and yearn for a more authentic way of living
  • People who want to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships
  • Anyone who wants to better understand and support the men in their lives

82
Alternative Perspectives Books: Third Millennium Thinking by Saul Perlmutter, Robert MacCoun & John Campbell

Third Millennium Thinking

Saul Perlmutter, Robert MacCoun & John Campbell
Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense
3.6 (55 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Third Millennium Thinking about?

Third Millennium Thinking (2024) offers a roadmap for developing the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in the new digital age. Grounded in the latest scientific research, it offers practical strategies for fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and mental strength in children of all ages.

Who should read Third Millennium Thinking?

  • Lifelong learners and curious minds who want to enhance their critical thinking abilities 
  • Entrepreneurs and innovators who need to make informed, strategic decisions
  • Anyone looking to develop essential skills for navigating the information landscape and fostering informed decision-making

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Alternative Perspectives Books: The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger

Albert Camus
4.5 (128 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's The Stranger about?

The Stranger (1942) is widely considered a classic in twentieth-century literature. It tells the tale of a murder in Algiers, and the unusual trial that follows. While there’s no mystery as to who did the killing, the story raises many questions about what makes a person guilty in the eyes of their community.

Who should read The Stranger?

  • Fans of classic literature
  • Anyone interested in philosophy
  • People curious about existentialism and absurdism

84
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Third Perspective by Africa Brooke

The Third Perspective

Africa Brooke
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance
4.2 (75 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Third Perspective about?

The Third Perspective (2024) offers an insightful journey into the challenges of self-expression in a world shaped by societal expectations and personal fears. Here, you'll uncover how to navigate the complexities of speaking your mind in a landscape often dominated by social media scrutiny and cultural conformity. This exploration equips you to cultivate a maverick mindset that transforms everyday courage into authentic life experiences, enhancing both personal integrity and communal dialogue.

Who should read The Third Perspective?

  • Personal development enthusiasts
  • Social media influencers navigating the complexities of public expression
  • Mental health professionals interested in the effects of self-censorship

85
Alternative Perspectives Books: May Contain Lies by Alex Edmans

May Contain Lies

Alex Edmans
How Stories, Stats, and Studies Exploit Our Biases
4.0 (99 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's May Contain Lies about?

May Contain Lies (2024) explores the intricate world of misinformation and its pervasive impact on society, media, and personal decision-making. It delves into the psychological underpinnings that make us susceptible to deception, and examines how falsehoods spread and the long-term consequences for public trust and individual behavior, then offers several strategies readers can adopt to improve critical thinking and discernment. 

Who should read May Contain Lies?

  • Anyone consuming news and social media 
  • Individuals wanting to make evidence-based decisions 
  • Policymakers and government officials

86
Alternative Perspectives Books: What It Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill

What It Takes to Heal

Prentis Hemphill
How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World
3.9 (78 ratings)
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What's What It Takes to Heal about?

What It Takes to Heal (2024) explores the interconnected nature of personal and collective healing, drawing on the author’s experiences as a therapist, facilitator, and social justice advocate. It offers insights into how trauma manifests in individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding your own healing journey in relation to broader societal issues. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and philosophical reflections, it provides a roadmap for cultivating resilience, compassion, and transformative change.

Who should read What It Takes to Heal?

  • Self-help enthusiasts and mindfulness practitioners
  • Social justice activists and organizers
  • Community leaders and educators

87
Alternative Perspectives Books: I Respectfully Disagree by Justin Jones-Fosu

I Respectfully Disagree

Justin Jones-Fosu
How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World
4.2 (62 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's I Respectfully Disagree about?

I Respectfully Disagree (2024) offers practical strategies for seeing beyond black-and-white thinking, embracing empathy, and fostering respectful dialogue. With engaging insights and real-life examples, it provides the tools you need to navigate conflicts with understanding and grace. 

Who should read I Respectfully Disagree?

  • Anyone who’s suffered silently through a family reunion
  • People who struggle with differing opinions
  • Diplomatic individuals eager to build bridges

88
Alternative Perspectives Books: Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara

Cobalt Red

Siddharth Kara
How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives
4.5 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Cobalt Red about?

Cobalt Red (2023) exposes the dark underbelly of our digital age with a deep dive into the human and environmental toll of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The investigation lays bare the brutal realities faced by those who extract the essential component of our rechargeable batteries, challenging us to confront our unwitting complicity in a global humanitarian crisis.

Who should read Cobalt Red?

  • Consumers curious about the ethical implications of modern technology
  • Human rights activists and advocates focusing on labor issues and exploitation
  • Anyone interested in investigative journalism 

89
Alternative Perspectives Books: Making Sense of Chaos by J Doyne Farmer

Making Sense of Chaos

J Doyne Farmer
A Better Economics for a Better World
3.8 (13 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Making Sense of Chaos about?

Making Sense of Chaos (2024) offers a fresh take on our complex economic world through the lens of complexity economics. It explores new computational tools and models that address issues like inflation, inequality, and financial crises – and shows how we can make better predictions and craft smarter policies in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent global economy.

Who should read Making Sense of Chaos?

  • Economics enthusiasts
  • Tech and data science buffs
  • Policymakers and analysts

90
Alternative Perspectives Books: The $12 Million Stuffed Shark by Don Thompson

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark

Don Thompson
The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art
4.2 (83 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The $12 Million Stuffed Shark about?

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark (2008) examines the economics and marketing strategies behind the contemporary art world, exploring how pieces like Damien Hirst’s shark sculpture and Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings command such astronomical prices. Covering auction houses, dealers, and collectors, it reveals the forces that drive art market valuations and the role of branding in an artist’s financial success.

Who should read The $12 Million Stuffed Shark?

  • Art enthusiasts wanting to build a collection
  • Aspiring artists who want a snapshot of the contemporary art market
  • Economists interested in learning more about a niche asset class

91
Alternative Perspectives Books: Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki

Hope for Cynics

Jamil Zaki
The Surprising Science of Human Goodness
4.3 (146 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Hope for Cynics about?

Hope For Cynics (2024) explores the widespread cynicism in modern society and its detrimental effects. It argues that this pessimistic worldview is often misplaced, as people tend to underestimate the kindness and generosity of others. It proposes “hopeful skepticism” as an antidote to cynicism, encouraging you to think critically while recognizing human strengths.

Who should read Hope for Cynics?

  • Those feeling disillusioned and hopeless about society
  • Concerned citizens seeking ways to bridge ideological divides
  • Anyone interested in human nature and the possibilities of cooperation

92
Alternative Perspectives Books: Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad

Parasitic Mind

Gad Saad
How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense
4.0 (46 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Parasitic Mind about?

The Parasitic Mind (2020) examines how certain ideologies have infiltrated modern society, threatening reason, freedom, and intellectual diversity. It explores how these “idea pathogens” spread from universities to politics, business, and culture, leading to emotional thinking and intellectual conformity. It argues for a return to critical thinking, science, and free speech to combat these harmful beliefs.

Who should read Parasitic Mind?

  • Critical thinkers concerned about the erosion of free speech
  • University students navigating ideological conformity in academic environments
  • Educators seeking to promote intellectual diversity and free inquiry

93
Alternative Perspectives Books: Who Rules the World? by Noam Chomsky

Who Rules the World?

Noam Chomsky
Explore the Hidden Powers That Govern Our World Today
4.1 (77 ratings)
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00:00

What's Who Rules the World? about?

Who Rules the World (2016) is a powerful critique of the institutions that exercise global power. With a scope that takes in the war on terror, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and constitutional law, it shows how political and financial elites consistently act in their own interests and against the global good. 

Who should read Who Rules the World??

  • Activists working to dismantle corrupt and inequitable global power structures
  • Environmentalists who value planet over profit
  • Anyone interested in ensuring humanity’s survival

94
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Sublime Object of Ideology by Slavoj Zizek

The Sublime Object of Ideology

Slavoj Zizek
Uncover the Hidden Forces Shaping Ideology and Human Perception
4.4 (18 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's The Sublime Object of Ideology about?

The Sublime Object of Ideology (1989) explores how ideology shapes our perception of reality and influences our desires, even in a supposedly post-ideological world. The book examines the unconscious structures underlying our beliefs, the nature of social and political symptoms, and the paradoxical enjoyment we derive from ideological systems, offering a fresh perspective on how meaning is constructed in society. 

Who should read The Sublime Object of Ideology?

  • Philosophy lovers looking to understand complex contemporary thinkers
  • Cultural critics interested in fresh perspectives on ideology and society
  • Anyone grappling with questions of identity and societal influence in the modern world

95
Alternative Perspectives Books: Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker

Reconnected

Carlos Whittaker
Seven Screen-Free Weeks to Rediscover the Art of Being Human
4.0 (7 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Reconnected about?

Reconnected (2024) explores the profound impact of disconnecting from technology in our hyper-connected world. It chronicles a personal journey of digital detox, offering insights on reclaiming focus, deepening relationships, and rediscovering life's simple joys. 

Who should read Reconnected?

  • People feeling overwhelmed by constant connectivity
  • Digital professionals seeking better work-life balance
  • Anyone concerned about their or their family's amount of screen time

96
Alternative Perspectives Books: Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice

Living Resistance

Kaitlin B. Curtice
An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day
3.3 (110 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Living Resistance about?

Living Resistance (2023) redefines resistance as a universal, everyday calling rooted in connection, belonging, and holistic flourishing. Inspired by the sacred practices of the Potawatomi Nation and other Indigenous traditions worldwide, it empowers readers to seek wholeness and liberation within their own spheres of influence, emphasizing that every act of resistance contributes to collective well-being.

Who should read Living Resistance?

  • Activists and advocates who want to deepen their resistance practice
  • Community organizers with an interest in collective flourishing
  • Anyone ready to heighten their connection to themselves, their community, and the Earth

97
Alternative Perspectives Books: Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis

Technofeudalism

Yanis Varoufakis
What Killed Capitalism
4.4 (52 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's Technofeudalism about?

Technofeudalism (2024) argues that capitalism is on its last legs. The twin pillars of that system, profit and markets, no longer govern our economies. Instead, we live in a brave new world dominated by Big Tech’s ability to monopolize attention, modify behavior, and extract rents from old-fashioned capitalists. 

Who should read Technofeudalism?

  • Economists and historians
  • Futurologists
  • Big Tech skeptics 

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Alternative Perspectives Books: I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán

I Never Thought of It That Way

Mónica Guzmán
How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
4.3 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's I Never Thought of It That Way about?

I Never Thought of It That Way (2022) explores how curiosity can bridge deep political and ideological divides. It offers practical tools for engaging in meaningful conversations with people whose views differ from your own, promoting understanding and reducing polarization in a divided society. 

Who should read I Never Thought of It That Way?

  • Politically engaged individuals looking to improve their discussions
  • Curious thinkers seeking to challenge their own assumptions
  • Community leaders aiming to encourage constructive dialogue across divides

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Alternative Perspectives Books: Stay at Risk and Live Forever by Byron Wien, Taylor Becker

Stay at Risk and Live Forever

Byron Wien, Taylor Becker
Lessons from a Life of Curiosity, Grit, and Reinvention
4.2 (95 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Stay at Risk and Live Forever about?

Stay at Risk and Live Forever (2024) presents insights from the decades-long investment career of a Wall Street legend. It blends personal stories with hard-earned lessons about markets, risk-taking, and continuous learning. 

Who should read Stay at Risk and Live Forever?

  • Mid-career professionals feeling stuck in comfortable but unfulfilling positions
  • Young investors seeking to develop their thinking skills
  • Anyone who wants to overcome complacency and raise their game

100
Alternative Perspectives Books: The Power of Bridging by john a. powell

The Power of Bridging

john a. powell
How to Build a World Where We All Belong
5.0 (1 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
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What's The Power of Bridging about?

The Power of Bridging (2024) presents “bridging” as an approach to overcoming social division. Drawing on research that shows an overwhelming public desire to reduce divisiveness, it offers practical strategies for building connections in all areas of life, from communities and workplaces to friendships and family relationships.

Who should read The Power of Bridging?

  • Activists who need to build a coalition without neglecting core values
  • Educators supporting students to navigate a divided society
  • Community leaders whose work unites disparate groups and interests

Related Topics

Alternative Perspectives Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Alternative Perspectives book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Omnivore's Dilemma as the ultimate read on Alternative Perspectives.

What are the Top 10 Alternative Perspectives books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
  • Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
  • A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
  • Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler
  • The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson
  • Playing the Whore by Melissa Gira Grant
  • Napoleon’s Buttons by Penny LeCouter & Jay Burreson
  • The Story of Sushi by Trevor Corson
  • The Wellness Syndrome by Carl Cederström and André Spicer
  • The Rift by Alex Perry

Who are the top Alternative Perspectives book authors?

When it comes to Alternative Perspectives, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Michael Pollan
  • Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
  • Ishmael Beah
  • Reid Mitenbuler
  • Thor Hanson