The best 85 Change & Evolution books

Change & Evolution are fundamental aspects of life, shaping our world and individual paths. Our book list delves into the complexities of change, offering unique perspectives and insights that shed light on the transformative nature of evolution.

Discover fresh viewpoints and practical wisdom through our collection. Ready to embrace change, ignite growth, and navigate evolution with confidence? Start exploring our selection today!

The best 85 Change & Evolution books
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1
Change & Evolution Books: The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

The Selfish Gene

Richard Dawkins
4.4 (391 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Selfish Gene about?

The Selfish Gene is a landmark 1976 work in the field of biology: It puts the gene at the center of the process of evolution and explains how, when this is taken into account, genes must be seen as “selfish.” Author Richard Dawkins then uses this theory of gene selfishness to explain the massive variety of animal behavior observable on Earth.

Who should read The Selfish Gene?

  • ‘Everyone interested in the universe and their place in it.’
  • Any student of biology or anyone with an interest in biology

2
Change & Evolution Books: The Black Jacobins by C.L.R. James

The Black Jacobins

C.L.R. James
Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution
4.5 (84 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Black Jacobins about?

The Black Jacobins (1938) traces the remarkable history of the revolution in the French colony of San Domingo (modern day Haiti). It describes the events that helped the revolution become the first successful slave rebellion in history.

In particular, The Black Jacobins views the events through the prism of the revolution’s greatest figure, Toussaint L’Ouverture. It shows how he, a former slave who was inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, successfully defeated the European empires and helped to destroy the brutal practice of slavery in San Domingo.

Who should read The Black Jacobins?

  • Students of history and postcolonial studies
  • Anyone who wants to understand why people revolt
  • Anyone interested in how political ideas can change the world

3
Change & Evolution Books: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Steven Pinker
Why Violence Has Declined
4.5 (96 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Better Angels of Our Nature about?

The Better Angels of Our Nature (2012) takes a close look at the history of violence in human society, explaining both our motivations to use violence on certain occasions and the factors that increasingly restrain us from using it – and how these factors have resulted in massive reductions in violence.

Who should read The Better Angels of Our Nature?

  • Anyone who thinks the world is becoming an increasingly violent place
  • Anyone who’s interested in the forces and reasons that drive us to and keep us from violence
  • Anyone interested in the history of violence in human societies

4
Change & Evolution Books: Genome by Matt Ridley

Genome

Matt Ridley
The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters
4.2 (77 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Genome about?

Genome (2006, second edition) takes you on an exciting journey into your own body, exploring the genetic building blocks that make up not only who you are but also all life on earth. You’ll examine the basics of genetics and discover what genes influence, from aging to illness to even your own personality. Importantly, you’ll better understand why the future of healthcare and wellness may be found in the human genome.

Who should read Genome?

  • Students of biology or genetics
  • People curious about biological determinism vs. societal determinism
  • Anyone wondering how exactly genes work

5
Change & Evolution Books: Oxygen by Nick Lane

Oxygen

Nick Lane
The Molecule That Made the World
4.1 (36 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Oxygen about?

Oxygen (2002) is a guide to the element that is so essential to our very existence that we sometimes forget it even exists. These blinks explain how oxygen enables and boosts life on earth while simultaneously threatening it.

Who should read Oxygen?

  • Anybody fascinated by the evolution of life on Earth
  • Anyone interested in biology, chemistry or physics

6
Change & Evolution Books: What to Do When You’re New by Keith Rollag

What to Do When You’re New

Keith Rollag
How to be Comfortable, Confident, and Successful in New Situations
4.1 (45 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's What to Do When You’re New about?

What to Do When You’re New (2015) is the result of Rollag’s 20 years of research on why people become anxious and stressed in new situations. It provides strategies for changing your outlook on new situations and offers techniques for handling such situations with comfort and confidence.

Who should read What to Do When You’re New?

  • Those who get anxious in unfamiliar situations
  • Employees new on the job
  • Students transferring to a new school

7
Change & Evolution Books: Too Much of a Good Thing by Lee Goldman

Too Much of a Good Thing

Lee Goldman
How Four Key Survival Traits Are Now Killing Us
3.8 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Too Much of a Good Thing about?

The human body evolved to allow us to survive in a world very different from the one we inhabit today. These blinks explain why we’re not suited to the modern world, and the health complications we’re suffering as a result.

Who should read Too Much of a Good Thing?

  • People suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, depression or coronary illnesses
  • Medical professionals
  • Anyone interested in genetics or evolution

8
Change & Evolution Books: The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley

The Evolution of Everything

Matt Ridley
How New Ideas Emerge
4.2 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Evolution of Everything about?

The Evolution of Everything (2015) argues that the phenomenon of evolution – gradual change without goal or end – reaches far beyond genetics. Evolution happens all around us in economic markets, our language, technology and customs, and is what’s behind nearly all changes that occur in these fields.

Who should read The Evolution of Everything?

  • Liberal thinkers
  • Anyone curious about the power and beauty of evolution outside biology

9
Change & Evolution Books: The Rift by Alex Perry

The Rift

Alex Perry
A New Africa Breaks Free
4.3 (68 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

10
Change & Evolution Books: A Crack in Creation by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg

A Crack in Creation

Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg
Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution
4.6 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Crack in Creation about?

A Crack in Creation (2017) describes everything you need to know about CRISPR, a new technique to alter the genes of living organisms. These blinks explain the scientific details of gene editing, while also discussing its medical and ethical implications.

Who should read A Crack in Creation?

  • Biologists, chemists and natural scientists
  • Philosophers and ethicists who wonder about the implications of gene editing
  • Anyone interested in the future of medical science

11
Change & Evolution Books: On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin

On the Origin of Species

Charles Darwin
By Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life
4.6 (180 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's On the Origin of Species about?

The Origin Of Species (1859) is Charles Darwin’s magnum opus. These blinks outline a theory of how traits are selected by nature, where the tremendous diversity of life on earth came from and how animals and plants came to be distributed across the planet.

Who should read On the Origin of Species?

  • Anyone interested in science or natural history
  • Nature lovers

12
Change & Evolution Books: Falling Upwards by Richard Holmes

Falling Upwards

Richard Holmes
How We Took to The Air
4.1 (14 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

13
Change & Evolution Books: The Evolution of Money by David Orrell and Roman Chlupatý

The Evolution of Money

David Orrell and Roman Chlupatý
4.1 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Evolution of Money about?

The Evolution of Money (2016) offers an insightful look at the history of currency in civilized society, from shells and coins to the digital ones and zeroes of an online bank account. Find out how monetary systems have always functioned much like religion – without faith and belief, they’d collapse – and learn what the future may have in store.

Who should read The Evolution of Money?

  • Students of politics and economics
  • Businesspeople
  • Anyone curious about the financial crisis of 2007

14
Change & Evolution Books: The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Klaus Schwab
3.8 (86 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Fourth Industrial Revolution about?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (2016) tells the story of a new transformation in technology and industry. These blinks explain the major industrial revolutions of the past and go on to tell how a current industrial revolution is spawning new technologies that fuse previously separate fields – with incredible results.

Who should read The Fourth Industrial Revolution?

  • Students of political science, technology and economics
  • Leaders and educators
  • Workers worried about their job security

15
Change & Evolution Books: The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman

The Story of the Human Body

Daniel Lieberman
Evolution, Health, and Disease
4.6 (154 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Story of the Human Body about?

The Story of the Human Body (2013) is a fascinating exploration of a story over a million years in the making: the evolution of the human body. Departing from the moment our ancestors first distinguished themselves from their hominid brethren, Daniel Lieberman traces the biological history of humans right down to our office-bound present.

Who should read The Story of the Human Body?

  • Anyone who’s ever wondered how we got from cave- to city-dwelling
  • Fans of big-picture science
  • Anyone interested in nutrition and fitness

16
Change & Evolution Books: The Moral Animal by Robert Wright

The Moral Animal

Robert Wright
Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology
4.4 (181 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Moral Animal about?

The Moral Animal (1994) delves into the fascinating – and occasionally controversial – field of evolutionary psychology to ask what really motivates human behavior. Drawing on the work of Darwin as well as a wealth of anthropological sources, Robert Wright sheds new light on a range of familiar everyday situations in the animal kingdom and our own societies.

Who should read The Moral Animal?

  • Psychologists and keen observers of human behavior
  • Biologists and other natural scientists
  • Anyone fascinated by the evolution of our species

17
Change & Evolution Books: The Robots Are Coming! by Andrés Oppenheimer

The Robots Are Coming!

Andrés Oppenheimer
The Future of Jobs in the Age of Automation
4.5 (134 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Robots Are Coming! about?

The Robots Are Coming! (2019) provides a wide-ranging survey of the rapidly approaching – and, in many cases, already emerging – future of automation. In the coming decades, sophisticated robots, computer programs and other forms of automated technology will eliminate many jobs in many fields, and will radically transform the jobs that remain. Andrés Oppenheimer takes us on an insightful and eye-opening tour of some of the key industries to be affected and the major transformations that lie ahead.

Who should read The Robots Are Coming!?

  • Skeptics who wonder if the robots really are coming
  • Pessimists who fear the future they will bring
  • Optimists who hope they will unlock new possibilities for humanity

18
Change & Evolution Books: The Body by Bill Bryson

The Body

Bill Bryson
A Guide for Occupants
4.4 (517 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Body about?

The Body: A Guide for Occupants (2019) is an entertaining and fact-filled account of how we all work. With his trademark wit, Bill Bryson explains the astonishing ways in which our bodies are put together, and what goes on inside them.

Who should read The Body?

  • Popular science fans
  • Biology and medicine enthusiasts
  • Anyone keen to learn more about their own body

19
Change & Evolution Books: Stonewall by Martin Duberman

Stonewall

Martin Duberman
The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Rights Uprising that Changed America
3.5 (127 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Stonewall about?

Stonewall (1994) is the definitive history of the 1969 uprising that catalyzed the gay rights movement in the United States. By examining the lives of six gay and lesbian people involved in the movement, author Martin Duberman sheds light on the systems of oppression – as well as the incredible dedication and bravery – that led to mainstream society’s greater acceptance of the gay and lesbian community. 

Who should read Stonewall?

  • Activists
  • Those inspired by grassroots movements
  • Anyone interested in how communal action can lead to change

20
Change & Evolution Books: 2030 by Mauro F. Guillén

2030

Mauro F. Guillén
How Today's Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything
4.2 (886 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's 2030 about?

2030 (2020) isn’t a crystal ball – but it might be the next best thing. Drawing on current sociological trends, demographic trajectories, and technological advancements, it paints a convincing picture of the global changes we can expect to see and experience in the coming decade.

Who should read 2030?

  • Tech workers and marketing professionals keen to stay ahead of the curve
  • Eco-warriors looking for solutions to the climate crisis
  • Anyone curious to see what the future might hold

21
Change & Evolution Books: The Book of Humans by Adam Rutherford

The Book of Humans

Adam Rutherford
A Brief History of Culture, Sex, War and the Evolution of Us
4.3 (217 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Book of Humans about?

The Book of Humans (2018) is an accessible tour of evolutionary history. It illuminates both the many qualities we share with animals and the many others that set us apart. Incorporating the latest scientific discoveries from genetics and archaeology, it provides a thrilling compendium of the rich variety of life on Earth.

Who should read The Book of Humans?

  • People seeking a primer on evolutionary biology
  • Darwin enthusiasts
  • Animal lovers

22
Change & Evolution Books: Blockchain Chicken Farm by Xiaowei Wang

Blockchain Chicken Farm

Xiaowei Wang
And Other Stories of Tech in China's Countryside
3.8 (77 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Blockchain Chicken Farm about?

Blockchain Chicken Farm (2020) is an examination of the way technology is entangled with everyday life. This sweeping survey of life in rural China unpacks the social, political, and economic changes we can expect in the twenty-first century.

Who should read Blockchain Chicken Farm?

  • Luddites skeptical about the impact of new technologies
  • Techno-utopians eager for more critical insights
  • Anyone interested in forecasting the future

23
Change & Evolution Books: Black-and-White Thinking by Kevin Dutton

Black-and-White Thinking

Kevin Dutton
The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World
4.4 (315 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Black-and-White Thinking about?

Black and White Thinking (2020) examines the human brain’s irresistible impulse to sort things into binary categories: black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. The instinct to categorize is strong –⁠ and we have evolution to thank for it. But while categorization helped us survive in ancient times – when every trip into the forest was life or death – it’s become an obstacle in the modern world. Today, life’s rarely black-and-white, but often shades of gray.

Who should read Black-and-White Thinking?

  • Anyone fascinated by the human brain
  • People who love to pick apart the intricacies of language
  • Those who want to think more clearly in their daily lives

24
Change & Evolution Books: Open by Johan Norberg

Open

Johan Norberg
The Story of Human Progress
4.5 (66 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

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

25
Change & Evolution Books: Nine Nasty Words by John McWhorter

Nine Nasty Words

John McWhorter
English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever
4.0 (135 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Nine Nasty Words about?

Nine Nasty Words (2021) is a foul-mouthed exploration of our linguistic taboos. This title picks apart exactly why some words come to be profane.

Who should read Nine Nasty Words?

  • Language-lovers aiming to deepen their appreciation of words
  • Salty talkers looking to pick up new profanity
  • Anyone curious about the origin of taboos

26
Change & Evolution Books: Grand Transitions by Vaclav Smil

Grand Transitions

Vaclav Smil
How the Modern World Was Made
4.3 (256 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Grand Transitions about?

Grand Transitions (2020) offers a sweeping overview of global transitions, from population growth to environmental changes. It examines the ways that we’ve shaped the world, for better or worse, and looks at the challenges facing humanity in the decades to come.

Who should read Grand Transitions?

  • People who want to understand world history, and how we got where we are today
  • Environmentalists, and anyone interested in the state of the planet
  • Realists looking for a future forecast based on facts

27
Change & Evolution Books: Some Assembly Required by Neil Shubin

Some Assembly Required

Neil Shubin
Decoding Four Billion Years of Life, from Ancient Fossils to DNA
4.1 (47 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Some Assembly Required about?

Some Assembly Required (2020) is an approachable account of the great transformations in the history of life. Paleontologist Neil Shubin started his career looking to fossils for the answers to life’s greatest questions – but with recent scientific advancements, he argues that studying DNA reveals more about the journey we took to become human.

Who should read Some Assembly Required?

  • People interested in the history of evolution
  • Science enthusiasts
  • Anyone who loves an amazing factoid

28
Change & Evolution Books: Exercised by Daniel E. Lieberman

Exercised

Daniel E. Lieberman
Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding
4.3 (268 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Exercised about?

Exercised (2020) is a cutting-edge account of physical activity, rest, and human health. Drawing on groundbreaking research in the fields of exercise science, evolutionary theory, and anthropology, it presents a unique account of the human body’s needs and abilities.

Who should read Exercised?

  • Fitness fanatics interested in a broader view of health and exercise
  • Exercise-avoiders seeking to change their ways for good
  • Amateur anthropologists and armchair doctors

29
Change & Evolution Books: Work by James Suzman

Work

James Suzman
A Deep History, from the Stone Age to the Age of Robots
4.2 (87 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Work about?

Work (2020) is an anthropological history of the human relationship with work. From the first single-celled bacteria in the oceans billions of years ago to the unprecedented wealth inequality we experience today, Work is a sweeping history of what motivates our species. 

Who should read Work?

  • All those wondering whether they have a “bullshit job”
  • Deep-divers who love human history and how we got here
  • People who worry about how they spend their time

30
Change & Evolution Books: Transcendence by Gaia Vince

Transcendence

Gaia Vince
How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time
4.2 (269 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Transcendence about?

Transcendence (2020) is a wide-ranging overview of humanity’s history, from its beginnings on the savannas of Africa to the globe-spanning civilization of today. This multifaceted exploration shows how fire, language, beauty, and time came to define our species.

Who should read Transcendence?

  • History buffs seeking a deep look at the past
  • Armchair anthropologists curious about the origins of human society
  • Anyone interested in what makes humans human

31
Change & Evolution Books: Extra Life by Steven Johnson

Extra Life

Steven Johnson
A Short History of Living Longer
4.4 (59 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Extra Life about?

Extra Life (2021) looks at some of the breakthroughs that allowed the global human life expectancy to double in just one hundred years. From seat belts to explosives, from Ireland to Constantinople, it’s an account as gripping as it is wide-ranging.

Who should read Extra Life?

  • History buffs interested in lesser-known tales from times past 
  • Medical nerds fascinated by the history of human health
  • Humanitarians who want to learn from past progress

32
Change & Evolution Books: Israel by Daniel Gordis

Israel

Daniel Gordis
A Concise History of a Nation Reborn
3.6 (208 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Israel about?

Israel (2016) offers a big-picture historical overview of the small but mighty country. From its improbable beginnings to its controversial wars with neighboring Arab states, Israel’s evolution is a story of change, tragedy, and victory. 

Who should read Israel?

  • History buffs interested in Europe and the Middle East
  • News junkies eager to be more informed about a controversial subject
  • Anyone curious about the modern political landscape

33
Change & Evolution Books: On the Fringe by Michael D. Gordin

On the Fringe

Michael D. Gordin
Where Science Meets Pseudoscience
4.0 (116 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

34
Change & Evolution Books: Arabs by Tim Mackintosh-Smith

Arabs

Tim Mackintosh-Smith
A 3,000 Year History of Peoples, Tribes and Empires
4.2 (199 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Arabs about?

Arabs (2021) is a deep dive into the 3,000-year history of the people we know as Arabs. It’s an exploration of the forces that gave birth to the idea of Arabs as a group – and the forces that have kept them apart ever since. 

Who should read Arabs?

  • Lovers of a good yarn
  • Those fascinated by transnational histories
  • News junkies looking to go deeper

35
Change & Evolution Books: Zero by Charles Seife

Zero

Charles Seife
The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
4.4 (331 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Zero about?

Zero (2000) is the fascinating story of a number banned by the ancient Greeks and worshipped by ancient Indians. Zero – as well as its twin, infinity – is a number that’s been at the heart of both mathematics and philosophy over the centuries.

Who should read Zero?

  • Popular science enthusiasts
  • History buffs curious about how concepts have evolved over time
  • Philosophers interested in everything . . . and nothing

36
Change & Evolution Books: The Epigenetics Revolution by Nessa Carey

The Epigenetics Revolution

Nessa Carey
How Modern Biology is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance
4.6 (338 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Epigenetics Revolution about?

The Epigenetics Revolution (2011) is an overview of the cutting-edge field of epigenetics – looking at the various factors that interact with your genes and modify the way they behave in order to make you, you. From mental health to obesity, it examines the fascinating and often unexpected ways that epigenetics can influence our lives and health.

Who should read The Epigenetics Revolution?

  • Science enthusiasts interested in biology’s new frontiers
  • Dinner-party sages looking to wow friends with fascinating scientific wisdom
  • Amateur psychologists open to an epigenetic interpretation of trauma

37
Change & Evolution Books: The Emerald Planet by David Beerling

The Emerald Planet

David Beerling
How Plants Changed Earth's History
4.5 (42 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Emerald Planet about?

The Emerald Planet (2007) looks at the central role plants have played in shaping the planet and its environment. New research makes use of plants, both fossilized and living, to explain how the planet got where it is, and where it might go in the future. The Emerald Planet inspired a three-part BBC series called How to Grow a Planet.

Who should read The Emerald Planet?

  • Anyone interested in plant biology and paleobotany
  • People who want to learn more about ancient mass extinctions
  • Evolutionary science enthusiasts

38
Change & Evolution Books: Hooked by Michael Moss

Hooked

Michael Moss
Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions
4.2 (292 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Hooked about?

Hooked (2021) explores our complex relationship with processed food. It explains why certain foods leave us wanting more, and reveals how our brain chemistry and our evolutionary biology are exploited by the fast-food industry.

Who should read Hooked?

  • Parents wanting to give their children a healthy start
  • Anyone struggling to lose weight
  • Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights

39
Change & Evolution Books: What is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger

What is Life?

Erwin Schrödinger
With Mind and Matter and Autobiographical Sketches
4.4 (295 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's What is Life? about?

What is Life? (1944) is a classic scientific text based on a series of lectures given at Trinity College, Dublin, by famous physicist Erwin Schrödinger. Though Schrödinger was a physicist, these lectures addressed issues in biology and genetics –⁠ primarily the fundamental question of how physics and chemistry can account for the processes that occur within living organisms. The concepts he explored went on to spark a revolution in genetics, inspiring, among others, the biologists James D. Watson and Francis Crick, who together proposed the double helix structure of DNA.

Who should read What is Life??

  • Science geeks
  • Big-picture thinkers, ponderers, and questioners
  • Anyone who loves getting to the bottom of how the universe works

40
Change & Evolution Books: A Brief History of Motion by Tom Standage

A Brief History of Motion

Tom Standage
From the Wheel, to the Car, to What Comes Next
4.3 (94 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Brief History of Motion about?

A Brief History of Motion (2021) provides a revealing overview of the history, and possible future, of the automobile. From the invention of the wheel, to early steam engine contraptions and the enticing promises of automated cars, you’ll find out how these vehicles changed the course of human history, and the unexpected problems they’ve caused along the way. 

Who should read A Brief History of Motion?

  • Gearheads
  • Anyone concerned about climate change 
  • Investors wondering about the future of transportation

41
Change & Evolution Books: Drunk by Edward Slingerland

Drunk

Edward Slingerland
How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization
4.5 (572 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Drunk about?

Drunk (2021) is a scientific and historical inquiry into the evolutionary reasons why humans started getting drunk. Drunk examines how inebriation helped our ancestors evolve into creative, communal, cultural beings, and considers whether or not alcohol is an appropriate tool for the modern age.

In the audio version of these blinks, you'll hear "Also Sprach Zarathustra," composed by Richard Strauss, made available under a Creative Commons Attribution license by Kevin MacLeod. Thanks, Kevin! 

Who should read Drunk?

  • Anyone who drinks
  • People curious about human behavior
  • Anyone interested in evolution

42
Change & Evolution Books: Our Wild Calling by Richard Louv

Our Wild Calling

Richard Louv
How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives—and Save Theirs
4.4 (45 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Our Wild Calling about?

Our Wild Calling (2020) examines how humans and other animals can enjoy mutually beneficial relationships. It explores stories and philosophy from the ecological movement, and outlines how we can move toward a more hopeful future for all Earthlings. 

Who should read Our Wild Calling?

  • Nature lovers looking for inspiration
  • Office dwellers seeking ways to reconnect with nature
  • Anyone looking for direct ways to respond to global climate change

43
Change & Evolution 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 (426 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

44
Change & Evolution Books: The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

The Narrow Corridor

Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty
4.3 (156 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Narrow Corridor about?

The Narrow Corridor (2019) weaves together a rich tapestry from disparate parts of history to answer the question: Why do some countries achieve liberty while others do not? From the ancient city of Uruk to Revolutionary America, from 1950s China to modern-day Argentina, it examines the conditions that enable governments and citizens to thrive as one –⁠ and the consequences when this fails to occur.

Who should read The Narrow Corridor?

  • Fans of world history, philosophy, economics, and political science
  • Citizens concerned about the fate of liberty in their countries
  • Anyone fascinated by a gripping historical tale

45
Change & Evolution Books: 1491 by Charles C. Mann

1491

Charles C. Mann
New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus
4.5 (215 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's 1491 about?

1491 (2005) is a study of the Western Hemisphere before 1492, the year in which an Italian sailor employed by the Spanish empire first set foot in the Americas. Within a century of Columbus’s “discovery” of the New World, some of humanity’s most sophisticated cultures had all but disappeared. In 1491, Charles Mann sets out to recover their ways of life and remarkable achievements.

Who should read 1491?

  • History buffs
  • Myth-busters 
  • Americaphiles

46
Change & Evolution Books: Why We Eat (Too Much) by Andrew Jenkinson

Why We Eat (Too Much)

Andrew Jenkinson
The New Science of Appetite
4.1 (187 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Why We Eat (Too Much) about?

Why We Eat (Too Much) (2021) illuminates the new science of metabolism. An exploration of how our bodies process the calories we eat into the fuel that keeps our cells running, it demolishes old myths about the value of dieting. When we really understand appetite, it argues, we can finally begin eating healthfully rather than attempting to starve our bodies into submission. 

Who should read Why We Eat (Too Much)?

  • Frustrated dieters 
  • Science lovers 
  • Sugar addicts

47
Change & Evolution Books: Why the Universe Is the Way It Is by Hugh Ross

Why the Universe Is the Way It Is

Hugh Ross
3.7 (108 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Why the Universe Is the Way It Is about?

Why The Universe Is the Way It Is (2008) takes you on a cosmic journey from the Big Bang to the mysteries of time, all while exploring the universe's beauty and complexity. With a perfect balance of science and theology, it's a must-read for the curious and contemplative.

Who should read Why the Universe Is the Way It Is?

  • Curious cosmic explorers
  • Theological scientists
  • “Big picture” modern philosophers

48
Change & Evolution Books: Thunderstruck by Erik Larson

Thunderstruck

Erik Larson
4.4 (36 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Thunderstruck about?

Thunderstruck (2006) is the true story of two seemingly unrelated people, an inventor and a murderer. Set in Edwardian England, the lives of the men intersect in one of the most suspenseful criminal cases in history.

Who should read Thunderstruck?

  • History buffs
  • Narrative nonfiction lovers
  • Erik Larson fans

49
Change & Evolution Books: Longpath by Ari Wallach

Longpath

Ari Wallach
Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs - an Antidote for Short-Termism
4.3 (263 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Longpath about?

Longpath (2022) is written to change the way you think about humankind. By teaching the lessons of the Longpath mentality, it shows how to break the bad habit of short-term thinking and embrace a mentality that helps connect humanity’s past, present, and future in order to make a better world. 

Who should read Longpath?

  • Individuals interested in improving their connection to others
  • Anyone held back by short-term thinking
  • Policymakers at the local, state, or federal level

50
Change & Evolution Books: If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal by Justin Gregg

If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal

Justin Gregg
What Animal Intelligence Reveals about Human Stupidity
4.3 (196 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal about?

If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal (2022) takes a playful yet profoundly meaningful look at what makes humans so different from the other animals on the planet. In doing so, it makes a strong case for why the human mind may be dangerously unsuccessful from an evolutionary standpoint.

Who should read If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal?

  • Animal lovers and pet owners
  • Science geeks
  • People worried about the fate of humanity

51
Change & Evolution Books: How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil

How the World Really Works

Vaclav Smil
The Science of Our Past, Present and Future
4.4 (608 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How the World Really Works about?

How the World Really Works (2022) tackles a paradox at the heart of the modern world: we’ve never had so much information at our fingertips and never known so little about how things actually work. Of course, we can’t be experts in everything. But, Vaclav Smil argues, it’s our duty as citizens to be informed about the basics – the big questions that shape our societies and their futures.

Who should read How the World Really Works?

  • History and science enthusiasts
  • Anyone interested in how their food gets made
  • Those wondering what energy actually is

52
Change & Evolution Books: Smart Work by Jo Owen

Smart Work

Jo Owen
The Ultimate Handbook for Remote and Hybrid Teams
4.4 (90 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Smart Work about?

Smart Work (2022) is a handbook for leaders navigating the post-pandemic transition into a world of remote and hybrid work. These are challenging times for managers, argues author Jo Owen. What worked in the office won’t necessarily work in remote teams. But if there’s one thing Covid-19 showed us, it’s that we can adapt – fast. And change is a good thing, he insists. Why? Well, mastering these challenges isn’t just about future-proofing your job – it’ll also make you a better leader. 

Who should read Smart Work?

  • Leaders and managers 
  • Team players 
  • Self-starters

53
Change & Evolution Books: Future Stories by David Christian

Future Stories

David Christian
What's Next?
4.2 (374 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Future Stories about?

Future Stories: What’s Next? (2022) explains the roots of how we make decisions about the future and illuminates the urgent responsibility on humanity’s shoulders today, with a multidisciplinary approach to time informed by biology, philosophy, and cosmology.

Who should read Future Stories?

  • Historians – both amateur and professional
  • Anyone concerned about climate change
  • Those interested in being a better human

54
Change & Evolution Books: The Evolution of Desire by David M. Buss

The Evolution of Desire

David M. Buss
Strategies of Human Mating
3.6 (62 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Evolution of Desire about?

The Evolution of Desire (1994) drew on the largest study of human mating at the time to analyze the evolutionary foundations that lie behind our everyday desires and mating preferences. It was updated with new material in 2016.

Who should read The Evolution of Desire?

  • Psychology nerds
  • Individuals looking to attract a mate
  • Anyone curious about how our deepest desires work

55
Change & Evolution Books: What’s Our Problem? by Tim Urban

What’s Our Problem?

Tim Urban
A Self-Help Book for Societies
4.4 (438 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's What’s Our Problem? about?

What’s Our Problem (2023) offers a fun and unique perspective on the strange state of the modern world in which we live. Using the author’s iconic comedic style, it draws on observations from political theory, psychology, history, and modern-day events to explain what is going on in our society, and what we can potentially do to fix it.

Who should read What’s Our Problem??

  • Followers of Tim Urban and his blog, Wait But Why
  • The socially-minded looking for clear and clever explanations of complex problems
  • Anyone confused and overwhelmed by the crazy state of the world

56
Change & Evolution Books: The Things We Make by Bill Hammack

The Things We Make

Bill Hammack
The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans
4.3 (198 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Things We Make about?

The Things We Make (2023) dispels the myth around some of the greatest and most ordinary inventions. It retells their making as a creative application of the engineering method, a principle that explains how people in ancient times built some of the marvels that still capture our imagination today.

Who should read The Things We Make?

  • Anyone fascinated about how things of beauty and utility are made
  • Engineering history buffs
  • Curious minds trying to apply the engineering method to their own lives

57
Change & Evolution Books: On the Origin of Time by Thomas Hertog

On the Origin of Time

Thomas Hertog
Stephen Hawking's Final Theory
4.6 (488 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's On the Origin of Time about?

On the Origin of Time (2023) guides you through the humbling, stranger-than-fiction theories that the late physicist Stephen Hawking developed in the last two decades of his life. With quantum physics, holograms, and inspiration from Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory, it reveals what the great scientist came to believe about the origins of the universe.

Who should read On the Origin of Time?

  • Those curious about the origins of space and time
  • People fascinated by the multiverse

Anyone familiar with A Brief History of Time


58
Change & Evolution Books: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

Guns, Germs and Steel

Jared Diamond
The Fates Of Human Societies
4.1 (487 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

59
Change & Evolution Books: Quantum Supremacy by Michio Kaku

Quantum Supremacy

Michio Kaku
How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything
4.3 (459 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Quantum Supremacy about?

Quantum Supremacy (2023) makes understanding the facts and theory behind quantum computers accessible and easy to understand for everyone. It traces the history of the modern computer and posits a future in which quantum computing takes on the challenges of humanity that are unsolvable with even the most powerful of modern supercomputers.

Who should read Quantum Supremacy?

  • People interested in quantum computers
  • The physics-curious
  • Future-forward thinkers

60
Change & Evolution Books: Saving Time by Jenny Odell

Saving Time

Jenny Odell
Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock
4.0 (387 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

61
Change & Evolution Books: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

The Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka
4.6 (75 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Metamorphosis about?

The Metamorphosis (1915) is an allegorical novella about what happens when the main character, Gregor Samsa, is transformed into a bug. It grapples with the themes of alienation, the absurdity of life, and the power of change.

Who should read The Metamorphosis?

  • Anyone interested in a compelling short story classic
  • People struggling with the absurdity of life or the feeling of alienation
  • Students of twentieth-century literature

62
Change & Evolution Books: Disruptive Thinking by T. D. Jakes

Disruptive Thinking

T. D. Jakes
A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead, and Love
3.5 (337 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Disruptive Thinking about?

Disruptive Thinking (2023) is a guide to unlocking your potential and turning adversity into opportunity. By learning to understand and leverage disruption, you can kickstart your most profound personal and professional metamorphosis yet.

Who should read Disruptive Thinking?

  • Leaders seeking to pave the way with care
  • Community champions doing God’s work
  • Trailblazers looking to grow their career

63
Change & Evolution Books: When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest

When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal

Brianna Wiest
4.6 (459 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal about?

When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal (2022) invites you on a profound journey of personal transformation. Explore poignant reflections and empowering insights that inspire you to embrace aspirations, navigate change, overcome limitations, and reclaim your true essence.

Who should read When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal?

  • Seekers of self-discovery and personal growth
  • Individuals navigating life transitions and seeking guidance
  • Anyone looking for empowering insights and transformative wisdom

64
Change & Evolution Books: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Parable of the Sower

Octavia E. Butler
A Novel
3.9 (156 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Parable of the Sower about?

Parable of the Sower (1993) is the story of Lauren Olamina, a young woman who lives in a near-future dystopian California. When her home community succumbs to the destructive forces of the world around it, Lauren is forced onto the road in search of a new life. Throughout her journey, she gradually builds a new belief system, as well as kinship with a new community. 

Who should read Parable of the Sower?

  • Near-future science fiction fans
  • Lovers of Black and feminist literature
  • Fans of Octavia E. Butler

65
Change & Evolution Books: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

The Anthropocene Reviewed

John Green
Essays on a Human-Centered Planet
4.1 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Anthropocene Reviewed about?

The Anthropocene Reviewed (2021) offers a unique collection of essays exploring the human experience in the current geological age known as the Anthropocene. It delves into various aspects of human life and the world, reviewing them on a somewhat satirical five-star scale, blending humor with deep reflection on the complexities and paradoxes of modern human existence.

Who should read The Anthropocene Reviewed?

  • Environmental enthusiasts exploring the impact of humans on Earth
  • Young adults interested in introspective, reflective writings
  • Admirers of John Green's narrative style and humor

66
Change & Evolution Books: The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road

Cormac McCarthy
4.4 (27 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Road about?

The Road (2006) is a dystopian thriller following a father-and-son duo fighting to survive in a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape. Forced to scavenge for food and supplies, threatened by gangs of outlaw survivors, and faced with death and illness, the duo struggle to maintain morality and hope in a world that seems to have lost all humanity.

Who should read The Road?

  • Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction
  • Admirers of Cormac McCarthy’s unique literary style.
  • Anyone who enjoys thought-provoking allegorical tales.

67
Change & Evolution Books: The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon

The Wretched of the Earth

Frantz Fanon
4.1 (16 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Wretched of the Earth about?

The Wretched of the Earth (2021) is a seminal work examining the psychological effects of colonialism and advocating for revolutionary struggle against racist and colonial oppression. It has profoundly influenced civil rights, anti-colonial, Black consciousness, and psychiatric reform movements globally since its publication in 1961.

Who should read The Wretched of the Earth?

  • Activists and organizers
  • Students and scholars
  • People who care about justice

68
Change & Evolution Books: The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

The Cherry Orchard

Anton Chekhov
4.2 (6 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Cherry Orchard about?

The Cherry Orchard (1904) is a poignant reflection on the fading influence of Russia’s nobility at the dawn of a new age of industry and materialism. The play centers on an aristocratic family returning to its ancestral estate, shortly before the property’s sale. Despite proposals to rescue the estate, the family’s impractical and nostalgic romanticism leads to disaster; the family home is sold to a plebeian millionaire intent on cutting down its titular cherry orchard. 

Who should read The Cherry Orchard?

  • Fans of classic Russian literature and drama
  • History buffs
  • Theater lovers unfamiliar with – but curious about – Chekov’s work

69
Change & Evolution Books: Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain

Lisa Feldman Barrett
4.2 (109 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain about?

Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain (2020) is an engaging exploration of the human brain that debunks numerous misconceptions along the way. It explains what brains are actually for, how they develop, what makes them unique, and why they’re often one step ahead of everything you do.

Who should read Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain?

  • Neuroscience enthusiasts
  • People interested in the field of psychology
  • Anyone curious about human evolution

70
Change & Evolution Books: The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell

The Heat Will Kill You First

Jeff Goodell
Life and Death on a Scorched Planet
3.9 (135 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Heat Will Kill You First about?

The Heat Will Kill You First (2023) warns that extreme heatwaves are becoming more common and will dramatically alter life as we know it – they’re an existential danger. Rising temperatures are already changing the planet, shortening seasons and intensifying disasters. Drawing on scientific research and reportage, it argues that intensifying heat will expose societal fault lines and threaten our communities in dire new ways. Extreme heat may be the most serious threat humanity has ever faced.

Who should read The Heat Will Kill You First?

  • Concerned citizens who want to know more about the effects of climate change
  • Policymakers who need to understand the social implications of intensifying heatwaves
  • Environmental activists seeking evidence to convey the urgency of climate action

71
Change & Evolution Books: Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan & Lisa Laskow Lahey

Immunity to Change

Robert Kegan & Lisa Laskow Lahey
How to Overcome it and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization
3.3 (248 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Immunity to Change about?

Immunity to Change (2009) delves into the intricacies of human cognitive development – emphasizing that mental growth doesn't end in childhood, but instead continues throughout adulthood. It shows how understanding these adulthood developmental stages can be pivotal for effective leadership, and presents tools to confront and overcome the inherent resistances to change.

Who should read Immunity to Change?

  • Professionals aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities
  • Educators striving to foster advanced developmental thinking in students
  • Individuals dedicated to continuous personal growth

72
Change & Evolution Books: The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

The Coming Wave

Mustafa Suleyman
Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma
4.4 (333 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Coming Wave about?

The Coming Wave (2023) is a wake-up call. Artificial intelligence and genetic engineering aren’t just technologies of the future; they’re already here, and remaking the world we live in. More than any transformative technology of the past, they have the ability to make the next decades the best in human history – or the worst. Which path our societies go down is up to us and our ability to think clearly about the risks and rewards ahead of us. 

Who should read The Coming Wave?

  • Those interested in AI ethics and impacts
  • Technologists and entrepreneurs
  • Policymakers and regulators

73
Change & Evolution Books: Capital and Ideology by Thomas Piketty

Capital and Ideology

Thomas Piketty
3.1 (114 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Capital and Ideology about?

Capital and Ideology (2019) delves into the historical evolution and justification of economic inequality across various societies and ideological systems. It scrutinizes the roles of property relations and educational structures in consolidating wealth and power, concluding with proposals for progressive policies to mitigate prevailing inequalities.

Who should read Capital and Ideology?

  • Economic students exploring comprehensive analyses of wealth disparity and its historical context
  • Historians interested in the evolution of economic structures and ideologies across civilizations
  • Policy-makers seeking to understand and address economic inequalities

74
Change & Evolution Books: Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation

Isaac Asimov
4.5 (60 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Foundation about?

Foundation (1951) looks at the crumbling of a galactic empire from the perspective of the planet Terminus, located on the Empire’s outer edge. Terminus is home to the Foundation, a community formed by a mathematician who could predict the future and the Empire’s inevitable demise. As the Empire crumbles, the Foundation gains increasing influence through a mixture of atomic power, religion, and economic savvy.

Who should read Foundation?

  • Sci-fi fans
  • Those who’ve watched the new Foundation television series and are curious about the books
  • Anyone who likes a good space opera

75
Change & Evolution Books: Free Agents by Kevin J. Mitchell

Free Agents

Kevin J. Mitchell
How Evolution Gave Us Free Will
4.1 (233 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Free Agents about?

Free Agents (2023) makes the case that we do have free will and are not just machines responding to physics. Tracing the evolutionary history of purposeful decision-making back billions of years, the book explores abilities like imagination, introspection, and causal reasoning that developed over time to allow us to predict outcomes, shape our futures based on our sense of identity, and exercise individual and collective agency over our lives. 

Who should read Free Agents?

  • Philosophers and thinkers
  • Science enthusiasts
  • Anyone interested in the question free will 

76
Change & Evolution Books: The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries

Ernesto Che Guevara
3.9 (32 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

77
Change & Evolution Books: The Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers & Erin Gruwell

The Freedom Writers Diary

The Freedom Writers & Erin Gruwell
How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
4.5 (147 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Freedom Writers Diary about?

The Freedom Writers Diary (1999) chronicles the journey of students at Wilson High School in California and their English teacher. From their freshman year in the fall of 1994 to graduation in the spring of 1998, the teens learned about and stood up to countless social issues, transforming from so-called “unteachable, at-risk students” into the self-dubbed “Freedom Writers.” Their book recounts their collective experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

Who should read The Freedom Writers Diary?

  • Anyone interested in social change and activism
  • Those curious about the original Freedom Writers
  • People looking for inspiration in overcoming social and economic obstacles

78
Change & Evolution Books: Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie
3.8 (103 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

79
Change & Evolution Books: The Modern Learning Ecosystem by JD Dillon

The Modern Learning Ecosystem

JD Dillon
A New L&D Mindset for the Ever-Changing Workplace
4.3 (15 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Modern Learning Ecosystem about?

The Modern Learning Ecosystem (2022) offers a practical and transformative approach to help you adapt to the rapid pace of change in modern workplaces. It provides a comprehensive framework for Learning and Development (L&D) professionals to integrate learning seamlessly into daily workflows, helping employees navigate current challenges and future opportunities.

Who should read The Modern Learning Ecosystem?

  • New starters in the world of learning and development
  • L&D teams having difficulty with the pace of change
  • Professionals looking to understand how they can adapt their organizations’  approach to L&D

80
Change & Evolution Books: Eve by Cat Bohannon

Eve

Cat Bohannon
How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution
4.4 (84 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Eve about?

Eve (2023) is a witty corrective to human evolution, spanning 200 million years of biology. Asking why science overlooked key questions about female bodies, it upends male-centric assumptions about how our species evolved. Ranging from wet nurses to C-sections, these musings will change what you think you know about evolution.

Who should read Eve?

  • Readers interested in evolutionary biology and the history of the female body
  • Feminists seeking greater scientific understanding of human evolution
  • Students and academics studying gender, reproduction, and human development

81
Change & Evolution Books: Endgame by Omid Scobie

Endgame

Omid Scobie
Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival
3.5 (130 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Endgame about?

Endgame (2023) is a penetrating investigation into the British monarchy's current state, grappling with challenges such as an unpopular king and a power-hungry heir. It examines the monarchy's struggles in a rapidly modernizing world, especially following Queen Elizabeth II's death, and the institution's conflicts with antiquated views on race, class, and money.

Who should read Endgame?

  • Royal family enthusiasts and history buffs
  • Followers of British politics and governance
  • Fans of biographies and investigative journalism

82
Change & Evolution Books: A City on Mars by Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith

A City on Mars

Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith
Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through?
3.4 (46 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A City on Mars about?

A City on Mars (2023) explores what would really happen if humans were to settle in space. Would we live up to the great promise of starting life anew on another planet? Or would we mess it all up, as usual? This engaging and funny guide answers every question imaginable about the prospects of space life – from making babies to interplanetary legal systems.

Who should read A City on Mars?

  • Aspiring astronauts and space explorers 
  • Science fiction fans fascinated by speculative futures
  • Armchair philosophers and ethicists intrigued by thought experiments

83
Change & Evolution Books: The End of Bias by Jessica Nordell

The End of Bias

Jessica Nordell
How We Change Our Minds
3.2 (45 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The End of Bias about?

The End of Bias: How We Change Our Minds (2021) delves into the science of unconscious bias, its effects on society, and the ways we can address and overcome these ingrained prejudices. It explores how habitual biases, even those not consciously endorsed, influence behavior and perceptions, and presents strategies for changing these automatic patterns of thought.

Who should read The End of Bias?

  • Individuals interested in psychology
  • Diversity and inclusion advocates
  • Human resources professionals

84
Change & Evolution Books: Prequel by Rachel Maddow

Prequel

Rachel Maddow
An American Fight Against Fascism
4.0 (136 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Prequel about?

Prequel (2023) explores a forgotten chapter in modern American history – the attempt by a powerful, Nazi-funded movement to roll back democracy in the United States in the 1930s. The reason we rarely remember this “plot against America” is simple: it failed. But there’s also a good reason to return to this troubling chapter – the citizens who foiled this fascist conspiracy can help us understand how to defeat threats against democracy in our own time. 

Who should read Prequel?

  • History buffs
  • Politicos 
  • Activists fighting to protect democracy 

85
Change & Evolution Books: The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

The War of the Worlds

H.G. Wells
4.5 (81 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The War of the Worlds about?

The War of the Worlds (1898) tells the classic story of what happened when a series of mysterious cylinders landed in rural English villages at the end of the nineteenth century. What starts as a curious anomaly becomes a horrific tale of intergalactic invasion that has thrilled readers for over a hundred years.

Who should read The War of the Worlds?

  • Fans of classic sci-fi
  • Anyone interested in literary history
  • Visitors from Mars

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What are the Top 10 Change & Evolution books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
  • The Black Jacobins by C.L.R. James
  • The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
  • Genome by Matt Ridley
  • Oxygen by Nick Lane
  • What to Do When You’re New by Keith Rollag
  • Too Much of a Good Thing by Lee Goldman
  • The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley
  • The Rift by Alex Perry
  • A Crack in Creation by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg

Who are the top Change & Evolution book authors?

When it comes to Change & Evolution, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Richard Dawkins
  • C.L.R. James
  • Steven Pinker
  • Matt Ridley
  • Nick Lane