For Blink Lang Syne: The Best of Blinkist in 2017
2017 draws to a close. We start rummaging through the garage, trying to remember where we put those leftover fireworks from the Fourth of July (or, if you live in Germany, you go to the grocery store to buy them). Amid all the New Year’s party-planning, though, this home stretch of the year allows us to look back and reflect. In this case, at the best books in the Blinkist library from 2017.
The books touched on the newest ideas in psychology, examinations of current events and past history, biotechnology, and so much more. Word of their quality caught on around the office and many staff at Blinkist offered personal recommendations for these titles. Curl up somewhere comfy and (if you haven’t already) dive into these hot titles from 2017.
1. How Emotions Are Made
by Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD
How Emotions Are Made
- 13 min reading time
- audio version available
“These blinks were a great introduction to an alternative, and quite complex, theory on the meaning and making of human emotions. The way Barrett explains the influence of our personal experience and our culture in the creation of our emotions is particularly thought-provoking.”
– Clare, English Production Manager at Blinkist
2. The Death of Expertise
by Tom Nichols
The Death of Expertise
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
“During my studies, I realized that many people treat education as a commodity that they can purchase and then put on their CVs. These blinks explain why the days of campuses being places of true educational expertise are over and lay open alarming truths about the world we’re living in.”
– Robyn, German Production Manager at Blinkist
3. A Crack in Creation
by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg
A Crack in Creation
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
How does gene-editing work, and what implications does the CRISPR technology hold, now that it has become affordable across a range of bio-industries? The authors of the book bring their own expertise in the field to offer insight on the potential boons and banes of genetic engineering. Whether you’re excited for the coming progress in this field, or hesitant about the consequences of tinkering with the building blocks of life, exploring this work promises to spark discussions afterward.
4. Scale
by Geoffrey West
Scale
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
“These blinks were somewhat of an unexpected delight. Scale covers the often surprising laws that govern how various phenomena relate as they scale, and their consequences; from why transatlantic steamships were initially considered a silly idea to why you don’t have to fear meeting Godzilla in the streets anytime soon. A really interesting read!”
– Erik, English Production Manager at Blinkist
5. Irresistible
by Adam Alter
Irresistible
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
“Adam Alter’s book on the ways in which we become addicted to technology – and how the designers of technology knowingly get us hooked – is eye-opening and a little scary.”
– Ben S., Head of Salad at Blinkist
6. Sea Power
by James A Stavridis, USN (Ret.)
Sea Power
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
“I haven’t read much maritime history before, so I found this tour of the world’s oceans and their historical significance fascinating.”
– Ben H., Head of Content at Blinkist
7. Hit Makers
by Derek Thompson
Hit Makers
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
“I studied literature and art and am fascinated by pop culture phenomena. Reading about the mechanisms and psychology behind what we call ‘hits’ was a pleasure for me.”
– Laura, Publishing Manager at Blinkist
8. Perennial Seller
by Ryan Holiday
Perennial Seller
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
“Perennial Seller gives essential advice on how to make your creative work succeed in the market. The fact that surprised me the most was that you need a healthy dose of humility to be an outstanding marketer.”
– Robyn, German Production Manager at Blinkist
BONUS: If you want to hear more from Ryan Holiday after finishing Perennial Seller, check out his interview on the Blinkist podcast, Simplify.
9. Unplug
by Suze Yalof Schwartz
Unplug
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Meditation is often stigmatized through its New-Age-y associations. Schwartz’s book turns the practice into something approachable with multiple examples of how to go about it, so you can find what works for you and how you can fit it into your life. On top of that, the book provides findings from studies touting the benefits of meditation. Take a deep breath and dive in.
10. Age of Anger
by Pankaj Mishra
Age of Anger
- 10 min reading time
- audio version available
“People are angry. Angry with politicians, angry with migrants, angry with the media. Where did all this rage come from? In Age of Anger, renowned historian Pankaj Mishra looks into history to analyze our current despair. I found these blinks an incredibly useful introduction to the philosophical, historical, and political roots of our modern problems.”
– Thomas, Head of English Content at Blinkist
