This selection of non-fiction titles covers a diverse range of topics, from the science of trauma and the power of storytelling to social media’s global influence and data bias in everyday life. Each book offers unique insights and has gained notable recognition, making them essential reads for curious minds.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Written by Bessel van der Kolk, a Dutch-American psychiatrist and professor at Boston University School of Medicine, this book is a landmark in trauma research. Van der Kolk has been at the forefront of neuroimaging studies of PTSD and dissociative disorders, and was one of the first to receive National Institutes of Health grants to study therapies such as EMDR and yoga for trauma recovery. The book explores how traumatic stress affects the brain and body, offering innovative approaches to healing that emphasize both psychological and physiological treatment. It has been translated into 36 languages and remained on the New York Times Non-Fiction bestseller list for over 140 weeks, highlighting its impact on both professional and general audiences.
TikTok Boom: China’s Dynamite App and the Superpower Race for Social Media
Chris Stokel-Walker, a British journalist frequently featured in WIRED, The Economist, and Newsweek, examines the meteoric rise of TikTok and its challenge to Silicon Valley’s social media dominance. The book delves into TikTok’s cultural influence, its parent company ByteDance, and the geopolitical controversies surrounding its use—including bans and attempted bans in the United States and India. Drawing on hundreds of interviews, Stokel-Walker provides a gripping business and technology narrative that sheds light on the complex interplay between innovation, culture, and politics in today’s digital world.
The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better
Will Storr, a British journalist with bylines in The Guardian, The New York Times, and The New Yorker, presents a scientific exploration of storytelling. Combining psychological and neurological research, the book reveals why stories captivate audiences and how skilled storytellers use narrative structures to engage and move people. Storr’s work stands out for blending scientific insight with practical advice, making it relevant for writers, marketers, educators, and anyone interested in the power of stories.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Yuval Noah Harari, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, offers a sweeping overview of human history, from prehistoric times to the present. First published in Hebrew and later translated into numerous languages, Sapiens explores how the cognitive revolution allowed Homo sapiens to cooperate in large groups and ultimately dominate the planet. Harari’s interdisciplinary approach draws from history, biology, and anthropology to explain major shifts in society, culture, and human evolution. The book has become a global bestseller and is praised for its accessible, thought-provoking narrative.
This is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See
Seth Godin, a renowned American author and marketing expert, distills his core marketing principles in this influential book. Drawing on decades of experience growing companies and advising entrepreneurs, Godin argues that effective marketing is about solving real problems for people and building authentic connections rather than pushing products. The book emphasizes generosity and empathy in marketing strategies, positioning marketing as a positive force that helps others become who they want to be. It has been recognized as a bestseller on both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists.
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Caroline Criado Perez’s critically acclaimed book addresses the pervasive gender data gap that affects countless aspects of women’s lives—from urban planning and workplace design to healthcare and technology. Drawing on extensive research and case studies from around the world, the book highlights how male-centered data creates systemic disadvantages for women, often rendering their experiences and needs invisible. Invisible Women won the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize in 2019 and has been praised for its rigorous analysis and urgent call for change. Perez is also known for her feminist activism, including campaigns to feature women on British currency and public monuments.
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Completed after the death of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, this book presents his reflections on some of the most profound questions facing humanity. Covering topics such as the existence of God, the future of artificial intelligence, time travel, and the survival of life on Earth, Hawking’s accessible writing promotes the importance of science in understanding and solving global challenges. The volume includes a foreword by actor Eddie Redmayne and an introduction by Nobel laureate Kip Thorne. Proceeds support motor neuron disease research, underscoring Hawking’s lifelong commitment to science and humanity.
These seven non-fiction books offer deep dives into critical areas of knowledge and culture. They provide valuable perspectives for anyone interested in trauma recovery, technology, storytelling, human history, marketing, gender equality, and the future of science.
