Some books have been banned, burned, taken to court or fought over in school boards. Looking at why tells us as much about the societies that reacted as about the books themselves. Books tried in court Books that provoked outrage Challenged in schools and libraries Books like The Catcher in the Rye, Adventures of Huckleberry … Read more
A book is a personal gift: it says you thought about what someone might enjoy or need. The trick is matching the book to the person and the moment rather than buying the bestseller of the week. How to choose Ideas by occasion Ideas by interest For the avid reader Avid readers may own the … Read more
No book changes everyone’s life, but some appear again and again when people are asked which book changed theirs. They tend to offer a new way of seeing meaning, adversity or other people. Meaning and resilience Stories that shift perspective Changing how you live day to day Can books make you a better person? Research … Read more
Choosing the next book can be harder than reading it. With millions of titles available, the right method saves time and avoids books you abandon after 30 pages. Match the book to your mood Keep a small “to be read” pile with different moods represented, so you can pick what fits the moment. Use what … Read more
Some books teach a specific skill, like cooking or programming. Others teach the skill of learning itself, or how to think more clearly. This list focuses on the second kind, which pays off whatever you decide to learn. Learning how to learn Thinking clearly Practical life lessons Choosing a book for a specific skill Reading … Read more
