Books for Winter Reading
Brandon Sun, January 7, 2013 - David McConkey
Recently I have been exchanging ideas for “Top Ten” books with friends
and family members, including fellow Sun columnist Zack Gross.
Zack had his
list last summer; now here’s my list.
These books from the past few years have led me to a better
understanding of the world. Perhaps some of these books – or these
themes – will pique your interest for some deep winter reading.
• Civilization:
The West and the Rest by Niall
Ferguson
(2011). This is an interesting time to read about why the West (Europe
and later the United States) has dominated the world over the past 500
years. Because that dominance is now melting away right before our
eyes. Ferguson concludes by asking: will the U.S. gently retire or come
crashing down?
• After
America: Get Ready for Armageddon by Mark Steyn
(2011). Steyn entertains as he answers the above question with his
prediction that the U.S. is headed for a big crash. The author, a
ferocious right-winger, is a Canadian who has moved to the U.S. (I
reviewed this book last year.)
• The
Evolution of God by Robert Wright (2009). With
religion becoming increasingly important in the world, here is a survey
of the history of religion. Wright is in favour of religion and
optimistic about its future role. Because, he says, as we progress and
become more morally inclusive, “God tends to eventually catch
up.”
• The
Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution by
Richard Dawkins (2009). Here is the counterpoint to religion and a
wonderful description of current science. Dawkins is a prominent
scientist and atheist. He explains why evolution is both so central to
modern science and also a challenge to traditional religion. (Reviewed
in 2011.)
• The
End of Growth by Jeff Rubin (2012). Here is a
perspective of our current economic crisis from a former CIBC
economist. Our economy is in for a big change, he says, because we have
arrived at “peak oil.” (I plan to review this book soon.)
• What's the Economy For, Anyway?: Why It's Time to Stop Chasing Growth and Start Pursuing Happiness by John de Graaf and David
Batker (2011). This makes the case for an environmentally sustainable
economy, and has many concrete suggestions of how to get there. From a
left-wing perspective, it is a great combination of history, economics,
and linking of big ideas to everyday life.
• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join
the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss (2009). Here is a personal favourite
and definite “oddball” choice for this list! This book is a fascinating
take on the new global economy. It also has lots of ideas for anyone
for their work and life, even if they don’t escape the rat race and cut
their workweek to just four hours.
• The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by
Nicholas Carr (2011). Carr says we are in the midst of a media
revolution on the scale of the adoption of the printing press in the
1400s. A cogent argument for the need for more reading and for book
lists such as this one! (Reviewed last year.)
• Food
Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating by Mark Bittman
(2009). A look at how we can eat food that is better for us and the
planet. A bonus: by reducing our carbon footprint, we can also reduce
our own food costs. Includes 75 recipes, which he has expanded into a companion
cookbook with 500 recipes.
• Nomad: From Islam to America: A Personal Journey Through
the Clash of Civilizations by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (2010). This book is a
personal look at many of the major social, economic, political, and
religious themes affecting our world. (Reviewed in 2010.)
Of course, a list like this will never be the last word. Some of these
books here are already in need of revising or replacing; I look forward
to updates.
Even in the Internet age, book publishing seems to be flourishing. I
anticipate learning about new books from media reviews and personal
recommendations. And I hope to discover books by serendipity when
browsing online and in book stores (both new and used), the Rotary Club
book sale, and the Brandon public library.
To end on a fun note, Hirsi Ali, author of the last book on the list,
recently married and had a baby with Niall Ferguson, author of the
first book on the list. That kid is going to grow up as one heck of an
informed global citizen!
See also:
Popular Right Now:
- 15 Tips for Healthy Eating
- Quality of Life, Well-Being Research Something We Can Feel Good About
- Diets Don't Work, So What Does?
- Political Contributions: Top Ten Canadian Tax Tips
- Nestle Fitness 14 Day Weight Loss Program; What is Wrong Here?
- Charitable Donations: Top Ten Canadian Tax Tips
Must Read Books:
The 4-Hour Workweek:
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

What You Don't Know About Religion (But Should)

In Defense of Food:
An Eater's Manifesto

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:
The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Don't
Even Think About It:
Why Our Brains are Wired to Ignore Climate Change

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