NON-FICTION:
1. “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell has two other mentionable works, “The Tipping Point” and “Outliers.” In “Blink” he provides a close examination of the way our brain subconsciously works during quick decisions. He looks at our instinct and explains how we think without thinking. He boldly answers why some people seem to succeed on instinct alone, while some find themselves only falling into trouble based on first emotion. In this work, the brain is examined closely to find exactly why it reacts the way it does, and how we can manipulate this for our advantage.
2. “Letter to a Christian Nation” by Sam Harris
This is Harris’ first major publication since “The End of Faith” following the 9/11 tragedies. This is a light and easy read, barely 100 pages and no chapters. This is not an apologetical attack, but merely food for thought on the persuasion religious thought has on American culture. Harris merely asks questions on true Christian morality and reasoning in daily scenarios. An excellent read for Christians and non-believers alike.
3. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
No, I’m not kidding. This is one badass book. Sure, Carnegie could’ve been more creative with the title, but what happened to not judging a book by its cover? There is a reason why this book has been a best seller for half a century. Carnegie looks at how to communicate in all scenarios, from business to personal relationships. This is a great book to read with a pen and notebook, and a book worth carrying out in your own life. Before judging the corny title, check it out.
FICTION
1. “Gone Baby Gone” by Dennis Lehane
After I read Shutter Island, I went on a Dennis Lehane spree. I went through 7 of his books in 10 days, and can’t get enough of him. He has a series based on two private Bostonian private detectives. Each is filled with incredible twists, sarcastic humor, and incredible detail. Like Shutter Island, they keep you guessing till the last page, and even after. Sure, many of his books have now become movies, but I promise you, after reading them all and watching all the films, you will hate yourself if you watch the movie first. This guy has pure talent… and sarcasm.
2. “Native Son” by Richard Wright
From the author of “The Outsider”, this book is about a young black man growing up in the 1930’s in Chicago. The 30’s wasn’t a glamourous time for anyone in America, but try being a black kid in a huge city. This book is an easy, light read but packed with incredible detail. Through crime and racism, it captures the very essence of the awkwardness in the lifestyle of the “free” black man in this era. I reluctantly read it for a friend and haven’t regretted it for a page.
3. “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
Amazing. You can read this book as many times as you want and always come away with something different. It needs no synopsis, just freakin read it. There is a reason 50 years after it was written it is still being used in schools across the world. It has inspired people to come out of the closet, move on with life, and even assassinate John Lennon. This book was banned for many years, but is back stronger than ever. In the early 70’s, teachers who assigned the book were either fired or forced to resign. To find out why, pick it up, asap.
Daily Drew 