“I still believe nonfiction is the most important literature to come out of the second half of the 20th century.” – Tom Wolfe, author
The beauty of the human palette is that it’s receptive to so many tastes and ideas. One day, you can be enthralled by a sentimental romantic novel that’s set in a historical time period and the next, you’re absorbed by the musings of a famous CEO.
This balance is important in your educational journey; reading books – fiction and nonfiction – is one of the best ways to expand your knowledge base, grow, learn and evolve.
When it comes to your studies, one of the quickest ways to gain an edge in theory and practice is by engrossing yourself in the works of non-fiction writers who deliver their words from tried-and-trusted years of experience.
Great non-fiction is able to take normal concepts and life events and elevate them to art and inspiration.
Here are five great recommendations to give you that extra bit of motivation and inspiration.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Dr Carol Dweck
Work, life, and personal responsibilities can be a lot to navigate for any student and people often speak about having “the right mindset”. What does this mean, exactly? In this book, Dr Dweck unravels the idea of the growth mindset and how this can be used to achieve success in one’s life. With excellent research and an easily understandable writing style, Dr Dweck focuses on action plans that we can all use along our educational and career journeys. A key tenet of the book asks, “What do I have to do to maintain and continue the growth?” The question challenges the reader to set personal growth mindset goals as they strive toward a bright future.
The Other: How to Own Your Power at Work as a Woman of Color, by Daniela Pierre-Bravo
Written by MSNBC reporter, Daniela Pierre-Bravo, this powerful read charts the story of this woman’s determination to make it as a journalist in her field. Her challenges are numerous: she’s the child of immigrants, undocumented, a woman of colour and aiming for a place in a male-dominated world. It’s an inspirational story, peppered with Bravo’s personal experiences and advice on how to push forward despite the many challenges you may face.
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
With such a provocative title, it’s difficult to resist picking up this piece of work. The author tackles the concepts of race relations in modern Britain and highlights everyday scenarios of classism and racism faced by people of colour. The book delves into the origins and history of societal racism, spanning recent modern events and systemic issues within politics and institutions. As Eddo-Lodge writes, “I don’t have a huge amount of power to change the way the world works, but I can set boundaries. I can halt the entitlement they feel towards me and I’ll start that by stopping the conversation.” A stirring book, open, honest and direct.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
“Bias and discrimination are baked into our systems,” the author writes in her take on how women globally face various challenges in the modern workplace, despite making up almost half of the workforce. The book also brings to light other interesting and subtle ways in which women are marginalized in society. The overriding takeaway is that we live in a world that has been designed for men – a question that should challenge all future leaders to strive toward female equality.
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Bestselling author and speaker, Brené Brown pens this arresting guide on how to become more emotionally adept and fluent. Emotions are at the heart of all we do, so how do we harness our emotions to contribute positively to our life roadmap? With credible research at hand, Brown skillfully takes the reader through the trickiness of human emotions, connection and feelings to unlock the powerful potential within us all. “In Atlas of the Heart, we explore eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human and walk through a new framework for cultivating meaningful connection. This is for the mapmakers and travelers in all of us.”
