As I’m sure many of you can relate, it seems that my “to-read” list is never-ending and always growing. There’s so many amazing authors and intriguing stories to read, and it seems that my interests are growing faster than my reading can keep up. I keep a list on my phone, and whenever someone makes a good recommendation I always add it to my list. Today I want to share my list with you so that your list can keep growing too! If you have any recommendations of things to add to my list PLEASE share in the comments, I love getting new ideas.
- 1984 by George Orwell. I know! This is a classic and I’ve yet to read it. That’s why it’s the very first one on my list. Somehow it keeps getting bumped behind newer and more exciting reads, but I’m determined to read it this summer.
- Why I am Muslim by Asma Gull Hasan. This book is about an American Muslim woman who has dedicated much of her time to fighting anti-Muslim prejudice. She shares passionately what Islam means to her and lets readers into her mind as a Muslim growing up in Colorado.
- Becoming Human by Jean Vanier. My first-year classmates and professors couldn’t say enough good about this book and this man, and for that reason I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Jean Vanier founded the L’Arche communities for people with intellectual disabilities, and uses this book as a call to action for the common good of the world. He calls people to be open and accepting in order to find true freedom.
- Nature and Selected Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I mean, any reading list isn’t complete without some Emerson. He’s a great mind, a great writer, and an intriguing philosopher.
- Plato’s Republic. I honestly don’t know much about this writing, but as Plato’s most widely read and known piece, it’s on my long-term list.
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I know this is a children’s book, but for some reason I’ve yet to read it. It’s something I’d love to read and explore with a young one.
- Eighteen Years by Madisen Kuhn. Madisen is a 21-year-old writer and college student. She has a book called Eighteen Years, it’s a collection of poems that she self-published at 19 years old.
- The Origins of Virtues by Matt Ridley. This book examines the behaviour of humans and explores the roots of self-interest, community, cooperation etc.
- Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. This book examines the disconnect that is so common in Western society. From our families, to our friends, to our political systems, we are very disconnected. Putnam examines this trend and lets readers in on how we may reconnect.
- The Mind’s Own Physician by the Dalai Lama. Just another book about mindfulness and meditation, but wait! This one is written by the Dalai Lama, it must be good.
- This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein. Klein says that Climate Change isn’t about carbon, it’s about capitalism. The book changes the debate to capitalism vs. our earth. I think it’s definitely worth a read.
- Citizens Adrift by Paul Howe. This book looks at political engagement, or rather, disengagement, and focuses specifically on youth in Canada. Howe identifies trends that are causing the disengagement and suggests that young people can be put back on the path to democratic engagement.
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I can’t wait to read this one! Gladwell talks about the dissemination of ideas and trends and the tipping point phenomenon. The tipping point is the point at which something spreads like wildfire, whether it’s the flu or a campaign, everyone wants to know about it.
Now, my list continues on into the deep abyss of literature, but I think I’ll stop there. As you can see, I like thoughtful and philosophical reads. I’m not all that big on fiction unless it has more to it than a simple story. I would love to hear what you have as suggestions, have you read any stellar books lately? Drop ‘em in the comments below 🙂
8 thoughts on “My Spring Reading List 2017”
Melissa Jellie
The Giving Tree is my favorite children’s book of all time.
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payacolada
You will love 1984! It took my really long time to actually start reading it but once I started I couldn’t stop!
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ashlynbrownell
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m glad to hear it’s good!
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Flora
same here, me and hubby love to listen to songs of yearetyesrs and he’s a good singer too, me, nevermind. hehehe. the children have their own preference of music.
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Meliisa
Not sure if you like audiobooks or not but based on your list you might like Presidents are People Too – it’s a free subscription on Audiable – pretty entertaining
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ashlynbrownell
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I’ll check it out 🙂
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tom
1984 by George Orwell – hell of a book! thanks for the suggestions
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New in Norway
Really good choice 👍👍👍👏
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