An odd title for a booklist, I know. If you’re a West Wing fan or a history buff, you may be familiar with the big block of cheese Andrew Jackson aged for two years(!) in the entrance hall of the White House. He invited the public to come and eat it (it was gone within two hours), and his staff, while serving cheese, listened to the people’s concerns.
What does this have to do with books? Well, this librarian is a West Wing fan. In the show, they had Big Block of Cheese Day at the White House. The Chief of Staff sets aside time where his staff must meet with organizations who normally couldn’t get the attention of the White House. It is in this spirit that I offer you a list of non-fiction books that might not normally get your attention – books with unique topics. Enjoy your cheese….I mean books!
The Privatization of Everything: How the Plunder of Public Goods Transformed America and How We Can Fight Back by Donald Cohen & Allen Mikaelian
This book examines how the decades-long trend of privatizing public services in the U.S. does not serve the average citizen. The authors argue that when private interests take over, they strip public goods of their power to lift people up and instead create a tool for further inequality. Looking at a broad spectrum of issues, this book raises larger questions about who controls the public things we all rely on.
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
In this political commentator’s debut book, she explores how self-destructive white supremacy is and its rising cost to all of us—including white people. Cohesively written, this book tracks the history of race relations in the U.S. from slavery to modern times, documenting when racism against Black Americans has diminished everyone’s quality of life. McGhee makes a convincing case that finding common ground with others and rejecting zero-sum structures can move us forward.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
You’ve probably heard of the gendered wage gap. But have you heard of a gendered gap in data? Accessible and well-researched, Perez examines how this gap in data (all kinds – from heart attack symptoms to public transit usage) disadvantages women at home, at work, in public spaces, the doctor’s office, and more. This material is handled with wit, calm authority, and looks towards solutions to this cacophony of problems.
Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America’s Woods by Lyndsie Bourgon
Let’s jump to the illegal timber market. Hey, I told you up top these books would have niche subjects. Bourgon traces three timber poaching cases, while she introduces us to all the players – poachers, law enforcement, logging communities, environmental activists, international timber cartels (you read that right), indigenous communities, and more! All of this is to demonstrate the morality of tree poaching isn’t black and white, and that we need to come together to prevent these ecosystems from dying.
Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth by Avi Loeb
Space. The final frontier. This book, buy a top Harvard astronomer, tackles two issues. Firstly, he believes there is evidence for extraterrestrial life. Secondly, he’s not sure humans are ready to accept that fact. In this short and powerful book, he outlines the evidence for extraterrestrials and its implications for humanity. Will you check out this out-of-this-world book?
The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care and How to Fix It by Marty Makary, MD
You’re probably aware our medical system has problems. Well, Makary can tell you about those problems in depth. This surgeon and professor demonstrates, using accessible language, why health care has become a bubble. He draws from on-the-ground stories, research, and his own experiences to expose the price-gouging, middlemen, and elusive money games that need serious repair. Not only does he show you where the money goes, he talks about ways you can do something about it!
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps that Explain Everything About the World by Tim Marshall
In order to understand world events, you often think about people, ideas, and movements. Marshall argues that if you don’t think about geography, you’ll never understand the full picture. Covering the world throughout ten chapters, this well-traveled author explains the world (past, present, and future) through maps, essays, and a little bit of personal experience.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
Etymology is the study of the origins of words and their, often evolving, meanings. Looking at cults through this lens, Montell argues in this engaging book that “language is the key means by which all degrees of cult-like influence occur.” With this thesis she deep dives into the indoctrination techniques of cults like Heaven’s Gate and the Peoples Temple, and other cult like groups like fitness influencers.