My partner is one of few people who can learn about a perfect stranger’s culture, religion, politics, and favourite food within the first hour of meeting them. I’m the first to remind him not to interrogate the poor, unsuspecting stranger - but he is genuinely curious about every single person he meets. In fact, he’s curious about everything. His conversations with cashiers last longer than most of my meals. Let it be known that I have nothing against talking to people - but when I was a cashier the last thing I wanted was to talk with the customer. No offense, Karen.
I’ve written this post with him (and some of his suggestions) in mind. Here are 5 books to read for people who are perpetually curious:
1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari:
My partner’s current read and his first suggestion is this cult-fave exploration of the history of humankind. Aptly named, it begins at with our genetic roots and ends with our present situation, and proffers ideas such as “money is the most pluralistic system of mutual trust ever devised” and “capitalism is the most successful religion ever invented.” The idea in the description that peaks my interest is the following: “even though we are far more powerful than our ancient ancestors, we aren’t much happier.” This feels like a book you can chew on. My partner’s focus can jump if there are too many details, but he says it captivated his attention with its quick pace.
2. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson:
I’m 90% sure if Neil DeGrasse Tyson was our age and in our area, I would be single right now. My partner watches his YouTube vides, reads his books, and absorbed his MasterClass in about 2 sittings. His love for this man’s ability to communicate large, complex ideas in a digestible manner is unparalleled - though maybe if I read more reviews of this 2017 bestseller, I could find someone who feels the same. The title of this book is also pretty self-explanatory. He answers common questions about the universe in his signature style, much to the public’s delight. If you want to devote some hours listening to his deep, calming voice, try the audiobook. It was nominated for a Grammy.
3. Down Inside: Thirty Years in Canada’s Prison Service by Robert Clark:
Trigger warning: self harm. Skip to the next book!
I’ll be honest - I’m biased toward this one. It’s a memoir by someone who spent 30 years working in the Canadian prison system - which I personally find most Canadian citizens know nothing about, despite your tax dollars funding the whole dang thing. Prison is a place where bad people go, or a vague concept involving punishment, right? Naturally neither of those are true - and there is no better way to understand both the physical and emotional reality of being locked up than to read a firsthand account (or by getting locked up yourself… don’t do that). Yes, you can watch (mostly American) crime documentaries. Yes, you can watch Forensic Files. But there is nothing that can replace the horror felt when reading about a guy who is so mentally distressed that he slashes his own wrists and paints a beautiful scene with the blood, described by the guy who now has to decide what to do with him.
4. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain:
A great read for any introvert or person who loves an introvert. As other reviews have pointed out, there are some ideas put forth that are worth questioning - but the overarching commentary on the tailoring of western society to appreciate the “extrovert ideal” more than the introvert reality rang true for me when I read this in high school. Presentations, group work, the constant barrage of questions and embarrassment I felt growing up did nothing for my self-esteem, that’s for sure. I am comfortable giving a speech now - but that only happened after I went onstage in a play outside of school, in a supportive environment where I was given preset lines and I wasn’t “me”. I was Phyllis, and Phyllis got to yell in some guy’s face. It was amazing.
But I digress. Quiet has some more scientific bits which are less fun to read, but I would wager that they are worth getting through to understand yourself or your loved ones better.
5. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay:
My final choice - a heart-wrenching book where the author details her struggles with her body and the world that it is in. The title itself, referring to not owning her body, should allude to what is in store for you. Being a big girl myself, I was moved to tears multiple times while reading, often thinking “oh my god, that’s me” - but to prove there is value in reading beyond your experience, David Sedaris lists this book as one of his favourites in his MasterClass. Big or small, of any colour or creed, this book will make you notice things in your world that you would not have noticed before. And the author can WRITE. She writes her truth in lines that echo in your head for years.
That being said, my mom didn’t like this book, and the other person I spoke to about it didn’t seem particularly affected either. So it might be hit or miss. The Goodreads reviews are generally favourable - but, fair warning, this is not a happy book. I still cry when I think of a particular scene - but we can get into that another time.
Well there you have it! Books we recommend for those who like to learn about topics that might not ever cross your plate otherwise. I’m still working on unlocking the secrets my partner holds about how to be interested in everyone. It might just be one too many readings of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. I’ll keep you posted if I ever figure it out.
Happy reading,
Holly
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