Books Like...
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green is a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of the Anthropocene era, exploring topics ranging from the invention of Dr Pepper to the impact of humanity on the planet. Green's writing style is described as thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and deeply personal, offering unique insights into human experiences and interactions with the world.
If you liked The Anthropocene Reviewed, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness between nature, culture, and humanity. Through a series of essays or stories, Kimmerer shares her personal journey as a Potawatomi person and a biology professor, exploring themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and sustainability. Her writing style is described as poetic, reflective, and meditative, offering a unique perspective on environmentalism and indigenous philosophy.
Hurtling downward, she saw only dark water below. But in that emptiness there were many eyes gazing up at the sudden shaft of light. They saw there a small object, a mere dust mote in the beam. As it ... - #2
Save:Paper Towns by John Green is a young adult novel that follows the story of Quentin Jacobsen, who has been in love with his neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman since they were children. The plot unfolds as Margo enlists Quentin for a night of adventurous revenge escapades, only to disappear the next day, leaving behind clues that lead Quentin and his friends on a journey to find her. The book explores themes of love, friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The writing style is engaging, with witty dialogue and well-developed characters that keep the reader invested in the story until the very end.
The longest day of my life began tardily. I woke up late, took too long in the shower, and ended up having to enjoy my breakfast in the passenger seat of my mom’s minivan at 7:17 that Wednesday mornin... - #3
Save:Rutger Bregman's book, 'Humankind: A Hopeful History', challenges the notion that humans are inherently selfish and instead argues that people are fundamentally kind and cooperative. Through debunking famous psychological studies and historical events, Bregman presents a compelling case for the goodness of humanity. The book delves into topics such as the real-life experiences that contradict popular beliefs, the impact of perception on behavior, and the power of kindness to shape societies and individuals.
At the same time, it’s an idea that’s legitimised by virtually every branch of science. One that’s corroborated by evolution and confirmed by everyday life. An idea so intrinsic to human nature that i... - #4
Save:Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into the struggles of a teenage girl, Aza, who battles severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while navigating relationships and attempting to solve a mystery involving a missing billionaire. The book skillfully explores the complexities of mental illness, friendship, and family dynamics, portraying the internal torment and external challenges faced by the protagonist with authenticity and insight. Through eloquent writing and a dual narrative of personal struggles and a gripping mystery, Green crafts a poignant story that sheds light on the realities of living with mental health issues.
The narrative in Turtles All the Way Down is enriched by John Green's trademark writing style, which combines philosophical reflections, poignant character dynamics, and introspective moments. The book offers a compelling exploration of themes such as anxiety, OCD, friendship, and identity, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the nuances of mental health struggles. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of characters, Green weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness.
AT THE TIME I FIRST REALIZED I might be fictional, my weekdays were spent at a publicly funded institution on the north side of Indianapolis called White River High School, where I was required to eat... - #5
Save:'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling is a thought-provoking book that challenges the reader's misconceptions about the world. Through clear-eyed analysis and compelling storytelling, Rosling presents data and statistics that reveal a more optimistic view of global progress. The book emphasizes the importance of looking at facts objectively, avoiding biases, and understanding the true state of the world. Rosling's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making complex topics like public health statistics and cognitive biases relatable to readers.
“What is the child mortality rate in Saudi Arabia? Don’t raise your hands. Just shout it out.” I had handed out copies of tables 1 and 5 from UNICEF’s yearbook. The handouts looked dull, but I was exc... - #6
Save:"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green follows the story of Hazel, a teenager battling terminal cancer who meets Augustus at a support group, leading to a deep and poignant romance. The book delves into themes of life, love, friendship, and death, offering a unique perspective on facing mortality with humor and grace. Green's writing style is described as witty, emotionally captivating, and realistic, portraying teenage characters dealing with philosophical issues and existential questions in a relatable manner.
Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infreq... Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach is an exploration into the history and uses of human cadavers, delving into emblematic activities like cremation and research. The author takes readers on a journey through the world of cadavers, from cosmetic surgery to embalming, addressing questions about what happens to bodies after death with a blend of hard science and humor. Roach's writing style is described as quirky, humorous, and respectful, providing a balance between factual information and entertainment value while discussing various options for the body after death.
The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new h...- #8
Save:Bill Bryson puts his writing skills to science this time, written from the layman's point of view. The book covers a wide range of scientific topics, from the Big Bang to genetics, in an organized and informative manner. Bryson injects humor and historical context into complex subjects, making it an entertaining and educational read about the history of science and our understanding of the universe.
The book serves as a fantastic review of scientific milestones, blending well-known and lesser-known facts with humor and poignant reflections on humanity's impact on the planet. It presents a comprehensive overview of natural sciences, leaving readers in awe of the wonders of the universe and emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge and responsibility.
A proton is an infinitesimal part of an atom, which is itself of course an insubstantial thing. Protons are so small that a little dib of ink like the dot on thisi can hold something in the region of ... - #9
Save:'The Comfort Book' by Matt Haig is a collection of enlightening observations and reflections that offer hope, self-acceptance, and comfort to readers. Haig candidly explores the human condition with its highs and lows, providing wisdom, common sense, and words of empowerment. Despite its messy and unstructured nature, the book serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for those who are on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Once upon a time, my father and I got lost in a forest in France. I must have been about twelve or thirteen. Anyway, it was before the era when most people owned a mobile phone. We were on vacation th... 'Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life' by Lulu Miller is a unique blend of a brief biography of David Starr Jordan, intertwined with the author's personal memoir and philosophical musings. The narrative delves into the life of Jordan, an ichthyologist and eugenicist, while also exploring the author's journey of seeking inspiration and understanding from Jordan's life. Through poetic language and conversational snark, the book reveals surprising discoveries about Jordan, fish, eugenics, and philosophy, offering a delightful and insightful reading experience.
David Jordan was born on an apple orchard in upstate New York in 1851 at the darkest time of the year, which is perhaps why he became so preoccupied with the stars. “While husking corn on autumn eveni...
