A good book can be a wonderful way to escape from the stresses of everyday life. It can be relaxing, thrilling, emotional, or educational. Whether fiction or non-fiction, truly great books leave a lasting impression on the reader, in addition to providing that much needed escape.
So you’ve decided it’s time to pick up a good book, now the question is which one? Non-fiction social science books are a great choice to not only get fascinating stories, but also learn more about the world in which you live. There are countless options available to readers, though sorting through them can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to! Below are the Top 10 Social Science Books for 2019.
10 The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce Perry
Dr. Bruce Perry shares some of his incredible case histories involving children that were the victims in extreme cases of neglect and/or abuse . This emotional read discusses the children who have recovered from tragedy and the things that helped them on their road to recovery.
9 The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
This bestselling social science book was first published in 1963, but still resonates today. James Baldwin draws on his personal experiences leading up to the civil rights movement and deftly examines racial injustice in America and the long term consequences if the nation is unwilling to face it.
8 Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham
A New York Times Bestseller, this book attempts to unravel the mysteries of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. Higginbotham uses declassified information, memoirs, and interviews to piece together a puzzle of how and why this disaster happened. It’s as thrilling as it is relevant to today’s discussion of climate change and environmental disasters.
7 Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson tells of his experiences as a defense attorney and his realization that America’s criminal justice system is fundamentally broken. This book tells of the cases Stevenson fought, but more importantly, it provides a look at the people that he was defending. This book, at its heart, is a story of compassion and the pursuit of justice.
6 Shortest Way Home by Pete Buttigieg
This interesting read is not only the story of Pete Buttigieg, but also of the revitalization of South Bend, Indiana. It’s a fascinating look at Buttigieg’s journey, from becoming the youngest mayor in the U.S. to his efforts to revive a city, as well as his own personal challenges. This book is especially relevant today and should be on everyone’s short list of social science books.
5 Honoring Sergeant Carter by Allene Carter
Allene Carter tells the story of her father-in-law, Sergeant Edward Carter, and his family’s effort to restore his honor. Sergeant Carter, a black WWII hero, was later denied re-enlistment and then removed from the California National Guard. It took years of work and investigation to bring to light the heroic actions of Eddie Carter and how a nation could overlook the service of an entire group of people due to their race.
4 The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
In this light-hearted exploration of the English language, Bill Bryson does an excellent job of highlighting its history and eccentricities. No topic is too small and Bryson’s wit makes an otherwise dry subject come to life. Who knew English could be so entertaining?
This social science book is based on Toltec wisdom and Don Miguel Ruiz teaches the reader to avoid the many limiting beliefs in modern society. Ruiz passes down information from his ancestors to help readers lead a happier and more fulfilling life. This book is an excellent choice for the reader that is making changes in their life.
2 A Dark Night in Aurora by William H. Reid
Dr. William H. Reid examines the mind of the infamous Aurora, Colorado mass shooter, James Holmes, in this page-turning exploration of abnormal psychology. Dr. Reid takes the reader inside the mind of Holmes to determine how a happy young boy grew up to become a mass killer. This fascinating social science book will keep you enthralled from start to finish.
1 Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown
Pleasure Activism, inspired by black feminist tradition, questions the modern rules of activism. Adrienne Brown challenges readers to the rethink how to change the world and shows them that it can be a much more enjoyable experience. Brown brings together sex and activism to create a bold and fascinating social science book.
Build your own library!
Reading is good for the mind and the body and can give you a better understanding of the world you live in and even change the way you think. There is a plethora of fantastic social science books on a multitude of subjects. Go grab a new book and start your own library or add to the one you’ve already been building!
