Mythology by Edith Hamilton is an acclaimed introduction to the Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies. The book explores in detail the nature of these stories, their characters, and the influence of such myths on Western culture. It provides insights into classical myths, highlighting their relevance in understanding human nature, fate, and the divine.
Material World: A Global Family Portrait’ by Peter Menzel is a photographic journey that captures the stark differences in living conditions around the world. In 30 different countries, families are photographed with their worldly possessions displayed outside of their homes. This book vividly illustrates the material disparities between nations and encourages readers to ponder about the meaning of happiness, necessity, and the global impact of consumerism.
Maid by Stephanie Land provides an unfiltered perspective of the life of a low-wage worker in the United States. It’s a raw and intimate account of her personal struggle with poverty while trying to provide for her young daughter. From cleaning houses to battling bureaucracy of the government assistance programs, Land navigates through hardships, revealing an eye-opening look at the unseen lives of many working-class Americans.
Letter to the American Church is a thought-provoking commentary on the current state of the American Church. It addresses the various issues plaguing the institution and offers insights into how believers can navigate these challenges while strengthening their faith. The author, Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, explores topics like racial tension, political divisiveness, and socio-cultural changes impacting the Church.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring tale of a young lawyer’s fight for justice in the U.S. legal system. The book focuses on one of his first cases, Walter McMillian, a black man sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. It exposes shocking truths about inequality and injustice in the American criminal justice system.
This book, ‘Israel’, serves as an informative, comprehensive guide that presents a detailed account of Israel’s history, culture, politics, and economics. It walks the reader through the significant events that have shaped the nation, from its ancient roots to its current state as a dynamic, modern society. The book also elaborates on the diverse cultures that coexist within the country and the religious significance it holds for many faiths.
Into the Wild is a non-fiction book written by Jon Krakauer. It tells the gripping true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his life of comfort to pursue the thrill of life on the road and in the wild. Despite his tragic death in the Alaskan wilderness, McCandless’s story became a symbol of courage, rebellion, and the eternal human quest for meaning and freedom.
In Order to Live is a memoir written by Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector and human rights activist. She narrates her harrowing journey from North Korea to China and finally to South Korea. The book uncovers the brutal reality of life in North Korea and the inhumane conditions that people endure under an oppressive regime.
In Cold Blood is an in-depth study of a real-life brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas in 1959, authored by Truman Capote. Through this book, Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, Richard ‘Dick’ Hickock and Perry Smith.