Five Books I Definitely Want To Read In 2022
It does not matter how many television or online series are available, the experience of reading cannot be replaced. There is something special to the way our minds grow while exploring books. It involves not only following words and learning, but it is the best exercise for the imagination, either if you are reading fiction or non-fiction. Here are Five Books I Definitely Want To Read in 2022.
How Innovation Works — Matt Ridley
What I know about the book
Matt Ridley is a well-known author of popular science with several best-selling books. He explores innovation as a top to bottom phenomenon. Very much like Isaacson he describes it as the result of a variety of events and individuals. It was pretty well-received by both critics and the public. One reader on Google describes it as “a great holiday page-turner”.
What I expect
This past year I have become ever more fascinated by the idea of innovation. What drives it? What inspires individuals or groups of people to come up with new ideas? I think innovation is one of the most difficult things to achieve. It requires imagination, skill, and a considerable amount of perseverance. I enjoyed Walter Isaacson’s The Innovators, I expect to enjoy this one as well.
Beneath Another Sky — Norman Davies
What I know about the book
Firstly, I know the author. Davies has written some of the finest books on European history. Secondly, reviews were almost unanimously positive, which comes as little surprise. Sara Wheeler of The Guardian describes Beneath Another Sky: “This footloose historian’s journey across the planet is gripping, gruelling — and a great read”. I almost know it will be one of the best reads of 2022.
What I expect
I am myself a historian by education. Consequently, I expect an exploration not only of the history of places, but in a sense, a reflection on the filed itself. Norman Davies is one of the best people to do this, given his experience and innate quality of research and writing skills. It announces itself as a thought provoking and absorbing book.
The Goldfinch — Donna Tartt
What I know about the book
I will start by saying that I read The Secret History in the first quarter of last year. The book was all over the internet and it was heavily praised. It was an interesting experience. I know The Goldfinch won Tartt a Pulitzer Prize. However, award winning books are not always as good as we think. The Overstory is one example. The movie adaptation was not a critic or fan favourite either.
What I expect
The premise is promising. A boy survives a terrorist attack that claims the life of his mother. In those moments he hangs his thoughts on a Dutch painting, The Goldfinch which will come to mark his life. I expect a mixture between a coming of age story and an exploration into the psychology of the character. At least, that is what Donna Tartt did in her debut novel. Consequently, I do not think I will be disappointed. Although, I do expect the length of the novel to make it a bit of a challenge.
Rationality — Steven Pinker
What I know about the book
Steven Pinker is a well-known writer and cognitive psychologist. All of his books are bestsellers and for good reason. Rationality is his latest attempt at explaining some of the characteristics of human behaviour. Pinker explores how despite scientific progress we face high levels of misinformation. Reviews praise how he manages, yet again, to combine academic rigour with an accessible style.
What I expect
In all honesty, I expect to find answers regarding the spread of pseudoscience, fake news. and misinformation. My hope is that after reading Rationality I will have a better understanding of the rise of irrationality. Also, that it will help me come to terms with the effects of too much information. However, I also hope Pinker can propose some solutions to fight this phenomenon.
Midnight’s Children — Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie is one of those writers that almost everyone knows now. It is a wonder that he has not yet won a Nobel Prize, given the extent and quality of his work. Magical realism offers an interesting mixture between our world and surreal elements. The book follows the story of Saleem Sinai, who has telepathy. It explores his past and eventually the origins of these powers.
What I expect
The only other Rushdie novel I read was Quichotte and it was a rollercoaster. The jumps it made from our reality to a magical realm can at times put pressure on the reader’s focus. Consequently, I expect Midnight’s Children to be even more of a challenge, but a pleasant one. I honestly hope, that by the time I finish reading it, I will have grown as a book-lover.
For more books lists and reviews go here.
Originally published at https://www.theworldbriefly.com on January 17, 2022.