Whether or not your college recommends some reading prior to you moving into your dorm, it’s always a good idea to practice some critical-thinking skills, right? The top 5 non-fiction titles that college admissions offices suggest this year are as follows.
LA Times columnist Steve Lopez wrote “The Soloist” about a homeless musician who changed his entire outlook on life. The musician was a former Julliard student whose schizophrenia led him away from the stage and onto Skid Row. Lopez put his head together with both doctors and musicians in order to improve musician Nathaniel Ayers’ life.
“Zeitoun”, authored by David Eggers, chronicles the struggles of a man who chose to remain in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina to protect his home . Zeitoun was among the brave folks who remained stayed } in New Orleans to protect his home but wound up in an entirely different situation than his fellow flood victims . Accused of being a member of Al-Qaeda, Zeitoun’s experence became what the New York Times refers to as “great narrative.”
“This I Believe” (Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, editors). The title comes from the name of an NPR program hosted by the iconic Edward R. Morrow in the 1950’s and the present-day version of it hosted by Jay Allison that inspired this essay collection. Everyday American authors share what personal credos they live by, usually by way of an anecdotes which shaped their value system. Contributors include Warren Christopher and Gloria Steinem .
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma” was penned by Michael Pollan. When you sit down to dinner after reading this book, it’s entirely possible that you’ll see the food you consume in a new light . The subject of the book is the American food chain, specifically industrial farming as well as the increasing popularity of organic offerings. Also coveredin the book is the process of hunting and gathering for yourself instead of relying on the marketplace to provide sustenance for you.
“Enrique’s Journey” (Sonia Nazario, author). The incredible story of a 17-year-old illegal immigrant’s journey from Honduras to the U.S. in search of his mother gives readers a lot to think about. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book is the basis for an upcoming series on HBO.
Whether you educate yourself at a traditional college or earn an online degree, books like those above will be a big part of your enjoyment and intellectual growth.