Magazine / 5 Books That Will Make Your Brain Do a Double Take

5 Books That Will Make Your Brain Do a Double Take

Creativity Psychology Technology

While reading a book, there are varying degrees of interest and surprise: there’s the thoughtful nod, the intrigued “huh,” the captivated “no way,” and the utterly stupefied, stunned silence. If you’re looking for new books that deliver across the entire spectrum of fascination, look no further than the five excellent reads below.

Download the Next Big Idea App for “Book Bite” summaries of hundreds of new nonfiction books like these.

Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence

By Amy B. Zegart

A fascinating and revealing account of espionage for the digital age, Spies, Lies, and Algorithms is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the reality of spying today. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Amy B. Zegart, in the Next Big Idea App

Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life

By Luke Burgis

A groundbreaking exploration of why we want what we want, and a toolkit for freeing ourselves from chasing unfulfilling desires. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Luke Burgis, in the Next Big Idea App

The Urge: Our History of Addiction

By Carl Erik Fisher

An authoritative, illuminating, and deeply humane history of addiction—a phenomenon that remains baffling and deeply misunderstood despite having touched countless lives—by an addiction psychiatrist striving to understand his own family and himself. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Carl Erik Fisher, in the Next Big Idea App

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

By Mark Manson

A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives. Listen to our professionally-read Book Bite summary in the Next Big Idea App

The Eye Test: A Case for Human Creativity in the Age of Analytics

By Chris Jones

In a world increasingly ruled by numbers and algorithms, an award-winning journalist makes a compelling case for a more personal approach to analytical thinking​.​ Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Chris Jones, in the Next Big Idea App

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