We love #non-fiction. It’s relaxing, engaging and a great way to learn about new things. This November, we’re sharing a selection of our favourite non-fiction reads with you.
Our recommendations
The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay & Disaster by Sarah Krasnostein
Who cleans up after a murder? It’s not something that we, or most people, have ever thought of. As we live our lives, some people tackle death, decay and disaster to ensure that life goes on. The Trauma Cleaner is the biographical tale of well-groomed, nothing can faze me, Sandra Pankhurst. Born male in a time of intolerance for transgender people and the LGBT community, Sandra does what she needs to survive. Her life eventually leads her to becoming a cleaner, and she join a world that seeks to help and understand people that society can overlook. To us, The Trauma Cleaner is a tale of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit – a definite must-read.
You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy
Did you know that Elephants can hear clouds? Listening is one of the most innate aspects of the human experience, but how often do we just listen? Kate Murphy’s book speaks about our society, and how much we’re shaped by how and what we listen to. For examples, MRI scans show that who we listen to actively shapes how we think and react. A fantastic book that takes an often overlooked action and puts it at the forefront of our mind – highly recommended.
How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barret
Does smiling mean we’re happy? Perhaps a furrowed brow means we’re pensive or annoyed? If a gut-feeling tells us that we need to be alert, why do judges give out harsher sentences before lunch? Human beings and our emotions are deeply complex, often shaped by our upbringings and social context. Feldman Barret uses decades of research into the neuroscience of emotions to shed light on how our perception might not be as accurate as we think. The book is packed with great examples of how emotions impact us and how they could be affecting our health. For anyone interested in the human body or the nuances of culture – this is for you.
Why We Sleep by Dr Matt Walker
Sleep is an integral part of how we live, but the majority of people don’t feel like they get enough. Dr Walker believes that we’re going through a “sleep loss epidemic” and his research suggest that sleep is the foundation of good health. For example, dieting is ineffective without good sleep, and a lack of sleep can increase our susceptibility for several illnesses including depression and Alzheimer’s. So, why do we sleep? Find out!