Back-to-School Reading for Adults: The Best New Nonfiction

I think we should all remember the concept of intellectual freedom. I look at this blog in the same way I would look at a library display. It isn't like the library is promoting books on display over other books in the collection (or if they are, they shouldn't be). They just put display books more in the public eye and it increases the likelihood people will see them. That doesn't mean the library is saying "this book is better to read than any other book!" It's marketing.

I have not read the book, nor do I know much about Peterson's personal views. I do not promote hate of any kind. I simply encourage intellectual freedom.

I am an American and I agree! Isn’t it annoying? This site is about BOOKS. Take the political outrage somewhere else!

Iset wrote: "As a non-American I am sick and tired of hearing "Left!" "Right!" "Left!" "Right!" Sit down and read a book. You think I come to GoodReads for this?!"

Facts aren't racist

Chrystal wrote: "I do wish that Goodreads' recommendations were less US centric. It can be challenging to find singular, reliable sources for international, critically acclaimed books, non-fiction and otherwise."

It's only because the members are shelving US books. It's a numbers game. As more people join from outside the US start shelving non-US authors, they will get more exposure and will start getting shelved more by US readers as well.

" To find the most educational and entertaining books published from January to August of this year, these are the books that have been added the most to Goodreads members' shelves. Then we narrowed down our list to contain only books with at least a four-star average rating.?

Cassie wrote: "For those complaining about Jordan Peterson's book (who I have never heard of and had to look up) this is what Goodreads said in the above message. Did anyone read it?
"we focused on the books that..."
Thank you. It is useful to know how books come to be listed. I like to know who is promoting a book before following up or avoiding it.

Kimberley wrote: "For those who are bashing a published author, no matter who he is - what’s next in your world? Banning books? Denying freedom of speech because you don’t agree? That, by the way is called Fascism. ..."

Exactly! Well said.

Chrystal wrote: "I do wish that Goodreads' recommendations were less US centric. It can be challenging to find singular, reliable sources for international, critically acclaimed books, non-fiction and otherwise."


Good point!

Karen wrote: "Goodreads, why are you promoting Jordan Peterson's racist, sexist bullshit?"
What are you talking about ??? Have you read the Book ?

Kathleen wrote: "I just looked up this author as I didn't know who he was and he got 81% 5 star reviews on his last book. Everyone is so intolerant of everything right now. If someone has a different opinion you at..."

Excellent thoughts!

Nic wrote: "No one is forcing you to be here, let alone forcing you to read the comments. It's quite narcissistic to think that because you are personally sick of something other people can't discuss it. I always see people descending into English language spaces created by Americans, run in America, populated mainly by Americans who then complain about how American it is. It's ludicrous. The world doesn't revolve around you, if they want to talk about their politics they are welcome to do so. "

In the same way, no one forces you to read his book,

Thanks Goodreads for the newsletter. I have to say that as advertised I'm an "adult learner" and I think at this day and age everyone needs not to stop learning. About Peterson's books, to the people who also disagree with him, just don't read it, guys. There are so many books out there to be read and we have only so much time in our lives, every read has an rising opportunity cost nowadays

Now I really want to read Jordan Peterson’s book

A great list Goodreads! I personally was really challenged by Peterson's book. To all the people bashing it, I'm curious, did you read it and then form your conclusions, or are you basing you dislike of the book solely on your opinion of the author himself? Regardless, I always try to read books on topics I am unfamiliar with, or whose premise differs from my own beliefs. I find this a great to understand the people I share the planet with, and to grow my own mind.

I also agree with many of the comments saying the list is very US centric. I would love to see some books on world politics, and books from international authors. That being said I do find the variety of topics to be quite vast, and I'm looking forward to reading a handful of the selections.

Iset wrote: "As a non-American I am sick and tired of hearing "Left!" "Right!" "Left!" "Right!" Sit down and read a book. You think I come to GoodReads for this?!"

THANK YOU.

Karen wrote: "Karen wrote: "Goodreads, why are you promoting Jordan Peterson's racist, sexist bullshit?"

From one Karen to another, exactly."

Now I want to read it. Added "to Read."

As always, people judge a book by its cover.

Jordan Peterson is a frequent guest on a popular political TV show here in Ontario, Canada. As a fellow Canadian, his views make me cringe as do those of our new premier, Doug Ford. I wouldn’t read a book written by him, either. It’s not a case of being close-minded and intolerant. Some viewpoints are simply repugnant because they stray so far from the values that form the core of our goodness as human beings. If you feel differently, that’s certainly your right but please don’t attack readers who find little merit in Peterson’s ideas.

Elizabeth wrote: "Jordan Peterson is a frequent guest on a popular political TV show here in Ontario, Canada. As a fellow Canadian, his views make me cringe as do those of our new premier, Doug Ford. I wouldn’t read..."

What view points exactly? Please point them out.

In answer to your question, "What is the best non-fiction book you have read recently?" I must say it is Anxious for Nothing, by Max Lucado. I began reading it on my way to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston where my husband was to undergo cancer surgery. It was a comforting read and very pertinent in this chaotic world in which we live,

Karen wrote: "Though I shouldn't have to explain Peterson's BS (Google is free!), some reviews of his book:
LA Review of Books: https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/a......"

Thanks!

Iset - thank you

The more people bash a book, especially if they haven't read it, the more I want to read it. I don't care whether it comes from the left or right, I agree that trying to dissuade people from reading certain books smacks of fascism (the idea that someone knows better than you do what is good for you).

Really discouraged by the reaction to Peterson's book on here. I thought it was a good read with the potential to help many people live a better life. The controversy surrounding the book I think largely stems from misunderstandings or misrepresentations. Further proof that there is a growing movement to censor anything that doesn't conform to a particular left-wing viewpoint. Ultimately, he is calling for individuals to adopt more personal responsibility helping first themselves, then their family, and then their community. I read nothing anywhere close to fascism, racism or sexism in the book. Though, it was also abundantly clear that some factual observations such as the insoluble fact of hierarchies could be confused as endorsements or support for their ossification and reinforcement. The ice that Peterson skates is thin but he does so diligently and earnestly. As with all books, it has its foibles and fallacies and you should read it critically. A brave effort from someone willing to raise their head above the parapet come what may.

Karen wrote: "Goodreads, why are you promoting Jordan Peterson's racist, sexist bullshit?"

You should be happy. People from all walks of life are being represented.

You forgot the wizard and the prophet