7 Books I Recommend – April 2025
“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.”
– C. S. Lewis
Here are 7 nonfiction books I recommend from my recent reads.
[See previously recommended books here]
NONFICTION
1. Fluke
Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
by Brian Klaas
This fascinating book is so perfect with my word of the year, Ripple. Brian Klaas explores how small moments really can alter history—think “butterfly effect.” I highly recommend this one.
2. Returning Home to Our Bodies
Reimagining the Relationship Between Our Bodies and the World—Practices for connecting somatics, nature, and social change
by Abigail Rose Clarke
I participated in an online book club with this one, and it was so helpful to hear how others are processing these exercises. Clarke presents so many unique insights about how to connect with our bodies. I’m still thinking about how fluid our bodies really are on the inside.
3. Revenge of the Tipping Point
Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering
by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell is one of those authors that I’ll read whatever he writes. Twenty-five years ago he wrote The Tipping Point (which I read), and this book is the update. So of course I had to read it. In this revision he tells new stories and uses social science to examine modern crises, like the opioid epidemic and social engineering. (Listen to the audiobook if you can! He often has the actual speakers read their own quotes in the book.)
4. Nexus
A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
by Yuval Noah Harari
This is a long book (over 500 pages) but the material requires it. Harari writes how information networks have shaped human history, from ancient myths to modern AI, and how they can be both helpful and harmful. Thus, it’s both frightening in places and encouraging in others. We’ve got to be responsible in these early days of AI before it gets away from us. I’ll do a more full review soon.
5. Secrets of Adulthood
Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives
by Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is another author I always read. This book is her collection of original aphorisms or pearls of wisdom. Drawing from her own experiences and research, she shares insights and truths to navigate life’s challenges in easy-to-read nuggets. I’ll do a more full review on Friday.
6. Democracy in Retrograde
How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives
by Sami Sage and Emily Amick
Do you want to get more involved in civic life—either locally or nationally—but aren’t sure where to begin? This book is an easy and excellent place to start. It’s a practical guide to meaningful actions that we all can take, regardless of how much or how little time and energy is available to us. If we all can do our one small thing, hopefully we can keep democracy alive in the United States. This is a great book club book. I spent Sunday afternoon talking about it with a few friends.
7. Beyond Anxiety
Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose
by Martha Beck
This book isn’t quite as great as I wanted it to be, but it’s still worth reading. Basically, Martha Beck suggests you can manage anxiety by tapping into creativity, switching from an “anxiety spiral” to a “creativity spiral.” But whether or not it reduces anxiety, embracing more of our creative side is usually a beneficial thing anyway, so let’s do it.
WHAT I’M READING NOW
- Parable of the Sower
by Octavia E. Butler - The Glass Castle
by Jeannette Walls - How to End Christian Nationalism
by Amanda Tyler - You Don’t Need to Forgive
Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms
by Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC
What good book have you read lately? Please share in the comments.
These all sound so interesting, Lisa. As always, thanks for sharing these great reviews with us. Blessings!
The Glass Castle was one of the first books our Book Club read way back in the day. I think you’ll like it Lisa …
Happy reading, friend.
Lisa, I always so appreciate your book reviews, and have read (and loved!) a number of books you’ve recommended. It seems that the democracy book, small- or large-step involvement, would have a RIPPLING effect on American and the world, and possibly the body book; I say possibly, because I’ve not read it, but I do know one bad (or good) habit affecting one body part eventually can effect them all. A book I’d normally not read, but which I’ve found interesting is The Sirens Call by journalist Chris Hayes. The title and concept intrigued me, and especially in today’s ad-loaded, sound-bite-saturated age, capturing and keeping our attention–ergo, our lives–has catapulted and often in negative ways. Again, it’s not my cuppa, but it is jam-packed with documentation and quite intelligently and articulately penned. I’d recommend it for those reasons. Thanks again for staying well informed and for informing your readers of *your* readings.
XO
Lynn
PS I’ve reserved a Christian book about attention and saving it by far less digital stuff, and I’ll let you know the verdict once I’ve read it.
Lisa, have you ever considered facilitating a book club, whether online or in person?
L
Fluke is going on my wish list, as well as Revenge of the Tipping Point! Thanks for the recommendation. There’s one that you are currently reading that I will look forward to hearing your review of. I’m sure you can guess which one. ~wink~
Hi, Lisa – Thank you for these captivating reviews. I haven’t yet read any of the books that you have featured here. But I very good friend of ours is a good friend of Malcolm Gladwell. At this friend’s urging, my husband recently read Revenge of the Tipping Point and found it fascinating.
My son and I are using Democracy in Retrograde for his civics/history/government credit next year and I can’t wait! We found a companion workbook to go with it too so hopefully we can dive a bit deeper.
Good list as usual. I think Fluke sounds interesting…
I’m sure the book club enhances any reading experience!
I have added Fluke and Malcolm Gladwell in general to my TBR list. I can always count on you for great non-fiction recommendations.
That Stone Age to AI book looks interesting.
I’ve been reading more nonfiction books too . Enlightening and controversial.
I always love to see what you’re reading!
Democracy in Retrograde sounds most interesting to me. I always feel like there is nothing that I can do. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
All of your book recommendations sound very interesting and ones that I would appreciate reading.
What a great collection of books! I’ve added Fluke to my want to read list, but the Democracy book sounds good (and important) too.
Hi Lisa another interesting collection of books and hope you link up with us next week at the WOYBS? link up. I’ve selected your post as one of my favourites for the #WeekendTrafficJamReboot and will feature your link in this week’s post. Thanks Sue L
I need to pick up Democracy in Retrograde. It’s so unsettlingly disappointing seeing what direction this country is taking. Will look into Secrets of Adulthood as well! I need em’, haha.
Thank you for linking up + hope you have a great rest of your week! :]
Lisa, thank you for these book recommendations. I appreciate you sharing them with us, and I will need to look into them. Thank you for joining us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #83.
I need to add Fluke to my list.
Visiting today from Farrah’s
Malcom Gladwell has always been on my list but I’ve never read anything. Thanks for the audio tip. I’ll look and see what our Libby list has. I also love Gretchen Rubin’s books and got her newest. I’ll be reading it soon!
An interesting collection of recommendations- Fluke is in my library catalogue so could be coming home with me sometime
Cathy – #WOYBS
Hi Lisa as always it is great to have you join us for #WOYBS? as you read such interesting books which I’ve usually never heard of. Returning Home to Our Bodies has caught my eye this month. Sue L x