Ask HN: What non-fiction do you read?
7 points by yanis_t 4 hours ago | 9 comments
Share any fascinating books you've been reading lately.
  • gushogg-blake 4 hours ago |
    Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic

    Modern environments and lifestyles have changed our jaw development dramatically, contributing to the high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (snoring through to obstructive sleep apnea), chronic tension, jaw joint problems, and orthodontic need.

  • ProtosGalaxias 3 hours ago |
    "The Molecule of More" by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long.

    A bit naive but fascinating narrative about how dopamine controls our feelings, addictions, and, basically, happiness.

  • HardwareLust 3 hours ago |
    "Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner" by Paul Sammon

    A deep history of the making of the movie "Blade Runner". Very enjoyable if you liked the movie.

  • kello 3 hours ago |
    Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
  • jbrockwork an hour ago |
    Your Inner Fish: A Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body - Really cool account of human evolutionary history

    Stolen Focus (Johann Hari) - About how we've lost (and can regain) the ability to focus due to technological distraction (currently social media, etc. but hasn't always been)

    Chip War - History and geopolitical significance of the semiconductor industry

  • DataDaoDe an hour ago |
    Plato's works surrounding Socrates' death: Phaedo, Crito, Euthyphro, The Apology.

    Its fascinating to discover how many thoughts and ideas they had which are still relevant in our societies today. Also, they are incredibly readable, its like taking part in on a conversation among friends.

  • 0xmattf 33 minutes ago |
    I only read non-fiction; mostly philosophy. Here are some books off the top of my head:

    * The Inner Citadel/Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot

    * Plato's dialogues (someone already mentioned a few of them, but the Republic was missing from their list).

    * Epictetus (Discourses and Enchiridion)

    * The various essays/letters of Seneca

    * Matter and Consciousness by Churchland (older, but fascinating)

    * The Mediations of Marcus Aurelius

    * (mostly) any Buddhist texts

    * What a Plant Knows

    * Moonwalking with Einstein

    There are tons of fascinating books, way too many to list.

    • vunderba 13 minutes ago |
      Second the recommendation for "Moonwalking with Einstein." Ed Cooke (the memory coach and world memory champion featured prominently in the book) is also a really nice chap.

      If you have any interest in memorization or mnemonics, it's a great read.

  • constantinum 9 minutes ago |
    All Pulitzer price winning non-fiction books — specifically investigative journalism - is always a great read