Now that you’ve just about finished the term, you’re probably hoping to read some books to unwi— Wait! Hear us out. Did you know there are books out there that have nothing to do with business? It’s true! Here are 3 books that aren’t in the business sections of bookstores, but still offer useful insights for businesspeople. So settle in, grab your favorite beverage, and keep reading.
“These Truths: A History of the United States,” Jill Lepore
Who doesn’t have time to breeze through an 800-page behemoth of American History? But if you’re someone who has claimed that the U.S. is in unprecedented territory, you should read Lepore’s well-researched survey. You’ll discover some eerie similarities between America’s past and present, and see how seemingly newer issues like universal healthcare — and the responses to it — aren’t that new after all. Keep that beverage handy.
“The Courage to be Disliked,” Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
What a time to be alive! Pandemics, economic uncertainty and climate change are just a few of the things that people around the world are currently dealing with. It’s normal to feel a little anxious. The issue for many people is ensuring that their anxiety doesn’t shift from healthy concern to all-consuming worry. “The Courage to be Disliked” shares some helpful coping strategies for business professionals, including handling disapproval, approaching problems that are out of your control and navigating difficult relationships.
“Born a Crime,” Trevor Noah
A bestseller since it hit the shelves in 2016, “Born a Crime” is particularly suitable for businesspeople who have international interests. If nothing else (and there’s much else, not to worry), Noah’s memoir sheds insight on the nuances of racism and ethnocentrism, challenges us to consider our own implicit biases and exposes the mistake of trying to take a one-size-fits-all approach to these issues. Bonus tip: Get the audiobook for Noah’s stellar narration.
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