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Original poster

Recommend me a book where I'll learn something...

30 replies

fiestabelle1 · 24/08/2016 12:45

Have downloaded a few samples in the past few days and nothings grabbing me. Like fiction but like to learn something at the same time. Set in another country, time period, or with a background subject that i dont know anything about. Happy to try any genre, help me find something to get my mojo back! Best books are the ones that make me want to go away and read more about a place/time/event.

OP posts:
InTheDessert · 24/08/2016 18:45

Princess
Possibly biased, since I'm living there, but a fascinating insight into Saudi Royal life.

Sadik · 24/08/2016 18:35

The Dispossessed by Ursula le Guin - good sci fi tale, but also tells you lots about how a society run on anarchist principles might work / not work in practice (it explores good and bad sides).

Anything of Mary Renault's Greek books, but especially the Alexander Trilogy - the easy way to learn classical history! (A friend of mine who was a classicist recommended them to me years ago)

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/08/2016 16:21

Another vote for 'Knife Man' - interesting and accessible.

'A Woman in Berlin' - about the aftermath of WW2.

'Complications' by Atul Gawande - he's a surgeon and this is an interesting and informative read.

And these two were both flawed imvho, but I did learn some stuff from both of them!
'Anatomy of a Soldier' by Harry Parker
'The Things they Carried' by Tim o' Brien

Original poster
fiestabelle1 · 24/08/2016 14:58

Thanks, both look interesting, will have a better look when i finish work.

OP posts:
troglodite · 24/08/2016 13:29

KNife man- about John HUmter an early medical pioneer. Very interesting www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041RRH72/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks- about a young black woman with unique cells that are used all over the world inreserach now. raises questions about who owns our genetic material and should private companies make money from waht is given/taken freely.
www.amazon.co.uk/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks-ebook/dp/B003P2WJ6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1472041637&sr=1-1&keywords=immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks

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