newest books I've finished (for fun, not class)
The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less - excellent look at the super complex world we live in and why it actually makes us unhappy - if you've ever been "paralyzed by choice" this book is for you
The Dumbest Generation - a statistical analysis of those under 30, and how their plugging in has really led them to tune out and not achieve at the levels the older generations have. Also looks at why these kids don't only not want to read, but actually detest it - scary stuff
Faking It - more for college aged people, basically a social ediquitte guide for Gen Xers (or Gen Y?) or Millenials? But its full of humor and actually has some decent advice as well
and working on:
The Narcissism Epidemic - very good so far, looks at the growing problem with (again) youth and their self perception. One thing I've learned so far is that the myth that narcissistic people are insecure deep down is generally false - they are really secure, and therefore do think they're better than everyone else.
Also started a book called Why Choose This Book, but its meh so far
For class: None are reccomended, but if you like Medeival History: Leon Battista Alberti: Master Builder of the Italian Renaissance (finished it today), and John Albertin's From the Brink of the Apocalypse - basically about the plague, the 100 years war, etc. (actually writing this post made me do something to change my book review, reminded me of a point about the Alberti book - score!)