We read a lot around here. We also get asked on a regular basis for reading suggestions. Most of the suggesting we do comes in the form of the book reviews, essays and interviews we publish on a regular basis (since we only write about things we think are worth knowing about), but we thought we might compile a short list of recent books that we think are "must-reads."
Here, then, are some of the books that have tweaked our thinking in the last couple years (of course, we think highly of our own book as well):
The books on pattern language by Alexander are essential as they teach us how to rebuild and restore connections. Anyone can read and benefit from them. This quarter we are also teaching from The Angry Trout Cafe Cookbook which is an excellent guide to small business sustainability. http://www.mcad.edu/showPage.php?pageID=1601
Curt
'Cradle to Cradle', by McDonough and Braungart, describes an innovative approach to the recycling problem (I know it's the 'original classic', but its lack of detail does make it sound like a bit of wishful thinking at times. Does anyone know of a more in-depth title?)
'Maverick' and 'the Seven Day Weekend', by Ricardo Semler, describes a company where workplace democracy appears to work. (whether or not you'd want to work at Semco, it's refreshing to read of an alternative to the top-down management structure of a standard business)
'The Goal', by Goldratt, is also worth a look. I find its model of production very clear and applicable to most everyday situations. However, it becomes a rather frightening exercise in economic rationalism when applied at a broader strategic level (something which the characters appear to realise at the end.)
Posted by: Tony Fisk on August 8, 2007 8:53 PM
I just want to say "Thank you!" for posting this list!
Posted by: dave menninger on August 9, 2007 7:00 AM
'Environmentality' by Arun Agrawal. A little dense for this list, but a fascinating analysis of how the technologies of governments can subjugate individuals. One of the better books I have ever read.
Just posting another thank you. I'm off to the library to start reading ;)
Posted by: JJ on August 9, 2007 9:25 AM
I know Cradle to Cradle is an "original classic" but I think it is a book worth getting others to read. There are many great lessons to be learned within it. I think it should be on your list. I have given that book to my Governor in person and read from it at City meetings when they were trying to allow a local business to burn Construction waste for their own profit. I think the underlying point of doing "less bad" is by far not good enough, and that we all have to remember to not let ourselves be fooled that less toxic is okay, because even a little toxic is too toxic. Plus I just love that waterproof paper!
But thanks for the list- the two first books have been on my list to get for a while this will push me out to a bookstore today!
Posted by: j.e.p. on August 10, 2007 3:28 AM
I know Cradle to Cradle is an "original classic" but I think it is a book worth getting others to read. There are many great lessons to be learned within it. I think it should be on your list. I have given that book to my Governor in person and read from it at City meetings when they were trying to allow a local business to burn Construction waste for their own profit. I think the underlying point of doing "less bad" is by far not good enough, and that we all have to remember to not let ourselves be fooled that less toxic is okay, because even a little toxic is too toxic. Plus I just love that waterproof paper!
But thanks for the list- the two first books have been on my list to get for a while this will push me out to a bookstore today!
Posted by: j.e.p. on August 10, 2007 3:29 AM
These are not "recent" (apologies for that) but they are worth re-reading now: Mike Davis's _Late Victorian Holocausts: El Nino Famines and the Making of the Third World_; Michel Serres's _The Natural Contract_; Bruno Latour's _We Have Never Been Modern_.
Posted by: Debleena Biswas on August 10, 2007 8:42 AM
What a great little list! :)
Posted by: Menka Parekh on August 11, 2007 10:22 AM
Thanks for a fantastic list!
I would like to add a somewhat aged item to it: 'A Guide for the perplexed' by E.F. Schumacher. It helped me to put my own work in perspective in a perplexing world. Hugely inspiring.
Another book to add might be 'The clock of the long now' by Stewart Brand. Thinking long term while acting short term must be at least as important as thinking globally while acting locally.
Posted by: Lukanga on August 19, 2007 4:27 AM
Has anyone read "The Green Book"? It's a great resource of easy tips for people in their everyday lives. Check it out. www.readthegreenbook.com
