I’ve read a lot this year, a fair bit of that was connected to Uni study. But I also managed to continue feeding my curiosity by reading novels, non-fiction, poetry and even some kids books (I thoroughly enjoy reading them to my granddaughter every Thursday night, complete with awesome character voices!).

Here are five non-fiction books I got a lot out of.

Parting Words by Benjamin Ferencz

Ben is very old (over 100 I think!) and after being a POW during the Holocaust, he has worked as a prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials. So, a smart person with a very difficult life experience. Which makes this little book of 9 lessons for a remarkable; e life well worth reading. Especially as a counter for all the crap we hear on a daily basis in the news and media. One lesson: On Education: Learn where you are. Ponder that one for a while!

Consolations by David Whyte

David is a poet with vast literary and life experience. He simply has a way with words. In this book, he gives insights on various words we use and suggests what may in fact be going on underneath them. Subtitled ‘The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words’ he covers aspects of life such as Heartbreak, Genius, Rest and Shadow. For example, “Shadow is not good or bad, only inescapable.”

The Joy of Science by Jim Al-Khalili

OK, Jim is one of those people that I am embarrassed to say I’ve never heard of and yet, what a clear, brilliant and convincing expose of life, reality and the role of science in it all. He challenges us to not be afraid to change our minds if we come across robust evidence that challenges what we believe to be real and true. Lord knows we all need to maintain mental flexibility in life!

The Importance of Being Interested by Robin Ince

Robin is an experienced radio and TV presenter with the BBC and he’s kind of funny too. I first saw him onstage with Professor Brian Cox in Auckland a couple of years ago. This book is both profound and delightful. He interviews comedians, neuroscientists, teachers, astronauts and even quantum physicists and covers topics like scepticism, is God on holiday, matters of the mind, what is reality anyway, and whether you can travel back through time. A good book for cerebral types methinks.

Finding Purpose in a Godless World by Dr Ralph Lewis

Pushing the boundaries of being good, morality, and ethics, Ralph uses his vast psychiatric experience to share how he helps others come to terms with what life holds, how we think about it, and ways to gain more freedom and fulfilment. He challenges the notion that morality is dependent on religion or any particular dogma. He writes about the human need for purpose, getting comfortable with spontaneity and random chance, and how finding meaning doesn’t depend on what’s outside of you.

So, in summary:

Five books for curious minds

• Parting Words - Benjamin Ferencz

• Consolations - David Whyte

• The Joy of Science - Jim Al-Khalili

• The Importance of Being Interested - Robyn Ince

• Finding Purpose in a Godless World - Dr Ralph Lewis

So that’s my list. I get nothing by recommending them except the joy of knowing that for some, they may prove to be enlightening.

Is there a book you think I might like to read?

Drop me a line and let me know.

Rob