The most interesting people I know keep apprised of the world around them. Not only do they read the news, but they go out of their way to research and discuss what they find in the news.
Politics are ruled by narratives, whether it be on television or in print, so it’s essential to supplement and challenge common knowledge by listening to people’s own stories. Here are some books we’ve picked as essentials for anyone who wants to know more about people and stories that have been in the news recently.
Level Zero Heroes
By Michael Golembesky
Michael Golembesky covers the story of U.S. Marine Special Operations Team 8222 whose operation was compromised when two paratroopers drowned in an effort to retrieve air-dropped supplies in 2010 in Bala Murghab. This is no doubt a tragic story, but it is also an unmistakably heroic one, in which Team 8222 worked together to reclaim the valley from the Taliban.
13 Hours
By Mitchell Zuckoff
Boston University journalism professor Mitchell Zuckoff is the author of 13 Hours and used extensive research and firsthand accounts from team members to piece together the fragmented stories that surround the terrorist attack on the American Annex on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi. There is a lot of speculation that surrounds the deaths of Navy SEALS Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, so here Zuckoff sets the record straight, in a thrilling and detailed account you won’t want to miss.
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I Am Malala
By Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai has proven herself to be a most-deserving winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, through championing girls’ education, equality, and peace, even while the Taliban threatened to take her life. Most importantly she has become a global symbol for change in a world that many people see as unalterable. This is a must listen because Malala’s reputation as leader for her generation is constantly growing.
Talk Like TED
By Carmine Gallo
Carmine Gallo has compiled nine distinct tactics for being an effective public speaker using TED speakers as examples. TED Talks are certainly a good way to find out what’s going on all around the world, and after listening to Talk Like TED, you will be able to join the ranks of these speakers and tell your own story like a pro.
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American Sniper
By Chris Kyle
American Sniper details Chris Kyle’s experience, both as a family man at home and as the most lethal sniper ever in US Military history out in the field. His life-story is so extraordinary and controversial that you will want to hear it first-hand.
The Intelligent Investor
By Benjamin Graham
Since The Intelligent Investor’s original publication in 1949, it has been constantly circulating the public sector, which is a testament to the durability of Benjamin Graham’s message. If you’re looking for a reliable advisor for all of your investment quandaries, you’ve come to the right spot.
What books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!