The Ten Best Books of the Season
The Next Big Idea Club's picks.
Every season, the Next Big Idea Club’s editorial staff reviews dozens of upcoming books to identify the most exciting, must-read nonfiction titles. We start with a broad pool of nominees, and then share them with our curators—
, , , and Malcolm Gladwell—to identify a small handful of finalists and, ultimately, two official season selections. If you want those winning books sent right to your home (or to that of a loved one), check out our membership options here.Today, it’s our pleasure to share our current list of ten finalists! Without further ado, the new books we’re most excited about right now are…
Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts
By Oliver Burkeman
A map for a liberating journey toward a more meaningful life―a journey that begins where we actually find ourselves, not with a fantasy of where we’d like to be. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Oliver Burkeman, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
Mysticism
By Simon Critchley
A probing, inspiring exploration of mysticism not as religious practice but as a mode of experience and way of life, by one of the most provocative philosophical thinkers of our time. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Simon Critchley, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans
By Seth Godin
From one of the world’s most influential business thinkers comes an essential guide to thinking strategically in a complex, ever-changing world. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Seth Godin, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days
By Kari Leibowitz
A blend of mindset science, original research, and cultural insights for cultivating a positive “wintertime mindset,” to vanquish winter blues and find joy and comfort in dark times year-round. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Kari Leibowitz, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine
By Daniel Levitin
An acclaimed neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author explores the curative powers of music, showing us how and why it is one of the most potent therapies today. View on Amazon
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, From the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement
By Sharon McMahon
From America’s favorite government teacher comes a portrait of twelve ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Sharon McMahon, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together
By Michael Morris
A revelatory, paradigm-shifting work from a renowned Columbia professor that demystifies our tribal instincts and shows us how to use them to create positive change. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Michael Morris, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life
By Brigid Schulte
From the New York Times bestselling author of Overwhelmed comes a deeply reported exploration of why American work isn’t working—and how our lives can be made more meaningful. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Brigid Schulte, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace
By
Inspiring advice for navigating life’s ups and downs, and finding ways to grow every day—from the New York Times bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace and Drama Free. View on Amazon
Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness
By
A Stanford psychologist imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful skepticism—thinking critically about people and our problems, while honoring and encouraging our strengths. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Jamil Zaki, in the Next Big Idea App or view on Amazon
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