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General Recommendations

"Smart Thinking" Books of 2024

By:

ACL_DublinAdult

Alameda County Library

Staff-created list

What books, if any, blew your mind this year? Barnes and Nobles kicked off the "Best Books of 2024" season recently with a variety of lists. One of their more unique ones is this collection of Smart Thinking books that "introduce us to new ways of reasoning, living and growing." What do you think of their thinking list? To see their other Best Books lists, see the link at the end of this list.

By:

ACL_DublinAdult

Alameda County Library

23 items

23 items

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering

by Gladwell, Malcolm

Book - 2024

"One of the great minds of our time – Malcolm Gladwell – follows up his sensational book The Tipping Point by revisiting the subject matter with a mo...Show more "One of the great minds of our time – Malcolm Gladwell – follows up his sensational book The Tipping Point by revisiting the subject matter with a modern lens, dissecting what it is that pushes society over the edge, and what role we play in it." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"One of the great minds of our time – Malcolm Gladwell – follows up his sensational book The Tipping Point by revisiting the subject matter with a mo...Show more "One of the great minds of our time – Malcolm Gladwell – follows up his sensational book The Tipping Point by revisiting the subject matter with a modern lens, dissecting what it is that pushes society over the edge, and what role we play in it." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 39 on 20 copies

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I Heard There Was A Secret Chord

I Heard There Was A Secret Chord

Music as Medicine

by Levitin, Daniel J.

Book - 2024

"Feeling blue? Feeling dreamy? Feeling full of love or broken-hearted? There’s a piece of music for every mood. Wondering how something as deeply emo...Show more "Feeling blue? Feeling dreamy? Feeling full of love or broken-hearted? There’s a piece of music for every mood. Wondering how something as deeply emotional and intimate as music connects head and heart to heal what ails us? This elegant study from an acclaimed neurosurgeon is the place to start." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Feeling blue? Feeling dreamy? Feeling full of love or broken-hearted? There’s a piece of music for every mood. Wondering how something as deeply emo...Show more "Feeling blue? Feeling dreamy? Feeling full of love or broken-hearted? There’s a piece of music for every mood. Wondering how something as deeply emotional and intimate as music connects head and heart to heal what ails us? This elegant study from an acclaimed neurosurgeon is the place to start." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 11 on 5 copies

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Merlin's Tour of the Universe, Revised and Updated for the Twenty-First Century

Merlin's Tour of the Universe, Revised and Updated for the Twenty-First Century

A Traveler's Guide to Blue Moons and Black Holes, Mars, Stars, and Everything Far

by Tyson, Neil deGrasse

eBook - 2024

"The universe is a big place. Best to see it with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his fictional chaperone Merlin as a guide. Traveling through space one ques...Show more "The universe is a big place. Best to see it with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his fictional chaperone Merlin as a guide. Traveling through space one question at a time, this is a lively and energetic exploration of the cosmos." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"The universe is a big place. Best to see it with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his fictional chaperone Merlin as a guide. Traveling through space one ques...Show more "The universe is a big place. Best to see it with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his fictional chaperone Merlin as a guide. Traveling through space one question at a time, this is a lively and energetic exploration of the cosmos." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Nexus

Nexus

A Brief History of Information Networks From the Stone Age to AI

by Harari, Yuval N.

Book - 2024

"Yuval Noah Harari strives to find the happy medium between the stone age and the internet age in this sweeping history of humanity and the information networks that make or break us." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Yuval Noah Harari strives to find the happy medium between the stone age and the internet age in this sweeping history of humanity and the information networks that make or break us." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Yuval Noah Harari strives to find the happy medium between the stone age and the internet age in this sweeping history of humanity and the information networks that make or break us." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Yuval Noah Harari strives to find the happy medium between the stone age and the internet age in this sweeping history of humanity and the information networks that make or break us." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 54 on 16 copies

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The Anxious Generation

The Anxious Generation

How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing An Epidemic of Mental Illness

by Haidt, Jonathan

Book - 2024

"Addressing the ongoing teen mental illness crisis, this is an actionable approach to making a difference. It’s practical and insightful, engaging and necessary." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Addressing the ongoing teen mental illness crisis, this is an actionable approach to making a difference. It’s practical and insightful, engaging and necessary." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Addressing the ongoing teen mental illness crisis, this is an actionable approach to making a difference. It’s practical and insightful, engaging and necessary." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Addressing the ongoing teen mental illness crisis, this is an actionable approach to making a difference. It’s practical and insightful, engaging and necessary." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 74 on 20 copies

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The Singularity Is Nearer

The Singularity Is Nearer

When We Merge With Al

by Kurzweil, Ray

Book - 2024

"From one of the most renowned futurists alive today, this meticulous dig into the future of humanity weaves in new technologies like AI and expands ...Show more "From one of the most renowned futurists alive today, this meticulous dig into the future of humanity weaves in new technologies like AI and expands on how it could be the cornerstone of a whole new era." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"From one of the most renowned futurists alive today, this meticulous dig into the future of humanity weaves in new technologies like AI and expands ...Show more "From one of the most renowned futurists alive today, this meticulous dig into the future of humanity weaves in new technologies like AI and expands on how it could be the cornerstone of a whole new era." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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The Age of Magical Overthinking

The Age of Magical Overthinking

Notes on Modern Irrationality

by Montell, Amanda

Book - 2024

"This is a playful and smart exploration of all our very human foibles and the stories we tell ourselves as we try to make sense of the world. (Think...Show more "This is a playful and smart exploration of all our very human foibles and the stories we tell ourselves as we try to make sense of the world. (Think of Amanda as a new best friend who will only tell you the truth.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"This is a playful and smart exploration of all our very human foibles and the stories we tell ourselves as we try to make sense of the world. (Think...Show more "This is a playful and smart exploration of all our very human foibles and the stories we tell ourselves as we try to make sense of the world. (Think of Amanda as a new best friend who will only tell you the truth.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Good Energy

Good Energy

The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

by Means, Casey

Book - 2024

"Merging the personal with the professional, Dr. Means is a relatable narrator guiding readers through what it means to use food as medicine. This is...Show more "Merging the personal with the professional, Dr. Means is a relatable narrator guiding readers through what it means to use food as medicine. This is a tool chest of insights designed to give you the resources to build your own health. Great for readers of Outlive." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Merging the personal with the professional, Dr. Means is a relatable narrator guiding readers through what it means to use food as medicine. This is...Show more "Merging the personal with the professional, Dr. Means is a relatable narrator guiding readers through what it means to use food as medicine. This is a tool chest of insights designed to give you the resources to build your own health. Great for readers of Outlive." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 51 on 11 copies

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Supercommunicators

Supercommunicators

How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

by Duhigg, Charles

Book - 2024

"If you’re struggling to connect more effectively, this is the book for you. Charles Duhigg expertly examines how to understand others and be underst...Show more "If you’re struggling to connect more effectively, this is the book for you. Charles Duhigg expertly examines how to understand others and be understood, better. Backed by an impressive array of case studies, it will have you ready to deepen your connections and feel confident doing it." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"If you’re struggling to connect more effectively, this is the book for you. Charles Duhigg expertly examines how to understand others and be underst...Show more "If you’re struggling to connect more effectively, this is the book for you. Charles Duhigg expertly examines how to understand others and be understood, better. Backed by an impressive array of case studies, it will have you ready to deepen your connections and feel confident doing it." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Meditations for Mortals

Meditations for Mortals

Four Weeks to Embrace your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts

by Burkeman, Oliver

Book - 2024

"Burkeman changed the way we thought about time management with one of our favorite nonfiction monthly picks, Four Thousand Weeks. Here he turns his ...Show more "Burkeman changed the way we thought about time management with one of our favorite nonfiction monthly picks, Four Thousand Weeks. Here he turns his talents to making meditation charmingly accessible." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Burkeman changed the way we thought about time management with one of our favorite nonfiction monthly picks, Four Thousand Weeks. Here he turns his ...Show more "Burkeman changed the way we thought about time management with one of our favorite nonfiction monthly picks, Four Thousand Weeks. Here he turns his talents to making meditation charmingly accessible." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 7 on 8 copies

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Don't Believe Everything You Think

Don't Believe Everything You Think

Why your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering

by Nguyen, Joseph

Book - 2024

"A gentle and easy-to-understand approach to changing negative thinking so you can stop holding yourself back." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "A gentle and easy-to-understand approach to changing negative thinking so you can stop holding yourself back." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"A gentle and easy-to-understand approach to changing negative thinking so you can stop holding yourself back." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "A gentle and easy-to-understand approach to changing negative thinking so you can stop holding yourself back." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 18 on 16 copies

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Right Thing, Right Now

Right Thing, Right Now

Good Values, Good Character, Good Deeds

by Holiday, Ryan

Book - 2024

"It’s always the right time to do the right thing (even if it feels close to impossible.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "It’s always the right time to do the right thing (even if it feels close to impossible.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"It’s always the right time to do the right thing (even if it feels close to impossible.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "It’s always the right time to do the right thing (even if it feels close to impossible.)" -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 1 on 5 copies

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The Backyard Bird Chronicles

The Backyard Bird Chronicles

by Tan, Amy

Book - 2024

"Amy Tan’s stories of love and family have moved us for decades and now we get to experience birding through her eyes. The Backyard Bird Chronicles t...Show more "Amy Tan’s stories of love and family have moved us for decades and now we get to experience birding through her eyes. The Backyard Bird Chronicles taps into the fascination with our avian friends and will delight readers of The Bird Way and What It’s Like to Be a Bird." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Amy Tan’s stories of love and family have moved us for decades and now we get to experience birding through her eyes. The Backyard Bird Chronicles t...Show more "Amy Tan’s stories of love and family have moved us for decades and now we get to experience birding through her eyes. The Backyard Bird Chronicles taps into the fascination with our avian friends and will delight readers of The Bird Way and What It’s Like to Be a Bird." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 7 on 11 copies

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Vanishing Treasures

Vanishing Treasures

A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures

by Rundell, Katherine

Book - 2024

"A sweeping survey of tragically endangered creatures, from wombats to wolves, seals to storks and beyond. Rundell explores their role in our world a...Show more "A sweeping survey of tragically endangered creatures, from wombats to wolves, seals to storks and beyond. Rundell explores their role in our world and our role in their collapse in this moving collection, complemented by gorgeous illustrations." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"A sweeping survey of tragically endangered creatures, from wombats to wolves, seals to storks and beyond. Rundell explores their role in our world a...Show more "A sweeping survey of tragically endangered creatures, from wombats to wolves, seals to storks and beyond. Rundell explores their role in our world and our role in their collapse in this moving collection, complemented by gorgeous illustrations." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 1 on 11 copies

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The Serviceberry

The Serviceberry

Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World

by Kimmerer, Robin Wall

Book - 2024

"Taking on expansive issues with care and compassion, Robin Wall Kimmerer provides perspective on what’s truly important, and how we can rediscover ourselves and our place in the natural world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Taking on expansive issues with care and compassion, Robin Wall Kimmerer provides perspective on what’s truly important, and how we can rediscover ourselves and our place in the natural world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Taking on expansive issues with care and compassion, Robin Wall Kimmerer provides perspective on what’s truly important, and how we can rediscover ourselves and our place in the natural world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "Taking on expansive issues with care and compassion, Robin Wall Kimmerer provides perspective on what’s truly important, and how we can rediscover ourselves and our place in the natural world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 1 on 13 copies

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Becoming Earth

Becoming Earth

How Our Planet Came to Life

by Jabr, Ferris

Book - 2024

"What’s the first thing you think of when you think of our planet? Be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true, thanks...Show more "What’s the first thing you think of when you think of our planet? Be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true, thanks to this engaging and thoughtful new look at our world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"What’s the first thing you think of when you think of our planet? Be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true, thanks...Show more "What’s the first thing you think of when you think of our planet? Be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true, thanks to this engaging and thoughtful new look at our world." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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What If We Get It Right?

What If We Get It Right?

Visions of Climate Futures

by Johnson, Ayana Elizabeth

Book - 2024

"What if we could reimagine what might come and find new ways to confront climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time? What if we push...Show more "What if we could reimagine what might come and find new ways to confront climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time? What if we pushed forward into a future full of possibility? A timely and essential must-read for anyone hoping to change our world for the better." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"What if we could reimagine what might come and find new ways to confront climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time? What if we push...Show more "What if we could reimagine what might come and find new ways to confront climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time? What if we pushed forward into a future full of possibility? A timely and essential must-read for anyone hoping to change our world for the better." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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The Light Eaters

The Light Eaters

How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers A New Understanding of Life on Earth

by Schlanger, Zoë

Book - 2024

"This book will make you think twice before talking to your ficus — a fun read for indoor (and outdoor) plant people." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "This book will make you think twice before talking to your ficus — a fun read for indoor (and outdoor) plant people." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"This book will make you think twice before talking to your ficus — a fun read for indoor (and outdoor) plant people." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "This book will make you think twice before talking to your ficus — a fun read for indoor (and outdoor) plant people." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Secrets of the Octopus

Secrets of the Octopus

by Montgomery, Sy

Book - 2024

"Sy Montgomery wowed the world with her first octopus book, Soul of an Octopus, and now she returns to the same subject. Utilizing the insights of ex...Show more "Sy Montgomery wowed the world with her first octopus book, Soul of an Octopus, and now she returns to the same subject. Utilizing the insights of experts in the field, this is a fresh new look at one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet, all from someone who knows them dearly." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"Sy Montgomery wowed the world with her first octopus book, Soul of an Octopus, and now she returns to the same subject. Utilizing the insights of ex...Show more "Sy Montgomery wowed the world with her first octopus book, Soul of an Octopus, and now she returns to the same subject. Utilizing the insights of experts in the field, this is a fresh new look at one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet, all from someone who knows them dearly." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Frostbite

Frostbite

How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves

by Twilley, Nicola

Book - 2024

"A snappy, sharp history of one of humanity’s great inventions. This one will make you look at your fridge in a whole new way." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "A snappy, sharp history of one of humanity’s great inventions. This one will make you look at your fridge in a whole new way." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"A snappy, sharp history of one of humanity’s great inventions. This one will make you look at your fridge in a whole new way." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "A snappy, sharp history of one of humanity’s great inventions. This one will make you look at your fridge in a whole new way." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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It Was You All Along

It Was You All Along

by Russ

eBook - 2024

"If you’re looking for a companion in your journey to personal growth, Russ delivers. Paralleling his own journey, each chapter provides fresh inspiration to help keep you going." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "If you’re looking for a companion in your journey to personal growth, Russ delivers. Paralleling his own journey, each chapter provides fresh inspiration to help keep you going." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"If you’re looking for a companion in your journey to personal growth, Russ delivers. Paralleling his own journey, each chapter provides fresh inspiration to help keep you going." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble "If you’re looking for a companion in your journey to personal growth, Russ delivers. Paralleling his own journey, each chapter provides fresh inspiration to help keep you going." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Stolen Pride

Stolen Pride

Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right

by Hochschild, Arlie Russell

Book - 2024

"The American ideological divide may feel impassable these days, but digging into the core of Appalachia, Arlie Russell Hochschild offers new, critic...Show more "The American ideological divide may feel impassable these days, but digging into the core of Appalachia, Arlie Russell Hochschild offers new, critical perspectives on how poverty and alienation play out on the national political stage." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

"The American ideological divide may feel impassable these days, but digging into the core of Appalachia, Arlie Russell Hochschild offers new, critic...Show more "The American ideological divide may feel impassable these days, but digging into the core of Appalachia, Arlie Russell Hochschild offers new, critical perspectives on how poverty and alienation play out on the national political stage." -Isabelle McConville, Barnes & Noble Show less

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Best Books of the Year 2024 - B&N Reads

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/category/best-books-of-the-year-2024/

Web Resource

The Barnes and Noble blog post that inspired this list includes multiple categories for Adult Fiction and Nonfiction as well as books for teens, children, and Spanish language readers. The Barnes and Noble blog post that inspired this list includes multiple categories for Adult Fiction and Nonfiction as well as books for teens, children, and Spanish language readers. Show less

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