Philosophy
By Gary Chapman
Recommended By Ralph Guiteau, Readers' Services Librarian, Lisa H., Readers' Services Librarian
Outlines five expressions of love—quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch—and explains how to identify and communicate effectively in a spouse's "love language."
By Steven Nadler
A vivid story of incendiary ideas and vicious backlash, A Book Forged in Hell will interest anyone who is curious about the origin of some of our most cherished modern beliefs.
The hit television drama Breaking Bad is discussed by professional thinkers who compare the major themes of the show with philosophical concepts and answer questions about injustice, retaliation and the potential of everyone to become a ruthless criminal.
By R.W.B. Lewis
A biography of the great medieval Italian poet and historian examines his life from his youth in Florence to his creation of The Divine Comedy, his masterful allegorical poem of redemption and self-discovery.
By Darrin M. McMahon
An intellectual historian describes the history of the concept of “genius” from the beginning of time, when great thinks were believed to be advised by demons, through modern times where the term has been squandered on rock stars and football coaches.
By Dinesh D'Souza
An examination of American racism explores the often conflicting beliefs about how racism is defined and argues that racism is a distinctively Western phenomenon with specific cultural qualities. By the author of Illiberal Education.
By Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome
Recommended By Sue Ann R., Head of Children's Services
A keepsake collection of the philosopher king's private meditations is a modern translation of his perspectives on the world's forefront religions and ethical traditions that also illuminates his role at the center of second-century culture.
A woman's incisive reflections on life & compares them with the natural treasures of life in the sea.
By Matthew McConaughey
Recommended By Lisa H., Readers' Services Librarian, Stacey Mencher, Technology and Applications Manager
From the Academy Award–winning actor comes an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.
Arguing that values and character are the key elements to a richer and more fulfilling life, a syndicated radio host explores current trends in irresponsible behavior.
By Alain De Botton
Recommended By Sonia Grgas, Reference Librarian
“… De Botton explores the world of offices and factories, convention halls, outdoor installations and transportation routes… (he) discloses both the sheer strangeness and beauty of the places where people spend their working lives. Along the way, De Botton uncovers some of the most compelling questions that we rarely make time to consider: Why do we do it? (From the Publisher).”
By Niccolo Machiavelli
Recommended By Megan Kass, Systems Manager
Tells how to obtain and hold on to power unencumbered by ethical considerations.
By Jane McGonigal
Visionary game designer Jane McGonigal shows how we can harness the power of computer games to solve real-world problems and boost global happiness, since her research suggests that gamers are expert problem solvers and collaborators because they regularly cooperate with other players to overcome daunting virtual challenges.
A path-breaking autism researcher explores why some people lack empathy and what that absence means for the psychological understanding of evil.
By Stephen Greenblatt
Recommended By Ralph Guiteau, Readers' Services Librarian
With Ralph Guiteau, Readers' Services Librarian
Tuesday, February 12, 2013. 7:30 PM.
“A humanities professor describes the impact had by the translation of the last remaining manuscript of On the Nature of Things by Roman philosopher Lucretius, which fueled the Renaissance and inspired artists, great thinkers, and scientists (From the Publisher).”
One of the most successful female record producers of all time and an award–winning professor of cognitive neuroscience leads readers to musical self–awareness, explaining that we each possess a unique “listener profile” based on our brain’s natural response to seven key dimensions of any song.
By Charles R. Lawrence III
Reviews the original intent of affirmative action policies and argues for their critical role in the health of American society, emphasizing the need for an expanded and more humane version of affirmative action.