“There is no friend as loyal as a book,” a quote from Ernest Hemingway I cannot agree with more. Books are with me during times of sadness when I need a good laugh from a rom-com; they're with me during times of relaxation, immersing myself into an intricately crafted fantasy world; and most importantly, they're with me for times of self-improvement. Throughout my first year of university, I realized the value of reading non-fiction works such as self-help, business, and even biography books. They gave me a more realistic outlook on life and taught me important lessons for both my future career and becoming a better version of myself. As reading also emphasizes community and engagement between readers through book clubs and even #BookTok on TikTok, I invited two AEO students to talk about a book that helped them grow and why they enjoyed it. Also being an avid reader myself, I curated a simple list that will help you find your next non-fiction read!
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story
Michelle Zhang, an AEO1 student, shares her love for this inspirational biography from one of the newest stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Simu Liu. In an unexpected origin story about his path to becoming the superhero Shang-chi, Simu narrates his battle between parental expectations and cultural stereotypes. Simu was a straight-A kid who lived the life expected of his parents, which led him to graduate from Ivey business administration; however, a year later, Simu lost his accounting job but at that time opened new doors to show business. Though he faced countless rejections, Simu persevered. His determination led him to where he is today as a successful actor and someone strong enough to reconcile his previously rocky relationship with his parents. Michelle shares she loved how the biography felt personal and sincere, but at the same time, introduced humour to keep her entertained. Simu provides genuine tips for readers facing similar situations, which Michelle found very lifting. We Were Dreamers is a great biographical book for anyone curious about what It is like growing up between cultures, mastering your unique circumstances, and finding yourself and your family.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
For Ben King, one of our AEO Onward Blog writers, his recent favourite reads include the Empire of Pain, which he enjoyed for its compelling writing and report style, alongside the fascinating topic explored. The book is a portrait of the Sackler family dynasty and its three generations spent as one of the world’s wealthiest families. Initially, the family’s wealth was a vague mystery until it was later revealed they built their fortune off OxyContin, an addictive painkiller that catalyzed the American Opioid crisis. With its masterful narrative reporting, Empire of Pain perfectly documents the stories of exploitation and deceit amongst the wealthy and the rise and fall of the Sacklers and their company. A cautionary tale fit for AEO students, this book explores the ethical responsibilities of businesses and highlights the dangers of prioritizing profit over public interest.
More Books to Success:
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight — the memoir written by the creator of Nike on the success of how he grew his business into the Nike empire. Phil Knight gives the reader insight into the challenges he faced as a leader and many more details on the company’s growth.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki — a must-read classic business tale of millionaire businessman Kiyosaki and how his two dads shaped his view of money and investments. He shares his own stories and gives readers advice on how to go about investing and growing their own money.
Atomic Habits by James Clear — A self-help/well-being book that has taken the world by storm in recent years. It is a practical and actionable guide for those looking to make lasting lifestyle changes. James Clear emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome with an approach that can be applied to all different parts of life.
Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker — An eye-opening scientific study exploring the role of sleep on our mental and physical health. Drawing on cutting-edge research, Walker explains how sleep affects our memory, creativity, metabolism, and more. An accessible and engaging read, Why We Sleep provides tips on improving sleep quality and a real-world example illustrating deep science.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain — A fascinating book exploring the difference between introverts and extroverts and how these differences affect their interactions with society. Quiet argues introverts are undervalued in a society that values extroverted traits, such as being outgoing; Cain then introduces successful introverts and their stories. The book also provides introverts with advice on how to interact better with extroverts in the workplace and in everyday life.