This is by no means meant to be a required book of reading but I figured that some of the books are pretty interesting. Hell I love it when I find out new books that my friends recommend to me. So hopefully one of these might just strike your interest.

Currently Reading

• Hard Times Handbook, Keith & Irene Smith
• WALDEN and “Civil Disobedience”, Henry David Thoreau

The Enviro Junkie in You

• Good News for A Change: Hope for a Troubled Planet by David Suzuki and Holly Dressel
  This book has great examples of people have chosen to find alternatives to the use of pesticides, clear cutting, and other intensive and sometimes harmful environmental choices. I really appreciate the focus on non-western countries this book contains.
• Evasion by Anonymous
  This book was a pretty interesting read about one guy´s story about completely evading the system. I thought some of the ideas that he had were interesting. Some of the stuff this guy claims to have found in dumpsters is pretty amazing. I think I took more of an interest in dumpster diving from this book. I did find the guy to be a bit annoying and riduculous (almost insane) by the end of the book though.

Throw that Television from Your Window

• No Logo by Naomi Klein
  This book is a really great introduction to the issues about media influence on people and notable youth in society. It’s a great introduction to the issues regardless of whether it’s a bit dated. And actually while you are at it watch The Corporation for a good follow-up to this one I’d say.

Político

• People of the Pines by Geoffrey York
  This was recommended by Sarah (my buddy Mark´s good friends). It is a really eye opening perspective of the Oka crisis in the 90´s that pitted the Mohawk nation against the Canadian government and local town of Oka. It is written from the perspective of the Mohawks and the rationale behind why they wanted to protect their sacred lands from being turned into more golf courses.

All about…

• David Suzuki: The Autobiography
  David Suzuki writes at the very beginning about how he hopes his book is not a look at all the hidden quirks about himself, but that it can be used more to provide reflection on your own life with some of his experiences. Honestly, I’ve tried to take this perspective while reading it and it is having amazing consequences. He’s a beautiful writer and he has some pretty fascinating stories to share with the world. Plus he’s my homey! Thanks to the Mom & Dad for getting me that book for me.

Native Issues

• Bury Me Knee at Wounded Heart by Dee Brown
  Amazing! Amazing book that I highly recommend people read to understand the treatment of First Nations people in North America.
• My Place by Sally Morgan
  A moving insight into the issues that aboriginal have faced in Australia since there rights were removed and racism set in (and actually still happens today)
• Daughters of Copper Woman by Anne Cameron
  Wow! This little book was a hand-me-down that has now travelled the globe. Been transferred to sista’s around Australia and various peeps. It’s just a book that opens my mind to what it means to truly feel culture and also respect the womyn. Anne Cameron you rock!

Books for the Soul

• The Art of Happiness: A Handbook of Living by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
  This is a really great read and I would recommend it to everyone. It really makes you think about your life choices, interactions with peeps, and generally how you exist in the world. The Dalai Lama is full is awesome wisdom!
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  This is a pretty amazing story about a boy in search of his destiny. It’s a great reminder of how we are all very integrated with our environments, but be forewarned there is a bit of reference to a God (Paulo doesn’t actually say which God which is kinda nice). I totally recommend this book!
• Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance By Robert M. Pirsig
  Tragically I found this book kinda dry and wouldn’t recommend it sorry folks
• The Teaching of Don Jaun: Ayaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda
  Really interesting read although I didn’t completely appreciate the readers attitude was still interesting.
• Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit by Daniel Quinn
  This is a really great book that gets you thinking a lot about the way that our society things and has been constructed. I definitely found it inspiring to say the least. Although it is only a small part of the book I think it´s worth mentioning that I would disagree with was the reference about lessing food production and that have a contribution to poulation control. Thanks Michelle for the recommendation!

If you like cooking…

• How it all Vegan
  You don’t have to be a vegan to really like this book. The recipes in here are really great alternatives to the everyday. But I have to admit there’s a lot more in here for vegans than just a cookbook! Definitely the first book to get on a quest towards being a vegan.
• Garden of Vegan
  Yet another really amazing book for your enjoyment with new ideas and great recipes!
• Becoming Vegan by Davis Melina
  If you want to learn more about vegan health!

To Challenge or Not To Challenge

• The Rebel Sell: Why the culture can’t be jammed by Joseph Heath and Andrew Potter
  Depending on your stance of environmental issues you might either A) agree B) disagree C) be indifferent to this book. For me it actually was good fuel to help me strength my perspective on why I think the environmental movement is important. Sure there are good points in the book that criticize some parts of the movement but overall I don´t agree with the writers perspective. Actually, I honestly came close to throwing it across the room a few times. Yes it´s highly debatable and challenges your thought.

Trust me there´s more than just these but it´s a start at least.

Happy reading!

Go on suggest a book I know you want to…