Recommendations based on The Education of an Idealist: A Memoirby Samantha Power

* statistically, based on millions of data-points provided by fellow humans

  1. Bad Feminist

    by Roxane Gay
    A collection of essays exploring feminism, race, and gender, and their intersections.

    Pink is my favorite color. I used to say my favorite color was black to be, cool, but it is pink—all shades of pink. If I have an accessory, it is probably pink. I read, Vogue, and I’m not doing it ... (Goodreads)

  2. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

    by John Carreyrou
    The rise and fall of Theranos, a fraudulent blood-testing startup, and the deceitful actions of its founder Elizabeth Holmes.

    The full inside story of the breathtaking rise and shocking collapse of a multibillion-dollar startup, by the prize-winning journalist who first broke the story and pursued it to the end in the face ... (Goodreads)

  3. Gratitude

    by Oliver Sacks
    A collection of essays on the importance of gratitude in life, written by the renowned neurologist and author Oliver Sacks.

    “My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved. I have been given much and I have given something in return. Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on ... (Goodreads)

  4. So You Want to Talk About Race

    by Ijeoma Oluo
    A guide to discussing race and racism in America, providing insight and tools for productive conversations.

    In this breakout book, Ijeoma Oluo explores the complex reality of today's racial landscape–from white privilege and police brutality to systemic discrimination and the Black Lives Matter ... (Goodreads)

  5. This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl

    by Esther Earl
    An inspiring memoir about a courageous and passionate young girl living with cancer.

    A collection of the journals, fiction, letters, and sketches of the late Esther Grace Earl, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 16. Photographs and essays by family and friends will help to tell ... (Goodreads)

  6. Humans: A Brief History of How We F*cked It All Up

    by Tom Phillips
    A humorous and irreverent take on the history of human civilization, highlighting our many mistakes and missteps along the way.

    *NOW AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER* A Toronto Star Bestselling Book of the Year “Witty and entertaining.”—Sarah Knight “Laugh-out-loud.”—Steve Brusatte AN EXHILARATING JOURNEY THROUGH THE MOST CREATIVE ... (Barnes & Noble)

  7. The World As It Is: Inside the Obama White House

    by Ben Rhodes
    A memoir of Ben Rhodes' time as a speechwriter and foreign policy advisor in the Obama administration.

    This is a book about two people making the most important decisions in the world. One is Barack Obama. The other is Ben Rhodes. The World As It Is tells the full story of what it means to work ... (Goodreads)

  8. Hidden Figures

    by Margot Lee Shetterly
    A recounting of the true story of three African-American women's contributions to NASA during the space race.

    The uplifting, amazing true story—a New York Times bestseller This edition of Margot Lee Shetterly’s acclaimed book is perfect for young readers. It is the powerful story of four African-American ... (Goodreads)

  9. Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

    by Barack Obama
    An exploration of the Obama family history, tracing the threads of identity and race.

    In this lyrical, unsentimental, and compelling memoir, the son of a black African father and a white American mother searches for a workable meaning to his life as a black American. It begins in New ... (Goodreads)

  10. The Truths We Hold: An American Journey

    by Kamala Harris
    Memoir of Kamala Harris, detailing her life and political career, and advocating for social justice and equality.

    From one of America's most inspiring political leaders, a book about the core truths that unite us, and the long struggle to discern what those truths are and how best to act upon them, in her own ... (Goodreads)

  11. When Rabbit Howls

    by Truddi Chase
    A true story of a woman with dissociative identity disorder, detailing her 92 personalities and the trauma that caused them.

    Truddi Chase began therapy to discover why she suffered from blackouts. What surfaced was terrifying: she was inhabited by 'the Troops'-92 individual personalities. This groundbreaking true story is ... (Goodreads)

  12. Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth

    by Rachel Maddow
    Investigative journalism on the oil and gas industry's impact on democracy, corruption, and the environment.

    In 2010, the words “earthquake swarm” entered the lexicon in Oklahoma. That same year, a trove of Michael Jackson memorabilia—including his iconic crystal-encrusted white glove—was sold at auction ... (Goodreads)

  13. If You Ask Me

    by Betty White
    Memoir of a beloved actress, full of stories and humor.

    It-girl Betty White delivers a hilarious, slyly profound take on love, life, celebrity, and everything in between. Drawing from a lifetime of lessons learned, seven-time Emmy winner Betty White's wit ... (Goodreads)

  14. An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963

    by Robert Dallek
    A comprehensive biography of John F. Kennedy, exploring his personal and political life, and his legacy as a president.

    Drawing on previously unavailable material and never-before-opened archives,, An Unfinished Life, is packed with revelations large and small – about JFK's health, his love affairs, RFK's appointment ... (Goodreads)

  15. My Own Words

    by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
    Collection of writings and speeches from Justice Ginsburg's long and distinguished career.

    The first book from Ruth Bader Ginsburg since becoming a Supreme Court Justice in 1993—a witty, engaging, serious, and playful collection of writings and speeches from the woman who has had a ... (Goodreads)

  16. No God but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam

    by Reza Aslan
    A comprehensive history of Islam, exploring its origins, evolution, and future. Provides a nuanced understanding of the religion and its impact on the world.

    A fascinating, accessible introduction to Islam from the author of the #1, New York Times, bestseller, Zealot,INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • A finalist for the, Guardian, First Book Award In No god but ... (Goodreads)

  17. Religion for Atheists: A Non-Believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion

    by Alain de Botton
    A fresh look at religion, examining its positive aspects and potential to benefit our lives.

    What if religions are neither all true or all nonsense? The boring debate between fundamentalist believers and non-believers is finally moved on by Alain's inspiring new book, which boldly argues ... (Goodreads)

  18. The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections and Courage

    by Brené Brown
    Exploring the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to courage, empathy and connection.

    Show Up and Let Yourself be Seen Is vulnerability the same as weakness? "In our culture," teaches Dr. Brené Brown, "we associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and ... (Barnes & Noble)

  19. Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World

    by Anand Giridharadas
    A critique of the philanthropic efforts of the wealthy elite, arguing that their actions often perpetuate the very problems they claim to solve.

    An insider's groundbreaking investigation of how the global elite's efforts to "change the world" preserve the status quo and obscure their role in causing the problems they later seek to solve. ... (Goodreads)

  20. Letter to My Daughter

    by Maya Angelou
    Collection of essays from a mother to her daughter, exploring life lessons, history, and love.

    For a world of devoted readers, a much-awaited new volume of absorbing stories and inspirational wisdom from one of our best-loved writers. Dedicated to the daughter she never had but sees all around ... (Goodreads)

  21. Between the World and Me

    by Ta-Nehisi Coates
    A letter to his son, exploring the realities of racism in America.

    “This is your country, this is your world, this is your body, and you must find some way to live within the all of it.” In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American ... (Goodreads)

  22. Mom & Me & Mom

    by Maya Angelou
    A powerful memoir of a daughter's journey to understand her complex relationship with her mother.

    For the first time, Angelou reveals the triumphs and struggles of being the daughter of Vivian Baxter, an indomitable spirit whose petite size belied her larger-than-life presence—a presence absent ... (Goodreads)

  23. Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle

    by Dan Senor
    Exploring the economic success of Israel, and its implications for the global economy.

    What the world can learn from Israel's meteoric economic success. Start-Up Nation addresses the trillion dollar question: How is it that Israel – a country of 7.1 million, only 60 years old, ... (Goodreads)

  24. Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five

    by John Medina
    Guide to parenting and raising a healthy, happy and intelligent child.

    What’s the single most important thing you can do during pregnancy? What does watching TV do to a child’s brain? What’s the best way to handle temper tantrums? Scientists know. In his New York Times ... (Goodreads)

  25. My Life on the Road

    by Gloria Steinem
    Steinem's memoir of her travels as a feminist activist, sharing stories of the people and experiences that shaped her life and work.

    Gloria Steinem—writer, activist, organizer, and one of the most inspiring leaders in the world—now tells a story she has never told before, a candid account of how her early years led her to live an ... (Goodreads)

  26. The Autobiography of Malcolm X

    by Malcolm X
    A gripping account of one man's transformation from criminal to civil rights leader.

    Alternate cover for ISBN 9780345350688 Through a life of passion and struggle, Malcolm X became one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. In this riveting account, he tells of his ... (Goodreads)

  27. The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos

    by Brian Greene
    A groundbreaking exploration of the multiple universes that may exist beyond our own.

    From the best-selling author of, The Elegant Universe, and, The Fabric of the Cosmos, comes his most expansive and accessible book to date—a book that takes on the grandest question: Is ours the only ... (Goodreads)

  28. Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

    by Rachel Held Evans
    A memoir of rediscovering faith and the Bible through personal experiences, cultural analysis, and theological reflection.

    If the Bible isn't a science book or an instruction manual, then what is it? What do people mean when they say the Bible is inspired ? When Rachel Held Evans found herself asking these questions, she ... (Barnes & Noble)

  29. Heavy

    by Kiese Laymon
    A memoir of a black man's struggle with weight, trauma, and identity in America.

    *Named a Best Book of 2018 by the, New York Times,, Publishers Weekly,, NPR,, Broadly, Buzzfeed (Nonfiction), The Undefeated,, Library Journal ,(Biography/Memoirs),, The Washington Post ... (Barnes & Noble)

  30. Awakenings

    by Oliver Sacks
    Exploring the effects of a mysterious sleeping sickness, the power of hope and human resilience.

    Awakenings is a 1973 non-fiction book by Oliver Sacks. It recounts the life histories of those who had been victims of the 1920s encephalitis lethargica epidemic. Sacks chronicles his efforts in the ... (Goodreads)