Here are 4 unconventional books all public health people should read (students, professionals, and enthusiast)
Many books are not specifically public health, but still have intersections that are helpful to public health people.
We’ve compiled this list to share some of our favorites unconventional public health books you should read.
4 Unconventional Books for Public Health People:
- Contagious, by Jonah Berger
- Stillness Is The Key, by Ryan Holiday
- Utopia for Realists, by Rutger Bregman
- How The Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith
1. Contagious, by Jonah Berger
About: This book is about “why things catch on.” It talks about what are the important factors of what causes social epidemics. It explores how to catch attention of large amounts of people and gives an actionable framework to work with.
Why Read: If you are looking to understand how we can better market public health and health education initiatives. This book highlights the mistakes we make in marketing products or ideas and how we can better position ourselves for success.
2. Stillness Is The Key, by Ryan Holiday
About: This book shares about ‘an ancient strategy for modern life.’ It explores how important stillness is, as well as why and how to cultivate it in our world today.
Why Read: Read this if you want practical wisdom that you can apply to your own life to be more still. It will help you to approach your life – personal and professional – from a lens of being more focused on your inner stillness.
3. Utopia for Realists, by Rutger Bregman
About: This book explores “how we can build an ideal world.” It gives ideas for what a more utopian future could look like through sharing “unrealistic and radical approaches that are not commonplace.
Why Read: If you want to challenge your mind on ideas on building a better world. It shares fascinating stories like a Canadian city that eradicated poverty to Richard Nixon’s failed attempt at Universal Basic Income.
4. How The Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith
About: This book explores “a reckoning with the history of slavery across America.” It digs into how history and memory continue to shape our everyday lives as Americans.
Why Read: Read if you want to better understand how the history of slavery plays in our narrative of the world around us. It highlights how the effects of slavery are still alive and strong in today’s world in America.
Summary
Here are some unconventional public health books all public health people should read.
They can better help you make real world connections to societal public health challenges.
The four unconventional public health books are:
- Contagious, by Jonah Berger
- Stillness Is The Key, by Ryan Holiday
- Utopia for Realists, by Rutger Bregman
- How The Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith
Which one of these books is your favorite?
