Books like How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

A sweeping narrative of diverse characters linked by trees, exploring how they learn to see the hidden world of forests and join a fight to preserve the last virgin woodlands.

An illustrated exploration of the hidden history behind everyday inventions, showing how seemingly unrelated discoveries shaped our modern world.

Atlas of the Heart maps 87 emotions and core human experiences, offering a framework for cultivating deeper connection.

Matt Richtel examines the deadly rise of distracted driving, using a 2006 Utah crash that killed two rocket scientists to explore how cell‑phone use divides attention, affects brain function, and reshapes society.

Douglas Rushkoff examines the rise of ‘presentism’—a culture that never pauses, driven by instant media and digital memory—warning that our constant focus on the now can both alienate and inspire.

Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum examine America’s four critical challenges—globalization, information technology, budget deficits, and energy consumption—and propose a path to renewal through historic values, practical reforms, and a new third‑party movement.

A comprehensive, personal memoir that examines fertility from medical, psychological, and political perspectives, offering insight into the challenges of motherhood, childlessness, and the broader societal implications of infertility.

Clive Thompson argues that the Internet and digital tools are making us smarter, better connected, and fostering new ways of learning and collaboration.

Thomas Friedman argues that the 21st century is shaped by the accelerating forces of technology, globalization, and climate change, urging readers to pause and consider their profound impact on work, politics, geopolitics, ethics, and community.

Jaron Lanier, pioneer of the Web, warns of the unintended social and cultural consequences of early design choices. He critiques how anonymity, algorithmic dominance, and unchecked innovation shape our digital lives, urging a human‑centered technology future.

The rapid pace of change in computing demands a continuous review of our defensive strategies, and a strong ethical framework in our computer science education.This fully revised and enhanced fifth edition of Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age examines the ethical, social, and policy challenges stemming from the convergence of computing and telecommunication, and the proliferation of mobile information-enabling devices. This accessible and engaging text surveys thought-provoking questions about the impact of these new technologies.Topics and features:Establishes a philosophical framework and analytical tools for discussing moral theories and problems in ethical relativismOffers pertinent discussions on privacy, surveillance, employee monitoring, biometrics, civil liberties, harassment, the digital divide, and discriminationExamines the new ethical, cultural and economic realities of computer social network ecosystems (NEW)Reviews issues of property rights, responsibility and accountability relating to information technology and softwareDiscusses how virtualization technology informs our ethical behavior (NEW)Introduces the new frontiers of ethics: virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the InternetSurveys the social, moral and ethical value systems in mobile telecommunications (NEW)Explores the evolution of electronic crime, network security, and computer forensicsProvides exercises, objectives, and issues for discussion with every chapterThis comprehensive textbook incorporates the latest requirements for computer science curricula. Both students and practitioners will find the book an invaluable source of insight into computer ethics and law, network security, and computer crime investigation.

Are trees social beings? Forester and author Peter Wohlleben makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland.

Sherry Turkle explores how technology reshapes empathy and human connection, drawing on her work with psychologists, women in tech, and social insights.