25 Books That Will Make You the Most Interesting Person in the Room
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Some people will turn their noses up at book genres like beach reads and fantasy. But the truth is that reading anything (or listening to audiobooks !) is amazing for your mental health, brain function, and educational pursuits. However, if you’re really trying to impress, there are certain books that will spark conversations and maybe even make you the most interesting person in the room. To that end, here’s a list of 25 books—from fiction to nonfiction to self-help—that will get your brain tingling by the time you’ve reached the last page.
Prices are current at the time of publication but are subject to change.
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Filiquarian
This book about military strategy from 5th-century BC Chinese general Sun Tzu is something of a cliche, as people are very quick to turn to it for inspiration when dealing with challenges that don’t involve massive pitched battles between ancient warriors. Still, there’s a reason why athletes, businesspeople, politicians, and more keep revisiting Sun Tzu’s millennia-old text. There’s a lot that a tactical mind can glean from it.
Bantam
Stephen Hawking , one of the most famous physicists in history, died before the completion of this 2018 book. It’s partly an accessible explainer of intense scientific questions and partly a series of essays reflecting Hawking’s unique view of the world and the problems facing it. (The great scientist’s colleagues and family finished the incomplete text before publishing it.) Above all, Brief Answers to Big Questions emphasizes the importance of science and using our intelligence to better the reality we live in.
Basic Books
One of the marks of an intelligent, curious mind is that it doesn’t take things for granted. Bee Wilson’s 2013 book Consider the Fork thoughtfully explores the history of one of the most basic things that human beings do: Eat. It’s an eye-opening (and occasionally mouth-watering) read that will have you appreciating your next meal on a deeper level.
Back Bay Books
Journalist Max Fisher’s 2022 book The Chaos Machine is a revealing, upsetting examination of how social media has fundamentally impacted human culture and behavior—largely for the worse.
Random House
Edwin Catmull co-founded Pixar, one of the most innovative entertainment companies around and, barring a few recent missteps, one of the most successful ones from a business standpoint, too. Creativity Inc. has become a go-to text for creatives and business people alike who wish to emulate how Pixar reaches to infinity and beyond.
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William Morrow Paperbacks
This 1999 novel by Snow Crash author Neal Stephenson blends historical fiction with techno-thriller. WWII-era codebreakers and ‘90s tech experts find themselves in a complex story about secrets and cyberspace. Stephenson is known as an especially geeky author, and Cryptonomicon is no exception. Despite all the technical jargon and informative exposition about things like cryptography and digital formats, though, it’s still a thrilling read.
Random House
The great astrophysicist Carl Sagan picked an evocative title for this 1995 book, but it’s a fitting one. Using accessible but poetic language (as was Sagan’s way), he makes a case for the importance of science and teaches the reader how they can better understand and interact with the world around them by rejecting pseudoscience and embracing the sort of skepticism that leads brilliant people to question things until they find a breakthrough.
Avery
You’ll never look at a comma the same way after reading this 2003 book, which explains the importance of punctuation and grammar in the English language. An example can be found in the book’s title; depending on where you place the punctuation, Eats, Shoots & Leaves could either refer to a panda’s diet of bamboo or a panda that fires a gun before departing. Pretty big difference, don’t you think!?
HarperCollins
Though this 1999 book has received some criticism, Genome is a fascinating insight into what makes us. Broken down, as the title suggests, into 23 chapters that roughly align with one of the 23 pairs of chromosomes that add up to a person, Genome will give you a better understanding of the scientific facts that make you smart in the first place, along with pretty much everything else that contributes to the human makeup.
W. W. Norton & Company
Author Jared Diamond’s 1997 book will help you understand a lot about why the world looks the way it does. In Guns, Germs, and Steel , Diamond convincingly argues that there’s nothing special about Eurasian peoples or cultures that made them “better” than the peoples of the Global South. Instead, they were just lucky for a host of reasons he lays out, including having more domesticable animals, geographical advantages, and more. It’s the type of book that just might change the way you think about the world.
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Riverhead Books
Ryan North , best known as the cartoonist behind the popular quirky webcomic Dinosaur Comics and the writer of comics like The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl , wrote this 2022 book that offers a funny, informative run-down of all the information a would-be supervillain might need. Subjects include the factors that make for a good location for one’s evil lair, pursuing immortality, and more.
Simon & Schuster
A classic for a reason, Dale Carnegie’s 1936 book is a seminal self-help text. Though it’s received some updates in the nearly 90 years since it was first published, How to Win Friends & Influence People still has a lot to teach readers about self-confidence, public speaking, changing minds, and other ways to succeed in business and in your personal life.
Random House
This 2007 book by brothers Chip and Dan Heath is less interested in what makes for a good idea (though that’s part of it) than what makes for a good pitch. A great concept might not be all that great if you can’t get people to pay attention and remember it. An informative psychology book and a good source for business tips, Made to Stick will leave a lingering impression on the reader—as you’d expect it to, given the subject.
Harper Collins
Author Kim Stanley Robinson’s trio of books about the colonization and terraforming of Mars— Red Mars (1992), Green Mars (1993), and Blue Mars (1996)—is a sweeping, expansive sci-fi epic that presents an optimistic (if complicated) vision of humanity’s future. They are also incredibly dense, almost as full of real and theoretical scientific information as they are characters, as the trilogy spans 200 years.
Modern Library
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ collection of musing and self-improvement writings was recently featured in the 2023 comedy-drama The Holdovers , where the book seems to be the only gift that Paul Giamatti’s uptight professor deems worthy of giving. Jokes aside, Meditations is another one of those texts that has remained popular for so long for a reason, as Aurelius has a lot to offer readers even if they aren’t the Emperor of Rome.
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Harper and Brothers
The classic 1851 tome Moby Dick makes it on this list because Herman Melville spends so, so, so much time talking about the intricacies of whaling. You will become so much smarter (re: whaling) after reading this, and you will also look smarter because people will see you and say “Hey, that guy’s reading Moby Dick .”
Vintage
The late neurologist Oliver Sacks’ 1985 book is a collection of essays and case studies from his practice that will fill you with disbelief, awe, and wonder at the ways the human brain works—or, in some cases, doesn’t work. The book gets its title from one of Sacks’ patients who had visual agnosia, a neurological condition that impacted his ability to recognize objects as a whole. This leads to him, well, mistaking his wife for a hat at one point. Sacks, writing in intelligent but accessible language, explains how this is possible, along with several other stories about the quirks of the mind.
Books&Coffe
This is one of those books you probably read back in high school English class, but it’s well worth revisiting as an adult. A gripping and massively influential tale about dystopia, fascism, and the power of language and propaganda, 1984 still has plenty to teach now that the year 1984 is the increasingly distant past rather than the far-off future. And, unlike a lot of books you might’ve read in high school, 1984 is an entertaining story, too.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
You might be reading books to get smarter, but there are other intelligent creatures out there. Peter Godfrey-Smith’s 2016 book Other Minds looks at cephalopods, an animal branch that includes octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, and examines how strikingly intelligent these sea creatures are. You’ll have a renewed appreciation for intelligence in all forms, a deep respect for our tentacled friends, and perhaps an aversion to calamari.
Tor Books
One of the most acclaimed sci-fi series of the modern era, Chinese author Liu Cixin’s trilogy of books— The Three-Body Problem (2006), The Dark Forest (2008), and Death’s End (2010)—are a breathtaking, mind-blowing saga. When the world discovers that aliens will invade Earth in 400 years, humanity must attempt to find the means to counter it, which is much easier said than done. Remembrance of Earth’s Past is complex and cerebral, and it will likely introduce the reader to some concepts that will sit with them for days to come. (The meaning of the second book’s title is especially astounding.)
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Harper Perennial
Yuval Noah Harari’s 2015 bestseller uniquely blends history and science to document our species’ rise to global dominance rather than solely focusing on factors like evolution or the course of nations. He then takes that complex past and applies it to humankind’s current successes and struggles. The result is a brilliant book about who we are and who we might want to be.
Crown
So much knowledge feels like it’s locked behind expertise, especially in scientific fields, where getting to the “good stuff” means comprehending technical information. Luckily Bill Bryson’s 2005 book is a fantastically accessible, informative, and entertaining work of popular science. A Short History of Nearly Everything makes topics like astronomy, chemistry, and physics as interesting as they actually are to the layperson.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s 2011 self-help book aims to change the way you think, or at least to get you thinking about the way you think. Thinking, Fast and Slow lays out a case that there are two ways of thinking: Some circumstances call for fast, instinctive responses, while others require slower, more logical pondering.
William Morrow Paperbacks
Cartoonist Scott McCloud’s 1993 book Understanding Comics is a comic book itself, and it makes great use of the medium to explain the complexity of comics. For instance, “time” in comics operates left-to-right and can be altered by a whole bunch of subtle factors, like how far apart panels are. Understanding Comics will make you marvel at this art form in a whole new way.
Dey Street Books
Randall Munroe , best known as the man behind the geeky webcomic xkcd , brings his wry humor, intelligence, and stick-figure illustrations to really odd but interesting questions in this 2014 book. For instance, what would happen if you hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent of the speed of light? Was that a question you’d considered before now? Probably not, but you’ll be thrilled to know that Munroe has an answer. (There would be an explosion; umpires would likely rule it hit by pitch.)
The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip
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Packing up the car and heading out on a road trip is a rite of passage. Many of us remember our first road trip as a kid, when we loaded up our suitcases to venture out toward a new destination. Maybe you also hit the road with friends after college, or have taken your kids on a road trip of their own, seeing the sites or exploring different national parks . But if you’re spending hours in the car—no matter who you’re with—you need something to pass the time. Music and podcast episodes can only cover so many miles, which is why you might be in the market for an audiobook.
According to Hayley Yager , bookstagrammer and blogger of Backpacking Bookworm , there are a few key factors that go into selecting the right audiobook for a road trip. To maximize your listening experience, she recommends looking for “engaging and authentic narrators,” who will keep your attention. Second, consider the genres or types of books you’re most interested in. Podcast-lovers might prefer a non-fiction pick, and if you’ve always wanted to learn about some historical or contemporary figure, a biography or memoir could be a great option. Fiction is also a great option, and you’ll find a plethora of different stories that you can immerse yourself in on a long drive.
If you’re having trouble making the right call, travel experts and book bloggers have recommended some of their top audiobook choices, which you can either purchase or borrow from your local library. Read on to find out what you should be listening to while on the road.
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Audible Studios
Anything by renowned nonfiction author Bill Bryson is worth a read or a listen. He writes about complex concepts—including the intricacies of the human body and the history of the universe—but does so in an accessible, often comical way. Of Bryson’s many worthy reads, Anthony Presti , travel writer of ValueQuack, recommends The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America .
“Follow Bill on his cross-country road trip in the United States. From the backwoods of Kentucky to the badlands of South Dakota, Bryson covers it all in this hilarious account of his journey,” Presti says.
Bryson travels across 38 states in total over the course of the travelogue, as he searches for the perfect small American town—and you’ll be waiting to see if he finds it. “If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud book to listen to on your road trip, this is the one for you,” Presti says. “It is one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, whether at home or on the road.”
Random House Audio
If you love a good modern mystery, The Flight Attendant is a solid choice for your next road trip. Full of suspense, this story follows Cassie, a binge drinker who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s also been turned into a popular show on HBO Max, so you can engage in the age-old debate of book versus TV series when you’re done listening.
“Why not infuse a little ‘travel talk’ into your travels? With the release of the new HBO show based on this novel, I wanted to give the book a try before watching it,” Bryan Mullennix , founder of the travel website Feeling Vegas, explains. “It’s a suspenseful novel and makes for a good road trip audiobook because of how it is written and also the fact that it kind of relates to travel.”
This audiobook has three narrators, meaning you’ll hear different voices for different characters in this chilling and thrilling read. Looking for something even darker? You might want to opt for Yager’s thriller pick, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin .
Macmillan Audio
If you just want to be transported to another world, let TJ Klune take you there by listening to Under T he Whispering Door . Klune has quickly become a mainstay in the fantasy genre, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Under The Whispering Door also adds a splash of romance, humor, and some more intense themes of grief and loss.
John Hubbard , founder and CEO of the outdoor blog Urban Dare, recommends Under The Whispering Door if you want something that will truly keep your attention. “The audiobook gives you all types of feeling with every character’s unique and suitable voice,” he explains, adding that Kirt Graves , a well known audiobook reader and audio producer, narrates. “It provides a great message from life and love to death with its lovable characters.”
Hubbard recommends this for a long drive, “as it will take some time to understand the deep questions Klune’s tale poses throughout.” The audiobook has a listening length of 14 hours and 54 minutes, so it’ll get you through a good stretch of your trip. “Some listeners might find the audiobook a bit slow at the start,” he notes. “It is better to listen at 1.5 speed until you begin to understand the plot of the story.”
Random House Audio
If you’re choosing a memoir for a long-haul drive, Yager recommends selecting one that is recorded by the author. “In my experience, stories are brought more to life when read by the person who knows the book better than anyone,” she tells Best Life , suggesting Becoming by Michelle Obama as a notable choice.
The former First Lady narrates her memoir, discussing her childhood all the way through her time in the White House and after. You’ll feel connected to Obama when listening to her tell her story, and if you needed any more convincing, she won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio edition of the book.
If you’ve already checked Becoming off of your reading list—it was, after all, the best-selling book of 2018—Presti also recommends Barack Obama’s 2020 memoir A Promised Land . “It chronicles his upbringing, his time in office, and the challenges he faced throughout his presidency,” he says. “It’s an inspiring story that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated—perfect for a road trip where anything can happen.”
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Pottermore Publishing
One of the most beloved series of all time centers on a young wizard named Harry Potter. The stories have captivated young and old readers alike since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in 1997. Presti recommends this audiobook for your next trip on the open road, especially if you’ve got your kids in tow.
“If you’re looking for a book the whole family can enjoy on your road trip, look no further than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ,” he explains. “With its magic, adventure, and suspense, this book is sure to keep everyone entertained on a long car ride.”
As The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment in the seven-part series, you might also want to bring Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets along as well, just in case the kids (or you) can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Macmillan Audio
While you can’t watch a rom-com while you’re driving, you can certainly listen to one. Yager recommends The Switch , which is set in the U.K. and features a plot line that might remind you a little of the movie The Holiday . The story focuses on a newly-single grandmother looking for love in the rural town of Yorkshire and her granddaughter, who has become exhausted by life in London. The two decide to switch places, and drama, romance, and comedy ensue.
The audiobook is read by two English actors, Daisy Edgar-Jones , of Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing , and Alison Steadman , award-winning stage, film, and television star.
“This is an easy and light listen with two celebrity narrators, which evokes familiarity,” Yager says. “The chapters are the perfect length, enabling you to get invested in one storyline before moving on to the next when the narrators switch.”
You can listen to this 10-hour audiobook on a longer drive, but Yager notes that you can also “dip in and out for shorter trips.”
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Random House Audio
Some stories are classics for a reason, and even if you haven’t picked up a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , odds are you’ve heard of it. First published in 1979, it was adapted from author Douglas Adams’ radio series and follows the journey of the only man to survive after earth is destroyed.
“Full of laughs, science fiction, and awesome ’70s and ’80s references, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect audiobook for a road trip,” Tim White , CEO and founder of the travel site MilePro, says. This pick is more “lighthearted,” he adds, making it a good choice for those who don’t want an audiobook that’s too intense.
The book is just under six hours long, White points out, making it optimal for shorter journeys. It’s also narrated by English actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry , so you might recognize a familiar voice.
Harlequin Audio
Another one of Yager’s fiction picks is The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman , which has all the necessary components of a family comedy—think Little Miss Sunshine with a twist.
“This is the perfect road trip listen as the book itself revolves around a family taking a detour-heavy road trip up to Edinburgh so 12-year-old Norman can perform at the Fringe,” she says.
For those unfamiliar with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, it’s the largest arts festival in the world, dating back to 1947. In this contemporary fiction novel, young Norman is hoping to take his comedy act to center stage at the event. “It’s an absolute rollercoaster of one hilarious feat after another, yet still manages to retain every ounce of authenticity,” Yager says. “It’s a feel-good book that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for a long road trip.”
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Hachette Audio
For those who want an audiobook that is chock-full of different stories, check out David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames .
“If you’re looking for a more introspective, thought-provoking read, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the book for you,” Presti tells Best Life .
Sedaris narrates the audiobook himself, and you’re sure to be entertained by his wit as he covers topics that range from ridiculous to deeply insightful. “It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the human condition that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading,” Presti says. “Follow as David travels the world and tries to make sense of it all.”
Random House Audio
Ernest Cline’s fantastic 2011 novel Ready Player One is a must-read—or listen, in this case—for anyone interested in gaming, virtual reality, or just science fiction in general.
“If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun book to keep you entertained on a road trip, look no further than Ready Player One ,” Presti says. “This science fiction novel follows the story of Wade Watts, a teenager who finds himself thrust into a virtual world in search of an Easter egg that will grant its finder ultimate power and control over the world. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies as he fights to be the first to find the egg.”
The novel has also been adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg , but the book has significant differences. S0, even if you’ve seen the movie, you should still give the book a go. “It will have you laughing, crying, and cheering—the perfect way to pass the time on a long car ride,” Presti says.
