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Where books open worlds.
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Books are more than stories on a page — they are mirrors, maps, challenges, and companions in understanding ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Big Think Books is a space devoted to the writers and ideas that shape culture, knowledge, and the way we think. Through thoughtful recommendations, deep dives, and engaging commentary, this column guides readers toward books that expand curiosity, provoke insight, and deepen understanding across fields like science, history, psychology, literature, and more. Whether you’re exploring the latest releases or rediscovering timeless classics, here you’ll find ideas worth your time and thought.

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Kevin Dickinson is a staff writer and columnist at Big Think, focusing on the intersection of education, psychology, business, and science. He holds a master’s in English and writing, and his work has appeared in Agenda, RealClearScience, and The Washington Post.

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The profound life lesson at the heart of chaos theory
In this excerpt from Think Like a Mathematician, Junaid Mubeen explains how tiny actions can shape complex systems, revealing the limits of prediction and control in our lives.

by Junaid Mubeen

The word "chaos" is repeatedly written in orange over a beige background, with a large, rough black scribble overlaid in the center.
Everything Articles
Book cover of "The Gift of Not Belonging" by Rami Kaminski, featuring one blue chameleon—an Otrovert—on a branch above five green chameleons on a branch below.
Big Think Books
“Otroverts” and why nonconformists often see what others can’t
In "The Gift of Not Belonging," Rami Kaminski explains why group consensus may hinder the original thinkers who help advance society.
Rami Kaminski
A man in a suit looks at the camera with a neutral expression, set against a light green background with abstract black scribble accents.
Big Think Books
John le Carré’s son joins the Circus with his new book
With "Karla's Choice," Nick Harkaway had an impossible mission: maintain his father’s legacy while staying true to his voice.
Kevin Dickinson
A woman, resembling a paranormal investigator, holds a rectangular glass dish above her eyes, which are illuminated by light shining through the dish in a dark setting.
Big Think Books
Why don’t Americans trust experts? Just ask a paranormal investigator.
For his new book, “The Ghost Lab,” Matt Hongoltz-Hetling spent time with paranormal investigators to understand their relationship with science and society.
Ross Pomeroy
A white dinosaur skull silhouette on a black background with red, rough, scribbled lines evokes the intrigue of the dinosaur myth.
Big Think Books
A Mesozoic myth: Dinosaurs didn’t rule the Earth like we think
In "The Shortest History of the Dinosaurs," Riley Black reveals the bold mammals that thrived in the Age of Reptiles.
Riley Black
A man in glasses and a suit jacket, resembling John Green, stands in front of a light background with a purple rectangle and abstract black lines.
Books
‘Everything is Tuberculosis’ author John Green on writing, anxiety, and illness
John Green opens up about his struggle to remain hopeful while writing about suffering and injustice.
Tim Brinkhof
Book cover with a gray textured background, featuring the title "DE KAI RAISING AI" and the subtitle "An essential guide to raising AI and parenting our future," all in white capital letters.
Big Think Books
Why AI today is more toddler than Terminator
In "Raising AI," De Kai argues that today's AIs are already more like us than we think they are.
De Kai
Silhouette of a person carrying a cross in front of the United States Capitol building, symbolizing cross purposes between faith and politics.
Big Think Books
The price of Christianity’s “broken bargain” with democracy
An atheist's case for why American democracy needs a more Christlike Christianity.
Stephen Johnson
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