Favourite TED Books

Adults and students will relate to the exciting stories that TED writers tell. English teachers will appreciate the structure of the stories and how they can serve as models for writing.

Here are some of my favourite TED books: The Terrorist’s Son by Zak Ebrahim – It will take a very special book to ever knock this TED book off the top of my list of TED Books. Ebrahim’s story of how he came to grips with the fact his father was a terrorist responsible for assassinating a Jewish rabbi and the first bombing of the World Trade Centre will appeal to even the most reluctant reader.

The Boiling River by Andres Ruzo – Part science and part mystery, Ruzo, a geoscientist from Peru, investigates a boiling river in the Amazon. Using scientific evidence, Ruzo creates a compelling explanation for why this river exists. Every science student should read this book.

The Art of Stillness Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer – This lesson in meditation by a travel writer presents a way to find the meaning of life by experiencing stillness rather than plunging into action. Iyer argues that our reflections on travelling experiences are what make a trip meaningful.

How We’ll Live on Mars by Stephen L Petranek – Part science and part speculation, this fascinating book presents some of the steps that are being taken to start a colony on Mars. Readers will learn that it is not only Nasa, the American space company. Individuals who head major companies – like Jeff Bezos of amazon.com are exploring the possibilities of going to Mars.

Why We Work by Barry Schwartz – We all work for a paycheck, right? Not so says Schwartz. He argues that work gives us a certain feeling of fulfilment – hopefully. He looks at just how work places can create a feeling of comfort and happiness.

The Mathematics of Love: Patterns, Proofs, and the Search for the Ultimate Equation by Hannah Fry – Love does not seem very mathematical, but the author argues that there are measurable patterns of love. She looks at the chances of finding love and statistics about how long it will last. She even explores online dating and all the measurables in that experience. This is a light-hearted, new guide to exploring love, and a fun way to connect mathematics to a theme that fascinates all teens.

Payoff: The Hidden Logic that Shapes Our Motivations by Dan Ariely – Motivation can make the difference between success and failure, but motivation is also the basis of happiness. The author looks at the meaning of motivation: what it is and how it shapes our lives without being overly ponderous.

When Strangers Meet: How People You Don’t Know Can Transform You by Kio Stark – This quirky, fun and yet profound book documents the author’s own journey through uncharted territory as the author reveals some thoughts and feelings she discovered while talking to strangers. We’ve all been taught about the pitfalls of speaking to strangers. This is the flip side of that coin.

TED books are the perfect read for people on the go who want to read, but don’t have much time.

They also resonate with teenagers in your life who are reluctant readers.