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Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now

Jaron Lanier

Social media is certainly affecting your life and your perceptions more than you realize, and you should challenge yourself to contend with Lanier’s arguments, which are clear, concise, and (unlike so much other technology writing) neither utopian nor dystopian.
Recommended by Keith M.

Best American Infographics 2016

Gareth Cook, Robert Krulwich

I always enjoy the annual edition of the Best American Infographics, and the latest is no exception. This election year, there are a lot of startling political infographics, but there's so much more than the election here. I love flipping through this in my downtime; I always learn something new.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.

Block Wonders: How to Build Super Structures in Minecraft

Kirsten Kearney

This new book by Kirsten Kearney, author of the bestselling Block City, features 34 mind-blowing Minecraft building projects by the best Minecraft masters. Marvel at the 12,000-block version of the Museum of Natural History, and follow the easy tutorial on how to build a T. rex on the next page.
Recommended by Kim T.

The Idealist: Aaron Swartz and the Rise of Free Culture on the Internet

Justin Peters

Aaron Swartz was one of the most visible advocates for the Internet free culture movement before his premature death at age 26. In Peters's engrossing look at Swartz’s life and ideals, the author explores the contentious concept of intellectual property ownership, the history of open access, and the free culture movement in America.
Recommended by Michal D.

Maphead Charting the Wide Weird World of Geography Wonks

Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings's Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks is an intriguing (dare I say, captivating?) look into the realm of maps, geography, and cartophiles. Jennings writes remarkably well, infusing his engrossing subject with a surprising amount of both wit and humor. Each chapter of Maphead offers insight into a different aspect of map lore, from the historical to the hypermodern. Collectors, cartographers,... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.

Dataclysm: Love, Sex, Race, and Identity – What Our Online Lives Tell Us about Our Offline Selves

Christian Rudder

Using the data he collected from his dating website as well as other social media sources, Harvard grad and OkCupid cofounder Christian Rudder presents us with a highly readable, honest, and funny look at human behavior. From flirting demographics to marital success stats, he demonstrates our changeable yet predictable nature in a way that is neither plauditory nor judgmental. The charts, graphs, and illustrated tweets throughout are the perfect... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.

Second Machine Age Work Progress & Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies

Erik Brynjolfsson, Andrew McAfee

As we become more technologically advanced as a society, challenges such as job loss and failing industries are inevitable. In The Second Machine Age, a compelling case is made for shifting our policies toward preparing for technological progress and stemming economic decline.
Recommended by Jen C.

Body Type Intimate Messages Etched in Flesh

Ina Saltz

In Body Type, accomplished graphic designer and typographer Ina Saltz offers a glimpse into the diverse, imaginative, and deeply personal world of typographic tattoos. From nicknames and birth dates to poetry, song lyrics, mantras, and memorials, the written word takes on new meaning when etched in flesh, and the images captured in Saltz's book comprise a stunning (and admittedly voyeuristic) tribute to the angst, love, devotion,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.

Block City: How to Build Incredible Worlds in Minecraft

Kirsten Kearney and Yazur Strovoz

Block City is an excellent Minecraft how-to book for beginners as well as those looking for inspiration, with jaw-dropping examples from master builders all over the world! You'll find great tips for choosing a platform, tools, blocks, and mods. Witness the limitless lands of creative online architects who don't have the restrictions of gravity to hold them back!
Recommended by Kim T.

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