best books for research paper

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Are you looking for the best research books? Take a look at some of the best books on research methods below.

Research methodology comes in many shapes and forms. Regardless of whether you are interested in qualitative or quantitative research, it is essential to find a book that can help you plan your research project adequately. Research design can vary from hard sciences to social sciences, but data analysis following a case study is usually similar. Therefore, you need a practical guide that can help you complete a research project and finish your research paper.

1. Qualitative Research: A Guide To Design And Implementation, 4th Edition

2. research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, 3. the research methods knowledge base, 3rd edition, 4. the craft of research, 5. doing your research project: open up study skills, 5th edition, 6. qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, 3rd edition, 7. the essential guide to doing your research project, 2nd edition, 8. introducing research methodology: a beginner’s guide to doing a research project, 2nd edition, 9. the sage handbook of qualitative research, 5th edition, 10. research methods in education, 7th edition, the final word on the best research books, what is the difference between quantitative research and qualitative research, how do i figure out which academic journal to publish my research in, further reading.

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When someone talks about qualitative research in academia, they refer to research that focuses on overall concepts and takeaways instead of complex numbers. For those conducting academic research, understanding the basics of this process is critical. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, by Sharan B. Merriam and Elizabeth J. Tisdell, 4th edition, is one of the best books available because it focuses on action research, mixed methods, online data sources, and some of the latest technology that people can use to complete their projects.

A significant portion of this book focuses on data analysis software packages, which have become critically important in an era where publishing in the best academic journals is critical for every successful researcher. Finally, this book explains topics so that nearly everyone can understand.

• Merriam, Sharan B. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 368 Pages - 08/24/2015 (Publication Date) - John Wiley & Sons (Publisher)

Suppose you are looking for a book that can teach you the best research methodology. In that case, you will want to check out Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by John W. Creswell, 4th edition. John Creswell is one of the most well-respected writers in case study research.

As books on how to research go, this one on quantitative and qualitative research methods is a great tool that will help you learn the basics of forming a research project in every field. This book covers philosophical assumptions and research projects, theory and research approaches, and conducts an effective literature review. These elements are also crucial in helping you form a step-by-step guide for your upcoming research project, and this book will teach you the basics of data analysis.

• Research Design
• Creswell, John W. (Author)
• 273 Pages - 03/23/2024 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

The first two editions were already solid, but the third edition of The Research Methods Knowledge Base, by William M.K. Trochim and James P. Donnelly, features many updates to quantitative and qualitative research methods, teaching graduate students the basics of data collection before diving into the details for more advanced learners.

One of the significant advantages of this text is that it is a comprehensive tool that can be used for both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. It has a relatively informal style and conversational feel, which means readers will not be intimidated by walls of text. The research methods it teaches are straightforward, applicable, and relevant to anyone looking to complete a research project in the current era.

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The Craft of Research, by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory C. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, covers various research approaches that teach everyone the basics of forming a solid research project. In particular, this book focuses on what to do with the data after it has been collected.

People need to think about how their readers will interpret the structure of the paper, proactively anticipating questions they might have. By answering the reader’s questions in the initial version of the paper, it is easier to hold their attention from start to finish.

Of course, one of the most critical questions that must be asked when writing a research paper is, “so, what? Why does this information matter?” Researchers can keep this in mind while writing the introduction and conclusion of the paper so they will have an easier time constructing a powerful academic manuscript that is more likely to be accepted into the top academic journals.

• Booth, Wayne C. (Author)
• 336 Pages - 10/18/2016 (Publication Date) - University of Chicago Press (Publisher)

Doing Your Research Project: Open Up Study Skills, by Judith Bell, is a must-read for new researchers looking to make their way in academic research. This book is helpful because it teaches people how to conduct a research project using step-by-step advice. A research project can be daunting for new learners because it’s easy to focus on the final project and feel intimidated before taking the first step.

This book is indispensable because it teaches people everything they need to know to develop a research project, draft a hypothesis, carry out the project, and finalize a research paper after conducting detailed data analysis. Furthermore, this text will dive into common mistakes, pitfalls, and obstacles researchers need to overcome. Time is your most valuable resource, and nobody wants to spend time on trials that will not be relevant to the final project.

• Bell, Judith (Author)
• 296 Pages - 05/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Open University Press (Publisher)

Qualitative Inquiry And Research Design: Choose Among Five Approaches, 3rd Edition, Is The Latest In A Line Of Best-Selling Research Books From Creswell. This Book Ties Into People’s Philosophical Underpinnings When Developing A Research Project. It Also Looks At The History Of Various Research Projects, Which Serve As An Example For The Reader.

Overall, there are five traditions in qualitative research; grounded theory, phenomenology, narrative research, case study, and ethnography. Creswell uses an accessible writing style to help the reader understand when to use each of these narratives. Then, he dives into strategies for writing research papers using each of these approaches.

• Used Book in Good Condition
• 472 Pages - 03/14/2012 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project by Zina O’Leary is geared more toward young learners. As books on how to research, it focuses on how to develop a research project, analyze data, and write up the results. Every stage of the book is clearly explained, with the author specifying why it is essential to carry out that step correctly.

It also focuses on practical tips and tricks that learners can use to successfully carry out their research projects. The book includes helpful chapter summaries, a complete glossary, and boxed definitions for essential terms that should not be overlooked. The author also has a variety of suggestions for further reading, which is helpful for more advanced learners who may want to pick up a text that is a bit more detailed. Finally, the book also comes with access to a companion website. The website includes journal articles, real projects, worksheets, and podcasts.

• O′Leary, Zina (Author)
• 384 Pages - 12/20/2013 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications Ltd (Publisher)

Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner’s Guide to doing a research project, by Uwe Flick is ideal for new researchers. the author guides readers through the fundamentals that underpin a strong research project. He focuses on essential steps, common mistakes, and ways to expedite the research process.

Then, the author dives into some of the most critical skills readers need to have if they want to collect and analyze data properly. he goes into basic organizational tactics that make data easier to interpret, explains how to shorten the analytical process, and dives into real-life quantitative and qualitative research methods. He uses his research as an example, explaining to people how to pull out the essential parts of the research project before writing them up.

• Flick, Uwe (Author)
• 320 Pages - 04/14/2015 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications Ltd (Publisher)

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research by Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln focuses on global research. this text teaches readers how to synthesize existing literature, identify current research, and focus on caps that can be filled. the authors gather contributions from some of the most well-renowned researchers, addressing issues in research projects today. this text focuses more on research regarding social justice. therefore, this is better for people in the social sciences.

• Hardcover Book
• 992 Pages - 02/15/2017 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

Research Methods in Education, by Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manon, and Keith Morrison, is essential for students and professional researchers who want to learn how to create a comprehensive research project. It’s broken up into helpful chapters wrapped up by a convenient summary at the end, explaining to readers how to hit the high points.

Research Methods in Education also comes with a helpful companion website that contains PowerPoint slides for every chapter. This book can be read independently and discussed with a classroom full of students. The book has been written at a level that is accessible even to high school students, but the basics can be a helpful review for graduate researchers.

• Cohen, Louis (Author)
• 944 Pages - 10/27/2017 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)

Academic research comes in many shapes and forms, with qualitative and quantitative research having high points; however, the basics are the same across all fields. Researchers need to learn how to develop a hypothesis, put together a research methodology, collect their data, interpret it, and write up their findings.

It can be helpful to use the books about research above to refine your research methods . Each book focuses on a slightly different facet of academic research, so readers need to find the right book to meet their needs. With a substantial text, readers can avoid common mistakes, follow in the footsteps of successful researchers, and increase their chances of writing a solid research paper for school or getting their paper accepted into an academic journal.

Books About Research FAQs

Quantitative research focuses more on numbers and statistics. This type of research is more common in hard sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Qualitative research focuses more on overall meanings and concepts. This type of research is more common in social sciences such as anthropology, archaeology, and research topics focusing on social justice.

It would help compare prior articles in that academic journal to the article you have written. Most academic journals focus on a specific field, and you need to submit your article to a publication that shares research articles similar to your own. Be sure to consider the prestige of the journal before submitting your paper.

If you enjoyed this round-up of the best research books, you might also like our top 11 essay writing tips for students . 

You might also find our guide on essay topics for students  helpful. 

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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10 Must-Read Books for Researchers That Changed My Life

Introduction

• 1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
• 2. "Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds" by Carmine Gallo
• 3."The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy
• 4. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• 5. "The Brain Audit" by Sean D'Souza
• 6."Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" by Cole Nussbaumer
• 7. "The Professional" by Subroto Bagchi
• 8. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
• 9. "Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life" by Jim Kwik
• 10. "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda

Before You Conclude

Embarking on the path of a research scholar is an extraordinary journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge. As researchers, our quest for excellence knows no bounds, and we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our skills, improve productivity, and make a lasting impact on our work. In this pursuit of academic growth, books become our loyal companions, guiding us through uncharted territories and offering profound insights that shape our perspectives.

In this blog post, I have curated a collection of ten exceptional books, carefully selected to inspire and empower research scholars on their academic odyssey. These books transcend the conventional reading lists, providing not only invaluable wisdom for academic life but also lessons that extend far beyond the realm of research. From personal development to communication skills and innovation, each book offers a unique and transformative experience.

So, whether you are a seasoned researcher seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring scholar eager to embark on this scholarly expedition, these books hold the keys to unlocking your true potential. Join us as we delve into the pages of these literary treasures, drawing lessons from visionaries, leaders, and thinkers who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

Get ready to elevate your research prowess, enhance your personal growth, and embrace a new world of possibilities. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top ten books that will reshape the way you approach academia and life itself.

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

“ The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ” by Stephen R. Covey is a seminal self-help and personal development book that has had a profound impact on individuals and organizations worldwide. First published in 1989, the book continues to be a bestseller, and its principles remain highly relevant in various aspects of life, including academia and research.

The book is structured around seven essential habits that Stephen Covey identifies as the key to personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Covey advocates that true success comes from aligning one’s actions with timeless principles and values, rather than resorting to quick-fix solutions or external factors. By adopting these habits, individuals can transform their lives, become more proactive, and develop a deep sense of personal responsibility and accountability.

Here is an overview of the seven habits:

• Be Proactive: Taking Initiative for Change The first habit encourages individuals to take control of their lives and be proactive in shaping their destinies. It emphasizes focusing on what can be controlled and taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices, rather than being reactive to external circumstances.
• Begin with the End in Mind: Defining Your Life’s Mission Habit two urges individuals to clarify their long-term goals and values, ensuring that their actions align with their ultimate purpose. By visualizing and defining their life’s mission, researchers can work with purpose and direction, staying committed to their academic pursuits.
• Put First Things First: Prioritizing and Time Management Habit three is all about time management and prioritization. Covey introduces the Time Management Matrix, which categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. By focusing on Quadrant II tasks (important but not urgent), researchers can dedicate time to strategic planning and long-term research goals.
• Think Win-Win: Collaborative Problem-Solving Habit four promotes a mindset of win-win collaboration, where researchers seek mutually beneficial solutions and value the contributions of others. In academic settings, this habit fosters constructive teamwork and promotes an atmosphere of support and cooperation.
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Empathetic Communication Habit five emphasizes empathetic listening and understanding before seeking to convey one’s own perspective. Effective communication is vital for researchers to build strong relationships with peers, mentors, and research participants, enabling them to connect more deeply with their academic community.
• Synergize: Creativity and Collaboration Habit six encourages researchers to leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives of their colleagues to create innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of synergy, researchers can collectively achieve more significant results and generate groundbreaking insights.
• Sharpen the Saw: Continuous Renewal and Growth The final habit emphasizes the importance of self-renewal and continuous growth in four dimensions: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual. Researchers can enhance their productivity and well-being by investing in self-care, learning, and personal development.

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is more than just a self-help book; it is a roadmap for living a principled and purposeful life. By applying these habits to their academic journey, research scholars can improve their time management, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with others. Covey’s timeless principles provide a solid foundation for researchers to make a lasting impact in their academic pursuits and beyond.

2. “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo

“Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo: Effective communication and presentation skills are crucial for researchers to disseminate their findings, engage their audience, and inspire others with their work. In “Talk Like TED,” Carmine Gallo analyzes some of the most popular TED Talks and identifies the key elements that make them compelling and impactful. The book highlights nine public-speaking secrets that researchers can apply to elevate their presentation style and effectively communicate their research.

By learning from successful TED speakers, researchers can refine their storytelling abilities, use compelling visuals, and convey complex ideas in an engaging and memorable way. This book provides practical tips on delivering powerful narratives, using humour effectively, and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Researchers can apply these strategies to enhance their conference presentations, research seminars, and even classroom lectures, making their work more accessible and relatable to various audiences.

Including “Talk Like TED” in your reading list can help you to build confidence in public speaking, making you more effective in research and increasing the impact of your work. Whether you are presenting in front of peers, funding agencies, or the public, you can benefit from the communication techniques shared in this book, elevating your speaking skills to captivate and influence your listeners.

3.”The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy

“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy is a compelling guide that underscores the transformative power of consistency and perseverance in achieving extraordinary results. At its core, the concept of the compound effect is simple yet profound: small actions, consistently practised over time, can yield remarkable and exponential outcomes. For research scholars, this philosophy holds immense promise as they navigate the intricate terrain of academia.

In the realm of research, where progress can sometimes appear slow and incremental, understanding the compound effect becomes a potent tool for success. By committing to small, daily improvements in their research practices, scholars can witness the gradual accumulation of knowledge, expertise, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s dedicating a few extra minutes each day to reading relevant literature, fine-tuning research methodologies, or nurturing collaborative partnerships, these consistent efforts create a snowball effect that ultimately propels their work to new heights.

“The Compound Effect” instils in researchers the invaluable virtue of discipline and unwavering perseverance. Research endeavours often demand patience and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience. By internalizing the concept of compounding, researchers can resist the allure of quick fixes and instead invest in the steady, deliberate progress that sets the foundation for lasting achievements.

In an era where instant gratification is prevalent, embracing the compound effect can be a transformative mindset shift. By recognizing that each seemingly small effort contributes to a greater whole, researchers can find motivation and satisfaction in the process of growth, even during times of uncertainty or setbacks. This steadfast commitment to continuous improvement fuels a sense of purpose, driving researchers to push boundaries, explore uncharted territories, and discover innovative solutions.

Moreover, “The Compound Effect” empowers researchers to become architects of their own success. By taking ownership of their choices and acknowledging the impact of daily decisions, researchers can make intentional adjustments that steer their work in a more meaningful direction. Embracing this principle also fosters a culture of accountability, encouraging researchers to hold themselves responsible for their progress and to celebrate the achievements, however small, along the way.

4. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a transformative book that delves into the mechanics of habit formation and offers actionable strategies to build positive habits while breaking free from negative ones. For research scholars seeking to optimize their daily routines and enhance their productivity, this book serves as a powerful resource that unravels the intricacies of habit formation.

At the heart of “Atomic Habits” lies the idea that small changes, when consistently practised, can lead to remarkable transformations. James Clear introduces the concept of “atomic habits,” where the term “atomic” refers to the tiny, fundamental units that make up more significant changes. By breaking down habits into their elemental components, researchers gain a profound understanding of how habits are constructed, empowering them to engineer their routines for greater effectiveness.

One of the key takeaways for researchers from “Atomic Habits” is the concept of habit stacking. This technique involves attaching a new habit to an existing one, creating a powerful chain of positive actions that reinforces consistency. For instance, researchers can stack the habit of reading relevant research articles immediately after having breakfast each morning. Over time, this small addition becomes an integral part of their daily routine, bolstering their knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, “Atomic Habits” emphasizes the importance of habit tracking as a means to measure progress and stay accountable. For researchers, this could involve keeping a research journal to record their daily activities, insights, and breakthroughs. Regularly reviewing these records not only provides valuable insights into their progress but also helps researchers identify patterns and areas that require improvement.

The book also delves into the concept of habit cueing, which involves creating environmental triggers that prompt positive habits. For example, researchers can place a notepad and pen next to their desks, signalling the habit of jotting down research ideas as they arise. Such cues serve as gentle reminders to engage in desired behaviours, ultimately leading to more consistent and productive work habits.

By incorporating the principles from “Atomic Habits” into their academic lives, researchers can create a conducive environment for sustained productivity and growth. The book encourages researchers to view habits not as isolated occurrences but as interconnected elements that shape their entire academic journey. As researchers cultivate a habit of continuous improvement, they set the stage for a transformative academic experience, where the cumulative effect of small positive actions yields substantial and lasting outcomes.

5. “The Brain Audit” by Sean D’Souza

“The Brain Audit” by Sean D’Souza: While conducting research is a cognitive and analytical process, understanding human psychology and communication is equally essential. “The Brain Audit” delves into the minds of customers and readers, explaining the psychological triggers that influence decision-making and engagement. For researchers, this book can be invaluable in crafting compelling research proposals, presentations, and papers that resonate with their audience. By applying the principles outlined in the book, such as targeting the right problem, presenting evidence, and addressing objections, researchers can effectively communicate their findings and ideas to a broader audience.

Including “The Brain Audit” in their reading list can help researchers develop their persuasive communication skills, making their research more accessible and impactful to fellow scholars, industry professionals, and the general public. By understanding the psychological triggers that drive engagement and decision-making, researchers can create content that captures the attention and interest of their audience, increasing the likelihood of their work being shared and recognized within their academic community and beyond.

6.”Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals” by Cole Nussbaumer

“Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals” by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic: In the age of data-driven research, effective data visualization is essential for researchers to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively. “Storytelling with Data” is a practical guide that equips researchers with the skills to create compelling and impactful data visualizations. Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic emphasizes the importance of presenting data in a coherent and narrative-driven manner, allowing researchers to turn complex information into actionable insights.

This book provides valuable lessons on choosing the right chart types, avoiding clutter in visuals, and incorporating storytelling techniques into data presentations. By following the principles outlined in “Storytelling with Data,” researchers can create data-driven narratives that resonate with their audience and facilitate better understanding and decision-making.

Incorporating data visualization best practices from this book into their research process can help researchers present their findings more effectively during conferences, seminars, and in research publications. Clarity in data visualization ensures that research is accessible to a broader audience, increasing the chances of recognition and impact within the academic and professional communities.

By understanding the art of data storytelling, researchers can present their work in a compelling and memorable way, making their research more engaging and influential in the academic world and beyond.

7. “The Professional” by Subroto Bagchi

“The Professional” by Subroto Bagchi: “The Professional” is a transformative book that provides valuable insights into personal and professional development. Subroto Bagchi shares practical wisdom on building a successful and fulfilling career by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, dedication to excellence, and a commitment to ethical conduct.

For researchers, “The Professional” can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance. The book encourages researchers to approach their work with a sense of purpose and integrity. It emphasizes the value of honing one’s expertise, staying curious, and constantly striving for growth in their chosen field of research.

By adopting the principles outlined in “The Professional,” researchers can foster a mindset of continuous improvement, which is vital for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of academia. The book also emphasizes the significance of building meaningful relationships and effective communication skills, enabling researchers to collaborate more effectively with peers, mentors, and other stakeholders.

Moreover, “The Professional” highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in managing personal and professional challenges. For researchers dealing with the pressures of academia, these insights can be particularly beneficial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress.

Including “The Professional” in their reading list can help researchers gain a broader perspective on their academic journey, allowing them to grow not only as scholars but also as well-rounded professionals. By applying the principles discussed in the book, researchers can foster a successful and impactful career while maintaining their passion for their field of study.

8. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson

“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson : “Steve Jobs” is a biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. Although not directly related to academia or research, this book offers invaluable lessons for researchers in terms of innovation, creativity, and visionary thinking. Walter Isaacson presents a detailed account of Jobs’ life, including his entrepreneurial journey, leadership style, and approach to problem-solving.

For researchers, “Steve Jobs” serves as an inspiring example of thinking beyond conventional boundaries and taking risks to achieve groundbreaking results. Jobs’ relentless pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and focus on user experience are all qualities that researchers can aspire to emulate in their own work.

The book also highlights the importance of combining technology and the arts, a lesson that can be applied in various research fields. By embracing interdisciplinary approaches and incorporating creative elements into their work, researchers can create innovative solutions and address complex challenges in new and transformative ways.

Additionally, “Steve Jobs” showcases the significance of perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks. Researchers often encounter obstacles in their pursuit of knowledge, and Jobs’ story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the potential for breakthroughs even in the most challenging circumstances.

9. “Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik

“Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik is a game-changing book that taps into the immense potential of the human brain, offering research scholars invaluable tools to elevate their cognitive abilities and optimize their learning experiences. As researchers, where knowledge acquisition and problem-solving are constant endeavours, “Limitless” becomes an indispensable resource for unlocking the true potential of the mind.

At the core of “Limitless” lies the belief that the human brain is incredibly malleable and capable of continuous growth, a concept known as neuroplasticity. Jim Kwik, a renowned brain coach, distils complex neuroscience research into practical and actionable strategies that empower researchers to supercharge their cognitive function.

One of the central pillars of “Limitless” is memory enhancement. Jim Kwik demystifies memory techniques used by memory champions, demonstrating how these same methods can be harnessed by researchers to absorb and retain vast amounts of information more effectively. From the art of creating vivid mental images to mnemonic techniques that improve recall, these memory-enhancing strategies can revolutionize the way researchers absorb, process, and recall research findings and critical concepts.

Moreover, “Limitless” delves into the realm of focus and concentration—a precious commodity in a world filled with distractions. Jim Kwik shares insights on how to cultivate laser-like focus and eliminate mental clutter, allowing researchers to immerse themselves fully in their work and engage in deep, uninterrupted contemplation. By optimizing focus, researchers can make the most of their time, leading to more profound insights and innovative research outcomes.

The book also addresses the common learning obstacles faced by researchers, such as information overload, stress, and multitasking. Jim Kwik offers practical solutions to overcome these challenges, equipping scholars with the ability to navigate complex academic pursuits with clarity and ease.

“Limitless” extends its influence to problem-solving as well. By enhancing cognitive abilities, researchers can approach complex research questions with heightened analytical skills and creativity. Kwik’s insights on unlocking mental blocks and fostering innovative thinking can lead to breakthroughs and revolutionary contributions to their respective fields.

Implementing the techniques from “Limitless” goes beyond academic benefits; it can have a profound impact on researchers’ personal and professional lives. Improved memory and cognitive function lead to greater confidence and efficiency, enabling researchers to excel in various aspects of their academic and personal endeavors.

10. “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda

“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda: “Autobiography of a Yogi” is a spiritual classic that provides profound insights into the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned spiritual guru and yogi. While not directly related to academic research, this book can be a source of inspiration and perspective for researchers.

For researchers, “Autobiography of a Yogi” offers valuable lessons on introspection, mindfulness, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond the material realm. The book delves into the deeper aspects of human consciousness and spirituality, which can be relevant to researchers exploring topics related to human behavior, cognition, and well-being.

Yogananda’s journey in seeking spiritual truth and understanding the mysteries of life can inspire researchers to approach their work with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a sense of wonder. By embracing a holistic view of knowledge and integrating spiritual insights into their research, scholars may uncover new avenues of exploration and innovative ways of approaching complex problems.

Moreover, “Autobiography of a Yogi” touches upon themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These ideas can resonate with researchers seeking a sense of purpose and meaning in their academic pursuits, reminding them of the significance of their contributions to the world.

As an avid researcher, I am passionate about sharing knowledge and insights through my blog posts, which focus on various research topics, including research journals, conferences, PhD programs, patents, grants, research careers, research tools and Research Internships. Please visit my blog posts for further details.

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These ten must-read books for research scholars hold the key to unlocking untapped potential and fostering academic and personal growth. From cultivating effective habits to harnessing the power of storytelling, from embracing innovation to finding purpose amidst challenges, each book offers invaluable insights that transcend the boundaries of academia. As researchers, we are poised to make a profound impact on the world, and these literary treasures provide the guidance and inspiration needed to navigate this scholarly journey with wisdom, resilience, and a sense of purpose. So, let us embark on this transformative adventure armed with knowledge and equipped to leave an indelible mark on the realms of research and beyond.

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A blog for bibliophiles covering everything related to books from reviews and summaries to quotes and open articles.

12 Good Books on How to Write and Publish Research Papers

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Published: June 18, 2023 | Updated: October 29, 2023

Books on how to write and publish research papers are the topic of our blog post today!

Embarking on the journey of writing and publishing scientific papers signals your initiation into the academic and professional world. The transition from years of intensive learning to sharing your knowledge with the world is a milestone whether you’re a new Ph.D. graduate or a veteran educator.

Indeed, publishing your research is akin to emerging from a protective shell, basking in the bright light of scrutiny. This experience can stir feelings of vulnerability and impostor syndrome , particularly when your work is critically examined by peers, which is an inevitable part of the process. However, fret not, as with time and experience, you develop resilience, much like the tough skin of an alligator. We all do!

As a scholar, you’re likely acquainted with the often daunting axiom ‘publish or perish’. This mantra embodies the pressure academia imposes on its students and scholars to maintain a steady flow of publications. Such demands can sometimes feel stifling, seemingly inhibiting your creativity.

Having spent numerous years crafting academic prose, I’ve experienced firsthand the discomfort of pushing past personal thresholds. Fortunately, this blog offers a haven for my thoughts, a space where I can articulate ideas freely, without the constraints of formal structure, academic vernacular, and austere style. While I find immense gratification in writing research papers and the thrill of their subsequent publication, I’m also acutely aware that an excess of anything can be detrimental.

Check out these other posts on academic writing:

• Best books on how to write research and dissertation proposals
• Best books on how to write a dissertation
• Best books on how to write a literature review
• Best grant writing books

That brings me to the objective of this post: to share a curated collection of exceptional books that provide insights into writing and publishing research papers. The act of creating and disseminating research papers is paramount for the progression of knowledge in various scientific fields. Moreover, it opens opportunities for wider audiences to engage with your research and offers a platform for receiving peer feedback.

These books cover a broad spectrum of academic writing: from formulating robust research questions, honing writing skills, navigating the maze of the publishing process, responding to reviewers, to understanding intellectual property rights. They provide comprehensive, practical guidance for aspiring academic writers aiming to excel in their craft.

Books on How to Write and Publish Research Papers

Here is a collection of some very good books on how to write and publish research papers:

1. Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded , by Joshua Schimel

“Writing Science” is an insightful manual that offers a comprehensive guide to effective science writing, using the principles of story structure. This approach seeks to engage and retain the reader’s attention while delivering core arguments effectively.

Schimel teaches how to create an overall structure for a paper or proposal, ensuring that each section, paragraph, sentence, and word contributes to the narrative, with an emphasis on creating memorable and engaging stories.

2. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations , by Kate L. Turabian et al.

Kate L. Turabian’s book is a classic guide to scientific writing. Despite the changes in research methods over the years, this manual maintains that fundamental aspects remain unchanged.

The book encourages writers to construct an evidence-based argument, cite their sources correctly, and structure their work logically, thereby establishing a strong research question. Turabian’s guidelines are a timeless resource for anyone involved in scientific writing.

3. Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks , by Wendy Laura Belcher

Belcher’s book is a detailed, step-by-step guide to crafting a research paper from start to finish. The approach is systematic and organized, providing daily tasks, templates, and reminders to assist writers in creating strong articles.

The goal is to enhance the confidence of academic writers – from graduate students to faculty members – ensuring they understand the rules of academic publishing and possess the tools needed for success.

4. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper , by Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day

Gastel and Day’s book imparts necessary skills to write and publish a scientific paper effectively. This comprehensive resource touches on every aspect of the process, from writing different sections of a paper to publishing it.

The book also addresses psychological, ethical, and cultural considerations, offering invaluable advice on composing recommendation letters, preparing presentations, editing work, and dealing with the media.

5. The Scientist’s Guide to Writing , by Stephen B. Heard 

Heard’s book emphasizes the need for clarity in scientific writing. It encourages direct engagement with the writer’s attitudes and behaviors during the writing process.

By sharing practical tips on various aspects of scientific writing and encouraging deliberate practice, Heard aims to make scientific writing more accessible and effective.

6. The Craft of Scientific Writing , by Michael Alley

“The Craft of Scientific Writing” is a rich repository of insights gained from Alley’s extensive teaching experience across continents. Rather than offering a formulaic approach, this book brings to light the nuances that distinguish excellent scientific writing, using concrete examples to illustrate these principles.

7. Scientific Writing and Communication , by Angelika H. Hofmann 

Hofmann’s all-inclusive handbook provides guidance on all aspects of scientific communication. Covering everything from scientific writing style to preparing academic presentations and posters, this resource aids scientists in promoting their research and advancing their careers effectively.

8. Writing Scientific Research Articles: Strategy and Steps , by Margaret Cargill, Patrick O’Connor 

Cargill and O’Connor’s book provides clear, systematic guidance for writing compelling scientific papers that increase chances for publication. The guide encourages scientists to apply their analytical skills, synthesis abilities, and effectively communicate their research.

9. Your First Research Paper , by Henry M Burton

Burton’s comprehensive guide demystifies the process of writing a top-quality research paper. It details everything from forming a robust research question and understanding intellectual property rights to referencing, footnote, referencing, footnoting, and the publishing process. This book offers readers the tools they need to craft a high-quality, publishable research paper while adhering to timelines.

10. Write an Impactful Research Paper , by Dr. Martins Zaumanis

Dr. Zaumanis’ book is an inspiring guide for producing impactful academic writing. It outlines the four steps of the “LEAP” process to become a prolific writer and helps researchers craft a compelling message based on their results.

Additionally, it provides advice on responding to reviewers and getting published in top journals. This book also unveils eight unwritten rules of academic publishing to boost citations and enhance academic careers.

11. Scientific Writing and Communication , by Angie Hofmann

Hofmann’s “Scientific Writing and Communication” is a comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of scientific communication. Presented in an easy-to-understand manner, it explains the basics of scientific writing style and applies these principles to various types of scientific documents. It also gives detailed guidance on academic presentations and posters, making it an ideal resource for students, researchers, and scientists across multiple fields.

12. How to Write a Lot , by Paul J. Silvia

Silvia’s “How to Write a Lot” is a fresh take on overcoming barriers to productive academic writing. It addresses common excuses and bad habits, providing practical strategies for becoming a better, more prolific writer.

The book offers guidance on writing, submitting, and revising academic work without sacrificing personal time. This second edition updates the tips and strategies to apply to most academic disciplines and includes a new chapter on writing grant and fellowship proposals.

Final thoughts

As we come to the end of this exploration into books that guide you through writing and publishing research papers, it’s hard not to feel inspired. The journey from an idea to a published paper is fraught with hurdles—be it crafting a compelling argument, mastering the art of citation, or navigating the publication process. I’ve seen in my own research journey how the right resources can turn these challenges into milestones. That’s what these books are: your trusted companions on a journey that, let’s be honest, can sometimes feel like a labyrinth. Whether you’re new to the world of academic writing or you’re a seasoned researcher looking to fine-tune your skills, these books offer a wealth of wisdom that can help you get your research off the ground and into the pages of a reputable journal.

Related Posts

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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100 Best Research Books of All Time

We've researched and ranked the best research books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Kahneman | 5.00

Barack Obama A few months ago, Mr. Obama read “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” by Daniel Kahneman, about how people make decisions — quick, instinctive thinking versus slower, contemplative deliberation. For Mr. Obama, a deliberator in an instinctive business, this may be as instructive as any political science text. (Source)

Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2012.] (Source)

Marc Andreessen Captivating dive into human decision making, marred by inclusion of several/many? psychology studies that fail to replicate. Will stand as a cautionary tale? (Source)

See more recommendations for this book...

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor E. Frankl, William J. Winslade, et al. | 4.85

Tony Robbins Another book that I’ve read dozens of times. It taught me that if you change the meaning, you change everything. Meaning equals emotion, and emotion equals life. (Source)

Jimmy Fallon I read it while spending ten days in the ICU of Bellevue hospital trying to reattach my finger from a ring avulsion accident in my kitchen. It talks about the meaning of life, and I believe you come out a better person from reading it. (Source)

Dustin Moskovitz [Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)

The Craft of Research (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams | 4.81

The Art of War

Sun Tzu | 4.78

Reid Hoffman Reid read Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu as a boy, which informed his strategic thinking. (Source)

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] The Art of War (Sun Tsu) [to learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Evan Spiegel After meeting Mark Zuckerberg, [Evan Spiegel] immediately bought every [Snapchat] employee a copy of 'The Art Of War'. (Source)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot | 4.76

Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.

Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia — a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo — to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells.

Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family — past and present — is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.

Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance?

Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.

Carl Zimmer Yes. This is a fascinating book on so many different levels. It is really compelling as the story of the author trying to uncover the history of the woman from whom all these cells came. (Source)

A.J. Jacobs Great writer. (Source)

The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Susan Cain | 4.71

Simon Sinek eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',164,'0','1'])); Leaders needn’t be the loudest. Leadership is not about theater. It’s not about dominance. It is about putting the lives of others before any other priority. In Quiet, Cain affirms to a good many of us who are introverts by nature that we needn’t try to be extroverts if we want to lead.... (Source)

Jason Fried A good book I’d recommend is “Quiet” by Susan Cain. (Source)

James Altucher Probably half the world is introverts. Maybe more. It’s not an easy life to live. I sometimes have that feeling in a room full of people, “uh-oh. I just shut down. I can’t talk anymore and there’s a lock on my mouth and this crowd threw away the key.” Do you ever get that feeling? Please? I hope you do. Let’s try to lock eyes at the party. “Quiet” shows the reader how to unlock the secret powers... (Source)

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King | 4.70

Mark Manson I read a bunch of books on writing before I wrote my first book and the two that stuck with me were Stephen King’s book and “On Writing Well” by Zinsser (which is a bit on the technical side). (Source)

Jennifer Rock If you are interested in writing and communication, start with reading and understanding the technical aspects of the craft: The Elements of Style. On Writing Well. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. (Source)

Benjamin Spall [Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King, [...] (Source)

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Joseph Campbell | 4.70

The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology, the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating path of contemporary life. Examining heroic myths in the light of modern psychology, it considers not only the patterns and stages of mythology but also its relevance to our lives today--and to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence. Myth, according to Campbell, is the projection of a culture's dreams onto a large screen; Campbell's book, like Star Wars , the...

The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology, the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating path of contemporary life. Examining heroic myths in the light of modern psychology, it considers not only the patterns and stages of mythology but also its relevance to our lives today--and to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence. Myth, according to Campbell, is the projection of a culture's dreams onto a large screen; Campbell's book, like Star Wars , the film it helped inspire, is an exploration of the big-picture moments from the stage that is our world. It is a must-have resource for both experienced students of mythology and the explorer just beginning to approach myth as a source of knowledge.

Ray Dalio The book I’d give [every graduating senior in college or high school] would be [...] Joseph Campbell’s 'Hero of a Thousand Faces'. It's little bit dense but it’s so rich, so it’s a good one. (Source)

Darren Aronofsky [I'm] totally part of his cult. Because I believe in that hero’s journey. (Source)

Kyle Russell Book 28 Lesson: Embedded in human psychology (and the resulting symbolism we find compelling) is a wish for our struggles to be meaningful, for our suffering to have value, for our effort to pay off for ourselves and those we love - and to then be recognized for it. https://t.co/lWgr4k7d8Y (Source)

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari | 4.68

Richard Branson One example of a book that has helped me to #ReadToLead this year is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. While the book came out a few years ago now, I got around to it this year, and am very glad I did. I’ve always been fascinated in what makes humans human, and how people are constantly evolving, changing and growing. The genius of Sapiens is that it takes some daunting,... (Source)

Reid Hoffman A grand theory of humanity. (Source)

Barack Obama eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',164,'0','1'])); Fact or fiction, the president knows that reading keeps the mind sharp. He also delved into these non-fiction reads. (Source)

The Psychology of Persuasion

Robert B. Cialdini | 4.68

Charles T. Munger Robert Cialdini has had a greater impact on my thinking on this topic than any other scientist. (Source)

Dan Ariely It covers a range of ways in which we end up doing things, and how we don’t understand why we’re doing them. (Source)

Max Levchin [Max Levchin recommended this book as an answer to "What business books would you advise young entrepreneurs read?"] (Source)

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The Story of Success

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.68

Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2011.] (Source)

James Altucher Gladwell is not the first person to come up with the 10,000 hour rule. Nor is he the first person to document what it takes to become the best in the world at something. But his stories are so great as he explains these deep concepts. How did the Beatles become the best? Why are professional hockey players born in January, February and March? And so on. (Source)

Cat Williams-Treloar The books that I've talked the most about with friends and colleagues over the years are the Malcolm Gladwell series of novels. Glorious stories that mix science, behaviours and insight. You can't go wrong with the "The Tipping Point", "Outliers", "Blink" or "David & Goliath". (Source)

The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk M.D. | 4.63

Matthew Green Reading The Body Keeps the Score was a eureka moment for me. (Source)

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie | 4.61

Dustin Moskovitz Seek to be understood. (Source)

Scott Adams [Scott Adams recommends this book on his "Persuasion Reading List."] (Source)

Daymond John I love all the Dale Carnegie books. (Source)

The New Psychology of Success

Carol S. Dweck | 4.61

Tony Robbins [Tony Robbins recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Bill Gates One of the reasons I loved Mindset is because it’s solutions-oriented. In the book’s final chapter, Dweck describes the workshop she and her colleagues have developed to shift students from a fixed to a growth mindset. These workshops demonstrate that ‘just learning about the growth mindset can cause a big shift in the way people think about themselves and their lives. (Source)

The New Jim Crow

Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

Michelle Alexander, Cornel West | 4.61

Mark Zuckerberg I read The New Jim Crow, a study of how the U.S. justice system disproportionately criminalizes and jails blacks and Latinos. Making our criminal justice system fairer and more effective is a huge challenge for our country. I’m going to keep learning about this topic, but some things are already clear: We can’t jail our way to a just society, and our current system isn’t working (adapted with... (Source)

Peter Temin The new Jim Crow that Michelle Alexander is talking about is mass incarceration. (Source)

The Demon-haunted World

Science As a Candle in the Dark

Carl Sagan | 4.60

James Randi First of all, Carl was my very good friend, and we had a lot of confidences over the years. He was the epitome of the scientific mind and the scientific thinker. In The Demon-Haunted World, one of his later books, he investigates pseudoscience, frauds and fakes, and the mistakes that scientists made over the years. It’s very comprehensive. He had a whole chapter devoted to “Carlos” – or Jose... (Source)

Philip Plait He holds your hand and shows you the wonders of science and the universe. The Demon-Haunted World is probably his best book. (Source)

Dallas Campbell @TheChilterns Even if you profoundly disagree with Clarke, it’s very detailed. The classic is of course ‘The Demon Haunted World’ by Carl Sagan. When I’m Prime Minister it will be compulsory reading at school! Best book on what science is/isn’t and why we think the way we do. 👍 (Source)

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg | 4.57

Naval Ravikant I also recently finished The Power of Habit, or close to finish as I get. That one was interesting, not because of its content necessarily, but because it’s good for me to always keep on top of mind how powerful my habits are. [...] I think learning how to break habits is a very important meta-skill that can serve you better in life than almost anything else. Although you can read tons of books... (Source)

Blake Irving You know, there's a book called The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Simple read book about just how to build positive habits that can be I think I what I'd call you know whether in your personal life or whether in your business life to help you build you know, have a loop that can build your success and that's one I mean there are so many great books out there. (Source)

Santiago Basulto Another book with great impact was “The power of habit”. But to be honest, I read only a couple of pages. It’s a good book, with many interesting stories. But to be honest, the idea it tries to communicate is simple and after a couple of pages you’ve pretty much understood all of it. Happens the same thing with those types of books (Getting things done, crossing the chasm, etc.) (Source)

The Tipping Point

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.56

Kevin Rose Bunch of really good information in here on how to make ideas go viral. This could be good to apply to any kind of products or ideas you may have. Definitely, check out The Tipping Point, which is one of my favorites. (Source)

Seth Godin Malcolm Gladwell's breakthrough insight was to focus on the micro-relationships between individuals, which helped organizations realize that it's not about the big ads and the huge charity balls... it's about setting the stage for the buzz to start. (Source)

Andy Stern I think that when we talk about making change, it is much more about macro change, like in policy. This book reminds you that at times when you're building big movements, or trying to elect significant decision-makers in politics, sometimes it's the little things that make a difference. Ever since the book was written, we've become very used to the idea of things going viral unexpectedly and then... (Source)

The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.54

Mike Shinoda I know most of the guys in the band read [this book]. (Source)

Marillyn Hewson CEO Marilyn Hewson recommends this book because it helped her to trust her instincts in business. (Source)

Research Design

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

John W. Creswell | 4.53

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking | 4.51

Richard Branson Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)

Dan Hooper Everybody knows Hawking’s greatest contributions: understanding that black holes radiate light and other particles, that they contain entropy and all these things that no one imagined before him. Hawking and Roger Penrose also worked out the Big Bang singularity, the very moment of creation. To hear him describe some of these things with his own word choices, his own phrasing—not to mention his... (Source)

Adam Hart-Davis When Stephen Hawking wrote A Brief History of Time..his publisher told him that every equation he left in would halve the number of readers (Source)

The Elements of Style

William Jr. Strunk | 4.49

Tobi Lütke [My] most frequently gifted book is [this book] because I like good writing. (Source)

Bill Nye This is my guide. I accept that I’ll never write anything as good as the introductory essay by [the author]. It’s brilliant. (Source)

The Hot Zone

Richard Preston | 4.48

Jon Najarian I believe both the corona virus and ebola have a bat connection. Scary, but great book on ebola: Hot Zone by Richard Preston https://t.co/jGEjbrB7pZ (Source)

Pierre Haski @ChuBailiang The hot zone, it made my days during SARS in Beijing, a great book! https://t.co/8E8AYgIhp7 (Source)

Freakonomics

A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Stephen J. Levitt, Steven D.; Dubner | 4.46

Malcolm Gladwell I don’t need to say much here. This book invented an entire genre. Economics was never supposed to be this entertaining. (Source)

Daymond John I love newer books like [this book]. (Source)

James Altucher [James Altucher recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Mary Roach | 4.43

Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Richard H. Thaler | 4.42

Dan Ariely Nudge is a very important book. One of the reasons Nudge is so important is because it’s taking these ideas and applying them to the policy domain. Here are the mistakes we make. Here are the ways marketers are trying to influence us. Here’s the way we might be able to fight back. If policymakers understood these principles, what could they do? The other important thing about the book is that it... (Source)

Eric Ries A pioneer in behavioral economics and just recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, his classic book on how to make better decisions. (Source)

Ryan Holiday This might feel like a weird book to include, but I think it presents another side of strategy that is too often forgotten. It’s not always about bold actors and strategic thrusts. Sometimes strategy is about subtle influence. Sometimes it is framing and small tweaks that change behavior. We can have big aims, but get there with little moves. This book has excellent examples of that kind of... (Source)

Guns, Germs and Steel

The Fates of Human Societies

Jared Diamond Ph.D. | 4.41

Bill Gates Fascinating.... Lays a foundation for understanding human history. (Source)

Daniel Ek A brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning book about how the modern world was formed, analyzing how societies developed differently on different continents. (Source)

Yuval Noah Harari A book of big questions, and big answers. The book turned me from a historian of medieval warfare into a student of humankind. (Source)

Bird By Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott | 4.36

Susan Cain I love [this book]. Such a good book. (Source)

Timothy Ferriss Bird by Bird is one of my absolute favorite books, and I gift it to everybody, which I should probably also give to startup founders, quite frankly. A lot of the lessons are the same. But you can get to your destination, even though you can only see 20 feet in front of you. (Source)

Ryan Holiday It was wonderful to read these two provocative books of essays by two incredibly wise and compassionate women. [...] Anne Lamott’s book is ostensibly about the art of writing, but really it too is about life and how to tackle the problems, temptations and opportunities life throws at us. Both will make you think and both made me a better person this year. (Source)

George Orwell | 4.34

Steve Jobs called this book "one of his favorite" and recommended it to the hires. The book also inspired one the greatest TV ad (made by Jobs) (Source)

D J Taylor In terms of how technology is working in our modern surveillance powers, it’s a terrifyingly prophetic book in some of its implications for 21st-century human life. Orwell would deny that it was prophecy; he said it was a warning. But in fact, distinguished Orwell scholar Professor Peter Davis once made a list of all the things that Orwell got right, and it was a couple of fairly long paragraphs,... (Source)

Emotional Intelligence

Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Daniel Goleman | 4.32

Drew Houston It’s nonfiction, but it spelled out something that I just didn’t know you could kind of break down in a logical way. And, suddenly, I had this understanding about the world that I didn’t have before. (Source)

Sharon Salzberg [Sharon Salzberg recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Roxana Bitoleanu [One of the books recommends to young people interested in her career path.] (Source)

Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill | 4.31

Daymond John The main takeaway from [this book] was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don't set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it? (Source)

Mark Moses [ listing the books that had the biggest impact on him] (Source)

Sa El Another book all about how to obtain financial success by changing how you think and how to change your actions based on that thinking pattern, mindset is the first thing that must change if you want to build a business. (Source)

Angela Duckworth | 4.31

Benjamin Spall [Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] [...] Grit by Angela Duckworth (Source)

Bogdan Lucaciu Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance - it was frustrating to read: “Where was this book 20 years ago!?” (Source)

Stephen Lew When asked what books he would recommend to youngsters interested in his professional path, Stephen mentioned Grit. (Source)

An Unquiet Mind

A Memoir of Moods and Madness

Kay Redfield Jamison | 4.30

Jonathan Glover Kay Redfield Jamison is a psychologist who has co-authored the major psychiatric textbook on manic depression. It authoritatively covers every aspect of the science, from genetics to pharmacology, and also has chapters on the links with creativity and on what the illness feels like. The chapters on the subjective experience are enriched with vivid quotations from patients. In her autobiography,... (Source)

Tanya Byron This is a divine book. A patient of mine who suffers with a bipolar illness, an absolutely inspiring young genius, recommended it to me. So I read it, and then we discussed it in a lot of our sessions together. (Source)

Amusing Ourselves to Death

Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

Neil Postman, Andrew Postman | 4.28

Austin Kleon Earlier this year Postman’s son Andrew wrote an op-ed with the title, “My dad predicted Trump in 1985 — it’s not Orwell, he warned, it’s Brave New World.” Postman wrote: “What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.” (Source)

Steve Lance Neil Postman took the work of Marshall McLuhan – who was putting out early theories on media – and built on them. However, Postman was far more observant and empirical about the trends occurring in the media landscape. The trends which he identifies in Amusing Ourselves to Death, written in the 1980s, have since all come true. For example, he predicted that if you make news entertaining, then... (Source)

Kara Nortman @andrewchen Also a great book on the topic - Amusing Ourselves to Death https://t.co/yWLBxKumLQ (Source)

How to Be a Victorian

A Dawn-to-Dusk Guide to Victorian Life

Ruth Goodman | 4.28

Between the World and Me

Ta-Nehisi Coates | 4.27

Barack Obama The president also released a list of his summer favorites back in 2015: All That Is, James Salter The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert The Lowland, Jhumpa Lahiri Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates Washington: A Life, Ron Chernow All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr (Source)

Jack Dorsey Q: What are the books that had a major influence on you? Or simply the ones you like the most. : Tao te Ching, score takes care of itself, between the world and me, the four agreements, the old man and the sea...I love reading! (Source)

Doug McMillon Here are some of my favorite reads from 2017. Lots of friends and colleagues send me book suggestions and it's impossible to squeeze them all in. I continue to be super curious about how digital and tech are enabling people to transform our lives but I try to read a good mix of books that apply to a variety of areas and stretch my thinking more broadly. (Source)

Inside the Victorian Home

A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England

Judith Flanders | 4.27

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Daniel H. Pink | 4.27

Tobi Lütke [Tobi Lütke recommended this book in an interview in "The Globe and Mail."] (Source)

David Heinemeier Hansson Takes some of those same ideas about motivations and rewards and extrapolates them in a little bit. (Source)

Mike Benkovich I'd recommend a sprinkling of business books followed by a heap of productivity and behavioural psychology books. The business books will help you with principals and the psychological books help with everything else in your life. Building your own business can really f!@# you up psychologically. (Source)

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Johnny Saldana | 4.26

Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design

Choosing Among Five Approaches

John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth | 4.25

The Emotion Thesaurus

A Writer's Guide to Character Expression

Becca Puglisi | 4.25

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Thomas S. Kuhn and Ian Hacking | 4.23

Mark Zuckerberg It's a history of science book that explores the question of whether science and technology make consistent forward progress or whether progress comes in bursts related to other social forces. I tend to think that science is a consistent force for good in the world. I think we'd all be better off if we invested more in science and acted on the results of research. I'm excited to explore this... (Source)

Tim O'Reilly The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn. Kuhn introduced the term "paradigm shift" to describe the changeover from Ptolemaic to Copernican astronomy. But the book is far more than a classic in the history of science. It's also a book that emphasizes how what we already believe shapes what we see, what we allow ourselves to think. I've always tried to separate seeing itself from... (Source)

Andra Zaharia I’ve gone through quite a few experiences brought on or shaped by what I’ve learned from books. A particularly unexpected one happened in college when our public relations teacher asked us to read a book called The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn. As a humanities student, you can imagine that I wasn’t thrilled I’d have to read a book on science, but what followed blew my mind... (Source)

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection

Or, the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life

Charles Darwin, Robin Field | 4.23

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] On the Origin of Species (Darwin) [to learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Mark Kurlansky It is one of the most important books written, and I always urge people to read it. (Source)

Darren Aronofsky [Darren Aronofsky recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew

From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England

Daniel Pool | 4.22

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Malcolm X, M. S. Handler, Ossie Davis, Attallah Shabazz, Alex Haley | 4.22

Casey Neistat Aside from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Casey's favorite book is The Second World War by John Keegan. (Source)

Ryan Holiday I forget who said it but I heard someone say that Catcher in the Rye was to young white boys what the Autobiography of Malcolm X was to young black boys. Personally, I prefer that latter over the former. I would much rather read about and emulate a man who is born into adversity and pain, struggles with criminality, does prison time, teaches himself to read through the dictionary, finds religion... (Source)

Keith Ellison Malcolm X is somebody that everybody in America’s prisons today could look at and say, ‘You know what, I can emerge, I can evolve' (Source)

Edith Hamilton | 4.20

Alan Kay A few more books like this, and by the time I got to first grade I had been ruined for the 'single book - single truth' ideas of school and church. (Source)

David and Goliath

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.19

Catalina Penciu Business-wise, my goal for this year is to improve my collection and my mindset, but my favorite so far has been David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. (Source)

Robert Katai Buy Malcolm Gladwell’s book “David and Goliath” and read the interesting stories about how the Davids of that moments have defeated the Goliaths. (Source)

Predictably Irrational

The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

Dan Ariely | 4.18

Nick Harkaway Predictably Irrational is an examination of the way in which we make decisions irrationally, and how that irrationality can be predicted. (Source)

Jonah Lehrer Dan Ariely is a very creative guy and was able to take this basic idea, that humans are irrational, and mine it in a million different directions. (Source)

The Emperor of All Maladies

A Biography of Cancer

Siddhartha Mukherjee, Fred Sanders, et al | 4.18

Bill Gates I loved [this] brilliant book about cancer. (Source)

Timothy J. Jorgensen A tremendous amount of cancer biology comes through in that book through the eyes of the victims and the people up close and personal. (Source)

A Brief History of Tomorrow

Yuval Noah Harari | 4.18

Richard Branson I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a big reader of paleontology or anthropology – not good words for us dyslexics! – but I enjoy learning about how society has unfolded and history has developed in an exciting, easy to read way. The sequel, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, is a fascinating look into the future too. While these aren’t traditional business or leadership books, they are all... (Source)

Bill Gates Harari’s new book is as challenging and readable as Sapiens. Rather than looking back, as Sapiens does, it looks to the future. I don’t agree with everything the author has to say, but he has written a thoughtful look at what may be in store for humanity. (Source)

Vinod Khosla Not that I agree with all of it, but it is still mind-bending speculation about our future as a follow-up to a previous favorite, Sapiens. It’s directionally right. (Source)

Case Study Research

Design and Methods (Applied Social Research Methods)

Robert K. Yin | 4.18

The Design of Everyday Things

Don Norman | 4.17

Marius Ciuchete Paun eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',164,'0','1'])); Question: Was there a moment, specifically, when something you read in a book helped you? Answer: Yes there was. In fact, I can remember two separate sentences from two different books: The first one comes from “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman. It says: “great design will help... (Source)

Grey Baker I mainly read to decompress and change my state of mind, so it’s hard to point to an insight I read that helped me. Reading fiction has pulled me out of a bad mood more times than I can count, though, and always reenergises me to attack problems that had stumped me again. That said, I read and loved Norman Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things”, and it’s helped me think through design problems... (Source)

Kaci Lambe These three books are about how people actually use design in their lives. They helped me understand this very basic idea: There are no dumb users, only bad designers. Take the time to create based on how your design will be interacted with. Test it. Iterate. That's how you become a good designer. (Source)

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley | 4.16

Yuval Noah Harari The most prophetic book of the 20th century. Today many people would easily mistake it for a utopia. (Source)

Ellen Wayland-Smith It is a hilarious, and also very prescient, parody of utopias. Huxley goes back to the idea that coming together and forming a community of common interests is a great idea – it’s the basis of civil society. At the same time, when communities of common interests are taken to utopian degrees the self starts to dissolve into the larger community, you lose privacy and interiority; that becomes... (Source)

John Quiggin The lesson I draw from this is that the purpose of utopia is not so much as an achieved state, as to give people the freedom to pursue their own projects. That freedom requires that people are free of the fear of unemployment, or of financial disaster through poor healthcare. They should be free to have access to the kind of resources they need for their education and we should maintain and... (Source)

Understanding Comics

The Invisible Art

Scott McCloud | 4.16

Austin Kleon Unsolicited, but here’s my advice for visual thinkers (and others) who want to be better writers: [...] Cartoonists, because their work demands work from two disciplines (writing/art, poetry/design, words/pictures), are highly instructive when it comes to visual people learning to write, writers learning to make art, etc. (Check out Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics for more.) (Source)

Will Brooker Understanding Comics is a book about how comics work, told in comic form. It’s very accessible, it’s for the general reader and is about comics in general, not just superhero comics. It explores areas like pacing and editing – how motion can be created through static panels on a page, and how arranging those panels in different ways, or drawing in different styles, or combining text and image,... (Source)

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century

Ian Mortimer | 4.16

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood | 4.15

Grady Booch I read this several years ago but — much like Orwell’s 1984 — it seems particularly relevant given our current political morass. (Source)

Cliff Bleszinski @HandmaidsOnHulu Done. Love the show, book is a classic, can't wait for season 2. (Source)

Jason Kottke @procload Not super necessary, since you've seen the TV show. This first book is still a great read though...different than the show (tone-wise more than plot-wise). (Source)

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson | 4.14

Amanda Palmer [Amanda Palmer recommended this book in the book "Tools of Titans".] (Source)

Fabrice Grinda I have lots of books to recommend, but they are not related to my career path. The only one that is remotely related is Peter Thiel’s Zero to One. That said here are books I would recommend. (Source)

David Goldberg What I really liked about A Short History of Nearly Everything is that it gives an excellent account of a lot of the personalities and the interconnectedness of important discoveries in cosmology and elsewhere. He does such a great job of bringing together our understanding of cosmology, evolution, paleontology, and geology in a very, very fluid way. (Source)

New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

Charles C. Mann | 4.14

In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492. Contrary to what so many Americans learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets, and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a...

In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492. Contrary to what so many Americans learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets, and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a specialized breeding process that it has been called man’s first feat of genetic engineering. Indeed, Indians were not living lightly on the land but were landscaping and manipulating their world in ways that we are only now beginning to understand. Challenging and surprising, this a transformative new look at a rich and fascinating world we only thought we knew.

Adam Conover @TheBaltimoreSon @CharlesCMann Sure it! A total revolution in my understanding of history, all in one book. Amazing stuff. (Source)

Scott Keyes It’s one of those books that takes everything you thought you knew about the history of European colonialists and indigenous groups in the Americas and turns it on its head. Just a fascinating deep-dive into early American history that questions a lot of dogma we were taught in school. (Source)

Colin Calloway The book provides a huge hemispheric overview. (Source)

The Power of Myth

Joseph Campbell, Bill Moyers | 4.14

Naval Ravikant I’m rereading The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Sometimes I think it’s better to just to reread the greats than it is to read something that’s not as great. (Source)

Bryan Callen Joseph Campbell was the first person to really open my eyes to [the] compassionate side of life, or of thought... Campbell was the guy who really kind of put it all together for me, and not in a way I could put my finger on... It made you just glad to be alive, [realizing] how vast this world is, and how similar and how different we are. (Source)

Park Howell This is one of the books I recommend to people looking for a career in advertising. (Source)

On Writing Well

The Classic Guide To Writing Nonfiction

William Zinsser | 4.14

Tim O'Reilly On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. I wouldn't say this book influenced me, since my principles of writing were established long before I read it. However, it does capture many things that I believe about effective writing. (Source)

Derek Sivers Great blunt advice about writing better non-fiction. So inspiring. (Source)

Women Who Run With the Wolves

Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

Clarissa Pinkola Estés | 4.14

Irina Botnari I’m reading more books at the same time. Guilty. Some of them are Tools of Titans - Tim Ferriss, My Berlin Child – Anne Wiazemsky, Women who Run with the Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Tim is full of lessons to learn, remember & implement, I’ll see what the rest of the books will unfold. (Source)

Gender Trouble

Feminism and the Subversion of Identity

Judith Butler | 4.13

Invisible Women

Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Caroline Criado Perez | 4.12

Konnie Huq @FenTiger697 @WokingAmnesty @CCriadoPerez @Hatchards @radioleary Brilliant book by the brilliant @CCriadoPerez 😍 (Source)

Feminist Next Door @Rockmedia Awesome book (Source)

Nigel Shadbolt Invisible Women is an exposé of just how much of the world around us is designed around the default male. Deploying a huge range of data and examples, Caroline Criado Perez, who is a writer, broadcaster and award winning campaigner, presents on overwhelming case for change. Every page is full of facts and data that support her fundamental contention that in a world built for and by men, gender... (Source)

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Chicago Style for Students and Researchers

Kate L. Turabian | 4.12

Just Enough Research

Erika Hall | 4.12

Mike Monteiro Hello. @mulegirl’s revised, expanded, even more good edition of the world’s best research book, Just Enough Research, dropped today. Buy it for yourself, or buy it for everyone in your company, and you’ll make better things. https://t.co/7U4xcCu2ez (Source)

Daniel Burka Awesome! @mulegirl's excellent new book, Conversational Design, is now available from @abookapart. My blurb even made it in! "This book cuts through the fluff and buzzwords to get straight to the point..." https://t.co/0oeD5J0OSH (Source)

Tim Kastelle “A large corporation is more like Australia: it’s impossible to see the whole landscape at once and there are so many things capable of maiming or killing you.” Just Enough Research by ⁦@mulegirl⁩ is a fantastic book - highly recommended. https://t.co/t11yOVeqNc (Source)

The Prince [with Biographical Introduction]

Nicollo Machiavelli, Tim Parks | 4.11

Eric Ripert A fascinating study and still wholly relevant. (Source)

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] The Prince (Machiavelli) [to learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Ryan Holiday Of course, this is a must read. Machiavelli is one of those figures and writers who is tragically overrated and underrated at the same time. Unfortunately that means that many people who read him miss the point and other people avoid him and miss out altogether. Take Machiavelli slow, and really read him. Also understand the man behind the book–not just as a masterful writer but a man who... (Source)

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Why Violence Has Declined

Steven Pinker | 4.10

Mark Zuckerberg My second book of the year is The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker. It's a timely book about how and why violence has steadily decreased throughout our history, and how we can continue this trend. Recent events might make it seem like violence and terrorism are more common than ever, so it's worth understanding that all violence -- even terrorism -- is actually decreasing over time.... (Source)

Eric Schmidt When you finish [this book], which takes a long time, you conclude that the world is in a much, much better place than it has been in the past. (Source)

Bill Gates Yong succeeds in his intention to give us a 'grander view of life' and does so without falling prey to grand, unifying explanations that are far too simplistic. He presents our inner ecosystems in all their wondrous messiness and complexity. And he offers realistic optimism that our growing knowledge of the human microbiome will lead to great new opportunities for enhancing our health. (Source)

Save the Cat

The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need

Blake Snyder | 4.09

Eric Weinstein [Eric Weinstein recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)

Bill Liao The human world occurs in language so best get good at it! (Source)

Neville Medhora It takes you through 11 different 'archetypes' of screenplays you can write, and the exact elements each needs to be a great story. (Source)

How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed

Jared Diamond | 4.08

Bill Gates I found this to be an interesting follow-up to the excellent Guns, Germs, and Steel. It examines the downfall of some of history's greatest civilizations. (Source)

Matthew Yglesias I wanted to get a book on my list that is actually enjoyable to read, so not everything is quite so dry and dull as a narrative. I also wanted to include something that reflects the growing importance of environmental and ecological concerns to progressive politics in America. This is relatively new to the agenda – it’s only been in the last 30 to 35 years. But going forward, one of the most... (Source)

Stefan Lessard He should read this book I’m almost finished with. Jared Diamond is one of my favorite historical authors. https://t.co/f9JLYlsc4v https://t.co/KtPgMZaWen (Source)

The Elegant Universe

Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

Brian Greene | 4.08

Mark Kurlansky I love this book. Brian Greene makes quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity really make sense, so you can understand something which nobody seems to understand (Source)

Tom Clarke This book is perhaps the public debut of string theory – an attempt to explain how the best of the big and the small theories might be linked to explain the entire universe. (Source)

Steven Gubser The book works at many levels – I gave a copy to my mom when it came out, and I also received very positive impressions about the book from Norman Ramsey, who is a Nobel Prize physicist at Harvard. So it’s a great achievement, and part of why it’s a great achievement is that it covers not only string theory but also the accepted pillars of 20th-century theoretical physics, namely, quantum... (Source)

Imagined Communities

Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Revised Edition)

Benedict Anderson | 4.08

Jon Calame We looked into divided cities not because we had a morbid fascination with these traumatised cities, but because they seemed to be a keyhole through which you could glimpse this larger phenomenon relatively clearly. (Source)

Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Brené Brown | 4.08

Chase Jarvis [Chase Jarvis recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Chelsea Frank I read everything with an open mind, often challenging myself by choosing books with an odd perspective or religious/spiritual views. These books do not reflect my personal feelings but are books that helped shape my perspective on life, love, and happiness. (Source)

AnneMarie Schindler I suggest these [books] because they really open up 'how' you think about life and in turn work, success/challenges/setbacks, and in general, yourself. I believe that the more you can understand yourself and broaden your approach to work, the easier it will be to find work that energizes you. Finally, I'm a team player at heart, and love working with others to achieve a huge goal so a portion of... (Source)

Norse Mythology

out of 5 stars4,12 | 4.08

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn | 4.07

Lisa Ling I credit this book with propelling me to dig deeper, and to not always believe the narrative. (Source)

Alex Honnold Totally changed the way I look at politics. (Source)

Discipline and Punish

The Birth of the Prison

Michel Foucault, Alan Sheridan | 4.07

The Little Book of Research Writing

Varanya Chaubey | 4.07

The Gifts of Imperfection

Brené Brown | 4.07

Poverty and Profit in the American City

Matthew Desmond | 4.06

Bill Gates If you want a good understanding of how the issues that cause poverty are intertwined, you should read this book about the eviction crisis in Milwaukee. Desmond has written a brilliant portrait of Americans living in poverty. He gave me a better sense of what it is like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read. (Source)

Satya Nadella Nadella is using this season to learn more in a variety of subjects. By the looks of it, he is interested in, among other things, virtual reality, the refugee crisis, and housing for the urban poor. (Source)

Noah Kagan Surprising insights into the lives of people who were evicted. I make a lot of assumptions about these people. Turns out I was wrong WHY they get evicted. (Source)

Bad Science

Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks

Ben Goldacre | 4.06

Timothy Ferriss I agree wholeheartedly with a lot of the co-opted science, which people can read a book called Bad Science, which is by a doctor named Ben Goldacre. It’s great. (Source)

Tim Harford This book changed the way I thought about my own writing and it changed the way I thought about the world. It really is one of the best books I have ever read. (Source)

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore It’s just a brilliant book, and he’s a fearless defender of science. (Source)

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)

Scott Cunningham | 4.05

The Republic

The Influential Classic

Plato | 4.05

Maria Popova Tim Ferriss: "If you could guarantee that every public official or leader read one book, what would it be?": "The book would be, rather obviously, Plato's The Republic. I'm actually gobsmacked that this isn't required in order to be sworn into office, like the Constitution is required for us American immigrants when it comes time to gain American citizenship." (Source)

Rebecca Goldstein Living today in Trump’s America, I am constantly reminded of specific passages in the Republic, most saliently his warnings of how a demagogue might arise in the midst of a democracy by fanning up resentments and fears. (Source)

David Heinemeier Hansson I’m about a third through this and still can’t tell whether Plato is making a mockery of Socrates ideas for the idyllic society or not. So many of the arguments presented as Socrates’ are so tortured and with so disconnected leaps of logic that it’s hard to take it at face value. Yet still, it’s good fun to follow the dialogue. It reads more like a play than a book, and again, immensely... (Source)

How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger - Second Edition with a New Chapter by the Author

Darrell Huff and Irving Gei | 4.05

Bill Gates I picked this one up after seeing it on a Wall Street Journal list of good books for investors. It was first published in 1954, but it doesn’t feel dated (aside from a few anachronistic examples—it has been a long time since bread cost 5 cents a loaf in the United States). In fact, I’d say it’s more relevant than ever. One chapter shows you how visuals can be used to exaggerate trends and give... (Source)

Tobi Lütke We all live in Malcolm’s world because the shipping container has been hugely influential in history. (Source)

Jason Zweig This is a terrific introduction to critical thinking about statistics, for people who haven’t taken a class in statistics. (Source)

The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures

The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic

John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews | 4.05

Stamped from the Beginning

The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

Ibram X. Kendi | 4.04

Bianca Belair For #BHM I will be sharing some of my favorite books by Black Authors 27th Book: Stamped from the Beginning Written by: @DrIbram When I found this book I couldn’t believe that I had never learned about the information in this book. A book everyone should read. Eye-opening! https://t.co/pLaifB8DFI (Source)

The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath, Maggie Gyllenhaal, et al | 4.04

Bryony Gordon As a teenage girl, you have to read The Bell Jar. It’s a rite of passage. (Source)

The CEO Library Community (through anonymous form) One of the best 3 books I've read in 2019 (Source)

Tim Kendall Despite its subject matter, The Bell Jar is often a very funny novel. Perhaps we miss it because the pall of Plath’s biography descends across the whole work and reputation. But The Bell Jar is viciously funny. There are people still alive today who won’t talk about it because they were so badly hurt by Plath’s portrayal of them. (Source)

White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Robin DiAngelo, Michael Eric Dyson | 4.04

Elizabeth C. Mclaughlin I've recommended the book White Fragility on here many times, and this interview is a great place to start. If you're a white person who believes you're not racist, please read this article. And then go read the book. https://t.co/S5plH3wS5m (Source)

Marshall Kirkpatrick @jhagel This is a great book btw! (Source)

Todd Nesloney @SarahSuggs13 I love that book, have spoken with the author, and did an entire staff book study. Again, had you even tried to see my work that I do, you'd have learned that. You seek to divide and that is it. Great lesson for our students. (Source)

Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit

John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker | 4.04

Gödel, Escher, Bach

An Eternal Golden Braid

Douglas R. Hofstadter | 4.04

Steve Jurvetson [Steve Jurvetson recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Seth Godin In the last week, I discovered that at least two of my smart friends hadn't read Godel, Escher, Bach. They have now. You should too. (Source)

Kevin Kelly Over the years, I kept finding myself returning to its insights, and each time I would arrive at them at a deeper level. (Source)

Fermat's Enigma

The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem

Simon Singh | 4.03

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore The book is great because Simon Singh has this ability to write about the driest and most complex scientific or mathematical concepts and issues, and somehow make them come alive. (Source)

Kirk Borne New Perspective on Fermat's Last Theorem: https://t.co/YeaHQ6iadB by @granvilleDSC @DataScienceCtrl #abdsc #Mathematics See the best-selling book "Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem": https://t.co/dqenmvUw0A by @SLSingh https://t.co/deyMhQTQLU (Source)

The Signal and the Noise

Why So Many Predictions Fail - But Some Don't

Nate Silver | 4.03

Bill Gates Anyone interested in politics may be attracted to Nate Silver’s The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail—but Some Don't. Silver is the New York Times columnist who got a lot of attention last fall for predicting—accurately, as it turned out–the results of the U.S. presidential election. This book actually came out before the election, though, and it’s about predictions in many... (Source)

The Brain that Changes Itself

Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

Norman Doidge | 4.02

Carol Dweck For me it was exciting to read this book because while my research shows a growth mindset is really good for you, this book shows that a growth mindset also has a strong basis in modern neuroscience. It illustrates, though fascinating case histories and descriptions of recent research, the amazing power of the brain to change and even to reorganise itself with practice and experience. (Source)

Naveen Jain I think the book that I really, really enjoy was, "The Brain That Changes Itself." It's all about neuroplasticity, you'd really love that book. (Source)

Bogdana Butnar I don't have favourite books. I equate a favourite something with wanting to do it over and over again and I've never wanted to read a book too many times. I have favourite authors and I have books that changed me in significant ways because they moved me or taught me something or changed my view of the world. So, here's some of those books... (Source)

The Artist's Way

Julia Cameron | 4.02

Anand C STARTING FROM AUTHENTICITY: by observing, showing humility and being grateful - I started being open to what’s in the sub-conscious more (30+ sessions in). Speaking your truth is a powerful result of this. One great book to help explore this. https://t.co/sOAgAHhWsO (Source)

Emma Gannon Instead of all these fast paced books saying: ‘Here’s how to be amazing, here’s how to get a side hustle, here’s how to hustle, hustle, hustle.’ This is the total opposite. It’s about slowing right down and connecting with yourself again. (Source)

The Negative Trait Thesaurus

A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws

Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi | 4.02

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(r)

American Psychological Association | 4.01

In addition to providing clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style, the Publication Manual offers an authoritative and easy-to-use reference and citation system and comprehensive...

In addition to providing clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style, the Publication Manual offers an authoritative and easy-to-use reference and citation system and comprehensive coverage of the treatment of numbers, metrication, statistical and mathematical data, tables, and figures for use in writing, reports, or presentations.

The new edition has been revised and updated to include:

Writers, scholars, and professionals will also find:

New and experienced readers alike will find the 5th Edition a complete resource for writing, presenting, or publishing with clarity and persuasiveness.

Approximately 400 pages

The Poisoner's Handbook

Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

Deborah Blum | 4.01

Michelle Francl Deborah Blum’s book reminds me that molecules are powerful witnesses, if only we have the skills to interrogate them, and sometimes they are killers. (Source)

A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

Scott Cunningham | 4.01

Georgette Heyer's Regency World

Jennifer Kloester | 4.01

From Here to Eternity

Traveling the World to Find the Good Death

Caitlin Doughty, Landis Blair | 4.01

Dylan Thuras Caitlin Doughty is razor sharp, and writes about death with exceptional clarity and style. From Here to Eternity manages to be both an extremely funny travelogue and a deeply moving book about what death means to us all. (Source)

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

How to Edit Yourself Into Print

Renni Browne, Dave King | 4.00

Alina Varlanuta My professional path – copywriting – somehow intertwines with my unprofessional (hahaha) path – writing so I would recommend reading literature for both. Somehow reading and writing are two ways of doing the same thing: storytelling (even when you read you tell yourself a story in your own voice, bringing your personal emotion and empathy to the story you’re reading). The only difference is that... (Source)

Unmentionable

The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners

Therese Oneill | 4.00

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Recommended Books on Scientific Writing

Links to available WHSC Library books on topics of grant, manuscript, and other scientific writing and communication

Available as eBook

• Writing dissertation and grant proposals: epidemiology, preventive medicine and biostatistics , 2014
• Communicating science effectively: a research agenda , 2017
• Academic & scientific poster presentation : a modern comprehensive guide , 2017
• Communicate science papers, presentations, and posters effectively : papers, posters, and presentations , 2015
• Effective science communication : a practical guide to surviving as a scientist , 2016
• The biomedical writer: what you need to succeed in academic medicine , 2018
• How to write better medical papers , 2019

Available in Print

• Writing in the biological sciences: a comprehensive resource for scientific communication , 2019
• Writing in biology: a brief guide , 2016
• Writing, reading, and understanding in modern health sciences: medical articles and other forms of communication , 2014
• Reporting research: a biologist's guide to articles, talks, and posters , 2014
• Successful scientific writing: a step-by-step guide for the biological and medical sciences , 2014
• A short guide to writing about biology , 2016
• Making sense: life sciences: a student's guide to writing and research , 2015
• Medical writing: a prescription for clarity: a self-help guide to clearer medical English , 2014
• How to write an exceptional thesis or dissertation: a step-by-step guide from proposal to successful defense , 2014
• Scientific writing and communication: papers, proposals, and presentations , 2017
• Succeeding in literature reviews and research project plans for nursing students , 2017
• Health sciences literature review made easy : the matrix method , 2017
• Doing a systematic review : a student's guide , 2017
• Systematic approaches to a successful literature review , 2016
• Systematic reviews to answer health care questions , 2014
• Medical and scientific publishing : author, editor, and reviewer perspectives , 2018
• The 21st century guide to writing articles in the biomedical sciences , 2018
• Writing for publication in nursing , 2019

Available in Print 

• Writing and publishing a scientific research paper , 2017
• How to write and publish a scientific paper , 2016
• Getting research published: an A to Z publication strategy , 2016
• Anatomy of writing for publication for nurses , 2014
• Proposal writing for clinical nursing and DNP projects , 2018
• Successful grant writing : strategies for health and human service professionals , 2014
• Writing winning proposals for nurses and health care professionals , 2016
• Grant writing handbook for nurses and health professionals , 2018
• How to write a competitive R01 grant , 2016
• Grant writing for dummies , 2014
• The grant application writer's workbook. National Institutes of Health version , 2021
• The only grant-writing book you'll ever need , 2014
• Successful grant proposals in science, technology and medicine: a guide to writing the narrative , 2015
• Writing research proposals in the health sciences: a step-by-step guide , 2018

Best Research Methodology Books for Researchers and Academics

The best research methodology books can help research students, academics, and potential scholars, as academic research papers require a thorough reading of the research literature.

One must be familiar with different research paradigms, methods, epistemological and ontological stances, and more.

These books can help you start your research. They will teach you research methodology and how to build a study design.

• Table of Contents

1- Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The Fifth Edition of the bestselling Research Methodology has reimagined, rebuilt, and completely renovated how a textbook may help students succeed in methods courses and research projects.

The book simplifies research project conception and execution for novices. It guides students from research topic to written report at their pace with clear explanations, DIY tasks, and study skills support.

2- Designing Research for Publication

The book Designing Research for Publication discusses strategies for avoiding research related issues. It is intended in particular for academics who are just starting out in their careers and who must quickly understand the fundamentals of research and publication, as well as for those who wish to support them.

3- Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach 

This unique publication presents a framework for designing, administering, and analyzing credible and relevant qualitative research investigations. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnography, content analysis, and case study and narrative research are used in many fields to demonstrate their strengths, limitations, and applications.

Chapters demonstrate how to apply each method within a paradigm-neutral and flexible Total Quality Framework (TQF) of Credibility, Analyzability, Transparency, and Usefulness. Unlike other texts, concept validity, InterResearch reliability, researcher bias, and verification procedures are covered extensively.

The book applies the TQF to creating, reviewing, and assessing qualitative research proposals and publications.

4- Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

The comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies study design was pioneered by this best-selling book. John W. Creswell provides an overview of philosophical presuppositions for each of the three approaches, as well as a look at key components of the research process, a review of the literature, an evaluation of the use of theory in research applications, and reflections on the value of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry.

5- Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation

Qualitative Research explains, designs, conducts, and presents qualitative research studies. This fourth volume covers mixed methodologies, action research, arts-based research, internet data sources, data analysis tools, and narrative and poetic analysis strategies.

A new part presents qualitative research findings in numerous ways. This reader-friendly, jargon-free book emphasizes the relevance of a theoretical framework in study design and provides practical help.

6- The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd Edition

The updated third edition of The Research methods Knowledge Base covers quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

It is suitable for introductory comprehensive undergraduate or graduate courses in many fields. Its conversational, informal manner simplifies difficult topics for students. From developing a research question through publishing, a final report, the Research Methods Knowledge Base addresses practical and technical sampling, measurement, design, and analytic difficulties.

7- Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches

John W. Creswell’s Third Edition of his bestselling text examines narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory , ethnography, and case study’s philosophical foundations, history, and major aspects.

The author connects research designs to each inquiry tradition in his approachable writing style. He examines theoretical frameworks , quality standards, and methods for writing study introductions, collecting data, analyzing data, producing narratives, and confirming outcomes.

8- Doing Your Research Project (Open Up Study Skills)

Step-by-step instructions for a great research project. Research can be daunting, especially for first timers, but this indispensable book provides everything you need to prepare for research, draught and finalize a methodologically sound and well-written report or thesis,and warns you of potential pitfalls to avoid wasting time on false trails.

9- Research Methods in Education

‘Research Methods in Education is necessary reading for professional researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate education students who need to grasp how to plan, conduct, analyze, and use research.

Ideal for instructors and students, PowerPoint slides for each chapter define the chapter structure and summarize the major ideas. The book mentions several internet resources.

10- Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner′s Guide to Doing a Research Project

Uwe Flick guides new researchers through research project creation in the Second Edition of this textbook. For their first assignment, the book teaches data gathering and analytic skills and the research process. It includes several examples from the author’s study and covers quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

11- The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project

The book provides step-by-step instructions for conducting your study, from beginning to end, including data analysis and writing up. Each step is carefully outlined, stressing best practices while offering helpful hints and realistic advice for actually conducting research.

12- The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research

The new edition carries on the book’s legacy of synthesizing an existing literature, defining the present, and defining the future of qualitative research by offering the greatest thinking from leading academics worldwide.

The editors and authors discuss social justice concerns and look at how the struggles of individuals can inform public issues and ultimately influence social policy. They are committed to solving inequality concerns, and their writings are supported by a critical framework.

Their goal is to demonstrate how qualitative research techniques may lead to positive change in the world, just like in earlier editions.

Their goal, like with earlier editions, is to demonstrate how qualitative research practices may lead to constructive change in the world.

13- The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process  

Selecting a study methodology might be confusing. How can you be certain that the technique you have chosen is appropriate or that the methodology combination you have chosen is consistent with the theoretical angle you want to adopt?

This book makes a very clear and precise connection between methodology and theory, guiding readers through the confusing terminology minefield.

The author explains the philosophical roots of different schools of thought, outlines the main epistemological positions and theoretical views that influence and shape present social research, and demonstrates how diverse disciplines contribute to the practice of social research as it is known today.

Other articles

Please read through some of our other articles with examples and explanations if you’d like to learn more about research methodology.

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• Research Methodology Books

Comparision

• Independent vs. Dependent Variable
• Research Article and Research Paper
• Proposition and Hypothesis
• Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares
• Academic Research vs Industry Research
• Clinical Research vs Lab Research
• Research Lab and Hospital Lab
• Thesis Statement and Research Question
• Quantitative Researchers vs. Quantitative Traders
• Premise, Hypothesis and Supposition
• Survey Vs Experiment
• Hypothesis and Theory
• APA vs. MLA
• Ghost Authorship vs. Gift Authorship
• Research Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Case Study Research
• Survey Research
• Conclusive Research
• Descriptive Research
• Cross-Sectional Research
• Theoretical Framework
• Conceptual Framework
• Triangulation
• Grounded Theory
• Quasi-Experimental Design
• Mixed Method
• Correlational Research
• Randomized Controlled Trial
• Stratified Sampling
• Ethnography
• Ghost Authorship
• Secondary Data Collection
• Primary Data Collection
• Ex-Post-Facto
•   Dissertation Topic
• Thesis Statement
• Research Proposal
• Research Questions
• Research Problem
• Research Gap
• Types of Research Gaps
• Operationalization of Variables
• Literature Review
• Research Hypothesis
• Questionnaire
• Reliability
• Measurement of Scale
• Sampling Techniques
• Acknowledgements
• PLS-SEM model
• Principal Components Analysis
• Multivariate Analysis
• Friedman Test
• Chi-Square Test (Χ²)
• Effect Size
• Directional vs. Non-Directional Hypothesis

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• Knowledge Base
• Research paper

Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 27, 2023.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your topic and get the reader interested
• Provide background or summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Detail your specific research problem and problem statement
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

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Table of contents

Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

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This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

• What research gap is your work intended to fill?
• What limitations in previous work does it address?
• What contribution to knowledge does it make?

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

• This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
• We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

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The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

• This paper will first discuss several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then will go on to …
• This paper first discusses several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then goes on to …

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

• Argumentative paper
• Empirical paper

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

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Twenty Best Books for Researchers

Are you looking for an inspiring read, and that can benefit your career as a researcher? For those of you who follow my blog, you may have noticed from  my Goodreads profile , that I am an avid reader. I read both fiction and non-fiction, and of course,  I actively work towards keeping up with the scientific output in my field .

Needless to tell you, my love for the written word is large. Therefore, it is my pleasure today to share with you a list of twenty books that I recommend for researchers:

1.  Building a Successful Career in Scientific Research: A Guide for PhD Students and Postdocs by Phil Dee

Phil Dee wrote about life as a scientist since 2000 as a columnist for Science's Next Wave. This book is a fast and entertaining read, that focuses on tips and quick wins to help you move your career forward.

2.  Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

Part memoir, part non-fiction book about trees - this book gives you an insight in the life and work of Hope Jahren. Especially if you carry out experimental work, this book is for you. Dr. Jahren built up a lab three times, resettling at universities as her career meandered - and there is both tons of honesty and wisdom in this book.

3.  On Writing: A memoir of the craft by Stephen King

On Writing is a classic read about writing. Combined with the memoir of one of the most successful authors, there is plenty of advice about writing and how to develop your writing in this book. The good, the bad, and the ugly of writing all are part of this book. Entertaining and insightful.

4.  Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson is an incredibly gifted biography writer. Besides Einstein's biography, I've read Franklin's and Jobs' biographies, and the ease with which Isaacson finds the right voice for each different book is impressive. Aside from the quality of this writing, there is also the topic: the life and work of Einstein, one of the most iconic scientists ever to live. A must-read for every scientist.

5.  An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

Who's not fascinated by astronauts? Their combination of scientific savvy and pioneering spirit make many children and adults wonder what it is like to be an astronaut. Col. Hadfield talks about his adventures as an astronaut (he has logged close to 4000 hours in space), but also leaves plenty of space for reflection and advice for life on earth.

6.  So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport

Regardless of your career choice, So Good They Can't Ignore You is splendid advice on how to build up a solid career (the short answer: do the work, do all the hard work). Since Cal Newport is an academic himself, there are plenty of examples from academia on successful careers of researchers, and which choices were crucial for their success.

7.  168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

I'm a huge fan of Laura Vanderkam's method of analyzing time based on chunks of 168 hours (one week). I, too, think of my time in chunks of a week, and plan all my activities on a weekly basis, using a weekly template. 168 hours is about more than just time management. Some of her advice may not be suited for those of us with low incomes (hiring services, for example), but the general idea of how to track your time and then optimize the way you spend it, is universally applicable.

8.  The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math, and Just About Everything Else by Daniel Coyle

Daniel Coyle asked himself what it really takes to get good at something. Your first reaction could be: you have to practice. But the way in which you practice, with deep concentration, called "deliberate practice" is what really moves skill forward. The main idea of applying deliberate practice is valid for all fields: whether you want to learn to play the violin, or learn to code software. If you want insight in how you develop skills, this book is for you.

9.  Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science-and the World by Rachel Swaby

An inspiring read consisting of short profiles of 52 female scientists that did breakthrough research, but that are generally not very well-known. I recommend this book for both men and women: not just to learn about the contributions of women in science and inspire aspiring female scientists, but also to learn about the significant contributions these women made.

10.  A Scholar's Guide to Getting Published in English: Critical Choices and Practical Strategies by Mary Jane Curry, Theresa Lillis

If English is not your native language, this book will help you reflect upon your use of language for your academic work. Through this reflection, you will be able to improve your English academic writing. This book is not so much of a how-to guide, or a language course - it assumes you manage the level of academic English required to publish. The interesting element of this book is its reflection on our use of language: when do we publish in our native language, and when do we select English?

11.  Open Up Study Skills: The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research by Marian Petre, Gordon Rugg

This book covers all the things you want somebody to tell you when you start an academic career, but that nobody ever bothered telling you. Reading this book feels like sitting down for a cup of coffee with a senior PhD student or a post-doc, and learning all the ins and outs of life in academia. If you are a PhD student, I highly recommend you read this book.

12.  Mastering Your Phd: Survival And Success In The Doctoral Years And Beyond by Patricia Gosling, Lambertus D. Noordam

The first book I ever read about doing research, and I still recommend it to every first year PhD student. While the chapters are rather short, this book gives an excellent introduction into PhD research, and all the steps you can expect to go through. In my first year, we all received this book as a welcome gift at university, and it helped me shape my expectations and planning.

13.  Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!: Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard Feynman

The autobiography of Richard Feynman is a joy to read. Not only does he combine observations about how to do research when you are stuck (start with something, do something, and eventually your ideas will move forward), he also describes his endless curiosity (which takes us along with him through the world of science, strip clubs, and playing bongo in Brazil), and the depression he felt after working on nuclear weapons. If your friends and family think your choice for a career in science is boring, this book may convince them of the opposite.

14.  Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg talks about her career, how she combines everything (marriage, motherhood, career), and her insights and advice on the challenges women face on the workfloor. While not immediately dealing with academic positions, there is plenty advice for young female researchers in this book who want to lean in to their careers.

15.  The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte

The most powerful way to share data and research insights with the rest of the world is through visuals. Tufte teaches you how to show data in the clearest way. If you never took a class that used this book (or any other book by Edward Tufte), you should order all four Tufte books, and read them. Your presentations, posters, and figures in written documents will improve significantly.

16.  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

It's not a secret that academia has relatively more introverts than other workplaces. Still, extroverted is the norm in our society. Susan Cain explores introversion, its advantages, and gives advice on how introverts can honor themselves in their work and careers, and take advantage of their typical traits.

17.  Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life by Tom Rath

While I didn't find new ideas in this book when I read it, Are You Fully Charged is a good introduction to the basic concepts of improving your health and well-being. If you currently are not taking proper care of yourself, pick up this book for a brief introduction on how to do better in this regard. Yes, you probably know that you should exercise, eat, and sleep. This book can serve as good reminder on why taking care of yourself is important, and give you practical advice. It's a nice and easy read, too.

18.  Focus: A Simplicity Manifesto in the Age of Distraction by Leo Babauta

Finding yourself often distracted during work? Is the internet always calling for your attention? This book is dedicated to focus: how to find more focus, how to cultivate your focus, and how to get rid of distractions that stand between you and your focus.

19.  The Shadow Scholar: How I Made a Living Helping College Kids Cheat by Dave Tomar

If you are teaching, you probably should read this book. The writing is not excellent (even though the author spent years writing the essays and homeworks of lazy students), but the information in this book is important. As a teacher, you need to be aware of the entire academic shadow industry out there, and see how you can tailor your assignments so that you don't leave much space for cheating.

20.  Debunking Handbook by John Cook

If your cousin announces over the Christmas dinner that vaccinations are harmful, or your neighbor laughs at your hybrid car because climate change is a hoax, don't get upset about their lack of insight in scientific research. Instead, download this book - it is a freely available guide that teaches you how to debunk the broscience out there.

Bonus: The PhD e-book: Top PhD Advice from Start to Finish

AcademicTransfer and PhD Talk worked together on this e-book to give you a short guide full of information for your PhD, and with practical information for those of you who move to the Netherlands for their PhD studies.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

• Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
• Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
• How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
• How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
• How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
• How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

• What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
• How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
• How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
• What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
• How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
• How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
• How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
• What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
• What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
• What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
• Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
• Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
• Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
• Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
• Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
• Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
• Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
• What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
• How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
• What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
• Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
• Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
• Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
• How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
• Should graduate students be able to form unions?

• What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
• How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
• Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
• Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
• How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
• How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
• Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
• Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
• Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
• Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
• Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
• Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
• Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
• Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
• How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
• How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
• What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
• Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
• What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
• What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
• Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
• Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
• Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
• What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
• How does stress affect the body?
• Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
• What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
• Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
• How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
• What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
• Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
• What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
• What were the causes of the Civil War?
• How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
• Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
• What caused Hitler's rise to power?
• Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
• What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
• How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
• What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

• Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
• Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
• How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
• How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
• What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
• What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
• How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

• How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
• How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
• Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
• Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
• How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
• How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
• What are the pros and cons of fracking?
• What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
• What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
• How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
• Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
• Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
• What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
• What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
• How are black holes created?
• Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
• How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
• Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
• How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
• Has social media made people more or less connected?
• What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
• Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
• What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
• How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
• When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
• Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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The High School Student's Guide to Writing a Great Research Paper 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out Paperback – February 16, 2013

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6 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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Our recommended books this week include two satirical novels — one about identity politics and victimization, the other about artificial intelligence and gender roles — along with Tana French’s second crime novel about a Chicago police officer who retired to the Irish countryside. In nonfiction, we recommend the story of a deadly avalanche, a philosopher’s exploration of the concept of giving up, and the gratifyingly intimate audio version of Barbra Streisand’s recent memoir, which she narrates herself. Happy listening, and happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

MY NAME IS BARBRA Barbra Streisand

Certain of the, shall we say, eccentricities (oh … the ellipses!) in Streisand’s 992-page doorstop of a memoir get wonderfully ironed out in audio form. Its sprawling a-star-is-born anecdotes seem to find their natural form in the towering performer’s 48-plus hours of discursive, disarming and often gloriously off-the-cuff narration.

“As Streisand recites the story of her life … she ad-libs off the written text, splices sentences, audibly shakes her head at dubious decisions, and altogether places us opposite her on the sofa with a cup of coffee for a two-day kibitz.”

From Zachary Woolfe’s review

Penguin Audio | 48 hours, 17 minutes

VICTIM Andrew Boryga

Boryga’s debut is a lively social satire about the fetishization of victimhood, following a young working-class student, Javi, who uses exaggerated stories of tragedy to earn attention and success. Boryga is having fun, and he’s inviting us to join in.

“Let’s be clear: Though Boryga is playing, he’s not playing around. Through Javi’s story, Boryga humorously and scathingly calls out the gluttonous consumption of stories of victimhood.”

From Mateo Askaripour’s review

Doubleday | $27

ANNIE BOT Sierra Greer

On the surface, “Annie Bot” is a story about an A.I. sex robot that grows more and more sentient, but underneath this high-tech premise is a sharp and smart exploration of misogyny, toxic masculinity, selfhood and self-determination.

“A brilliant pas de deux, grappling with ideas of freedom and identity while depicting a perverse relationship in painful detail.”

From Lydia Kiesling’s review

Mariner | $28

ON GIVING UP Adam Phillips

In his latest book, Phillips’s exploration of “giving up” covers the vast territory between hope and despair. We can give up smoking, sugar or a bad habit; but we can also give up on ourselves. Phillips proposes curiosity and improvisation as antidotes to absolute certainty.

“Phillips doesn’t try to prevent us from thinking whatever it is that we want to think; what he does is repeatedly coax us to ask if that’s what we really believe, and how we can be sure.”

From Jennifer Szalai’s review

Farrar, Straus & Giroux | $26

THE DARKEST WHITE: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him Eric Blehm

In January 2003, seven skiers and snowboarders were killed in an avalanche on a glacier in western Canada. Among them was the American snowboarder Craig Kelly, and the adventure writer Blehm turns this page-turner not just into a biography of the athlete, but a tribute to the sport itself: addictive, thrilling — sometimes deadly.

“Probably the most unremittingly exciting book of nonfiction I have come across in years. I found myself reading late into recent nights wholly transfixed by every paragraph, every word.”

From Simon Winchester’s review

Harper | $32

THE HUNTER Tana French

For Tana French fans, every one of the thriller writer’s twisty, ingenious books is an event. This one, a sequel to “The Searcher,” once again sees the retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, a perennial outsider in the Irish west-country hamlet of Ardnakelty, caught up in the crimes — seen and unseen — that eat at the seemingly picturesque village.

“The novel’s greatest pleasures — genuine twists aside — reside in the specific intersection of outsider and native, and particularly the former’s determined need to idealize, to claim, to tint whole rivers green.”

From Sadie Stein’s review

Viking | $32

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Stephen King, who has dominated horror fiction for decades , published his first novel, “Carrie,” in 1974. Margaret Atwood explains the book’s enduring appeal .

Do you want to be a better reader?   Here’s some helpful advice to show you how to get the most out of your literary endeavor .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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The Best Books of 2024

Your new favorite read is right this way

Sugar, Baby

Living at home and cleaning houses for a living, 21-year-old Agnes feels like her life is going nowhere. That changes when she meets her client’s daughter, Emily, who works as a sugar baby. Enraptured, Agnes follows Emily into her line of work, thereby estranging herself from her religious mother and setting out on a dark path of self-discovery.

The Fetishist

When Kyoko’s mother Emi dies by suicide, Kyoko blames washed-up musician Daniel Karmody—the man who seduced and then abandoned Emi. Now in her twenties, Kyoko is ready to take her revenge. Armed with a knife, she sets out to kidnap and murder Karmody, only for her plans to swiftly go awry.

Cyrus Shams—the Iranian-American protagonist of accomplished poet Akbar’s first novel—may be several years sober, but that doesn’t mean he’s not self-destructive in other ways. Haunted by the deaths of his mother (when he was a child) and father (after his first year of college), Cyrus is nearing 30 and still loitering around his old college town when he decides to try and make sense of his parents’ passing the only way he can think of: by writing a book of poetry about martyrs through history. When he learns of an Iranian artist who has been diagnosed with cancer and has decided to turn her final days into a work of performance art, he sets off across the country to meet her.

Come and Get It

In her sophomore effort, the much-lauded scribe of 2019’s Such A Fun Age takes clever aim at the social stratifications and warped value systems of academia. When a white visiting professor named Agatha offers Black college senior and resident assistant Millie an opportunity to make some money arranging interviews with students for a book Agatha is writing, Millie sees the job as an easy way to make some extra cash. But the enterprise quickly spirals out of hand as the two become wrapped up in the messy lives of three female suitemates living in Agatha’s dorm.

Good Material

The beloved author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love is back with her fourth book and second novel in less than six years. In the wake of a devastating breakup, aspiring standup comedian Andy is left to sift through the wreckage of his most recent relationship. If he can figure out why Jen fell out of love with him, he figures, maybe he can win her back. But every relationship has two sides, and Andy is about to learn Jen’s version of the story.

Greta and Valdin

This laugh-out-loud-funny debut novel follows the titular gay children of a Maori mother and Russian immigrant father living in Auckland, New Zealand. (They also have an older brother, Casper, but he’s straight and therefore less interesting.) Gre and Val navigate love, family, and career angst as they make their way through their twenties, all amid a cast of friends and family just as colorful as they are.

Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story

Coming as it does from an author known for writing essays that braid together personal narrative with meticulous research, Splinters marks a departure for Leslie Jamison: though she’s written herself into prior books, this one is her first straightforward, unadulterated memoir. Chronicling the birth of her child and attendant breakdown of her marriage, Jamison captures the magic of simultaneous love and loss as only she can.

Great Expectations

Naming your debut novel after the ubiquitous Charles Dickens classic is a bold move, but it pays dividends in the case of Cunningham’s sweeping tale of a young, Black single dad who finds work as an aide on a young, Black politician’s historic presidential campaign. Clearly inspired by the author’s own experiences as a staffer on Obama’s campaign (and then in the White House), this formidable debut ultimately digresses into a reality all its own.

After winning widespread acclaim for Night of the Living Rez , his debut collection of short stories, Talty is back with a first novel that cements his status as a writer to watch. When his twentysomething-year-old neighbor Elizabeth goes missing, Penobscot tribal member Charles Lamosway grows worried—not least because of the secret Charles has been keeping for Elizabeth’s entire life: Elizabeth is Charles’s daughter.

Wandering Stars

The long-awaited follow-up to Orange’s lauded debut novel— There There , released in 2018—is sort of a prequel, sort of a sequel, and yet ultimately something entirely independent and original. Following the descendants of a single Cheyenne survivor of the Sand Creek massacre, Wandering Stars stirringly spans the 160 years between the 1864 tragedy and the present day before ultimately depositing us neatly in the aftermath of the events of Orange’s first book.

Memory Piece

In her decades-spanning latest novel, Lisa Ko probes the distances that accumulate between ambition and reality. As teenagers in the 1980s, Giselle Chin, Jackie Ong, and Ellen Ng are united by their shared worldview and sense of alienation. As adults, all three women—now a performance artist, a coder, and a community activist, respectively—their dreams have grown more complicated, and so have their conflicting definitions of success.

Anita de Monte Laughs Last

As a first-generation art history student living in New York City, Raquel is used to feeling like an outsider. But when a chance encounter flings her into the public eye of the art world, she finds herself increasingly fascinated by—and connected to—the story of Anita de Monte, a once-rising artist whose burgeoning career was cut short by her tragic death in 1985. (Author Gonzalez took inspiration for de Monte’s fictional life story from that of real-life conceptual artist Ana Mendieta, who passed away that same year.)

Mariner Books Annie Bot

If there’s one thing artists are going to do to sort out our feelings about autonomy and free will in the age of artificial intelligence, it’s imagining how robots and humans would have sex. Such is the case in Greer’s darkly clever new novel about the titular Annie Bot, an artificial intelligence created to be the perfect companion for her human owner, Doug. But as Annie learns how to better mimic a “real woman,” she begins to wonder whether she can ever lay claim to any humanness of her own.

Described by its publisher as “ Frances Ha meets No One Is Talking About This ,” Tanner’s Brooklyn-set debut novel about two sisters’ coming-of-anxiety is both riotously funny and wryly existential. It’s 2019, and 28-year-old Jules Gold is reeling from a breakup when her younger sister Poppy—relatively fresh off of a suicide attempt that no one except Jules knows about—invites herself to move into Jules’s apartment. Together, over the course of the year leading up to the global covid pandemic, the Gold sisters scramble to find their footing and figure out their respective futures.

Who's Afraid of Gender?

Arriving at a time when LGBTQ+ rights in states across the U.S. are increasingly under attack, this new treatise by legendary gender theorist Judith Butler is a much-needed balm to counter the right wing’s ever-escalating wave trans panic. In this incisive and vital new volume, Butler traces the current anti-trans movement to its roots in xenophobia, fascism, and misogyny.

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

After tackling our relationship with the English language, the bestselling author of Cultish and Wordslut is ready to challenge the uniquely 21st-century cognitive biases that rule us all. In Magical Overthinking , Montell dives into a slew of topics, from our hero worship of celebrities to the stranglehold that the “sunk cost fallacy” has on our dating lives, all with her trademark flavor of incisive wit.

A prolific genre-hopper, Akwaeke Emezi has already conquered the genres of literary fiction, romance, memoir, and YA fantasy. Now, Emezi turns their sharp, lyrical eye to noir with a novel spanning the seedy underbelly of New Lagos, Nigeria. When Kalu attends his friend Ahmed’s exclusive sex party, hoping to get his mind off his devastating breakup with ex-girlfriend Aima, Kalu makes an impulsive decision that will irrevocably alter the lives of everyone around him.

July’s new novel marks the author, artist and filmmaker’s first new novel in almost a decade, since the January 2015 release of her acclaimed debut The First Bad Man . In July’s sophomore novel, a semi-famous artist leaves her husband and child at home in L.A. to drive across the country to New York City—only to almost immediately go rogue from her own plan and embark on a different sort of journey altogether.

Living in the Bay Area with her college sweetheart Philip, photographer Jin Han is young, brilliant, and married. But is she happy? She’s never thought to question it—until she attends a party in the well-moneyed hills just outside of San Francisco, where she meets ballet dancer Lidija Jung. In her latest novel since 2018’s acclaimed The Incendiaries , Kwon once again holds nothing back.

Ambition Monster: A Memoir

At the top of her game, Jennifer Romolini had it all: a “girlboss” dream job, a total catch of a husband, and a beautiful child. So why was she so unhappy? And when did it all fall apart? These are the questions Romolini seeks to answer in her intimate, intensely resonant memoir about workaholism, unresolved trauma, and the “addictive nature of ambition.”

Keely Weiss is a writer and filmmaker. She has lived in Los Angeles, New York, and Virginia and has a cat named after Perry Mason.

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