A good book is worth a thousand pictures

Sorry photographers, but it's true.

So here are four books I think everyone should read:

1. Into the Wild - by Jon Krakauer. The author recreates the true story of a disenchanted college grad who abandons everything and everyone to disappear into the wilderness and life off the land. Since you are told upfront that the protagonist dies in Alaska, there is a strong sense of melancholy and foreboding throughout the book, which makes the story even more powerful. Reading this book changed me a little bit.
2. Leadership and Self-Deception - written by the Arbinger Institute. This is the most important secular book I've ever read. Every human being should read it. It's a book about interpersonal relationships in a business setting, but it can and should be applied to every aspect of one's life. The main thesis: Treat others as people, not as objects. It's a simple idea, but not so easy to practice. If I could keep just one book to read again, it would be this one.
3. Ender's Game - by Orson Scott Card. A novel about a boy genius who saves the planet from aliens. It sounds childish, and it probably is. But this book isn't really for kids. There's a lot of psychology and sociology mixed in with the laser guns and star ships. I promise.
4. Blink - by Malcolm Gladwell. A psychological book about cognitive processes, specifically quick thinking and gut instinct. It can be a laborious read at times, but it's an opportunity to learn and understand more about the way your mind works. Or, in some cases, the way it doesn't work.

There are so many great books out there, it's difficult to single out a few to recommend. But these four books are entertaining and enriching. You learn more about yourself and the world around you.

And it's exhilarating.