One of the best parts about reading is that it can change our outlook on things.

If you’re looking to have your perspective challenged, be it by learning something new or seeing life through the eyes of another, these books ought to do it.

#1 ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’, Reni Eddo-Lodge

This book is sure to make you rethink your approach to race. Eddo-Lodge highlights the problems with racial discourse in modern society, and encourages you to reconsider how you approach the topic in your everyday life.

Personally? This book made me realise my own privilege and helped me to become more socially conscious. If you need more convincing, read the excerpt published in The Guardian. If you want more – and you will – then pick up a copy at your bookstore.

#2 ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale depicts a future in which a woman’s sole purpose is to reproduce. Even though it’s over 30 years old, the novel’s social observations remain depressingly relevant to the modern world.

Reading it will increase your awareness of gender in everyday dynamics, and will probably make you very agitated. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

#3 ‘Seven Brief Lessons On Physics’, Carlo Rovelli

Carlo Rovelli’s book is excellent at explaining some basic physics, but that’s not the reason you should read it. Rovelli’s book will not only teach you, but offer up some mind-blowing explanations for your existence.

“Who am I? Do I matter?” you’ll find yourself asking afterwards. Plus, it’ll teach you String Theory so you’ll seem smart at parties.

#4 ‘Maus’, Art Spiegelman

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, Spiegelman chronicles his father’s time in Auschwitz, and details his relationship with him in later years. Although we’re all aware of the horrors of Auschwitz, it seems to resonate so much more when we hear about the survivors’ lives and how their relationships are impacted afterwards. Definitely a tear jerker.

#5 ‘The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Politics And Religion’, Jonathon Haidt

Ever had a debate where you’ve wondered why your opponent refuses to see reason? Then read this book. Haidt challenges everything you thought you understood about politics, religion and morality.

Particularly interesting is his discussion of why conservative politicians perform better in elections. You will reconsider your own reasoning while reading this book, and may even change your mind about a few things. I know I did.

#6 ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’, Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse Five is a satirical novel about a man named Billy Pilgrim who survives the bombing of Dresden and is never the same. The novel is told in a non-linear order by an unreliable narrator so you never fully know what’s going on.

It parodies life, death and war and you’ll certainly finish it with a little more humour about the terrible things in the world. Read it after Maus to feel less sad.

Happy reading! Hopefully your literary travels lead you to somewhere enlightening.

Ally is a uni student who is shockingly good at remembering facts no one cares about involving TV shows and films. She also writes a bit.