Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade?

Article summary

The article asks readers to share the most influential books they read in the past decade, and how these books impacted them personally or professionally. The discussion focuses on books that had a significant effect on readers' lives, including 'Nonviolent Communication' by Marshall Rosenberg. This book is widely praised for its practical advice on effective communication and empathy. Readers share their experiences with the book and its impact on their relationships and personal growth.

Main themes

• influential books
• nonviolent communication
• personal growth
• effective relationships
• self-help
• politics and ideology

What commenters say

• The book 'Nonviolent Communication' has been highly influential in teaching readers how to communicate effectively and empathetically.
• Some readers find the book's approach to communication to be overly simplistic or lacking in depth.
• The inclusion of a foreword by Deepak Chopra has raised concerns about the book's credibility and potential for 'sound bites' without substance.
• The left-right political dichotomy is seen as overly simplistic and not reflective of individual complexities and nuances.
• The book 'The Gulag Archipelago' by Alexander Solzhenitsyn has had a profound impact on some readers' political views, particularly with regards to authoritarianism and state violence.
• The importance of effective communication and empathy is highlighted as a key takeaway from 'Nonviolent Communication', with some readers noting its practical applications in personal and professional relationships.
• The value of reading books that challenge one's assumptions and beliefs is emphasized, with some readers sharing how certain books have changed their perspectives on politics, relationships, and personal growth.