by Mark JW Graham – Vocal Coach in Nottingham, UK | Book Now
More Book Recommendations
I was catching up with a friend recently, and I told him about a difficult conversation I ended up having with someone. When I told him the whole story, he was gobsmacked at how I’d managed to keep my patience.
Truth be told, most of that was down to one particular book I’ve read this year, which is one of the books I want to recommend to you today. In turn, this made me realise it’s been a while since I made such recommendations, so there’s a few more thrown in for good measure.
How To Have Impossible Conversations
This is written by Peter Boghossian. He is an American academic who, in the opening chapters, used to be “that guy” in conversations. He might know all the facts, he might even be right, but he would be a colossal ***hole through delivering his point. So much so he’d usually cause the other person to become combative, and no productive discussion was to be had.
Learning from those mistakes over this many years of teaching and debating, Boghossian is now at the forefront of helping people (in America no less) cultivate skills for purposeful dialogue, between people who may share entirely opposing viewpoints, and to help them do so in a civil and helpful way.
I have found this book to be a very practical guide to helping to have constructive conversations, no matter how ridiculous you might feel another person’s perspective.
I cannot commend this book enough if you want to learn to improve your discussions with people in general, no matter the subject.
Factfulness
This was a gift from my brother-in-law a few years ago, and whilst perusing my bookshelves, I was reminded how excellent this book was. It is written by a Professor Rosling, expert in International Health, who comes bearing good news – even great news – about the way our world is going health-wise.
He highlights a lot of factually incorrect beliefs about the current state of the world in terms of health, education, civil liberties, etc. Through going the facts of the matter (hence the title of this book), Professor Rosling highlights just how much progress and how developed, healthy and educated the entire world is becoming. Faster than at any other time in human history, but somehow, through false or heavily spun news-stories that demand our attention, most of us in the West believe things are nowhere near as remarkable and good as they actually are.
For those who want to set the record straight on what the current state of things are, this is a great place to start.
War on the West
In-keeping with this theme about what we in the West believe, I come to this next book. This is by one of my favourite authors and journalists, Douglas Murray.
Over the last few years, you may have noticed that in the UK and the US, there’s been a lot of heat and social angst over a great many social issues. In point of fact, the first book recommendation above was written out of the first author’s desire to enable people of differing viewpoints on these very issues to have more productive civil discussions. Never more is this needed than where people hold strong, emotive but differing views.
This book explores a variety of these issues to understand them. This is done by laying out the facts around each issue, and also to highlight the dangers facing people in the Western world when we lose our heads and rationality over such issues.. especially when we find ourselves unable to hold reasonable discussions with one another.
Fiction: Blackwing
Phew! We’ve covered some heavy books above, and if you’re anything like me, sometimes it’s all just a bit too much.
I’ve taken respite and relief from the onslaught of reality by re-reading some of my favourite fiction. This book is by a relatively new author called Ed McDonald, and is in a niche of fantasty/sci-fi called ‘grimdark’. It’s a medieval, olde world, Lord of the Rings-esque setting, and it’s both very easy to read and also gripping. So if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, or other similar medieval fantasy books, I think you’ll enjoy this.
This is the first book of a trilogy, and I remember devouring this first instalment over a holiday several years ago. Hence, if you do enjoy it, there’s more books to dig into.
I do hope something in this list has piqued your curiosity. Do let me know if you pick any up and what you think.
Suggested Reading
Mark JW Graham - Mark is a high-end vocal coach and singing teacher based in Nottingham, UK.
Certified in Speech Level Singing ®, and with over 20 years of musical experience, he is known as the "go-to vocal coach" for singers wanting dramatic improvements in their singing voice in a short space of time.
Trusted by singers worldwide, Mark’s expertise as a coach, singer and musician helps clients transform their voices and raise their musicianship to new levels.
SLS Certified Vocal Coach · 20+ Years Experience · Trusted Worldwide