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Lisa Ling

Recommended Books

Lisa J. Ling is an American journalist, television personality, and author. She is currently the host of This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN.
9 books on the list
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Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World book cover
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Jack Weatherford - 2018-07-01 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the fascinating history of Genghis Khan, the Mongol warrior who rose to power and shaped the modern world. From his roots in Mongol culture to his tactical warfare and empire-building, this book tells the captivating story of a true historical figure who changed the course of history.
Lisa Ling
Genghis Khan was a great democratizer. His Mongol Empire conquered more territory in 25 years than the Romans did in 200.      source
The Alchemist book cover
The Alchemist
25th Anniversary Edition
Paulo Coelho - 2014-04-15 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a transformative journey with the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets out from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of buried treasure, only to discover the true wealth lies within. Paulo Coelho weaves a powerful and inspiring story full of wisdom and humanity, reminding readers of the importance of following our dreams and listening to our hearts.
Lisa Ling
This simple little book contains hugely profound meaning.      source
The Joy Luck Club book cover
The Joy Luck Club
A Novel
Amy Tan - 2006-09-21 (first published in 1989)
Goodreads Rating
A group of four Chinese immigrant women in 1940s San Francisco play mahjong and share stories of their pasts in "The Joy Luck Club." Their daughters, who lead modern American lives, initially dismiss their mothers' advice until they face their own inner crises and discover how much they've inherited from their mothers' pasts. Amy Tan's insightful and poignant examination of the complex relationship between mothers and daughters reveals secrets and intertwining ties that will keep readers engaged in this tale of intrigue and mystery.
Lisa Ling
It is the story of four Chinese American women in San Francisco and how their mothers’ struggles in the Chinese homeland made them who they were. It is a highly emotional and exceptionally beautiful story.      source
Recommended by
Hillary Clinton
News of a Kidnapping book cover
News of a Kidnapping
Gabriel García Márquez - 1998-07-30 (first published in 1996)
Goodreads Rating
"News of a Kidnapping” by Gabriel García Márquez depicts the frightening 1990 kidnapping of ten prominent Colombians by drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar. Through poetic prose and vivid storytelling, Márquez illustrates the survivors' perilous journey and the bizarre negotiations for their release. The book also dives into the deep-seated ache of Colombia's history of political unrest and narco-democracy. With breathtaking language and journalistic rigor, Márquez takes readers on a cinematic journey through the sickness that plagues his beloved country."
Lisa Ling
A journalistic account of ten notable Colombians kidnapped by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Drug Cartel.      source
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families book cover
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families
Stories from Rwanda
Philip Gourevitch - 1998-01-01
Goodreads Rating
A chilling and powerful look at one of the most unambiguous cases of genocide in history: the 1994 mass murder of 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda. Philip Gourevitch's haunting work takes readers on a journey through the genocide's background while providing a vivid and unforgettable account of what it means to survive in its aftermath. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand humanity's darkest moments.
Lisa Ling
This meticulously account is told from both the Hutu and Tutsi perspectives and is impressively comprehensive. It is so well told, in fact, that I felt like I was there experiencing the horror with my own eyes.      source
Recommended by
Errol Morris
Captain Corelli's Mandolin book cover
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Louis de Bernieres - 1995-08-29 (first published in 1994)
Goodreads Rating
This emotional and inventive novel is set on the Greek island of Cephallonia during World War II. The island is occupied by the conquering Italian army and the story revolves around Pelagia, a beautiful and willful young woman, and two suitors vying for her love. The novel is a rich exploration of loyalties and betrayals, set against a landscape where fact blends with fantasy. A passionate and moving novel that is both rich in ideas and engaging in storytelling.
Lisa Ling
One of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.      source
Recommended by
Claudia Oltean
Midnight's Children book cover
Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie - 1995-05-01 (first published in 1981)
Goodreads Rating
This masterfully-written novel follows Saleem Sinai, a man gifted with telepathy, as he navigates India's tumultuous beginnings as an independent nation. Born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, he's one of 1,001 "midnight's children" endowed with special powers, and discovers he was switched at birth with another child. As he attempts to gather the other gifted children for a parliament to save the nation, he faces dangerous complications from a brutish killer. Through it all, Rushdie's prose is both hilarious and heartbreaking, filled with exuberant language and allusions to Bombay's film industry.
Lisa Ling
Combines historical reality and mythical fiction to deliver a magnificent and magical account of India’s transition to independence and partition.      source
A People's History of the United States book cover
A People's History of the United States
Howard Zinn - 1995-01-01 (first published in 1980)
Goodreads Rating
Explore American history from the perspective of the people who shaped it, in this groundbreaking book. A People's History of the United States throws out the official narrative and focuses on the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans, including women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, and immigrant laborers. From the fight for fair wages to the battle for women's rights, this book explores the grassroots movements that shaped our country. With lively prose and scholarly research, this classic bestseller is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand America's past and future.
Lisa Ling
I credit this book with propelling me to dig deeper, and to not always believe the narrative.      source
Oh, the Places You'll Go!   book cover
Oh, the Places You'll Go!  
Dr. Seuss - 1990-01-22
Goodreads Rating
Discover a timeless graduation speech from Dr. Seuss in this classic book. With his signature humor and illustrations, Dr. Seuss tackles the ups and downs of life's "Great Balancing Act" while encouraging readers to tap into their own potential for success. Whether you're starting out in nursery school or completing a PhD, this book offers a wealth of wisdom. With just 56 pages, it's the perfect send-off for anyone entering the maze of life.
Lisa Ling
As a child of humble means, this book allowed me to believe that I could go anywhere and do anything.      source