Reading List

1.) In Small Things Forgotten

By: James Deetz

In this truly romantic account of historic archaeology, James Deetz explores how everyday objects, from pottery to gravestones, reveal the intricacies of early American life. Through detailed analysis of material culture, Deetz uncovers the social and cultural shifts that shaped colonial and early post-colonial societies. This accessible book emphasizes how small, often overlooked artifacts can provide profound insights into the lives of ordinary people, bridging the gap between historical archaeology and the broader understanding of history. It's an essential read for anyone interested in the subtle ways material culture reflects human behavior and societal change.

2.) Digging New Jersey's Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State

By: Richard F. Veit

Written by a graduate professor of mine, this is an engaging exploration of New Jersey’s rich archaeological heritage, spanning colonial settlements, industrial sites, and military encampments. Veit examines how archaeology reveals the lives of the state’s early inhabitants, from Indigenous peoples to European settlers, and how these discoveries provide unique insights into New Jersey's cultural and historical development. Filled with case studies, site descriptions, and historical context, this book brings to life the Garden State’s layered past. It's an essential resource for anyone interested in regional archaeology and the role of material culture in understanding local history.

3.) The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease

By: Daniel Leiberman

This book offers a compelling examination of human evolution and its impact on health and disease in modern society. Lieberman traces the evolutionary journey of our species, exploring how our bodies have adapted to changing environments and lifestyles. He delves into the consequences of these adaptations, highlighting how our ancient biological heritage shapes contemporary health challenges, such as obesity and chronic diseases. Through a blend of evolutionary biology, anthropology, and medicine, this book provides insightful connections between our past and present, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human health through an evolutionary lens.

4.) Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human

By: Richard Wrangham

Here, Wrangham presents a fascinating argument that the advent of cooking played a pivotal role in the evolution of Homo sapiens. He explores how cooking not only made food more digestible and nutritious but also contributed to significant physiological changes, such as the reduction of tooth and jaw size and the expansion of the brain. He draws on evidence from anthropology, archaeology, and primatology to illustrate the transformative effects of cooking on social structures, reproductive strategies, and overall human development. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of culture, biology, and evolution, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the evolutionary history of our species.

5.) A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life

By: Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein

These coauthors provide a compelling examination of how human evolutionary history can inform our understanding of contemporary challenges. Drawing on insights from anthropology, biology, and psychology, the authors argue that many of the problems faced in modern society—such as mental health issues, chronic disease, and social disconnection—stem from a mismatch between our ancestral traits and modern environments. They advocate for a return to principles that align more closely with our hunter-gatherer past, emphasizing the importance of community, physical activity, and a diverse diet. This thought-provoking book blends evolutionary theory with practical advice, making it a crucial read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of life in the 21st century while honoring our evolutionary heritage.

6.) The Case Against Reality: How Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes

By: Donald Hoffman

In this book, Hoffman challenges traditional perceptions of reality by arguing that our experiences and perceptions are not a direct reflection of the world around us. Drawing on insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, Hoffman posits that our senses have evolved not to reveal an objective truth but to enhance our survival and reproductive success. He introduces the idea of an "interface" through which we interact with the world, akin to a computer desktop, which simplifies complex information rather than conveying its true nature. This provocative book invites readers to reconsider the relationship between perception and reality, encouraging a deeper exploration of consciousness and the limitations of human understanding. It's an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of evolution, psychology, and the philosophy of mind.