Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson is at the top of my favorite books list. The author is respectful yet fearless in her pursuit of the truths that bind us. The story and its history and evidence answers questions that I, like millions of other people, have been asking for a long time. I am in awe of the author's determination as well as her skilled prose. An extraordinary read.

The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger is the most recent addition to my top favorite books list. As with the other books in my top five list, I was hooked immediately and couldn't put it down. The science is beautiful and eye-opening. I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who loves and respects plants.

Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dave Sobel has been in my top five list since I first read it more than 20 years ago. The knowledge and ability to determine longitude is only a few hundred years old, the key to all modern navigation. The history is riveting, the writing compelling.  

The Sisterhood of Blackberry Corner by Andrea Smith, who also wrote Friday Night at Honeybee's, is my favorite fiction book. I have only been able to find two books by her because there is another author with a gob of books out by the same name, so I don't know if she's changed her name or no longer writing, but I would love to find and study with her.  A poignant and powerful read.