The ‘Mind’ Book Club

In our new bi-weekly series for members of balanceclub, we delve into new books in the health and wellness sphere. From fiction to non-fiction, memoirs to self-help, poetry to cookbooks – we are exploring it all! This week, we are taking a look at non-fiction books that explore how the online world is affecting us. Take a look at this week’s picks… 

Pixel Flesh by Ellen Atlanta

A must-read for anyone who wants to look at how modern beauty standards affect our everyday lives. Whether that be the way you do your hair, botox and filler culture, mirror faces, the colour of your t-shirt, cosmetic surgery… it is all a byproduct of digital trends permeating IRL standards. Ellen Atlanta scrutinises the new age of beauty like never before, forcing you to confront the reality of it and ask if we really know what we are doing, and ultimately, are we really empowered by it all? No matter who you are, Pixel Flesh is a go-to for unmasking the absurdities of beauty standards, and a must-read for anyone who knows a young person online. 

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Cal Newport makes it super easy for us to find peace in a noisy digital world. Ushering in techniques on how to truly slow down and indulge in life’s everyday moments, this book is a fix-all for those fried dopamine receptors (yes, we are talking about you). When was the last time you read a good book? Went on a walk without your phone? Started a new craft project? His philosophy clears it all up: there is no FOMO if you are focused and satisfied in your world. This quiet movement is like a refreshing cold shower for the brain, and goes past those temporary solutions to unplug you for good, and help you take back control of your life from technology. A few boundaries in place with the help of Digital Minimalism, and you will find yourself in a more balanced place with your devices. 

Free Culture by Lawrence Lessig 

The New Yorker described him as “the most important thinker on intellectual property in the Internet era” – a convincing ode to the book that explores creative control in the digital world. Lessig explores how creativity is under complete censorship by the ‘Big Media’ (the few companies that now control what our creative culture looks like). Pre-internet, artists and movements rose against higher powers will, but now, as we push to defend free markets, free speech, and free will, are we blind to the hierarchical control we are under? Perhaps our free culture isn’t so free, but at what cost?