The Wise 8: Book Club
Creating positive impact can be tough. We find ourselves navigating through the complexities of systemic problems, rushing to meet the demands of our over-scheduled lives, all while playing catch-up with more and more data.
To make sense of it all, we must keep learning, keep reflecting. What this ultimately means is we must always find the time to read.
So, we asked some of our favorite communicators and leaders to recommend books to those interested in communication and social change. Enjoy!
1: The medium affects the message.
A Song of Ice and Fire (5-Book Series) by George R.R. Martin
“If you’re a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones, I highly recommend the books, if only because you’ll see very clearly how the telling of one story can (and should) change as it moves from one medium to another. Added to that, the richness of detail that Martin gives his readers is a feast for the imagination.”
Oya Arriola, Communication Strategist & Founding Partner at WiseOwl
2: Risks come with the territory.
Leadership on the Line by Ronald A. Heifetz & Martin Linsky
“This book has influenced my thinking and acting as a leader and communicator. It helps all of us understand the importance, indeed the necessity of risk-taking to achieve big things. One must of course manage the risks and the authors recommends tools for that so maximum positive outcomes are attained. Communication is one such skill, one that requires expertise and practice.”
Dr. Antonio G. M. La Viña, Political Analyst & Former Dean of the Ateneo School of Government
3: Powerful images tell powerful stories.
Alone by Christophe Chabouté
“Chabouté uses hauntingly simple, yet compelling visuals in this wonderfully drawn graphic novel. It tells the story of a man who lives alone in a lighthouse on an island, and has never seen the world. It showcases illustrations as powerful storytelling. This book will test your emotions, enrich your imagination, and encourage you to look at the world through different eyes.”
Joza Nada, Creative Director & Founding Partner at WiseOwl
4: Every step counts.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
“I loved this book for so many reasons. In our field, people tend to create heroes and celebrate their achievements. But how valuable it is to be able to see up close the physical and mental struggle of a figure like Mandela. 27 years in prison. It takes time, patience, and integrity to change systems and break down oppressive structures. Even behind bars, every little action has power.”
Terri Jayme-Mora, Country Manager at Ashoka Philippines
5: Heroes come with scars.
Hawkeye Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Matt Fraction, David Aja & Javier Pulido
“Super-heroics is all fun and games until that not-so-super-powered guy gets hurt. Chances are, that hero with a bow and arrow and a very big heart is the closest super-hero one can realistically be. This comic book series shows us the ins-and-outs of what’s it like to be an Avenger, a ‘street-level’, Avenger. And through gritty frames and palpable words, it gives us a glimpse of the realities of our 8-year-old dream — broken bones and all. It’s the IG stories in-between the IG-post worthy Avenger moments.”
Michael Luchico, Creative Director at DDB Philippines
6: It’s all about the community.
Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block
“Communication and social change are, fundamentally, about pushing for more inclusive spaces for dialogue. In order to tackle the big questions, it’s so important that we come up with a common language, a way to relate with one another. Because what are we in the business of communications for, if we’re not able to bring people together? Communication and community are two intertwined concepts. At the end of the day, you must have the kind of communication that helps build communities.”
Nash Tysmans, Writer & Community Development Specialist
7: Always challenge what you think is right.
Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel
“The unexamined assumption that we’re right is easy but dangerous. Doubly so, when we’re communicating to change the world. As advocates and communicators, it is our duty to constantly challenge our biases, a way to avoid the proverbial road to hell. This book provides real-world applications of political philosophy: the rigor of theory with the nuances of reality. Because good intentions are not good enough. And, we can only get it right by having the courage to be honest that we, too, can get things wrong.”
Mika Ortega, Communication Manager & Founding Partner at WiseOwl
8: Impact begins from the ground up.
How to Change the World by David Bornstein
“This book is known to be the bible of social entrepreneurs, as it outlines a wide range of stories of individuals and their quest to solve social issues. Bornstein is also the co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN), a nonprofit organisation that advocates for the widespread and rigorous reporting of how people respond to social problems. Perhaps SJN was also built on what seems to be the core mission of the book: to show that change-making cuts across creed, nationality, and beliefs; that there is immense value in the seemingly minute changes that are done in communities; and that the world can indeed be transformed from the ground up. From rural electrification in Brazil to community care services for AIDS patients in South Africa, the book will take you to the endless, thankless, and unglamorous tasks that needed to be done for these enterprises to effectively address social ills but it also does give readers a picture of this inexplicable, searing desire present in people who simply want to make the world a better place.”
Portia Ladrido, Associate Editor at CNN Philippines and Co-founder at INK-line
