Summer marks the ever-ending end of a long year of work. Summer opens up space for wandering and creativity, for daydreaming and planning and wishful thinking.
I try to fill my head up with books because they bring me into a lethargic mood that suits the heat so well. This summer is also the last one before I hopefully finish my PhD thesis, so a great deal of my reading will be dedicated to theory. When I grab them back in autumn, these books shall be scratched by sand, splashed by seawater droplets, and scented by sunscreen. This post includes a selection of my choices.
Queer Phenomenology
Sara Ahmed
Ahmed has been my spring/summer reading —I already finished this wonderful book. Sara Ahmed has a very clear style and guides us through her understanding of a Phenomenology of what’s slanted or twisted. Great for designers seeking to understand perspective and intent within the realm of transformation.
Design for the Real World
Victor Papanek
This book doesn’t need an introduction, but I have yet to finish it. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Papanek without the bustle of everyday work. Sustainability and ethics were very much present in the 70s, what has changed?
What is a designer
Norman Potter
Potter deserves to be picked up for a reread just before I dive deep into my thesis. Critical and lucid views are always welcome.
Who can afford to be critical?
Afonso Matos (Ed.)
This is a small book based on reflections made by students of the Design Academy at Eindhoven. Designers are asked so much when it comes to being responsible, ethical, and critical with their work. How much can we ask of them? Who can afford to defy the system?
The Discovery of Grounded Theory
Barney G. Glaser, Anselm L. Strauss
How can we listen to our data in order to generate theory —instead of merely validating others’ theories—? This book is great for everyone working with qualitative research, in or outside academia.
However ambitious a list —I may not finish every book—, I am sure to delve into each one of them at some point in the next few months. What am I missing? Any suggestions are much appreciated.