It's occurred to me that I have been reshaped by the books I have read, taking my new knowledge for granted, and forgetting that those around me have not been on the same journey. As a consequence sparks fly, as iron sharpening iron, as we strive to understand each other (or to insist that we are not the same). There are a few books that stand out, as I refer to them over and over again. These books are great for those on the journey of re-discovery, as the ex-JW often is.
Let's share our mind-bending books. I'll start.
The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong (Jan 30, 2001) - I have new sympathy for the fundamentalist and the fears that drive him. I also found out when creationists lost, and why they cannot accept it.
The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language (P.S.) by Steven Pinker (Sep 4, 2007) There's a short list of moral instincts in there.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (May 9, 2006) He taught me first to write succinctly, then to think clearly.
Out of My Life and Thought: An Autobiography by Albert Schweitzer, et al (Jun 11, 2009) My hero. Reverence for life. Where Christ came from. How institutions suppress free thought.
Becoming Human by Jean Vanier (Oct 30, 2008) Explains the tension between independence and community. We need both, but we should not sacrifice either. Vanier advocates open, welcoming communities with soft borders.