On Freedom

By Maggie Nelson,

Book cover of On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint

Book description

What can freedom really mean?

'One of the most electrifying writers at work in America today, among the sharpest and most supple thinkers of her generation' OLIVIA LAING

In this invigorating, essential book, Maggie Nelson explores how we might think, experience or talk about freedom. Drawing on pop culture, theory…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked On Freedom as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is the most obvious book on this list. If you do read one book about climate change, make it this one.

It’s mainly not about climate change at all, but about the difficult balance between protecting people and freedom of expression. If we want a society that makes life better for all, and I do want that, we need to get this balance right.

It’s hard, as Nelson shows, but also incredibly exciting to identify freedom, in art, in sex, in drugs and in climate. This list isn’t an accident. 

If you love On Freedom...

Ad

Book cover of The Truth About Unringing Phones

The Truth About Unringing Phones by Lara Lillibridge,

When Lara was four years old, her father moved from Rochester, New York, to Anchorage, Alaska, a distance of over 4,000 miles. She spent her childhood chasing after him, flying a quarter of the way around the world to tug at the hem of his jacket.

Now that he is…

Want books like On Freedom?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On Freedom.

Browse books like On Freedom

Book cover of The Lies That Bind: Rethinking Identity
Book cover of Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals
Book cover of All About Love: New Visions

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,867

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in liberty, philosophy, and pop culture?

Liberty 63 books
Philosophy 1,804 books
Pop Culture 166 books