I often get asked for a reading list after public speaking events. This is not easy as much of my reading has included magazines and journals.
However some suggestions are:
Subscribe to Scientific American and / or Scientific American Mind
If you wish to build up broad general knowledge over time then reading publications such as these is very helpful. You can always pick up a few copies from a book shop first to make sure this is of interest to you.
The Better Angels of Our Nature - Steven Pinker
This my all time favourite book. It is a tough read and a little background knowledge would help! Be prepared to search the internet continuously to understand new words and ideas introduced. However it is a research masterpiece and very well written. The book covers the evolution of civilisation and in doing so reveals a lot about human nature.
Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope - Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn
A very readable summary of the changes in the US over the last fifty years that have led to the sense of despair and the struggles of the working class. This book is a mix of facts supported by case studies that bring a sometimes painful reality to the numbers.
Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism - Anne Case, Angus Deaton
This book provides a detailed insight into the failings of capitalism in the US, but also into the opportunities. This is not an anti-capitalism book. Rather it is a call to accept the failures and to do better. At times the facts seems overwhelming and the situation hopeless. However there can be no meaningful hope without first accepting things as they are. The book is a chewy read. The prose is clunky at times and I found myself re-reading sentences and paragraphs to work my way through the spaghetti to be sure I had understood the authors' intent. A recommended read regardless.
On Human Nature - Edward O. Wilson
This book outlines the biological basis of our human behaviour - sociobiology. This book was so controversial in the late 70s and 80s that Wilson required protection when travelling to do presentations. The ideas were just too challenging for many at the time. Wilson nailed it though, he was right and has gone on to be the most well regarded biologist of our time.
Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion - Robert B. Cialdini
This book covers the essential aspects of social influence which are relevant in the workplace.
Free Will - Sam Harris
This is a short book and an easy read. It outlines another dimension to the human delusion - our experience of free will and consciousness is not what it seems. IT IS AN ILLUSION. A simple but stunning insight.
The Denial of Death - Ernest Becker
The first few chapters outline the source of fear, heroism and immortality projects. Excellent stuff. Bear in mind that the book was written in the 70s and some of the conclusions presented later in the book would not survive peer review today! However the literature research and explanation provided by Becker of existentialism is still one of the best going.
Also consider subscribing to a major news service such as The New York Times or The Washington Post (as well as your local news service). These services are very well resourced and provide journalism spanning science, technology, arts and political and social commentary. This will add your your general knowledge as well as supporting a key aspect of our society - an independent and resourced news service.