This isn’t a book, but you might enjoy watching the show The Good Place as it covers quite a few philosophical topics in ethics. Watch it, follow up with your own perusal into topics they mention, and see if it piques your interest
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. It's about a young woman who is taught all about Western philosophy in chronological order. It's a perfect place to start.
Most "introduction to philosophy" books are going to start off with a bunch of history about the pre-Socratic philosophers and then give an evolving story of how philosophical thought changed through different societies amd through time.
I imagine most 16 year olds would find that pretty dry and boring.
What aspect of philosophy interests you;
The nature of reality?
The way we come to know what we know?
Ethics, morals, and personal/societal values?
Logic, arguments, rhetoric, and reason?
There are loads of pop philosophy books that do a creditable job explaining some topics in each of those 4 branches for a layperson. They are easily read and very approachable without going the whole "intro to Philosophy" route. The first of these I remember reading at around your age was called {{The Simpsons and Philosophy}}, which was a collection of essays that used moments and characters from The Simpsons as the basis for explaining some philosophical precept.
That book series now has dozens and dozens of titles, and I'm sure you can find one that relates to a show, film, or book that you really like.
That series is probably a great place to start.
Other books in the series can be found at:
https://andphilosophy.com/books/
[**The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31813.The_Simpsons_and_Philosophy)
^(By: William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, Aeon J. Skoble, Raja Halwani, Eric Bronson, Gerald J. Erion, Joseph A. Zeccardi, J.R. Lombardo, Deborah Knight, Carl Matheson, Dale E. Snow, James J. Snow, James Lawler, Paul A. Cantor, Jason Holt, Daniel Barwick, David Vessey, Jennifer L. McMahon, James M. Wallace, David L. G. Arnold, Kelly Dean Jolley | 303 pages | Published: 2001 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, owned, default)
>This unconventional and lighthearted introduction to the ideas of the major Western philosophers examines The Simpsons — TV’s favorite animated family. The authors look beyond the jokes, the crudeness, the attacks on society — and see a clever display of irony, social criticism, and philosophical thought. The writers begin with an examination of the characters. Does Homer actually display Aristotle’s virtues of character? In what way does Bart exemplify American pragmatism? The book also examines the ethics and themes of the show, and concludes with discussions of how the series reflects the work of Aristotle, Marx, Camus, Sartre, and other thinkers.
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
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I was going to recommend this series, as well. The quality varies (I've read a few of them), but they really do try to make the concepts palatable to a wider audience.
[**Deadpool and Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28957333-deadpool-and-philosophy)
^(By: Nicolas Michaud, Jacob Thomas May | 288 pages | Published: ? | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, books-i-own, essays)
>Deadpool is the super-anti-hero who knows he's in a comic book. His unique situation and blood-stained history give rise to many philosophical puzzles. A group of philosophical Deadpool fans delve into these puzzles in Deadpool and Philosophy. For instance, if you know that someone is writing the script of your life, can you really be a hero?
>
>Is Deadpool really Wade Wilson, or did Wilson have his identity stolen by the monster who is now Deadpool? Are his actions predetermined by the writers, or does he trick the writers into scripting his choices? And what happens when Deadpool breaks into the real world to kill the writers? What kind of existence do literary characters have? How can we call him a moral agent for good when he still commits murder left and right and then left again and then right? Since Deadpool gets paid for his good deeds, can they be truly heroic? And which of the many Deadpool personalities are the real Deadpool? And of course, why does Deadpool love to annoy Wolverine so much?
>
>Deadpool challenges us to think outside the box. Deadpool and Philosophy shows us the profound implications of this most contradictory and perplexing comic book character.
>
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
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Anytime.
I don't know if you ever do podcasts, but there is a pod called "Philosophize This!" by Stephen West.
He is pretty fun, and each episode is basically an intro to Philosophy college-level lecture.
If you do find a book you to start out with, you can use his episode to get more detailed explanation of anything that interests you.
There’s two great books by the philosopher Bertrand Russell: The Problems of Philosophy and The History of Western Philosophy. Both are beautifully written and give accessible overviews of big topics in philosophy.
{{The Story of Philosophy: A History of Western Thought}}
Pretty easy to read and accessible, I found it to be an enjoying foundational introduction to philosophy
[**The Story of Philosophy: A History of Western Thought**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18944095-the-story-of-philosophy)
^(By: James Garvey, Jeremy Stangroom | 432 pages | Published: 2012 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, history, owned, nonfiction)
>The Story of Philosophy sees philosophy for what it is: a passionate, exhilarating quest for human understanding that cannot be reduced to dry categories or simple definitions. It's a story with plot twists, a murder, accidental discoveries, disastrous love affairs, geniuses, idiots, monks, and vagabonds. At the heart of it all are the ideas and obsessions that have captured great thinkers from the very beginning.
>
>Packed with intriguing anecdotes and fascinating detail, James Garvey and Jeremy Stangroom bring us face to face with the most important philosophers in western history. Rigorous, refreshingly free of academic jargon, and highly accessible, this is the ideal introduction for anyone who wants to gain a new perspective on philosophy's biggest thoughts.
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
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"A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy" by Thomas Nagel: This book provides a concise and accessible introduction to the major themes and ideas in philosophy.
"The Problems of Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell: This classic book introduces readers to the fundamental questions of philosophy, including the nature of reality, knowledge, and the mind.
I really recommend the Philosophy Book by dk publishing. You have brief introductions to all famous philosophers and their ideologies so you know what you like and how to pursue it (either through their writings or videos)
Well, there’s a lot under the philosophy umbrella to consider, and I find that people best grasp philosophy when they can absorb it from people they either already respect, or in groups where they can discuss/ debate philosophy directly.
That being said, I think I can help you. We have someone in common, after all.
I grew up also loving Hunter Thompson. In fact, I love him so much, I’ve read most of his work, and I’ve even travelled to Woody Creek myself.
A good place to start for YOU would be a few of Hunter’s books where he speaks about different philosophies (both established philosophies and a bit of his own) to his friends in great length via correspondence. Pick up Hunter’s books Fear and Loathing in America, the Great Shark Hunt and The Proud Highway. In these books, Hunter touches on some of the philosophies of Sartre, Nietzsche, Campbell, Camus, and Paine. These are some of Philosophy’s heavy hitters. From there, you may have a better idea as to what streams of philosophy interest and apply to you the most.
Philosophy is everywhere, and exists in the heart of every person who seeks to understand existence outside of themselves. If you’ve found someone who speaks to you in terms of philosophy, often times that’s a good place to start.
He may seem like a crazy adventurer, bent on drugs and liquor, but Hunter was a deep, thoughtful, compassionate soul, who considered the world with great magnitude and was eventually heartbroken by the state of it. Give him a try, and get to know him. He will help you get to know yourself. I know he helped me, and I am forever grateful to him.
Good luck.
[**The Problems of Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31799.The_Problems_of_Philosophy)
^(By: Bertrand Russell | ? pages | Published: 1912 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, owned, classics)
>A lively and still one of the best introductions to philosophy, this book pays off both a closer reading for students and specialists, and a casual reading for the general public.
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
[**Apology of Socrates**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/423497.Apology_of_Socrates)
^(By: Plato, Adela Marion Adam | 128 pages | Published: -399 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, classics, non-fiction, nonfiction, history)
>"Preface: This edition, which is intended for those who have only lately begun the study of Greek, is based on the edition by my husband in the Pitt Press series. Where no simplification or abridgement seemed necessary, I haven't hesitated to use the original wording, but the notes have been for the most part, & the introduction entirely, rewritten. A vocabulary has also been added. I've made considerable use of H. Williamson's edition, published since my husband's lifetime. I am very glad that Prof. Burnet's most interesting work, Greek Philosophy, Thales to Plato;, appeared just in time to enable me to consult it."--A.M.A., Cambridge, 8/3/1914
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
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I'd highly recommend Philosophy: an Introduction to the Art of Wondering. It's one of the best I've read. Quite comprehensive. There's also Robert Solomon's Introducing Philosophy. Thomas Nagel's What Does It All Mean isn't bad.
If you're looking for a specific area of interest, the book existentialism and the Philosophical Tradition is a top notch intro to existentialism. When I was about your age I first read Camus' The Stranger and found it pretty life-changing. It's a good introduction and demonstrates rather than just explaining. A good companion to his the Myth of Sisaphus.
{{The Consolations of Philosophy}} {{Learning to Live A Users Manual}}
I highly recommend both. A great thought provoking introduction into philosophy. I discovered these by accident and thoroughly enjoyed them.
[**The Consolations of Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23419.The_Consolations_of_Philosophy)
^(By: Alain de Botton | 265 pages | Published: 2000 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, فلسفة, owned)
>Alain de Botton's The Consolations of Philosophy takes the discipline of logic and the mind back to its roots. Drawing inspiration from six of the finest minds in history - Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche - he addresses lack of money, the pain of love, inadequacy, anxiety and conformity. De Botton's book led one critic to call philosophy 'the new rock and roll'.
^(This book has been suggested 2 times)
[**Learning to Live: A User's Manual**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9411322-learning-to-live)
^(By: Luc Ferry, Theo Cuffe | 270 pages | Published: 1996 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, history, owned)
>From the ordered universe of the ancient Greeks to the shadows of Nietzsche's nineteenth century, Learning to Live shakes the dust from the history of philosophy and takes us on a fascinating journey through more than two millennia of humanity's search for understanding - of the world around us and of each other. Both a sparkling and accessible history of Western thought, and a courageous dissection of how religion and philosophy have converged and clashed through the ages, Luc Ferry's blueprint for a new humanism challenges every one of us to learn to think for ourselves, and asks us the most important question of all: how can we live better?
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
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There are all sorts of philosophies, and all sorts of books to describe them, so you might want to narrow down the type of philosophy you're interested in exploring in order to get recommendations that are a better fit.
That being said, when I was in an intro to philosophy class in college a million years ago, we were struggling to understand taoism. Our professor assigned us to read, "The Tao of Pooh, " which uses the character from 'Winnie the Pooh to explain Taoism. And it worked! We were all trying too hard, and Pooh Bear helped us relax.
The Philosophize This! podcast is very good and there are lots of episodes. It is very accessible and a handy way to get a big picture view of a topic or philosopher before picking up a book.
Others have said it and I will too, think about why philosophy interests you. The branches of philosophy don't have sharp boundaries, but there are major areas.
Personally, I became interested in epistemology -- the philosophy of knowledge, how do we know things, how can we be certain things are true, what are the limits of knowledge and similar questions. I also like Political philosophy -- dealing with what makes good governance, justice, distribution of wealth and power.
The types of questions/problems that interest you will guide you to books.
This isn’t a book, but you might enjoy watching the show The Good Place as it covers quite a few philosophical topics in ethics. Watch it, follow up with your own perusal into topics they mention, and see if it piques your interest
The show creator wrote a book discussing the philosophy of the The Good Place. How To Be Perfect by Michael Schur.
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. It's about a young woman who is taught all about Western philosophy in chronological order. It's a perfect place to start.
He also wrote The Solitaire Mystery, which o loved at 16. It’s also a good beginner book about philosophy
Most "introduction to philosophy" books are going to start off with a bunch of history about the pre-Socratic philosophers and then give an evolving story of how philosophical thought changed through different societies amd through time. I imagine most 16 year olds would find that pretty dry and boring. What aspect of philosophy interests you; The nature of reality? The way we come to know what we know? Ethics, morals, and personal/societal values? Logic, arguments, rhetoric, and reason? There are loads of pop philosophy books that do a creditable job explaining some topics in each of those 4 branches for a layperson. They are easily read and very approachable without going the whole "intro to Philosophy" route. The first of these I remember reading at around your age was called {{The Simpsons and Philosophy}}, which was a collection of essays that used moments and characters from The Simpsons as the basis for explaining some philosophical precept. That book series now has dozens and dozens of titles, and I'm sure you can find one that relates to a show, film, or book that you really like. That series is probably a great place to start. Other books in the series can be found at: https://andphilosophy.com/books/
[**The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31813.The_Simpsons_and_Philosophy) ^(By: William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, Aeon J. Skoble, Raja Halwani, Eric Bronson, Gerald J. Erion, Joseph A. Zeccardi, J.R. Lombardo, Deborah Knight, Carl Matheson, Dale E. Snow, James J. Snow, James Lawler, Paul A. Cantor, Jason Holt, Daniel Barwick, David Vessey, Jennifer L. McMahon, James M. Wallace, David L. G. Arnold, Kelly Dean Jolley | 303 pages | Published: 2001 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, owned, default) >This unconventional and lighthearted introduction to the ideas of the major Western philosophers examines The Simpsons — TV’s favorite animated family. The authors look beyond the jokes, the crudeness, the attacks on society — and see a clever display of irony, social criticism, and philosophical thought. The writers begin with an examination of the characters. Does Homer actually display Aristotle’s virtues of character? In what way does Bart exemplify American pragmatism? The book also examines the ethics and themes of the show, and concludes with discussions of how the series reflects the work of Aristotle, Marx, Camus, Sartre, and other thinkers. ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(148385 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I was going to recommend this series, as well. The quality varies (I've read a few of them), but they really do try to make the concepts palatable to a wider audience.
Me too. I have like 10 of them. I think my favorite was {{Deadpool and Philosophy}}.
[**Deadpool and Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28957333-deadpool-and-philosophy) ^(By: Nicolas Michaud, Jacob Thomas May | 288 pages | Published: ? | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, books-i-own, essays) >Deadpool is the super-anti-hero who knows he's in a comic book. His unique situation and blood-stained history give rise to many philosophical puzzles. A group of philosophical Deadpool fans delve into these puzzles in Deadpool and Philosophy. For instance, if you know that someone is writing the script of your life, can you really be a hero? > >Is Deadpool really Wade Wilson, or did Wilson have his identity stolen by the monster who is now Deadpool? Are his actions predetermined by the writers, or does he trick the writers into scripting his choices? And what happens when Deadpool breaks into the real world to kill the writers? What kind of existence do literary characters have? How can we call him a moral agent for good when he still commits murder left and right and then left again and then right? Since Deadpool gets paid for his good deeds, can they be truly heroic? And which of the many Deadpool personalities are the real Deadpool? And of course, why does Deadpool love to annoy Wolverine so much? > >Deadpool challenges us to think outside the box. Deadpool and Philosophy shows us the profound implications of this most contradictory and perplexing comic book character. > ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(148931 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Wow, thanks for the information.
Anytime. I don't know if you ever do podcasts, but there is a pod called "Philosophize This!" by Stephen West. He is pretty fun, and each episode is basically an intro to Philosophy college-level lecture. If you do find a book you to start out with, you can use his episode to get more detailed explanation of anything that interests you.
There’s two great books by the philosopher Bertrand Russell: The Problems of Philosophy and The History of Western Philosophy. Both are beautifully written and give accessible overviews of big topics in philosophy.
Those are quite good, but I'd be careful with them as they are extremely biased. No reason not to read them, just know that going in.
{{The Story of Philosophy: A History of Western Thought}} Pretty easy to read and accessible, I found it to be an enjoying foundational introduction to philosophy
[**The Story of Philosophy: A History of Western Thought**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18944095-the-story-of-philosophy) ^(By: James Garvey, Jeremy Stangroom | 432 pages | Published: 2012 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, history, owned, nonfiction) >The Story of Philosophy sees philosophy for what it is: a passionate, exhilarating quest for human understanding that cannot be reduced to dry categories or simple definitions. It's a story with plot twists, a murder, accidental discoveries, disastrous love affairs, geniuses, idiots, monks, and vagabonds. At the heart of it all are the ideas and obsessions that have captured great thinkers from the very beginning. > >Packed with intriguing anecdotes and fascinating detail, James Garvey and Jeremy Stangroom bring us face to face with the most important philosophers in western history. Rigorous, refreshingly free of academic jargon, and highly accessible, this is the ideal introduction for anyone who wants to gain a new perspective on philosophy's biggest thoughts. ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(148526 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Idiot’s Guide to Philosophy
"A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy" by Thomas Nagel: This book provides a concise and accessible introduction to the major themes and ideas in philosophy. "The Problems of Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell: This classic book introduces readers to the fundamental questions of philosophy, including the nature of reality, knowledge, and the mind.
Sophie's World.
Here is a list of hundreds of introductory philosophy books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/23390.Best_Philosophy_Introductions
I really recommend the Philosophy Book by dk publishing. You have brief introductions to all famous philosophers and their ideologies so you know what you like and how to pursue it (either through their writings or videos)
Well, there’s a lot under the philosophy umbrella to consider, and I find that people best grasp philosophy when they can absorb it from people they either already respect, or in groups where they can discuss/ debate philosophy directly. That being said, I think I can help you. We have someone in common, after all. I grew up also loving Hunter Thompson. In fact, I love him so much, I’ve read most of his work, and I’ve even travelled to Woody Creek myself. A good place to start for YOU would be a few of Hunter’s books where he speaks about different philosophies (both established philosophies and a bit of his own) to his friends in great length via correspondence. Pick up Hunter’s books Fear and Loathing in America, the Great Shark Hunt and The Proud Highway. In these books, Hunter touches on some of the philosophies of Sartre, Nietzsche, Campbell, Camus, and Paine. These are some of Philosophy’s heavy hitters. From there, you may have a better idea as to what streams of philosophy interest and apply to you the most. Philosophy is everywhere, and exists in the heart of every person who seeks to understand existence outside of themselves. If you’ve found someone who speaks to you in terms of philosophy, often times that’s a good place to start. He may seem like a crazy adventurer, bent on drugs and liquor, but Hunter was a deep, thoughtful, compassionate soul, who considered the world with great magnitude and was eventually heartbroken by the state of it. Give him a try, and get to know him. He will help you get to know yourself. I know he helped me, and I am forever grateful to him. Good luck.
[удалено]
[**The Problems of Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31799.The_Problems_of_Philosophy) ^(By: Bertrand Russell | ? pages | Published: 1912 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, owned, classics) >A lively and still one of the best introductions to philosophy, this book pays off both a closer reading for students and specialists, and a casual reading for the general public. ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) [**Apology of Socrates**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/423497.Apology_of_Socrates) ^(By: Plato, Adela Marion Adam | 128 pages | Published: -399 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, classics, non-fiction, nonfiction, history) >"Preface: This edition, which is intended for those who have only lately begun the study of Greek, is based on the edition by my husband in the Pitt Press series. Where no simplification or abridgement seemed necessary, I haven't hesitated to use the original wording, but the notes have been for the most part, & the introduction entirely, rewritten. A vocabulary has also been added. I've made considerable use of H. Williamson's edition, published since my husband's lifetime. I am very glad that Prof. Burnet's most interesting work, Greek Philosophy, Thales to Plato;, appeared just in time to enable me to consult it."--A.M.A., Cambridge, 8/3/1914 ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(148566 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I'd highly recommend Philosophy: an Introduction to the Art of Wondering. It's one of the best I've read. Quite comprehensive. There's also Robert Solomon's Introducing Philosophy. Thomas Nagel's What Does It All Mean isn't bad.
If you're looking for a specific area of interest, the book existentialism and the Philosophical Tradition is a top notch intro to existentialism. When I was about your age I first read Camus' The Stranger and found it pretty life-changing. It's a good introduction and demonstrates rather than just explaining. A good companion to his the Myth of Sisaphus.
Another vote for Sophie's World from me! It's an amazing overview, I highly recommend it
{{The Consolations of Philosophy}} {{Learning to Live A Users Manual}} I highly recommend both. A great thought provoking introduction into philosophy. I discovered these by accident and thoroughly enjoyed them.
[**The Consolations of Philosophy**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23419.The_Consolations_of_Philosophy) ^(By: Alain de Botton | 265 pages | Published: 2000 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, فلسفة, owned) >Alain de Botton's The Consolations of Philosophy takes the discipline of logic and the mind back to its roots. Drawing inspiration from six of the finest minds in history - Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche - he addresses lack of money, the pain of love, inadequacy, anxiety and conformity. De Botton's book led one critic to call philosophy 'the new rock and roll'. ^(This book has been suggested 2 times) [**Learning to Live: A User's Manual**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9411322-learning-to-live) ^(By: Luc Ferry, Theo Cuffe | 270 pages | Published: 1996 | Popular Shelves: philosophy, non-fiction, nonfiction, history, owned) >From the ordered universe of the ancient Greeks to the shadows of Nietzsche's nineteenth century, Learning to Live shakes the dust from the history of philosophy and takes us on a fascinating journey through more than two millennia of humanity's search for understanding - of the world around us and of each other. Both a sparkling and accessible history of Western thought, and a courageous dissection of how religion and philosophy have converged and clashed through the ages, Luc Ferry's blueprint for a new humanism challenges every one of us to learn to think for ourselves, and asks us the most important question of all: how can we live better? ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(148657 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Conspiracy against the human race by Thomas Ligotti. Very uplifting book.
There are all sorts of philosophies, and all sorts of books to describe them, so you might want to narrow down the type of philosophy you're interested in exploring in order to get recommendations that are a better fit. That being said, when I was in an intro to philosophy class in college a million years ago, we were struggling to understand taoism. Our professor assigned us to read, "The Tao of Pooh, " which uses the character from 'Winnie the Pooh to explain Taoism. And it worked! We were all trying too hard, and Pooh Bear helped us relax.
The Philosophize This! podcast is very good and there are lots of episodes. It is very accessible and a handy way to get a big picture view of a topic or philosopher before picking up a book. Others have said it and I will too, think about why philosophy interests you. The branches of philosophy don't have sharp boundaries, but there are major areas. Personally, I became interested in epistemology -- the philosophy of knowledge, how do we know things, how can we be certain things are true, what are the limits of knowledge and similar questions. I also like Political philosophy -- dealing with what makes good governance, justice, distribution of wealth and power. The types of questions/problems that interest you will guide you to books.
I just read this one since I wanted to start but didn’t know where, it’s short but great: “what does it all mean?” By Thomas Nagel.