Books exploring language and naming:
* "The Unnamable" by Samuel Beckett: A notoriously difficult but thought-provoking novel that delves into the limits of language and the search for meaning.
* "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri: A story about family, identity, and the power of names, highlighting how they shape our understanding of ourselves.
* "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows" by John Koenig: This collection of invented words describes nuanced emotions we often struggle to articulate.
Books about the everyday and overlooked:
* "The World in a Grain of Sand" by David Attenborough: This book reveals the incredible complexity and wonder hidden within the seemingly ordinary.
* "The Secret Life of Things" by Jeannette Winterson: A whimsical exploration of the hidden stories and meanings behind everyday objects.
* "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben: This book explores the fascinating social lives of trees and the interconnectedness of the forest ecosystem.
Books that celebrate the unusual and quirky:
* "The Book of Lists" by David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace: This compilation contains lists of surprising, fascinating, and sometimes absurd facts.
* "The Curious World of Unusual Animals" by Dr. Jennifer D. Owen: A collection of fascinating facts about bizarre and unusual creatures.
* "Weird But True!" by National Geographic Kids: This book features strange and unbelievable facts from the world around us.
Beyond books:
* The Internet: There are countless websites, blogs, and online communities dedicated to finding names for things, from obscure objects to unique emotions.
* "Naming Things" column in the New York Times: This weekly column explores the stories behind the names of everyday objects and concepts.
While a book dedicated solely to "things you never knew had names" may not exist, these resources can help you discover the hidden names and stories within the world around you.