If for you, like for me, books loom large in your life, you might be interested in the top 5 books I read last year. I saw a Gallup poll today (which prompted this post) that said in 2025 Americans read, on average, 14.6 books "either all or part the way through". I managed the read 35 books "cover to cover" in 2025. How did you get on?
Based on last year's reading, here are my top 5 book recommendations , which may surprise you:
THE FUTURE by Naomi Alderman (fiction)
A dystopian struggle over technology, gender, and who gets to shape the future. The echoes of the current reign of "tech bros" and "tech giants" is prescient, scary with an unexpected twist of hope in the story.
REVENGE OF THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell (non-fiction)
An exploration of how social change really happens when systems cross hidden thresholds. Sequel to his original blockbuster, Gladwell's reflection of how tipping points can also push us in the wrong direction is timely.
SAME AS EVER by Morgan Housel (non-fiction)
Timeless human behaviours that explain why history, markets, and life keep repeating. Rather than trying to forecast and predict based on trends, looking at patterns that never change may be a more reliable foresight tool.
BABEL by R. F. Kuang (fiction)
A dark academia fantasy revealing how language underpins empire, violence, and resistance. A beautifully written novel, worth reading for pure pleasure, with bonus themes on power, colonialism and movements for change.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX, THE HORSE AND
THE STORM by Charlie Mackesy (fiction)
A tender illustrated reflection on grief, resilience, and the healing power of kindness. Mackesy's sequel gives solace and wisdom at a time when we desperately need to feel that we are not alone in our struggles.
Did you read any of these? If so, what did you think? Are you surprised that I don't have any books that are explicitly about "sustainability"? What were your top 5 books from last year?
Thriving: The Breakthrough Movement to Regenerate Nature, Society and the Economy is available as a paperback, ebook and audiobook.