The best 100 Culture books

There seems to be a crisis of confidence in the West. In the face of the rising power of China, and with a seeming lack of interest in its own history and civilization, many fear that the West has somehow lost it way.

Civilization aims to explain why the West grew so powerful and dominated the rest of the world. The answer lies with six killer applications, which enabled the West to overcome the rest. Yet vital questions arise: Has the West forgotten these killer apps and will this lead to its collapse?

The Monopolists (2015) unveils the true yet checkered history of Parker Brothers's most successful board game, Monopoly. It tells the tale of the game’s origins in progressive, anti-capitalist thinking to its evolution under the control of Parker Brothers, a company that went to extraordinary lengths to rewrite Monopoly’s history and crush any competition in the process.

Drawing from personal interviews, The Millionaire Next Door (1996) reveals that many millionaires’ daily lives are a far cry from the stereotype of luxury cars, mansions and private jets. Yet this book also disproves the belief that becoming a millionaire is difficult – anyone can learn not only how to become rich but also stay rich.

Orientalism (1978) shines a light on the often unquestioned assumptions about Eastern civilizations that are persistently prevalent in the West. By unearthing and analyzing the West’s biases, Edward Said aims to undermine Orientalism’s influence on how the West perceives and interacts with the East.

Stuffocation (2013) explains how having too much stuff not only places an unnecessary burden on us, but is even leading to health issues. Our lives have become oversaturated with things, and a new value is emerging: the importance of experience over material possessions.

Thinking in Systems (2008) is an introduction to systems thinking. These blinks will teach you how to see the world in terms of interconnected networks while detailing how different elements, relationships and goals make any given structure run.

In The Wisdom of Insecurity (1951), author Alan Watts discusses the paradoxical nature of modern life: we pursue goals and covet material goods that promise happiness, but which leave us feeling empty and more anxious than ever. As we indulge in unproductive thoughts about the future or the past, we tend to forget about what is most meaningful – the present moment.

Braving The Wilderness (2017) challenges common notions about what it means to belong. It links feelings of unbelonging to feelings of anger and unrest, both in the United States and abroad. Brené Brown uses a potent combination of scientific research and storytelling to reveal what it means to truly belong. This includes remarkable tales of pain and suffering that show just how far people are willing to go to gain a sense of belonging.

The Art of Travel (2002) is an unorthodox guide to traveling. Unlike conventional travel guides, Alain de Botton’s book is more of a philosophical globe-trotter’s handbook, exploring the reasons behind our urge to discover new places and offering some general tips for making travel more enjoyable.

Factfulness (2018) offers readers a wealth of statistics and cold, hard facts that reveal the world to be a far better place than it was just a couple generations ago. But, more than that, author Hans Rosling also offers readers a way to revise their thinking and fight against our instinct to focus on the bad and lose sight of the good.

Enlightenment Now (2018) offers a refreshingly optimistic take on the state of the world today. With reams of data, charts and graphs, Steven Pinker shows how much progress we’ve made since the eighteenth century, when the Age of Reason, otherwise known as the Enlightenment, shifted society away from centuries of rule by superstition and paranoia.

In The Art of Gathering (2018), Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives – from business meetings to dinner parties – are lackluster, routine and lacking in purpose. Parker sets out a bold new approach to gathering that focuses on distinctiveness, purpose and real human connection, and shows how simple steps can invigorate any gathering of people.

A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived (2016) tells the story of humanity through genetics. These blinks explain how humans evolved, the role that genes played – and continue to play – in our development, and the ways in which our genetic past can shine a light on the present.

The New Silk Roads (2018) explores current affairs and political trends from an Eastern perspective. Using up-to-date examples and staggering statistics, the blinks explain the complicated global relationships and alliances at play in international relations today.

Palestine (2015) chronicles the long history of the land straddling the eastern Mediterranean between modern-day Lebanon and Egypt. By compiling an impressive set of sources both ancient and modern, Nur Masalha presents a nuanced history of the region, from its roots in ancient Philistine civilization to the advent of modern Palestinian nationalism in the nineteenth century, and Israel’s founding in 1948.

Who We Are and How We Got Here (2018) takes readers on a journey through the world’s anthropological history, demonstrating that people have continually migrated and mixed over time. Recent scientific advances are allowing scientists to study human DNA from the distant past and compare it to that of those alive today. The insights about humans’ origins are both fascinating and revealing.

Why I Am a Hindu (2018) is a meditation on religion and national identity from the perspective of one of India’s leading politicians, Shashi Tharoor. Written with an eye to the rise of Hindu fundamentalism, it unpacks the 4,000-year-old history of his faith and argues that today’s Hindutva movement is perverting an ancient tradition of tolerance and diversity. If Indians want to see their country flourish, Tharoor concludes, they’ll have to reject the ruling party’s chauvinism and embrace that great cultural legacy.

In Mythology (1942), Edith Hamilton takes the reader on a swift journey through the classical annals, surveying the fascinating stories of Greek and Roman mythology. The power of these stories impacted art and literature for centuries. Here, you can learn their essence. From the creation of the world to the epic siege of Troy, Hamilton gives you the grounding you need.

Maps of Meaning (1999) argues that myths provide the key to understanding the human psyche and our shared culture. Combining classic psychoanalysis with psychology, social and historical analysis, Jordan B. Peterson reveals how myths convey morality and create meaning in our lives – and what we can learn from them to reach our individual potential.

2030 (2020) isn’t a crystal ball – but it might be the next best thing. Drawing on current sociological trends, demographic trajectories, and technological advancements, it paints a convincing picture of the global changes we can expect to see and experience in the coming decade.

Man and His Symbols (1964) was the final work of the influential psychologist Carl Jung, and the only one written for a general audience. It breaks down some of Jung’s most complex ideas, such as his theories about archetypes and the unconscious, and it explores the vast expanse of symbols and stories that dwell within our minds.

Sex for One (1987) is a part-memoir, part-guidebook by Betty Dodson, a pioneering pro-sex feminist and masturbation advocate. Dodson recounts her own erotic journey and offers a step-by-step approach to embracing self-love.

Drive (2009) points out that many organizations still follow a “carrot and stick” approach, using external incentives to motivate people. It explains why this is a bad idea and introduces a more effective solution: sparking engagement by catering to the psychology of intrinsic motivation.

Free Speech (2022) traces the history of this world-defining idea. It provides a soapbox for some of free speech’s greatest proponents and highlights key events that pushed the idea forward from ancient times to the present. Offering an evenhanded treatment of the costs and benefits of free speech throughout history, it’s a powerful retort to all those forces that threaten to erode free speech today.

Mythos (2017) is a fabulous retelling of the Greek myths. It provides a great introduction to anyone interested in knowing more about the Greek gods and goddesses without any preknowledge or a classical education.

Death of a Salesman (1949) is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s greatest plays. A poignant critique of the promises and pitfalls of capitalism and the American Dream, it follows the salesman Willy Loman, his increasingly tense relationships with his family and colleagues, and his tragic, hallucinatory descent into fantasy and madness. 

Guns, Germs, and Steel (1997) is a short history of humanity over the last 13,000 years. The question it poses is as simple to state as it is hard to answer: Why did some parts of the world develop advanced technologies while others didn’t? It rejects explanations that rely on assumptions about the relative intelligence of different peoples. Instead, it argues that the divergence of human societies is best explained by natural factors such as climate, biology, and geology. 

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts (2008) is a heartful exploration of the complex condition known as addiction. It tells the real-life stories of addicts, who are so often denied the space to do so, alongside science-based analyses of why and how people get addicted. Importantly, it also challenges us to think of the ways, obvious or not, in which we too are addicts – and what we can do to heal ourselves.

The Prince and the Pauper (1881) is a classic tale that explores the societal framework of the sixteenth-century English society. The story unravels the unexpected journey of two identical boys – Prince Edward, the royal heir, and Tom Canty, a destitute pauper, as they swap their lives. In exploring each other's worlds, they gain insightful lessons about society, identity, and human kindness, with the story offering a profound commentary on class disparities and social norms.

The Trial ( 1925 ) tells the distressing story of Josef K. who wakes up one morning to find he’s under arrest for an unnamed offense. As cryptic legal proceedings unfold around him, K. struggles to make sense of his predicament or convince others of his innocence. It’s a  disturbing parable that raises philosophical questions about personal dignity and free will when pitted against entrenched bureaucracies.

The Birth of Tragedy (1872) interprets Greek tragedy’s birth and death. The narrative advocates the re-emergence of tragic arts and rejects the societal shift towards rationality and science during the time when it was written.

A Passage to India explores the complex dynamics between the British colonialists and the Indian citizens in the setting of Chandrapore, a fictional city in British India. It delves into themes of friendship, culture clash, and the quest for understanding across cultural divides.

Madame Bovary (1856) is the story of Emma Bovary, unhappily married to a provincial French doctor, and her ultimately futile attempts to exchange dull reality for a more romantic life. In the years since its publication it has been hailed as a groundbreaking and classic work of realist literature.

The Idiot (1869) follows the naïvely optimistic prince Myshkin as he moves through Russia’s confusing and cynical society, offering a profound discussion on the struggle between idealism and worldly disillusionment.

Future Shock (1970) examines the psychological and societal effects of rapid technological and cultural change, arguing that the accelerating pace of progress overwhelms people’s ability to adapt. It explores how constant upheaval disrupts personal stability, weakens traditional social structures, and leads to widespread feelings of anxiety and disorientation. Most importantly, it also offers practical strategies for coping with this overwhelming sense of change – emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience in an unpredictable world.

On the Genealogy of Morals (1887) delves deeply into Nietzsche’s evolving moral philosophy, exploring the origins and meanings of traditional Western morality. It suggests a radical departure from it and posits the emergence of new moral constructs.

Women Who Run with the Wolves (1989) is a profoundly influential work of Jungian psychology that has shown countless women how to connect with the wise, abiding, and untameable presence of the Wild Woman archetype in their own psyches.

Foundation (1951) looks at the crumbling of a galactic empire from the perspective of the planet Terminus, located on the Empire’s outer edge. Terminus is home to the Foundation, a community formed by a mathematician who could predict the future and the Empire’s inevitable demise. As the Empire crumbles, the Foundation gains increasing influence through a mixture of atomic power, religion, and economic savvy.

Understanding Power (2002) is a compilation of discussions and seminars by Noam Chomsky curated by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel. Throughout this collection, Chomsky delves into a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on how power and politics shape societies – critiquing media, corporate power, and governmental control, all while examining how these forces influence public opinion, policy, and democracy. With a focus on America, it reinterprets events of the past concerning foreign and social policy, highlighting the many challenges that Americans continue to face.

The Panama Papers (2016) tells the story of how a massive data leak exposed a hidden world of offshore banking and shell companies used by global elites to conceal their wealth. It reveals a vast network of financial secrecy involving world leaders, celebrities, and criminals – revelations that shook the foundations of international finance.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979) is the first book in a series of science fiction novels that follows Arthur Dent, the only human to escape the destruction of Earth. Following his rescue by an alien researcher for the eponymous guide, Arthur’s reluctant adventure across space and time leads to an array of surreal and humorous escapades across the universe.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (1841) looks at how social manias and mass delusions sweep through societies, revealing the underlying patterns that drive everything from financial bubbles to witch hunts. Through vivid historical examples, it shows how normally sensible people can be swept up in collective madness, leading to devastating real-world consequences. 

Ulysses (1922) is a modernist novel that unfolds over the course of a single day in Dublin on June 16, 1904. The narrative follows two young men as they navigate the city and encounter a diverse array of characters and situations. Through its intricate narrative structures and literary styles, the novel explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the complexities of the human experience.

Richard III (1593) follows the ruthless Duke of Gloucester as he manipulates, murders, and schemes his way to the English throne. Through deception and violence, Richard eliminates rivals including his own brothers and the young princes, but his tyranny ultimately sparks rebellion. The play culminates in Richard's defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Henry Tudor claims victory and establishes the Tudor dynasty.

Othello (c. 1603) stands as one of Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies. It tells the story of a respected military commander who is manipulated into questioning the loyalty of the woman he loves—setting in motion a chain of events with devastating consequences. With its powerful themes of love, betrayal, race, and revenge, the play remains strikingly relevant even today.

The Burnout Society (2010) delves into the contemporary epidemic of exhaustion and mental overload, revealing how your pursuit of success and productivity in a hyper-connected world might be leading to a state of collective burnout. It challenges you to rethink societal norms and personal values, offering insights into navigating the pressures of modern life. 

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (2017) is filled with practical guidance for today’s Christian on four seasons of romantic relationship. This thoughtful collection of stories and scriptural wisdom offers ways to transform relationships, from navigating modern dating to honoring divine design within marriage.

Either/Or (1843) contrasts aesthetic and ethical approaches to life through a series of fictional letters between two characters. Their dialogue explores themes of existential anxiety, subjectivity, and the search for meaning, and became foundational for 20th century existentialism.

Notes from Underground (1864) is a stark exploration of the human condition. It delves into the innermost recesses of a deeply introspective protagonist's mind, unearthing radical thoughts on reason, free will, and suffering.

The Stranger (1942) is widely considered a classic in twentieth-century literature. It tells the tale of a murder in Algiers, and the unusual trial that follows. While there’s no mystery as to who did the killing, the story raises many questions about what makes a person guilty in the eyes of their community.

How Fascism Works (2018) provides an analysis of the politics of manipulation and division. In it, you’ll explore how authoritarian ideologies construct narratives, undermine truth, and seek to reshape society in their image. By the end, you’ll be equipped with a deeper understanding of how fascism really works – and how to identify it in the world around you.

Atlas of AI (2021) reveals how AI is a technology of extraction, from minerals to labor to data. It presents AI as a global network which is driving a shift toward undemocratic governance and political centralization.

The Culture Map provides a framework for handling intercultural differences in business and illustrates how different cultures perceive the world. It helps us understand these differences, and in doing so improves our ability to react to certain behaviors that might have once seemed strange. With this knowledge, we can avoid misunderstandings and maintain conflict-free communication, regardless of where we are in the world.

Mark Twain (2025) is a study of an American original: Sam Clemens, the writer and humorist who discovered his nation’s literary voice under the immortal pen name Mark Twain. Drawing on archives containing thousands of letters, notebooks, and manuscripts, this comprehensive biography lifts the curtain on the man behind the carefully constructed public persona. The result is a portrait of many shades, from the brilliant to the contradictory and tragic.

The Great Partition (2007) The story of how British India was divided into two separate nations in 1947 exposes the human cost of political decisions made under impossible pressure. Drawing on survivor testimonies and historical records, it demonstrates how centuries of coexistence on the subcontinent collapsed into communal violence and permanent separation 

The Horse (2024) offers a sweeping exploration of how horses have shaped human civilization across millennia. From their evolutionary origins to their roles in warfare, agriculture, and culture, the book explores the profound and often overlooked impact of these majestic animals on the course of human history. 

The Meaning of Life (2007) explores how the way we use language shapes our search for meaning. Rather than offering a straightforward answer, it challenges you to think about whether the question of life’s meaning is even the right one to ask. Through the lens of thinkers like Wittgenstein and Nietzsche, you’ll uncover how our words and ideas might create the very puzzles we struggle to solve.

The Human Condition (1958) invites you to explore how action, labor, and work shape your life and the world you live in. Through these core activities, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what freedom truly means, see how your daily choices impact society, and reflect on your role in the ongoing story of human experience.

How Economics Explains the World (2024) offers a sweeping narrative of human history through the lens of economic forces – from the agricultural revolution to the age of artificial intelligence. This concise yet comprehensive work illuminates how ingenuity, market dynamics, and the pursuit of progress have profoundly shaped our past and present, while also examining the economic challenges that will define our future.

Hope For Cynics (2024) explores the widespread cynicism in modern society and its detrimental effects. It argues that this pessimistic worldview is often misplaced, as people tend to underestimate the kindness and generosity of others. It proposes “hopeful skepticism” as an antidote to cynicism, encouraging you to think critically while recognizing human strengths.

On Palestine (2014) offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of the world’s most contentious conflicts. It challenges prevailing narratives in an effort to uncover the historical and political forces that have shaped the fate of the Palestinian people, aiming to inspire critical reflection on the future of the region and unearth ways in which a more just outcome may prevail.

Living Resistance (2023) redefines resistance as a universal, everyday calling rooted in connection, belonging, and holistic flourishing. Inspired by the sacred practices of the Potawatomi Nation and other Indigenous traditions worldwide, it empowers readers to seek wholeness and liberation within their own spheres of influence, emphasizing that every act of resistance contributes to collective well-being.

Habits of a Peacemaker (2024) provides practical habits to help individuals engage in productive, respectful conversations, even on divisive topics. It emphasizes building relationships through open dialogue and offers tools for managing challenging discussions with civility and understanding. By fostering these habits, you can bridge divides and bring peace to your personal and professional life.

The Righteous Mind (2012) explores how moral decisions are made, concluding that moral judgments stem from intuitions, not logic. The author draws on his background in social psychology and 25 years of groundbreaking research to explain how morality both binds us and divides us and how religion and politics create conflicting communities of shared morality.

Revenge of the Tipping Point (2024) is the long-anticipated follow-up to Malcolm Gladwell’s debut, The Tipping Point. A study of virality and contagion, it interweaves startling case studies and perplexing puzzles to illuminate our age of social upheaval. 

The Message (2024) is a study of framing, narrative, myth, and the stories power tells to excuse injustice. Drawing on the interconnected histories of Black America, Africa, and Palestine, it presents a compelling moral argument: only that which is truly seen can be cared for and cultivated.

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves (2021) is a practical, research-backed guide for parents aiming to nurture happy, confident daughters who can thrive in a world that often undermines their self-worth. By fostering key traits such as body confidence, independence, and resilience, it empowers girls to become self-assured, healthy, and secure.

Indian Philosophy (2001) takes you on a journey through three thousand years of profound thinking about consciousness, reality, and what it means to be human. From ancient ritual practices to sophisticated theories of knowledge, you'll discover how Indian thinkers approached life's deepest questions in ways that still resonate today. 

Eclipse of Reason (1947) uncovers how the very rationality that was once meant to free humanity became a tool of oppression and alienation. It charts the evolution of our ideas about what is right and wrong, and how these ideas have gotten twisted by the deep contradictions in modern society. This thought-provoking work invites a critical reevaluation of reason itself, offering a path toward true liberation and social transformation.

Cher (2024) finds the legendary singer and actress opening up about her extraordinary journey through fame, love, and personal transformation. It’s a literal rags to riches take of growing up poor to hosting one of the most popular television shows in the country. In recounting the many ups and downs and troubled relationships along the way, it reveals the woman behind the icon, filled with raw honesty, humor, and unforgettable moments.

Ritual (2022) explores the profound role rituals play in human life, from everyday celebrations to dramatic rites of passage. Using insights from cutting-edge research, it uncovers how rituals shape behavior, foster connection, provide meaning, and define our common humanity.

Supremacy (2024) takes you inside the high-stakes race to build Artificial General Intelligence. From groundbreaking innovations to the hidden dangers of AI monopolies, you can see how the quest for smarter machines can reshape the world – for better or worse. It raises the important question, are we on the verge of a technological utopia, or heading toward a future full of unforeseen risks?

Unwell Women (2021) traces the historical misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of women’s bodies throughout medical history. Drawing from historical research. it reveals how medical knowledge has been shaped by gender bias and chronicles the stories of women who have challenged and transformed medical orthodoxy.

The Unaccountability Machine (2024) explores how large institutions and systems often lead to decisions that defy logic and accountability. It examines the role of bureaucracy, misaligned incentives, and structural complexity in creating environments where responsibility is diffused and poor outcomes become inevitable. Drawing on insights from management cybernetics, it also proposes strategies to identify and address these systemic flaws.

Tribal (2024) explores the deep-rooted cultural instincts that drive human behavior, revealing how our need for belonging, admiration, and tradition shapes our decisions. By recognizing these instincts, we can leverage them to foster positive change, build stronger communities, and create more meaningful connections.

Why Taiwan Matters (2023) explores how Taiwan became the thriving democracy and semiconductor powerhouse it is today, while explaining its precarious position at the center of US-China tensions. It examines how Taiwan’s 23 million people manage their complex relationship with China that increasingly threatens to forcibly reclaim the island – potentially triggering a global conflict.

The Model Black (2022) explores the experiences of successful black British leaders navigating predominantly white workplaces. It highlights the challenges they face, the strategies they use to succeed, and the systemic barriers that persist. By sharing these insights, it aims to foster more inclusive and equitable organizational cultures.

Robot Ethics (2022) explores the complex moral and ethical questions surrounding robotics technologies, from industrial automation to healthcare, examining how these innovations affect human society and decision-making. It poses questions about moral agency, responsibility, and human-robot relationships, using robots as a mirror that allows us to reflect on human nature.

The Siren’s Call (2025) explores the unsettling reality of the modern attention economy, where powerful forces relentlessly compete for our focus. It reveals how this struggle shapes everything from politics to culture, all while fostering an environment that deepens alienation and dissatisfaction.

Kaput (2024) dismantles the myth of invincibility surrounding Europe’s economic powerhouse. You’ll discover how decades of collusion between industry and politics left the nation vulnerable to energy shocks, digital stagnation, and dependence on authoritarian regimes. This is a sharp wake-up call for anyone invested in where Germany – and by extension, Europe – is headed next.

How the World Eats (2024) examines how different societies approach food production and consumption, from traditional hunter-gatherers to industrial farming operations. It explores the complex global food web while investigating cutting-edge technologies, processed foods, and commodification. Through this worldwide culinary journey, it distills essential principles for a more sustainable, ethical, and equitable food future.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, (2100 BCE), is the world's oldest surviving literary work. It tells the story of a tyrannical king's journey toward wisdom through friendship, loss, and the search for immortality. 

The Habsburgs (2020) chronicles the remarkable six-century rise of a dynasty that grew from humble Swiss beginnings into the world’s first truly global empire – not through battlefield victories, but by strategic marriages. Through meticulous historical analysis, it reveals how the same intermarriage practices that built Habsburg power ultimately contributed to their biological and political decline, leaving an indelible mark on European art, culture, and geopolitics that continues to shape our world today. 

The Technological Republic (2024)  examines the evolving relationship between Silicon Valley and the U.S. government, arguing that the tech industry's focus on consumer-driven innovations has weakened national security and global competitiveness. In the spirit of Alan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind, this sharp cultural critique argues that the erosion of civic life has left the United States dangerously unprepared to fight tomorrow’s wars.

Geography of Time (1997) takes you on a fascinating journey across cultures, revealing how different societies perceive and experience time – whether it’s the fast-walking streets of New York or the laid-back rhythms of rural Brazil. It uncovers the hidden forces shaping our daily lives and may just change the way you think about time itself.

Money (2023) explores the evolving relationship between humans and money over the past 5,000 years, from its origins in Mesopotamian clay tablets to modern cryptocurrencies. It traces how money has continually adapted to changing technologies, economies, and societies, shaping human behavior as much as being shaped by it. 

Careless People (2025) is a high-ranking, insider memoir about the tumultuous and problematic rise and global spread of Facebook. It details how corporate policies, practices, and growth-at-any-cost values have become a threat to democracy worldwide.

Platformland (2004) explores how the future of public services could look more like a well-run platform than a pile of paperwork. It shows how governments can rebuild trust, deliver smarter services, and take back control in a digital world dominated by tech giants. With sharp insights and real-world examples it explains why the quiet architecture of public infrastructure matters more than ever.

Prisoners of Geography (2015) explains how, all over the world, political decision making is greatly influenced by geography. Even choices that may appear arbitrary are in fact driven by the Earth’s mountains, valleys, rivers and seas. 

Shame on You (2025) investigates how patriarchal systems weaponize shame against women, making them feel fundamentally unworthy while paradoxically punishing them for internalizing this unworthiness. Through investigative reporting, scientific research, and personal stories, it exposes shame's toxic impact on women's relationships, careers, and self-perception, while also offering a blueprint for becoming shame-resilient.

The French Revolution (1837) is a seminal work that presents the revolutionary period as a series of dramatic episodes told in vivid, often chaotic prose. Through its unconventional style and prophetic tone, it established a new approach to historical writing that emphasized the spiritual and symbolic dimensions of political upheaval, rather than merely documenting events.

Here, Right Matters (2021) is an inspirational memoir from the man who served as the key witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings. It tells the story of an immigrant family who believed deeply in America’s democratic values and the price the author had to pay in staying true to those ideals. 

The Reader (1995) tells the story of Michael Berg’s love affair with an older woman, Hanna, and his subsequent discovery that she was a concentration camp guard. How could a woman capable of arousing such passion, warmth, and joy have been complicit in the Holocaust? Michael’s question is the question that haunted an entire generation of Germans born after the war: what drove ordinary men and women to commit such extraordinary horrors? 

King Lear (1606) is a tragedy about power, loyalty, and the devastating cost of pride. It follows an aging monarch who divides his kingdom based on flattery, setting off a chain of betrayal, madness, and ruin. As familial bonds dissolve and justice falters, Lear is forced to confront the true nature of love, identity, and human suffering.

The Social Brain (2023) investigates how human connection drives team performance, trust, and resilience in modern organizations. Drawing on insights from psychology, anthropology, and organizational design, it offers practical guidance for shaping group dynamics, building strong relationships, and creating environments where people thrive.

The Project (2025) is a concise, accessible guide to Project 2025 – the sweeping conservative policy agenda now being implemented by the second Trump administration. It unpacks how the plan aims to reshape the executive branch and American society, from enforcing strict gender norms to dismantling worker protections and civil service safeguards.

Bad Friend (2025) explores the fascinating and understudied subject of female friendship throughout history. This survey of friendships between women introduces the reader to Victorian schoolgirl attachments, Depression-era workplace confidantes, feminist consciousness-raising circles, and more. It also offers an incisive analysis of the way mainstream culture has alternately ignored, policed, and celebrated this specific bond.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (c. 1595 - 1596) showcases the more whimsical and lighthearted side of William Shakespeare. The play follows four young aristocrats who become entangled in romantic confusion after wandering into a moonlit forest, where mischievous fairies delight in toying with their hearts. While it may not carry the tragic weight of Shakespeare’s better-known dramas, it remains a cherished work that playfully explores the unpredictable nature of love and desire.

Value(s) (2021) examines how we’ve allowed economic value and social values to become fatally blurred, transforming from a market economy into a market society where essential workers and environmental protection are systematically undervalued while financial speculation is rewarded. It demonstrates how embedding sustainability, solidarity, and responsibility into all decision-making can channel market dynamism to turn society’s greatest challenges into opportunities. 

The Next Crisis (2025) analyzes global polling data to reveal what people around the world worry about each month and contrasts these concerns with prevailing media and policy narratives. It shows how everyday pressures – such as cost of living, employment, immigration, distant wars, corruption, and climate change – shape public sentiment and often diverge from expert projections. It argues for aligning policy priorities with the real anxieties of citizens rather than overemphasizing unlikely threats.