As we near the end of a (very long) year, I’ve decided to leave you with a (very mixed-bag) list of books that would make the ideal gift for everyone on your festive shopping list. Some old, some new, they are all sure to inspire interesting conversations…
1. The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric explores the importance of long-term, sustainable intergenerational thinking and offers some interesting ideas on how we can reorganise our societies to do just that. Give this book to anyone you want to impress with your intellect and foresight.
2. Train Naked by Pierre du Plessis, packed with easily accessible everyday wisdom for everyone is the perfect pick for your office secret Santa.
3. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro manages to be emotionally and intellectually challenging, asking us to question what it means to be human. If your book club hasn’t got to this yet, they should.
4. This Is Not Propaganda by Peter Pomerantse is an unnerving account of the underbelly of social media, fake news, and meme warfare A great gift for anyone who was shocked by the Social Dilemma.
5. The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver is a cutting fictional take on the near future economic disaster the world could be walking into if we continue to follow short-sighted economic policy. Give this one to your uncle who thinks he understands economics.
6. Invisible Planets by Cixin Liu is a collection of thought-provoking short stories by an assortment of the best contemporary Chinese science-fiction writers. Give this one to your friends with cabin fever and wanderlust, if we cannot travel, we can at least let our minds wander.
7. Skin in the Game by Nassim Taleb is a book for people in positions of power to remind us that leadership is only credible when it shares both risks and rewards with those who are lead. Your boss should probably read it.
8. Daylight Robbery by Dominic Frisby is a book for anyone who likes to rage against the tax man. And it’s quite funny too. You dad will definitely like it.
9. Submission by Michel Houellebecq is an utterly delicious read about populism, power, politics and people. Give this one to your naughty friend.
10. Letters to a Young Contrarian by Christopher Hitchens is a book for young people just starting out in life to remind us that the ability to think for ourselves is a gift and a privilege worth striving for. The perfect gift for matriculants and graduates in the star-crossed class of 2020.
11. Momo by Michael Ende is a book for older school-aged children with an invaluable lesson for everyone; time is the most important, most scarce asset we have. Your niece will love it, but honestly, it’s a great read, however old you are.
12. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is a classic book for small children that teaches us that wit, wisdom and a little bravery can triumph over tyranny. Grannies and grandchildren alike will love it.
Happy reading!
In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn't read all the time - none, zero. ~ Charlie Munger
