Here are some of the all time top books I’ve read:
Geopolitics and History
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall examines how geographical factors shape global politics, helping readers understand conflicts and alliances in various regions.
Inglorious Empire by Shashi Tharoor critiques British colonialism in India, shedding light on the lasting impacts of imperialism on South Asia.
Psychology
Quiet by Susan Cain champions the power of introverts, highlighting how quieter individuals contribute uniquely in a world that often values extroversion.
Philosophy and Spirituality
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is a profound reflection on finding purpose, even in the direst situations, drawing on Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps.
Conversations on Ethics by Alex Voorhoeve compiles discussions with prominent philosophers on morality, offering a broad range of perspectives on ethical questions.
The Light We Give by Simran Jeet Singh draws from Sikh teachings, emphasizing compassion and resilience as guides for modern life.
Human Stories and Biographies
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo captures the lives of Mumbai’s underprivileged, exploring survival and resilience in poverty.
This is London by Ben Judah provides an eye-opening account of the lives of migrants in London, discussing issues of identity, culture, and adaptation.
We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled by Wendy Pearlman shares personal stories from Syrians amid conflict, offering insights into the refugee experience.
Society
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein celebrates generalists and the versatility they bring to problem-solving, countering the notion that specialization is always superior.
The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson offers an insider perspective on wealth disparity and the moral dilemmas associated with trading, bridging economics with societal issues.
Science and Medicine
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker explains the science of sleep, underscoring its role in physical and mental health.
Dear Life by Rachel Clarke provides a compassionate view on palliative care, exploring themes of love, mortality, and the ethics of end-of-life care.
More favourites:
21 Lessons for the 21st Century – Yuval Noah Harari
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari
Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty – Daron Acemoğlu
Development as Freedom – Amartya Sen
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon
Le Petit Prince – Joann Sfar
The Third Pillar: How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind – Raghuram G. Rajan
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End – Atul Gawande
Meditations – Marcus Aurelius
Train to Pakistan – Khushwant Singh
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor – Adam Kay
Hostile Environment: How Immigrants Became Scapegoats – Maya Goodfellow
Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery – Henry Marsh
War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line – David Nott
The Night Diary – Veera Hiranandani
Gandhi: An Autobiography – Mahatma Gandhi
We Are Displaced – Malala Yousafzai
Quand le souffle rejoint le ciel – Paul Kalanithi
Bullshit Jobs: A Theory – David Graeber
La Différence invisible – Julie Dachez
The Devil You Know: Stories of Human Cruelty and Compassion – Gwen Adshead
Le parfum d’Irak – Feurat Alani
De la Syrie à la Turquie (L’Odyssée d’Hakim, #1) – Fabien Toulmé
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood – Trevor Noah
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions – Dan Ariely
Seva – Jasreen Mayal Khanna
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole – Susan Cain
Preeti Kaur 