My Top Reads of 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to share the books that have shaped my thinking, sparked curiosity, and offered solace along the way. This year’s reading journey spanned fiction and non-fiction alike—each book adding its own insight and perspective.

Non-Fiction Favourites

1. Mission Economy by Mariana Mazzucato (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Mazzucato reimagines the role of government in tackling major global challenges. Arguing for mission-driven innovation inspired by the Apollo program, she makes a compelling case for public–private collaboration in pursuit of the common good.

2. It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Sanders delivers an impassioned critique of economic inequality and the failings of modern capitalism. Drawing on personal experience and global examples—especially Nordic countries—he advocates for democratic socialism rooted in fairness and community.

3. How Civil Wars Start by Barbara Walter (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Despite initial hesitation, Walter’s rigorous analysis of the warning signs of civil conflict proved both sobering and enlightening. Grounded in history and current events, it underscores the fragility of peace and the urgency of prevention.

4. Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Macintyre’s meticulously researched biography of Ursula Kuczynski—spy, mother, and soldier—offers a riveting glimpse into the secret world of WWII espionage and the complexities of loyalty in extraordinary times.

5. Quantum Supremacy by Michio Kaku (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Kaku demystifies quantum computing with clarity and enthusiasm, illuminating how this rapidly evolving field could transform science, technology, and industry.

6. The Oxford Very Short Introduction Series
An annual tradition, these concise volumes continue to deliver insight across disciplines. This year’s selections—Hannah Arendt, Newton, and Metaphysics—offered compact yet profound explorations of complex ideas.

Fiction Favourites

1. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
A steadfast companion throughout the year, Dickens’ classic was an enriching journey of endurance, self-discovery, and compassion. Truly a literary highlight of 2024.

2. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
This visionary work of science fiction blends science, philosophy, and history into a cosmic mystery. After enjoying the Netflix adaptation, I was drawn to explore the novel’s intricate world firsthand—and it did not disappoint.

3. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Le Carré’s espionage masterpiece remains unmatched for its psychological depth and tension. At its heart lies the timeless question: “Who can spy on the spies?”—a reflection on trust, betrayal, and human complexity.

4. Greek Tragedies (Medea, Alcestis, Antigone, and others)
Revisiting these ancient works revealed how enduring themes of fate, morality, and power continue to resonate deeply in modern life.

5. Hvis det skulle komme et menneske by Thomas Korsgaard (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
This Danish novel, read in Norwegian translation, is an intimate, moving portrayal of family, vulnerability, and perseverance within social constraints.

These books were far more than entertainment—they were sources of insight, empathy, and renewal. From politics to physics, and from ancient Greece to distant galaxies, they made 2024 an unforgettable year of reading. Here’s to more stories that challenge, inspire, and transform in 2025.