November Reading List
Hey friends,
This month was slower than the previous one when it came to reading. No travelling meant I didn’t read as much as the previous month, while the books I did read took a while to get through, as good as they were.
That means a shorter list this month. But a list that still contains some fascinating books nonetheless.
Here’s my reading list for November.
Debt: The First 5000 Years - This is a behemoth of a book that I had just about finished by the time I put together the last reading list. It details the history of debt from its origins to the present day. This is an alternate look at the history of money and how its impacted societies throughout the ages. David Graeber is a superb writer and illuminating guide, one who dispels a lot of myths. This is a lengthy book but if you stick with it, you’ll learn a lot in the process.
Klopp: My Liverpool Romance - As a big Liverpool fan, this was a book I’d wanted to read for a while and it didn’t disappoint. It looks at the Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and why he is. such an inspirational figure. The love the author has for Klopp pores through as you make your way through the book. If you’re not a football fan or don’t like Liverpool, you might struggle to make sense of this book. But it’s a great insight into a man who I think exemplifies that represents the best in men and leaders in general.
To Hell and Back: Europe 1914-1949 - This is the prequel to Ian Kershaw’s fantastic book on Europe to the present day, Roller Coaster. It’s just as good, if not better in some aspects. You really get a sense of what it was like to live in the period as Kershaw weaves the big events with tales from the people who suffered through this tumultuous period. A fantastic book on a horrendous period of history.
Empireland - I recently finished this book, which is one of the best I’ve read this year. As a history graduate, I enjoy reading about the past. But this book was eye-opening in a variety of ways. Mainly in how ignorant Britain is of its imperial past and the impact it still has on society today. There was so much in this book that I hadn’t learnt in school. One part that stuck with me was that Britain invaded Tibet in the early 20th century. I had no idea this took place, and the fact it did is actually one of the reasons Tibet is under Chinese rule today. An excellent book that will help you to understand modern Britain.
I hope you get around to reading a few of these selections. Whether you read them in the next month or year, I’m not bothered. The idea of my reading lists is to encourage you, the reader, to read more.
If more of us read, and read books outside of our comfort zone, the world would be a better place. You don’t know what you don’t know. Reading is one of the best ways to fill in those gaps in your knowledge.
If you have any comments about the books, maybe you’ve read one before. Or if you have some recommendations for me, I’m all ears. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Tom