Camille Apelbaum, Paris

World Without End, by Christophe Blain and Jean-Marc Jancovici

“World Without End is a thought-provoking book that delves into the intricate relationship between human activities and the environment. With remarkable clarity, Jancovici explores the urgent need for sustainable practices to combat climate change. Through compelling arguments and insightful analysis, he offers solutions and inspires readers to take action.”

Theo Birmpoutsoukis, Brussels

Therapy, by Sebastian Fitzek

“Josy, the twelve-year-old daughter of leading psychiatrist Viktor Larenz, has disappeared without trace. Four years later her father, still in mourning for his missing daughter, retreats to an isolated country house where he comes across a beautiful woman. The stranger is haunted by odd visions of a young girl who mysteriously disappeared in much the same way as Josy. Viktor begins her treatment, but the sessions turn into a dramatic interrogation…”

Jeremy Fielding, New York

The Wages of Destruction: The Making and Breaking of the Nazi Economy, by Adam Tooze 

“I’d read almost anything by Tooze for its clarity and ability to convincingly connect economics with politics and other societal drivers, but this study of the Third Reich through the prism of its economic history is a fascinating analysis of well-known events through a new lens.” 

Inga Frenser, Berlin

And the Birds Rained Down, by Jocelyne Saucier 

“In a nutshell, this book is about a group of old men who retreat into the wilderness to live out their lives free of the constraints of civilization. But their idyll is interrupted by the arrival of a photographer looking for survivors of a wildfire, and an elderly escapee from a psychiatric institution. The first Canadian book to win France’s Prix des Cinq Continents de la Francophonie, this book is like a breath of fresh air, a meditation on freedom.” 

Dhwani Goel, London

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

“Why are some nations more prosperous than others? Acemoglu and Robinson provide a compelling new theory: that it is not down to climate, geography or culture, but because of institutions. The authors blend economics, politics, history and current affairs to provide a new, powerful and persuasive way of understanding wealth and poverty.” 

Maram El Hendy, Dubai

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, by Brianna Wiest 

“A compilation of essays that invite readers to gain new perspectives on their lives, embrace challenges and explore little nuggets of wisdom about human psychology. A light and easy read, perfect for a day on the beach.” 

Jochen Legewie, Tokyo

The Discovery of Slowness, by Sten Nadolny 

“A perfect summer novel that allows you to travel to two places with lots of allure these days. The main part of the book allows you to accompany the protagonist to the Artic region, cool temperatures guaranteed. The other place is that of slowness, a destination and concept we tend to lose sight of during the hectic days of social media, digital and AI.” 

Bernhard Meising, Munich

Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy, by Henry Kissinger

“Fascinating insights on defining moments of postwar history from a perspective of someone having been deeply involved — Kissinger celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year — combined with timeless reflections on what makes great leadership.”

Claire Marie Quasebarth, Frankfurt

42 Grad, by Wolf Harlander 

“Another record summer in Europe – but what happens when fun becomes serious and forest fires get out of control, rivers dry up, and criminal schemes will lead to climate refugees in Germany? This thrilling story pairs hard science and fiction to give you chills, even in the heat of summer.”

Brian Bartlett, Washington, DC

Travels with George, In Search of Washington and His Legacy, by Nathaniel Philbrick

“This book is a great combo of being a light and easy read while sharing a lot of interesting and substantive history. The author follows the same route George Washington took when touring the colonies not long after becoming president, blending modern-day excursions with tales of what happened when Washington came to town. Hint: if you ever find yourself in a place claiming to be somewhere Washington visited/ate/stayed over at, be skeptical, as the book does a lot of myth busting.”