As I try to make sense of our rapidly shifting world, this year I mostly read non-fiction focused on “the state of the world,” but I also enjoyed some beautiful fiction.
The gripping Nuclear War reminded me of the absurd danger of nuclear weapons. John Vaillant’s Fire Weather brought climate change to life through the devastating story of a wildfire in Canada. Active Hope and Hannah Ritchie’s book were powerful calls to action: we can build a better world if we let go of “business as usual.”
Two personal stories deeply moved me: Salman Rushdie and André Agassi wrote intensely about their inner struggles. And then there’s Alkibiades by Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer—beautifully written. My book of the year.
Other great ones: Giovanni’s Room, Race for Tomorrow, The Maniac, Prophet Song, and The Psychology of Money. But one has to make choices!
So, here goes:
Fire Weather – John Vaillant
Brings climate change to life with the gripping story of a devastating wildfire in Canada. John Vaillant is a master storyteller—I also read his modern classic The Tiger, which is excellent.
Knife – Salman Rushdie
The book is his way of processing the attempted murder. Honest, moving, and definitive. Rushdie is done—this is the last thing he’ll say about religion.
Open – Andre Agassi
So much more than a sports story. It’s raw, honest, and above all: human. Agassi is searching for his identity, with tennis as an unwanted guide. Yes, Andre Agassi hated tennis.
Active Hope – Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone
This book moved and inspired me: it showed that we truly have the power to create a better world—if we’re willing to leave “business as usual” behind.
Not the End of the World – Hannah Ritchie
Hannah Ritchie is the new Hans Rosling. We have the technology, knowledge, and even the political systems to build a sustainable future. Now we just need the will. And if you don’t believe Ritchie, she has the data to back it up. Alongside Active Hope, this is a powerful call to action. 2025, here we come!
Nuclear War – Annie Jacobsen
The incredibly gripping scenario Jacobsen describes reminded me again of the very real, catastrophic danger of nuclear weapons—and how utterly absurd their existence remains.
Alkibiades – Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer
Beautifully written. A timeless story. And a rich source of insights, whether I was wandering through Athens or trying to interpret the news. My book of the year.
Here’s my full 2024 reading list.
Looking for more book recommendations? Here are my favourite books from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 