Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves was arguably my book of the year. A powerhouse of social analysis that goes beyond simple gender discussions. Reeves doesn’t just describe the challenges facing modern masculinity; he dissects them with surgical precision. The book’s strength lies in its nuanced approach to understanding boys’ educational challenges, workplace struggles, and the changing dynamics of fatherhood. While I didn’t agree with every conclusion, the evidence-backed arguments force you to reconsider deeply held assumptions about gender, work, and social structures.

The Two-Parent Privilege by Melissa Kearney stands out as a meticulously researched academic text. Far from a moralistic tract, this is a rigorous, data-driven exploration of family structure’s impact on children’s outcomes. Kearney, an economist, presents a compelling case not by preaching but by meticulously presenting research. She compassionately acknowledges the challenges of single parenthood while providing evidence about the importance of family stability. It’s the kind of nuanced, evidence-based work that should inform policy but often gets overlooked in the name of inclusivity and political correctness. Compassionate but oh so smart.

No Ordinary Assignment by Jane Ferguson is a masterclass in war reporting and personal resilience. Tracing her journey from a conflict-touched Northern Ireland to the most dangerous reporting zones in the Middle East, she offers more than a memoir. It’s an intimate look at how personal history shapes professional calling. Her reporting from Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria isn’t just journalism—it’s an exploration of human resilience in the face of extreme conflict. One of the best memoirs I’ve ever read.

Troubled by Rob Henderson is a memoir that does more than tell a personal story. Henderson’s exploration of the foster care system is intertwined with his groundbreaking concept of “luxury beliefs”—ideas” that signal social status but often harm the very communities their proponents claim to support. His personal journey becomes a lens for understanding broader social dynamics, cultural divides, and the complex ways privilege manifests in contemporary society. I can’t recommend this book enough—but be warned: the content is strong and coarse at times.

The Anxious Generation by Jon Haidt is one of the most important explorations of youth mental health I’ve read. While I found some of his proposed solutions less compelling, the book’s exploration of youth mental health in the digital age is groundbreaking and amazingly accessible for every parent and even teens. He doesn’t just diagnose problems—he offers a nuanced understanding of how technology is reshaping human experience. And it’s a book that is literally changing the world. I’ve loved every one of his books, and this one only adds to my estimation of him as one of the most important thinkers of our day.

Time to Think by Hannah Barnes offers an exceptional, compassionate deep dive into the gender identity clinic in London. Barnes approaches a complex, sensitive topic with remarkable care and intellectual rigor. She doesn’t just critique; she illuminates, offering a thorough examination that has global implications for understanding gender identity services. And she ultimately highlights a travesty—supported by a recent review into the same by Cass Sunstein that came out shortly after this book was published. Profoundly important work by Barnes.

The Weirdest People in the World by Joseph Henrich is an extraordinary, dense exploration of cultural psychology that challenges everything we think we know about human behaviour. While incredibly detailed and not an easy read, it’s a groundbreaking work that deconstructs Western-centric assumptions about human nature. Henrich’s research reveals how deeply our psychological frameworks are shaped by cultural evolution, offering a mind-bending perspective on why people think and act so differently across various societies. You and me? We’re weird. And we’re wired differently from almost all of humanity across culture and through time. Heavy. But brilliant.

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien is less a war story and more a profound meditation on memory, trauma, and storytelling. O’Brien’s novel about the Vietnam War captures the brutal honesty of conflict through intimate, often profane moments that reveal profound human truths. The writing is exquisite, forcing readers to confront the senselessness and overwhelming human cost of war. Be warned, the content is not for the faint-hearted.

The Measure by Nikki Erlick stood out for its creativity, offering a brilliant and imaginative narrative that challenges traditional storytelling approaches. Imagine everyone on the planet receiving a box on their doorstep (or if they don’t have a doorstep, the box is just there in front of them when they wake up). The box holds a string that is said to be “the measure” of that person’s life. No one knows where they come from. No one knows what to do with the strings. But soon they realise that the length of the string is a representation of how much life that person has left. Would you open the box? Would you live your life differently? I loved this book so much.

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins deserves special mention. I didn’t love every argument Perkins makes, and I certainly didn’t agree with all of his points. But something magical happened: the book fundamentally rewired how I think about money, time, and life experiences. Perkins challenges the traditional savings mindset, arguing that we should optimise our lives for experiences rather than pure financial accumulation. It’s not about spending recklessly but about intentionally investing in life-enriching moments while we’re young and capable enough to truly enjoy them. The book has influenced almost every financial decision I’ve made since reading it—a testament to its impact.