Six books the PM should read over the holidays (and you might like them too)
It’s been an extraordinary year in politics – and no doubt many politicians are well and truly ready for a summer holiday. To help our leaders make the most of their time off, Grattan Institute has curated a list of this year’s must-reads – a curiosity-piquing platter of novels, think-pieces, memoirs and manifestos.
These books have three things in common: they’re thoroughly readable, they have something worth saying, and they’ll stick with you. We think they deserve a place on the bookshelf in Kirribilli House, as well in as your own office or beach-bag.
Here’s our Top Six for 2018, in no particular order:
Factfulness: Ten reasons we’re wrong about the world – and why things are better than you think – Hans Rosling
The People vs Democracy: Why our freedom is in danger & how to save it – Yascha Mounk
Rusted Off: Why country Australia is fed up – Gabrielle Chan
No Friend but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison – Behrouz Boochani
Women & Power: A Manifesto – Mary Beard
Flames – Robbie Arnott
John has been the Chief Executive of the Grattan Institute since it was founded nine years ago. He has published extensively on economic reform priorities, budget policy, tax reform, housing affordability, and generational inequality. This work is underpinned by themes of prioritising government initiatives, and the limits to government effectiveness.