As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to read some good books. Here are my recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction reading, based on recent books I have read.

Fiction

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves an intricate narrative of loss, obsession, and art, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
• Simple Passion by Nobel Prize 2022 winner Annie Ernaux: This candid memoir explores the depths of love, longing, and the consequences of passion, showcasing Ernaux’s powerful narrative style.
• The Red-Haired Woman by Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk: A lovely tale that chronicles a young man’s journey, intertwined with the enigma of a mysterious woman, resulting in a life-altering obsession.
• QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling: A refreshing and easy-to-read sci-fi novel that vividly paints a future dominated by social media and extreme data analytics. This satirical narrative humorously yet grimly reflects on a world where algorithm-driven companies and governments hold sway, drawing parallels to contemporary developments like China’s social credit system.

Non-Fiction

• Hiking is Fundamental by Barbara Kipfer: A comprehensive guide to hiking, perfect for both novices and experienced hikers.
• When McKinsey Comes to Town by Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe: A critical look at the influential consulting firm McKinsey & Company, revealing controversial aspects of its work. As a former employee, I find some of these revelations particularly surprising.

For more book recommendations, be sure to check out my previous recommendations.