Social Change Book Club: Four summer reads for a better world

This summer’s headlines of the hottest July on record and ongoing economic uncertainty might have you feeling more anxious about the future – and itching to make a difference, too. 

If you aren’t sure where to start with the ever so slightly daunting task of changing the world, how about with a book? We’ve teamed up with our friends at The Trouble Club – a women-led society hosting events and talks with leading authors – to recommend four summer reads to inspire your inner activist. 

Written by a bunch of brilliant thinkers and campaigners, the stories, ideas and solutions inside each will educate and inspire you to take action. Whether you’ll be stretched out on a beach somewhere or at home escaping the British summer drizzle, swap doom-scrolling news apps and Twitter (are we calling it X now?) for one of these… 

It’s Not That Radical by Mikaela Loach 

We love climate and social justice activist Mikaela Loach’s podcast, YIKES, and were thrilled to hear about the release of her first book this year. With her characteristically intersectional lens, It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Change the World maps out the roots of the climate crisis and its solutions. 

The book digs into how climate and biological breakdown comes from repressive colonial, white supremacist systems and how the path out of this crisis is one of liberation and equality. It’s a hopeful, galvanising read with a clear message: climate action will benefit us all.

Utopia for Realists by Rutger Bregman

A 15-hour work week and universal basic income for all – does it sound too good to be true? Rutger Bregman’s Utopia for Realists makes the convincing argument that it’s a very real possible future, if we’re willing to be radical and visionary with our policies. 

We love the hope and optimism here. If you’re feeling apathetic about the current state of politics, this is the perfect antidote. 

Bodies on the Line by Lauren Rankin 

In Bodies on the Line, writer and activist Lauren Rankin uncovers the stories of clinic escorts in the US. These unsung heroes are volunteers who safely shepherd patients to receive care, in the face of hostility and even violence from anti-abortion protesters. 

Rankin touches on her own experience as a clinic escort, as well as charting the history of this life-saving activism and wider efforts to keep abortion accessible. A year on from the overturning of Roe vs Wade, with inhumane bans on women’s healthcare a fresh reality in the US, this is an incredibly timely and powerful read. 

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates

The Microsoft co-founder makes the case for why reaching net-zero greenhouse emissions is an urgent, inarguable goal and how we can get there in How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. As you’d expect from Gates, he dives deep into the technology and innovation that will help us achieve zero emissions.

Gates also sets out the policies governments should adopt and what we can do to keep institutions accountable on climate matters. With UK government plans to approve new oil fields underway, including the country’s largest undeveloped field Rosebank, it’s an important talking point. 

Which books about social change do you recommend? Tell us over on LinkedIn.