Reading your way to a wellbeing economy: 20 recommended books

During the pandemic, many people are finding themselves with more time on their hands – and many are also in pursuit of new economic ideas and understanding.

WEAll and our members have compiled some recommendations for ‘must-read’ books  to understand the case for, and path towards, a wellbeing economy.

Here’s the result – 20 important books that provide answers, inspiration and hope.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive – comment below with your own recommendations. Why not get involved with the WEAll Read book group, which is holding monthly meetings? Find out more here.

Alphabetically by author:

1. An Economy of Wellbeing: Mark Anielski
2. 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism: Ha-Joon Chang
3. Change Everything: Christian Felber
4. Wellbeing Economy: Lorenzo Fioramonti
5. The Divide: Jason Hickel
6. New Economy Business: Margo Hoek
7. The Age of Thrivability: Michelle Holliday
8. Prosperity Without Growth: Tim Jackson
9. The High Price of Materialism: Tim Kasser
10. A Finer Future: Hunter Lovins, Stewart Wallis, John Fullerton and Anders Wijkman
11. Economics Unmasked: Manfred Max-Neef
12. Local Is Our Future: Helena Norberg-Hodge
13. The Value of Nothing: Raj Patel
14. The Spirit Level: Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson
15. Doughnut Economics: Kate Raworth
16. What Money Can’t Buy: Michael J. Sandel
17. Small is Beautiful: E.F. Schumacher
18. Local Dollars Local Sense: Michael Shuman
19. How to Thrive in the Next Economy: John Thackara
20. The Economics of Arrival: Katherine Trebeck and Jeremy Williams