Book Box: The Best of 2023 (So Far)

The Patriarchs has been getting rave reviews since its publication earlier this year, and with good reason. Science writer Angela Saini dives deep into the history of the patriarchy. Society wasn’t always patriarchal, she proves. Across race, class and culture, when patriarchal hierarchies emerged, selective and unchallenged theories from evolutionary biology, religion and neuroscience were used to perpetuate such hierarchies – everywhere Saini gives pertinent examples. If you’re interested in reading more, here’s a conversation with Angela Saini, on reading, and the writing of The Patriarchs.

Book 6 of 6: Tech meets Geopolitics

Chip War is a gripping page-turner, set in the world of semiconductors. Chris Miller dives into the world of computer chips, revealing how this key industry has become intertwined with geopolitical rivalries and national security concerns. He follows the competition between major powers, particularly the United States and China, for dominance in the semiconductor space, tracing the implications of this rivalry on trade, intellectual property, and technology policies. The book is packed with interesting profiles of scientists and researchers and even spies. If you enjoy geopolitics and tech or simply want to know the inside story of what your cellphone contains, then don’t miss this racy read.

And what about you, dear Reader? What has your reading been like this first half of the year? Do write in with your top books. And until next week, happy reading!

Sonya Dutta Choudhury is a Mumbai-based journalist and the founder of Sonya’s Book Box, a bespoke book service. Each week, she brings you specially curated books to give you an immersive understanding of people and places. If you have any reading recommendations or suggestions, write to her at sonyasbookbox@gmail.com

The views expressed are personal