Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Why I'd hand it to you

Harari tries to tell the whole human story in one book, from foragers to farming to money, empires and science. His big idea is that humans cooperate in huge numbers because we believe shared stories, like nations, religions and currencies. It moves fast and gives you plenty to argue about at the dinner table. That is also the caveat. Harari states sweeping opinions with a lot of confidence, and specialists push back on many of them. His take on religion will rub some readers the wrong way. Treat it as a provocative overview rather than settled history, and it is a good, thought-starting read.

— Matt Jordan